#tlk fic

You sighed when you felt the winter breeze gently tickling your skin, the chill air became a sudden balm for your tired bones. The journey has been tiring and chaotic, and gods know for how long you didn't have a decent sleep. Luckily, you found a secure spot by the river, allowing yourself a bit of respite.

Sitting behind you, Sihtric held his breath while his finger raked through your hair, his calloused hands working precisely as he combed it into small braids. It was you who combed his hair when he used to bring it longer, back when he’d sit on the floor between your knees and pretend he didn’t care how gently you tugged.

A soft "ouch" escaped from your lips when Sihtric pulled one of your locks too tight, making him freeze.

"I'm sorry, lady," The Dane quickly muttered, "I didn't want to-"

"Sihtric," you replied with a gentle smile, adjusting your position on the ground, "it's fine. You did not hurt me."

Silence fell above you for some minutes, then you heard Sihtric sighing in defeat.

"You should not ask me to braid your hair, lady," he replied sheepishly, a hint of guilt in his voice, "you let me do this every time, and yet I always end up hurting you."

Without thinking, you turn and face him, your eyes boring into his mismatched ones. "Who was the one who taught me how to braid hair?"

A brief silence followed. Then, trembling "It was me, lady."

"And who taught me how to comb their hair into three neat plates and secure them with a little bun behind their head?"

"Always me, lady."

"Did I ever hurt you, when I tugged your hair?"

"You did not, lady."

"Then do not be afraid to hurt me," you concluded, giving him a warm smile that made his heart flipping in his chest, "Above all of us, you are the only one I would allow you to braid my hair everyday."

And with red cheeks and a renewed spirit, he resumed his work.

They had breached the fortress of Dunholm and hacked their way through defending Danes. Sihtric’s mismatched eyes were frantically searching for you as he fought his way though, but he could not locate you.

Suddenly, Kjartan was in the fray and Steapa was opening the gates to allow the band that Ragnar headed, through into the fight, and Kjartan and his men were forced to pull back.

Uhtred was suddenly screaming for his men to form a shield wall and they began falling in line as they began to push forward and Kjartan’s men were forced to keep pulling backwards, it was there that Sihtric finally spotted you, blood splattered across your face and matted into your plaited hair, your frantic eyes had yet to land on him but he had no choice but to keep pushing forward.

He could not help the shudder of relief that ran through his body when Kjartan demanded his side drop their weapons as he stepped forward in acceptance of Ragnar’s challenge and agreed to fight him in one to one combat and once Uhtred demanded to make the square your eyes finally landed on your brother.

Your face softened and crumpled as you spotted him and immediately the weapons dropped from your hands in surrender, he longed to break the square to rush and embrace you but Kjartan was roaring for a shield and Ragnar was stepping forward in challenge, he removed his helmet, he wanted his father to see him, wanted him to know in his last moments that his own son was part of the reason justice would finally be brought down upon him.

It was vicious hand to hand combat and Kjartan actively taunted Ragnar.

You and Sihtric shared the same look of victory as Kjartan was thrust upon his back and Ragnar stabbed his blade through your father’s sword arm.

“Kill him, kill him,” you were pleading, though your voice was drowned out by the cheering of the crowd.

He was pleading for his sword, but Ragnar continued to deny him and you locked eyes with Sihtric, smirking at the bloodthirst in his eyes.

But the smirk was replaced with horror as Ragnar hacked and hacked at him, even long after the light had left his eyes, continuing to stab at him in battle rage, your feet were moving forward of their own accord, unable to look upon the scene any further, bile rising up your throat until you were vomiting into the strawed ground, Sihtric visibly flinched with each blow but was unable to look away.

Thyra’s wailing pulled you back to your senses and you were brought back to reality, and you pushed through still bodies until you reached your brother who was stuck looking upon the hacked and bloodied remains of your father.

“Sihtric?” you whispered softly and he rounded on you, both of you stood facing each other in a state of shock, chests rising and falling rapidly before you were launching into each others arms, clinging to the other for dear and utter life.

You cupped his face in your hands inspecting him as if he were a cruel trick from the gods.

“I thought you dead,” you cried “You didn’t come back, I thought you dead.”

“I am here and it is done,” he was whispering into your hair as he pulled you to him.

“We are free,” you cried, clasping him to you in a ferocious grip, the only blood you had left on this planet.

That night the victors held a feast in the great hall and you hung like a shadow to the walls, arms hugged around your own frame.

Life under Kjartan had meant you had quickly learned how to make yourself small and undetectable, preferring to cling to shadows and always searching for your quickest escape route.

“What is it?” Sihtric asked gently and when you turned to face him your eyes were glassy with tears.

“I thought it would feel different,” you cried and he swallowed hard, he too had battled this feeling of nothingness in his chest when he was finally freed from your tyrant of a father.

“We are free- Thyra is free. So why does freedom feel like we paid such a heavy price?”

He had no answer for you, so you pressed further.

“You will leave here again brother?”

“I will follow my Lord, wherever he would command.”

“And what would I do?” you cried, uncrossing your arms and reaching for him.

“Be at peace,” he urged, shaking you gently, “Marry. Have pups of your own. Be at peace.”

You tutted and shook from his embrace and whirled on him, “This is not what the gods have mapped out for me to do,” you sighed and then you kneeled before him clasping his hand in yours, “My sword is yours, I will follow you. I will fight by your side.”

Sihtric’s eyes widened in horror and embarrassment as he ushered you up. “I am pledged to Lord Uhtred, I follow his command.”

“Well then I will swear my fealty to the Lord Uhtred,” you said it as if it were of no consequence who you swore loyalty to as long as your place was beside your brother.

Sihtric was reminded in this moment that he did not know you, not really, he did not know your will, nor your stubbornness yet, you were in many ways a stranger to him- but he would come to know you in time- but all he knew in this moment is that you were his kin, and all he had ever wanted in his life was to protect you from Kjartan and Sven, he had done that now so could rest, but if you wished to remain by his side he would not turn you away.

He watched you make your way over to Uhtred and Ragnar, kneeling before them, and although he could not hear what you were saying suddenly his Lord’s eyes were upon him, intently staring into his and all he could do in that moment was nod.

Finan had saddled up beside him, mug of ale in his hand, and laughed lightly, watching you, arise from your knees slowly, still locked in conversation with the two brothers.

“She is a tough one,” he commented.

“She is swearing her sword to Lord Uhtred,” Sihtric deadpanned and Finan’s eyes simmered as he looked onwards at the scene, and he straightened up as you suddenly made your way towards them.

“I travel with you in the morn,” you said triumphantly and Finan guffawed loudly and clapped you on the back as you passed.

“Do not let him leave without me Irishman or I will have your eyes out.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, love,” he promised and Sihtric shot him the dirtiest look he could muster.

“Do not make eyes at my sister,” he warned and Finan stuck his hands up in mock surrender.

The next night as you made camp, Finan watched you hang back, the last in line for food, skittish and looking as though you expected someone to strike you, or steal the food from your hands, he noticed Sihtric’s eyes following his same line of thought and when Sihtric called your name you came warily forward, he placed his own bowl of stew in your hands and your eyes widened in shock.

“You have no need to fear,” Finan whispered softly “No man here will harm you and you have earned your right to your food, nobody will take that from you either.”

He said it like it was not the most profound thing you had ever been told and he simply turned around and filled up another bowl for himself.

You had lived a life thus far of being reminded your place in line was at the back, you never ate before the other soldiers and you certainly never had been given a larger portion than anyone else before.

You ate greedily and quickly, still fearful the bowl would be knocked from your hands or simply stolen away as seconds for another, and when Finan offered you a piece of stale bread he was shocked to find your bowl empty already.

Sihtric’s chest hurt, it was odd to see- almost mirrored the way he had behaved when he first joined Uhtred’s forces, the fear and the anticipation that pain was coming, even though amongst this band he had yet to see even an ounce of the malice his life had been under his father’s command. 

You lay down in your furs and your teeth chattered bitterly.

You were exhausted from being on such high alert throughout the day but you could not find sleep in the cold.

You were used to scouting expeditions and minor battles and raids, but you were ashamed to say that in the past few months since Sihtric’s departure, Kjartan had punished you for the crimes of your brother, food had been scarce and you had been kept in the dungeons more times than ever before. He had intended to make you weak and under thumb and his ferociousness towards you had served in keeping you compliant, but you were weaker than normal and could not quell the shaking in your body.

Sihtric was snoring soundly a few feet away from you and you rose and made your way towards his sleeping form.

“Sihtric,” you whispered trying to rouse him, “Sihtric,” you tried again and he mumbled in his sleep but did not awaken, “I am cold,” you pleaded, sounding more desperate than you had intended and then shuffling to his side caught your attention.

“You are cold love?” it was Finan, his hair tousled from sleep and one eye was opened, the other closed in sleep.

You were embarrassed and hung your head down, refusing to meet his eye.

“Come here you can have some of my furs.” 

When you didn’t make to move he rose gently, “Come on love, you’ll be no good to any of us if you freeze to death,” you couldn’t help the shy smile that graced your face, as you accepted the furs he wrapped around your shaking form.

“Christ, you are like a block of ice,” he whispered as his hands brushed your skin, “Your teeth will shatter in your skull, come here,” he fussed and you allowed him to pull you down to his camp bed and he wrapped his strong arms around you.

He swayed you both gently, rubbing his hands up and down your arms in an attempt to radiate heat and even though it fought against every fibre of your being, you relaxed into his touch.

Finan realised too late and with a jolt that you were sleeping against his shoulder and his eyes instantly flicked to his sleeping friend, ‘He’ll have my head on a spike,’ he thought to himself, but when his eyes landed on your sleeping form his heart leapt in his chest, you were beautiful, truly beautiful, and he had known from the moment he had laid his eyes on you that he was in trouble, that he would do anything you asked of him, and now holding you against his chest, sharing his body heat with you he made a solemn realisation, he was yours whether you realised it or not, whether you wanted him or not.

"I'm fucked," he whispered into the night air.

Datchet (Kingdom of Mercia)

As you clambered off your boat onto the shore, your sword hand immediately went to the hilt of your sword in readiness.

“She says she loves me,” Sihtric continued in his pleadings about the whore he had been sleeping with.

You rolled your eyes and Finan laughed, Sihtric shot you a pleading look.

“I swear, she says she loves me.”

“She would,” Finan added dryly while Uhtred reminded him that she was a whore.

“What she loves is your silver!” Finan chided and Clapa goaded “Is that the name of his cock?” you made a disgusted face at the comment but couldn’t help but find the humour in the situation.

Until you spotted the crestfallen expression on Sihtric’s face and it wiped the smile clean off yours.

“I wish to marry her,” he said defiantly.

“I wish you to kill Danes and survive the night,” Uhtred shot back and you laid a hand on your brother’s arm when the sound of screams caught your attention, a silent plea to park this conversation until you were all safe. 

“Time to kill some raiders,” you announced and Finan smirked your way as you shared a cocky nod with him.

You all went to cover, under Uhtred’s command and waited for his word, your hand clasped tightly around your sword in anticipation for the fighting to begin, and on his command you surged forward following Finan’s lead “We kill every bastard one of them!” he was shouting and you sprang into action, hacking and slicing.

The women who had been dragged as slaves began running frantically and you shouted at them to get behind you, ushering them towards the bushes, they began to gather behind you, terrified and crying out but you sliced at any Dane who attempted to get at them.

When the killing was done, some clung to you, “It’s alright, you’re alright,” you were trying to reassure, “Return to your village, take care of your dead, you will be alright now.”

“Thank you! Thank you Lady,” one woman was crying at your feet and you locked eyes with Finan, an expression you could not read on his face.

“Take back what belongs to you. You’re safe now!” he shouted and your face crumpled with a small smile his way.

On the boat back to Coccham you were mainly silent.

There was blood matted to your face and even though all you wanted was to sleep, you knew you would have to bathe first, so you went straight to the stream to wash away the night’s blood.

You were just working your fingers through your matted hair when you heard the footsteps on the bank, you were thankful you had kept your slip on as you bathed for this very reason but nevertheless when you turned around, Finan’s eyes were almost a shade of amber in the morning sun and he swallowed thickly.

“I’m sorry love, I didn’t mean to intrude. I didn’t know you would be here.”

“I’m nearly done,” you replied, returning your ministrations to your hair, and he sat his weapons down upon the bank and began to strip off his own clothes, both of you trying to pretend it was normal. Just two bloodied warriors bathing the night’s battles away but the air was thick with something unsaid and not quite understood yet.

He didn’t mean to but his eyes settled on a huge ugly scar that ran along the expanse of your shoulders, it stood out a mile against your perfect skin.

“You were amazing back there,” he tried to say it casually but it came out like a confession, “The way you protected those women and children.”

You smiled, turning to face him but you caught where his eyes had been focused and you grimaced.

“I believe it is quite ugly, the scar.”

“No-” Finan shook his head and you softened, your body language telling him it was alright that he had been looking.

“A present from Kjartan,” you offered by way of explanation, “I can’t remember what for, but he had Sihtric locked in the dungeon for weeks, he was half starved and barely alive, I truly thought fever or hunger would take him, so I went down there and got him out, we had to fight our way out and we were so nearly free- we were just at the gates when Sven intercepted us. I didn’t see Sihtric again for months, I truly thought he had been killed and Kjartan had me whipped at the post just for good measure.”

Finan had moved subconsciously closer in the water to you, and reached out a gentle hand to touch the mottled skin, your eyes slipped closed at his gentle touch, and you turned to face him.

“You ask me all the time why I am a warrior? That is how Kjartan treated his bastard son. Now imagine what use he would have found for a bastard daughter if I could not make myself more useful than a whore.” 

Finan ghosted his hands up along your arms and you leaned like a cat into his touch, his eyes flicked down to your lips and you looked up at him doe eyed through your lashes.

“You could never be a whore,” he spoke, voice heavy.

“Then what am I to you?” you whispered and he leaned forward and for a moment you thought he would kiss you but voices approaching caused you both to break apart. 

“We should- I should never-” he was feet apart from you in seconds and the spell of the moment was broken.

Weeks passed and the moment in the stream was forgotten.

Uhtred went to visit the dead man Bjorn who spoke of prophecies and Kingdoms.

Aethelflaed, the King’s daughter married and you remained an honest and loyal warrior to your Lord.

It became clear that war was threatening to erupt when the Lady Aethelfaed was kidnapped by the brothers Erik and Sigefrid.

And you rejoiced in the arrival of Alfred’s bastard son Osferth who you very quickly adopted as an honorary brother, whilst your own was away spying on the two brothers for Lord Uhtred.

It became evident that war was coming to Beamfleot and on the eve of battle you tried your best to prepare the baby monk for what would lie ahead.

And on that hill in Beamleot when King Alfred called for the shield wall you fell in line behind Finan, he threw a worried glance over his shoulder and you smiled a reassuring smile his way, “Glory or Valhalla!” you shouted and he smiled in awe, brown eyes boring into the depths of your own before he turned away to face the oncoming Danes.

It was ferocious and fast. The ground was streaked red from the blood of Saxon and Dane alike and in the tumult of blows and swords, you had lost sight of everyone that mattered to you.

You drove your sword into the ribs of a Dane who spat blood into your face, and for a moment you were disorientated, shoved by the push and pull of the fight around you, and then you slipped, boots skidding across the bloodied ground and you hit the ground with a sickening thud, a loud ringing in your ears as your shield was kicked away out of your arms and your eyes widened in horror as an axe swung down at your face, your sword hand swinging quickly to deflect the blow and suddenly your attacker was sent hurtling across the mud.

“Get up,” Finan was roaring, his own face a mixture of horror and blood as he pulled you to your feet, but there was no time for happy reunions as you both moved like wolves, fighting back to back, and you hacked, swung and stabbed with all your might. A blow to your face had you swallowing blood and still you fought. To Finan’s left you watched a Dane sneak up from behind to stab him while he fought off another, his strike never landed because you drove your sword through his skull, adrenaline pumping through your veins.

"Thank you love," Finan shouted over his shoulder and your heart thumped in your chest.

Osferth told you after the battle that it had been the Lady Aethelflaed that had driven a sword through Sigefrid’s back and you relished in knowing he had met his fate at the hands of a woman. 

But the battle was won.

The drinks flowed and Osferth was drunk, asleep on the table of the alehouse. Sihtric had already gone to find his woman and Uhtred was with his Lady Gisela.

“You are a woman!” a Saxon man was shouting, “But you fight better than any man I’ve ever seen,” and Finan was laughing along easily.

He had his arm draped drunkenly around your neck and you were swaying from drunkenness. 

“Then I shall drink like a man!” you cheered and downed the entirety of the mug of ale in your hand in one go, to the shouting and cheers of all the men around except one.

“Okay- Hey, hey! That’s enough love,” Finan was chastising, but he could not fight the giant smile on his face.

“Another!” you boomed and the men went to fetch it for you, and he blocked your line of view.

“Love, that is enough. Uhtred and Sihtric will have my head tomorrow.”

“Just one more,” you pleaded arms wrapping around his neck and laying the weight of your body against him, and when the men returned with another jug of ale for you, he relented and collapsed on the bench with a sigh, he kicked Osferth’s legs and he awoke with a jolt.

“Bed!” he ordered and the baby monk retreated up the stairs solemnly.

He leaned his back against the table and watched as you laughed easily with the other men.

Perhaps it was the drink, at least that’s what he was blaming, but he was green eyed with jealousy.

The smile slipped off your face as you excused yourself from your group of admirers and saddled up beside him.

“You are staring again,” you teased lightly, and when he made no reply you huffed and without warning you plonked yourself down to straddle his lap, thighs pressed either side of his hips and hands braced against his shoulders.

His breath hitched and his eyes widened.

“I see the way you look at me,” you drawled, eyes boring into his now, his hands hovered by your waist unsure what to do.

The fire crackled and his hands found your hips, “Don’t,” he tried to protest but it was weak and feeble.

“Why not?” you pleaded “Aren’t you tired Finan? Don’t you want me, the way that I want you?”

His hands tightened on your hips, he closed his eyes, head thrown back in an attempt to regain some semblance of self-control and swallowed thickly.

You pressed your lips to his exposed neck, and he shuddered, body betraying him entirely as he bucked his hips in an attempt to cause some sort of friction and dug his fingers into the skin of your thighs to keep you in place.

“Please,” he gasped although he didn’t even know what he was begging for, but when you trailed your hand down the expanse of his chest and ghosted it along his waistband he suddenly rose, bench scraping away as he kicked it and he carried you upstairs, kissing you as he went like a man drowning, and he knew he shouldn’t want you like this but he was tired of denying himself of the thing he wanted most in the entire world.

The door slammed behind him and clothes were discarded in a fray of tugging and pulling.

He carried you over to the bed, his knees hit the edge of the mattress and he placed you down, but like a beast you lunged for more tugging at his hips and his hands were in your hair, tugging your head back so he could attach his lips to the smooth skin of your neck, he bit down hard and you cried out fingers clawing at his back.

“You’re mine,” he growled and you moaned, as he removed his lips from your skin, hand still fisted into your hair.

“Say it. Say it love, say that you’re mine.”

“Yours. M’all yours,” you panted, kissing him again and he pinned you down under the weight of his body, pinning your hands above your head, his lips trailed down along your jaw, your throat, and across the swell of your breasts.

You were a panting needy mess beneath him, bucking your hips up in an attempt to get him to meet you where you needed him the most.

You whined when he suddenly stilled all actions, brown-worried eyes boring into yours and releasing your pinned arms.

“Are you sure that you want this love? We’ve had ale- you might feel differently about this in the morning.”

You flipped him over to staddle him and cupped his worried face in your hands, “I could never regret you,” you cried looking at him with such sincerity it made his heart swell in his chest, “I am yours and you are mine- I have been waiting all this time for you, you have no idea how long I have wanted to make you mine.”

“My love,” he sighed, flipping you back over onto your back, spreading your legs apart with his knees and finally sliding inside, “I have been yours from the day that we met.”

He pounded into you hard and fast, the bed creaked under the weight of you both and your ragged breaths and broken sounds filled the room.

And when it was all over-When the shaking in his arms faded and you lay panting beneath him, he placed his forehead against yours, strong hand cupping your face beneath him, thumb brushing circles beside your lips, and he kissed you once more, just because he finally could.

“I love you,” he whispered so earnestly, your eyes flew open to look in his.

“And I, you!” you told him honestly.

The next morning in the soft glow of the morning light, he saddled up behind you where you stood, arms locking around your middle and pressed a kiss to your temple.

“Do you regret it love?” he asked shyly and you turned around in his arms and pressed a kiss to his nose, “Never. Not with you.” 

“And in the light of morning,” he swallowed thickly, voice deep and rumbling from within his chest “Darling, who am I to you? Because I cannot go back to never having you like this again.”

You pressed up on your tiptoes, lips millimeters away from his, “You are everything,” you told him honestly “And I want you this way for all time. However long we have. For forever.” 

Tagging: (Just using my Sihtric tags but feel free to ignore if it's not for you)

@canyonmoon-2 @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @whitedarkmoonflower @thenameswinter99 @foxyanon

@acdassenza @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @gemini-mama

@troyottonick @alexagirlie

a-beaverhausen nebulamorada izzydlb knight-of-flowerss

"Y/N!, come meet the men", Uhtred bellowed from his spot in the tavern. 

Meeting Lord Uhtred on the road to Rumcofa was a stroke of luck, after months of gruelling travel, Uhtred graciously offered to take you into his service. It was unusual to meet a female warrior travelling alone, but you were quite obviously capable of handling yourself in battle. Your name and reputation preceded you, your beauty and fierce nature both intertwined to form a battle tested warrior who could rival any man. Uhtred had heard tales of a beautiful shieldmaiden who wandered from place to place, without a home or a place to call her own…but never did he think he would run afoul of her on the road to his new home. 

In truth, you were content with your life; you found the nomadic lifestyle exciting, life as a warrior fulfilled you, but what you desperately wanted was a family, people to share your life with, and you had long heard stories of Uhtred and his fiercely loyal men. On that winding road, ultimately it was his kindness and charm that drew you in. After getting to know him, you had agreed to serve him as your lord. It was a life you had known before, familiar and comfortable. Though you knew you were fated to move on eventually, to follow your path wherever it may lead, for now, this seemed like a thrilling adventure.

Uhtred had kindly provided you with a room in the tavern in the center of town - at least until you were settled into life there and could figure out your own accommodation. You travelled light, your little belongings fit into one satchel so once unpacked, you trotted down the rickety steps to meet the rest of the men downstairs. As you looked around the room at the sea of drunkards, you caught Uhtred's eye, and he invited you to meet his men. Finan, the cheeky Irish man with an infectious smile, Osferth the shy monk, with shimmering blue eyes and then there was Sihtric. 

The most beautiful man you had ever crossed paths with. Not just rugged or handsome like his companions, but truly beautiful, in every sense of the word. He could have been an incarnation of the gods themselves. He seemed less reserved than his younger companion, though not quite as boisterous as the Irish man. As the others embraced and greeted you heartily, Sihtric merely bowed his head and gave a curt “Hello” in your direction. 

It was hard to miss the old scars across his sharp features, though they did not detract from his beauty, they simply provided a telling glimpse into his past. 

As you surveyed the mysterious warrior before you, you accidentally met his gaze, and immediately noticed that his eyes were mismatched; one was a warm hazel and the other mossy shade of green. You could have stared into those perfectly duocoloured eyes all night, your fascination with this unusual man was palpable. His hair was unusual, but strangely alluring. Shaved on one side, with a braid in the middle, and perfectly messy curls on the other, falling around his shoulders. You imagined weaving your fingers through it for hours on end, and more than that, the little noises he would surely make when you'd tug on it. 

Falling into a sort of trance, you stared a little too long, forgetting to introduce yourself until Uhtred coughed making you jump, and you redirected your attention back to the group. 

Your cheeks flushed pink and trying to escape the embarrassment, you nodded politely and turned your attention to the mug of amber ale Uhtred had placed in front of you. Mortified by your brazen staring and the lewd thoughts running through your head, you let the men lead the banter for the night, your mind swimming with thoughts of Sihtric for the remainder of your time there.

Finan tried to include you in his outlandish stories, and taunts of poor Osferth, and Uhtred brought you into the fold, telling of his plans for Rumcofa. It was nice, being so accepted by such a close group. The men had embraced you as one of their own, with Finan occasionally poking fun at you, as he did with the baby monk. You noticed one person remained remarkably reserved though. "Sihtric, have you lost your tongue?" Uhtred would occasionally jibe, only to be met with a slight chuckle and a weak "No, lord". But you could see the tension in his body, he was clearly uncomfortable and you didn’t quite know why. 

Sihtric frequently stole glances at you, though he did not think you noticed. His eyes darted between his cup of ale, the group, and your plush lips. 

He wasn't quite as sneaky as the others led you to believe. In truth, he was equally as spellbound by your beauty as you were by his. Having only just met you, he was wary of approaching, but felt a draw to you, this captivating stranger. Finan noticed his infatuation, elbowing him several times and wagging his eyebrows. He didn't let the group in on the joke, but continued to tease Sihtric throughout the night. Though often designated the jester of the group, Finan often pushed the boundaries of his jokes and teasing, but he didn’t overstep. He knew of Sihtric’s reservations with women, and he never intended to embarrass him.

As the dew settled in and the night drew closer, patrons of the alehouse started to filter out slowly, returning to their homes & families. Uhtred's men were deep in their cups, and they too began to stumble out towards their lodgings, to the comfort of their beds and for some, the laps of waiting women. 

Without lingering, Sihtric shuffled past you and mumbled a quiet "goodnight, lady", briefly glancing in your direction with a polite, tight lipped smile. As he passed by, Finan extended his leg and tripped him, with a hearty chuckle. Stumbling forward, Sihtric attempted to straighten himself, but the copious amounts of ale worked against him. You jumped up just in time to catch his arm, steadying him on his feet before he tumbled into the barrels of ale lining the wall. Your fingers grasped the exposed skin on his forearm, between his sleeves and leather braces, scarred from battle but warm and inviting all the same. Sihtric recoiled at the sudden intrusion, pulling his arm out of reach quickly. His cheeks flushed with crimson, and he snapped his head in your direction.

Glancing down, he caught the brief glimpse of hurt on your face, before you lowered your head, turning your eyes to your feet and you scurried towards the door, mortified at his reaction to such a simple gesture. 

You didn't understand what you did wrong, you had only tried to help Sihtric but he looked at you like you had scorched him with your fingertips. This mighty fighter, with muscles far larger than your own, had shied away from the soft grasp of a woman. You remembered the veil of anger and slight terror in his eyes, those eyes that were so flirtatious and glimmered in your direction just minutes before. Though he remained remote, he had warmed up to you throughout the evening….he acknowledged your presence at least.

"Did I come on too strong? Did I grab him too hard?" you muttered to yourself as you trudged back to your room in the tavern, head swimming with all the possible reasons this man had for rejecting you so publicly. 

Time passed in a blur, it had been days since the awkward encounter in the tavern and Sihtric had been avoiding you like the sickness, fearing he had spoiled any chance of gaining your favour. In one split second his body had let the pain of his past interfere with any future he could've had with a breathtaking shield maiden, and a genuinely interesting woman. 

It had always been a problem. He needed to trust those close to him, needed to know he would not be hurt again. His body was constantly on alert, in a state of fight or flight, even with no threat present. Even the women he chose to bed, women he humped, were rarely permitted to touch him. Something that could provide comfort to others often caused him great unease. But he ached for it, his body desperately wanted to be touched, to be comforted as he knew other men could be. Sihtric yearned for the type of physical intimacy that came to others so easily, that seemed so natural. His mind simply would not allow it, and it manifested in a physical aversion to touch. 

As Sihtric crawled into his own bed, alone once again, he buried his face in the furs, damning this curse that was thrust upon him. His own mind never allowed his body to relax, even in his own company he was constantly on edge. 

In truth, he believed he had offended you in reacting so poorly, though you clearly meant well and he didn't wish to make things worse or more awkward between you. Keeping some distance seemed like the best idea, unfortunately Uhtred had other plans, ones which would bring the two of you together. 

"You are my two most nimble warriors, and Sihtric is the best spy I have. I need you to scout out the Dane camp near the border. It is imperative for the safety of the settlement” Uhtred directed to both of you, as you ate your morning meals. 

He was not aware of the lingering tension between the two of you, and you decided not to draw attention to it, it was embarrassing enough that Finan had bore witness to it. You needed to build a reputation for yourself here, earn Uhtred’s trust, not cause drama and rifts between the men.

Your duties were relatively simple - to watch and report as much information back as possible, so Uhtred could shore up defences in Rumcofa. If an attack was imminent, you needed to help prevent as much bloodshed as possible.

Sihtric sat, rather withdrawn, only responding as needed. You were uncharacteristically quiet yourself, not giving away your own anxiety at spending so much alone time with the man who seemingly despised your very presence. 

Only Finan seemed to notice the change in the two of you, though he bit his tongue. He raised an eyebrow as you caught his gaze, acknowledging the situation without drawing Uhtred’s attention to it. Instead, he returned to his breakfast and let the awkward silence wash over the table yet again.

Early the next morning, long before dawn had broken and the sky had brightened to signal the coming of a new day, you were awakened by a faint rapping of knuckles on the door of your room. 

You unlatched the heavy wooden door and pulled it back to reveal a dishevelled looking Sihtric. 

"My lady, we must leave before first light", he muttered just under his breath, as to not wake the other occupants of the inn.

You took a minute to gather yourself, and prepared for the hours of awkward silence you were sure to endure. "I am no lady, Sihtric. You don't need to call me that" you said, closing the door behind him quietly as he entered. 

"Yes lady, apologies". Sihtric barely crossed the threshold, instead he diverted his eyes and stood stiffly beside the entrance as you pulled your armour on and gathered your gear.

You had noticed the dark circles under Sihtric's eyes and wondered if he too was having sleepless nights. What you did not know is that Sihtric rarely had restful sleep, even years after his escape from Dunholm. 

Wearily and wordlessly, you set off on foot, trudging through the muddy streets of Rumcofa with Sihtric in tow. As the camp was on the outskirts of the settlement, it was close enough to make it there & back in one day. A pregnant silence hung between the two of you, with only heavy footsteps to interrupt it in the hush of the morning. The town had yet to awaken, so there was nothing to disguise the eerie stillness. Nothing to distract from the tension hanging like the sword of Damocles between you. Time passed in a blur, your steps and sounds of the earth underneath echoing between your ears. The squelch of mud and crunch of leaves did little to drown out the racing thoughts thundering between your ears. 

Luckily, a snap of twigs and rustling in the treeline interrupted and broke the tension for a time. Moving as one, you both crouched down and hid in a nearby bush, getting so close that you could feel the warmth radiating from Sihtric, without even touching his skin. You forgot where you were for a second, mind wandering to Sihtric enveloping you in that warmth, your body wrapped in his muscular arms and held tight against the chill of the morning. You wondered if he would feel as warm with his body on top of yours, and what his taut muscles would feel like without all the leather encasing them. Despite his gruff demeanour and quite rude treatment of you thus far, Sihtric remained the most handsome man you had ever laid eyes upon, and you were only human..

Your daydream was cut short when a searing pain suddenly radiated from your scalp. In a split second, your long braid was tugged backwards, grasped in rough unfamiliar hands and ice cold steel was pressed to the delicate skin of your throat. A scout from the camp had discovered you, and you had been too slow to react, your mind distracted by dangerous and rather unrealistic fantasies of the man beside you.

Luckily, Sihtric's reactions were quicker. Noticing the movement in the brush, he lunged behind you and drove his blade into the Dane’s side, forcing him to double over & drop his knife from your flesh. You immediately wrenched your head from his grasp, and rolled out of reach, as Sihtric finished off the scout quietly, and hid the body among the branches and thorns. It was all rather quick, a whirlwind of shock and violence. Then it was over, as quickly as it began. 

Afterwards, he moved over and knelt at your side and without thinking, lifted his tattooed fingers to your throat, inspecting the small cut the dagger had left behind on your delicate flesh. 

As soon as his brain registered what he was doing, he jerked his hand away, looking sheepishly into your eyes before dropping his gaze. 

"T-thank you", you stuttered nervously towards him.You couldn't look back at him, as heat rose and burned through your cheeks, the redness rising to the tips of your ears and down the skin of your neck he had touched just seconds earlier. Your pulse quickened and your heart threatened to burst free from your chest, you had never reacted so viscerally to the touch of a man before..it was rather surprising, and embarrassing. Though not nearly as embarrassing as getting caught unawares by the very people you were tasked to spy on.

You could sense something had changed. The air around you grew heavy, and something akin to butterflies appeared in your stomach. He had touched you, and didn't flinch or shy away from it, for a few seconds at least. You let the smallest glint of hope appear and wondered if he might touch you again.. 

Sihtric felt the rush of blood pulsing through his veins, anger bubbling at your distraction and at your slow reaction times. Although you were a warrior of some renown, you had been in another world while an enemy had steel to your throat. A fatal mistake, had he not been close by. 

Though his anger threatened to spill over, Sihtric also realised that he simply cared about your wellbeing - despite only knowing each other for a short time. If you had been hurt, or killed on his watch, he could not have forgiven himself. He would have failed his mission, his lord and more importantly, failed you. 

After a few seconds, he stood up, calmed his breathing, and ushered you towards him. "Come lady, we must leave, we need to complete our mission". 

Sihtric never had such conflicting feelings battling for space in his mind. On one hand, he longed to touch you again, needing to feel your soft flesh under his calloused fingertips. You were delicate, yet such a strong woman and a good fighter, it made little sense to him. On the other hand, he was afraid to let anyone close enough, for fear of getting hurt again. His mind and body wanted completely different things, and clashed repeatedly. 

As you walked side by side, his mind was clouded by both anger and lust. He wanted to feel your supple skin under his fingers again, to hold you close and envelope you with his own body, but he was afraid. This was not a feeling he was familiar with, and ye had a task to complete. He couldn't let his focus drop, lest ye be attacked again. 

The mission went smoothly, both of you completing your tasks & gathering information about the Danes on the outskirts of town. You watched, noted how many men were gathered, and even saw a few faces you recognised - names you knew from your travels and could report back to your lord. With the task completed, you and Sihtric moved as one deeper into the brush. 

Ye both agreed to head back to Rumcofa under the cover of darkness, to avoid being spotted again by scouts from the camp. A good idea in theory, but you were ashamed to admit that you were terrified of the dark. Though the light had already begun to fade, it would still be hours until it was dark enough to venture out into the open.

You waited in a heavy silence until nightfall, the only sounds, the shared rise and fall of your breaths.

Despite the unbearable silence as you sat only a hair's breadth from Sihtric, you dreaded the journey back, with only the moon to guide you. 

You needed to remain close to him for safety, and more importantly to conceal your fear of the black night that surrounded you. Even the stars themselves hid from the strained tension between the two of you.

Every noise had you on edge, especially now that you couldn't see the source. A sudden snap of twigs in the distance startled you, sending adrenaline coursing through your body. Almost instinctively, you jumped and wrapped yourself around Sihtric's muscular arm, clinging to him tightly. You both stopped, rooted to the spot, and searched for the source of the sound. It took you a few seconds to register the position you were in and that there was no danger present. 

You raised your head and gazed into Sihtric's alert mismatched eyes, which were illuminated by the soft light of the moon. Heat rose to your cheeks yet again, but you could not move from the safety of his strong frame. Your eyes grew wide as you realised that Sihtric did not flinch or shake you off this time. He had leaned into your grasp, unconsciously shielding you from the perceived danger. He had been determined to avoid a repeat of the situation earlier that day, and had been on alert ever since. 

Before you could say anything, Sihtric moved his hand up and cupped your cheek tenderly. "You are safe, lady. Do not worry". It was in that moment you realised how much you desperately craved his touch. 

His eyes flitted across your face, searching for any sign that you did not welcome the intrusion and he was surprised when he didn't find any, but not disappointed. The air between you was electric, heavy with anticipation. The tension transformed into that of a different kind.

Ignoring his gnawing anxiety and voices sewing doubt in his head, Sihtric seized the opportunity, slowly moving his hand down to your jaw. "May I kiss you, lady?" he whispered, as his thumb ghosted over your bottom lip. 

You could not find the words, hardly believing that Sihtric was touching you, let alone seeking permission to kiss you. This man that had stolen your heart and occupied every waking thought since you had met. Someone you thought was utterly out of reach, was caressing you with such reverence, such tenderness you thought him incapable of.

Your heart pounded in your throat, body unable to move for fear of scaring him off, but you knew you had to try. 

You gingerly moved your fingers upwards, slowly trailing across his rippling bicep and finding purchase on the worn leather encasing his broad shoulders. 

"Yes, y-you may" you muttered, almost imperceptibly. 

Sihtric's warmth surrounded you, as he lowered his forehead closer to yours. He moved to close the gap between you, very carefully in case either of you decided to stop. 

His mind was swimming and fear treated to overpower him, but he fought against the trauma of his past and leaned further in to hover over your lips, savouring the sweet scent of your skin, before pressing a chaste kiss to your bottom lip. 

He could feel the tingling under his skin begin to prickle again, all his nerves firing together, but this time it was not pain - it was pleasant, like a warm fire on a cold night. A slight hum escaped his throat at the feeling, the sound vibrating against your lips. He never realised just how hungry he was, how touch starved his body truly felt. Now that he had a taste, he burned for more. 

He didn't expect you to reciprocate, but one look into his mismatched eyes in the moonlight and you were hooked. You reached upwards, and pulled him back in for a more passionate kiss, which conveyed the yearning you felt for him, the unadulterated need that had been building since the moment you met in that tavern.

Sihtric felt something strange spread through his chest, a new feeling he wasn't used to. A fuzzy sensation that gripped him from the inside and radiated out. He didn't know what it was, but he knew that he didn't want to let you go. 

He decided to be bolder, despite all his instincts, and push past all the doubt lingering in his mind. His tongue probed between the soft pillows of your lips, seeking entry, which you briefly granted before gently retreating, looking deeply into his eyes, leaving only space to breathe between you. You both stood still for a moment, processing what had just occurred. 

Neither of you could say a word, but both knew it was not safe to push any further, not while Danes roamed the woods. 

Still maintaining eye contact, and remaining close, you began to move forward in tandem, towards home. You could hear Sihtric's laboured breath as you moved, a constant sound keeping you grounded in the dark. His heart seemed to beat louder in the darkness than it ever had before, you could hear the drum of it against his ribs. 

The walk was short, but seemed to last forever without the light of the sun. Every word unsaid between you added to the palpable tension once again. You decided to break the unbearable silence by asking the question that had been burning in your mind since the night you met. 

"Sihtric...the night we met, w-why did you pull away from me when I tried to help you?"... 

"I just want to understand.." 

He wasn't expecting you to ask, but he knew the answer he needed to give. 

"Y/N, I don't react to physical touch very well. I didn't have a normal childhood, and it's something I can't seem to escape, but only those close to me can touch me, otherwise my body reacts like that... I can't help it. I am sorry, I didn't mean to offend you or hurt your feelings, I know you meant well. But you were a stranger to me, and I wasn't expecting it” he replied, not once meeting your gaze for fear of finding pity. Although the horrors he endured still haunt him, he did not want his friends to think less of him for it. 

He had fought too hard and had sacrificed too much to earn their respect. 

You didn't really understand it, but you knew he spoke true. You could tell by the slight tremor in his hand, and the quiver in his bottom lip as he spoke. Even in the darkness, you could see the struggle of this revelation. You could feel the weight of his sincerity, and the space he gave you to process it. There was something painful buried deep within, though you may never comprehend what it was like for him growing up. Perhaps he may tell you in more detail some day. He had already pushed his boundaries and tested his limits by kissing you, it seems. He had allowed your touch, and touched you so tenderly in return. He even leaned into it, seemed to enjoy it…so there was hope.

"I see, thank you for telling me. I'm sorry if I startled you when I grabbed your arm, I just didn't wish to see you fall."

You longed to reach out and comfort him, but decided against it, not wanting to push too hard before he was ready. 

"I know, and I appreciate your kind gesture lady. Finan can be an arse at times but he is family now.” Sihtric replied with a light hearted sigh. He knew your intentions were pure. 

He felt a sense of relief wash over him, having revealed a part of himself that he had long shielded from outsiders. He wondered if his body would allow more, allow you to touch him for longer, without such a visceral reaction. He had already conquered one fear today, and longed to kiss you again. But he decided to wait, until there was no danger present and he could truly relax, somewhere he could be sure you'd both be safe. The wait was agonising, but he knew, he hoped that in the safety of home, he may be able to relax into your arms once more.

The walk home seemed to last an eternity. Your mind was overwhelmed, from the details of your mission to the feel of Sihtric's lips on yours, and the revelation of a traumatic past that still weighed heavily on him. You couldn't wait to return home, and feel the soft comfort of your furs, to rest and to process it all, think about your next move. 

Although you had only known each other a few days, a week at most, you were intensely drawn to Sihtric, in a way most unfamiliar to you. You had never felt this safe with anyone, or had such a strong connection, even in moments of silence. 

And gods he was handsome...his strong frame was a testament to his years of gruelling training, the scars he wore proudly adorning his pale skin. You badly wanted to explore his rippling muscles with your fingertips, commit every curve to memory. Express how you felt through touch, though you did not know if he would welcome such an intrusion…or to what extent. Still, you desperately wanted to see him relax, to feel safe in the embrace of another. He deserved it, and you knew he wanted it, despite the storm that brewed when faced with the possibility. 

Upon reaching Rumcofa once more, the two of you went directly to Uhtred, to report on your findings, and complete your task. He was appreciative, and released you both from service for a few days to rest.

Sihtric disappeared rather quickly, while you caught up with Finan and Osferth. You left out the details but told them of your encounter with the scout and how Sihtric was quick to defend you. The two men looked between them with a sly grin. “He's besotted with you, lady” Finan murmured, so as only you could hear. A blush rose to your cheeks, and you could only reply with “As I am with him”. 

Osferth’s eyes grew wide, and Finan released a full bellied laugh. Both men knowing that you and Sihtric were smitten, but not pushing the matter too hard as they knew their friend, and his checkered past. 

“Might I suggest you use this time to let him know that?” Finan grabbed your wrist as you turned to run, “but lady..do not hurt him, please.”

Before you knew it, your feet were carrying your weary frame towards Sihtric’s cosy home.

Sihtric marched homeward in search of rest. He urgently needed to quieten his racing mind, and try to process the events of the day. 

His thoughts lingered heavily on the kiss between you, and how eager you were to kiss him back. How you leaned into every touch, and moulded yourself to him. More than that, how it felt when you touched him. How his body craved it, how it felt both natural and completely foreign. He yearned to breathe in your sweet scent once more, feel the burn your fingertips left behind on his skin. He longed to lift this curse, and to enjoy the touch of someone he cared for. To stop shying away from intimacy, and give himself fully to you. You were the first woman to show him true kindness since his mother, the first woman who seemed to actually care. 

Your fist hovered over the splintered wood in front of you. This would change everything. If Sihtric let you in, you would forever be more than colleagues, companions. If he turned you away, or flinched away from your touch, you may never be able to look him in the eye again. 

Before you got the chance to make a decision one way or the other, the door swung open and the man of your every desire stood before you, shocked to see you lingering at his door. “Y/N, I was just coming to see you”.

You moved towards him tentatively, as he stepped back into the warmth of the house. 

The fire was still roaring in the hearth, crackling logs filling the silence between you. 

You knew you had to make the first move, to make your intentions clear. But you wanted Sihtric to be secure in knowing your affections were real, and he was safe with you. 

As he moved to tend to the fire, you reached out and held his arm gently, wrapping your fingers around his wrist with little pressure, so as not to startle him. 

Sihtric spun slowly towards you, though he did not pull his hand from your grasp this time. His fingers flexed, but he did not pull free from your tender clutches. His eyes darted down to where he felt the heat of your skin. Your thumb traced the protruding veins, and gently drew little circles where your fingers lay. 

Carefully, you pulled his hand up towards your lips, and whispered “May I?” before placing soft open mouth kisses to the exposed skin. You repeated this action with the other wrist, meanwhile Sihtric stood entranced by this tender expression of love. He had never experienced such care, and wasn’t sure how to respond. “Lady I..I…” Sihtric stuttered, as you moved closer into his space. “ We don’t have to rush Sihtric, but I am yours, if you will have me”

Sihtric could barely contain his excitement, or his nerves. He knew you were promised to him, everyone knew that. And if it had been up to you, there already would have been a wedding ceremony to tie the knot months ago. But circumstances, such as battles and your lover's undying loyalty to Uhtred, had shoved an official wedding ceremony away from view. You were still happy with Sihtric nonetheless, but to call him your husband was a dream. Sihtric knew that and shared that same dream with you. So now, just because he wanted to, he decided today was the day he was going to ask you officially to become his wife, with a ceremony following shortly of course.

Sihtric was so caught up in his own head that he didn't even notice Uhtred had followed him. The plan was for him to knock on the door of your shared cottage, hiding his face behind the gigantic bouquet of flowers as he would get down on one knee and pour his heart out to you, in the hopes of earning a tear or two before you would happily tell him 'yes!'. 

Little did Sihtric know that his plan was about to get ruined.

Sihtric knocked on the door, his sweaty hands holding the flower stems in such a firm grip he worried he'd strangle them, but he couldn't help himself. He loved you, was head over heels for you, and he needed to know for sure if you wanted him to be yours forever. He cleared his throat when he heard you shuffle behind the door, and once it swung open, he attempted to get down on one knee but was surprised and rather startled when he heard Uhtred suddenly gasp loudly behind him, halting his movement.

'No!' Uhtred said with shock as he approached, 'oh, gods, I'm so sorry!'

'What…,' you frowned at them both, 'what is going on?'

You were confused at the sight of flowers and Sihtric's flustered yet mildly upset face, and even more so by the shocked and somewhat guilty expression Uhtred carried.

'Lady,' Uhtred gasped and shoved Sihtric aside, taking your hands, 'I did not know it was your birthday today. My apologies,' he said and kissed the back of your hand.

'What?' you blinked, even more confused now, 'I'm… it's not my-'

'I would have brought a gift!' Uhtred interrupted, 'but this man here,' he glared at Sihtric, 'did not say a word about it to us!'

'But it's not-,' you protested, but Uhtred talked over you again as he hugged you.

'Sihtric, why did you not tell me?'

Sihtric didn't respond, all he did was stare at you with wide eyes. You looked at the flowers, then at Sihtric, and then at Uhtred, only to bring your eyes back to Sihtric again, who didn't know what to say anymore.

'Darling,' you said, your tone suddenly firm, 'you do know it is not my birthday today, right?'

'I know, my love,' Sihtric said without hesitation, 'it is not.'

'It is not?' Uhtred asked.

'It is not,' Sihtric repeated.

'Then why did you get her flowers?'

'Yeah, why did you get me flowers, Sihtric?' you crossed your arms defensively.

'I…,' Sihtric stammered and blushed heavily, 'I'm… I…'

'Spit it out, boy,' Uhtred said, agitated by the whole situation now.

Sihtric stared at the flowers, his mind racing with thoughts while he couldn't settle on one emotion specifically. He was confused too, but also upset and disappointed. Clearly the proposal was ruined, and on top of that you also thought he had mixed up your birthday for some reason that couldn't be good. He felt a hint of panic and, even though he hated doing so, all he could do right now was tell you a half lie.

'B-because,' Sihtric cleared his throat and looked at you, 'I got you flowers because I love you.' He handed you the bouquet and suddenly became angry as he turned to Uhtred, 'What!? I can't buy her flowers anymore without informing the whole town?!'

Uhtred threw his hands up, not knowing the special moment he had just ruined, and the tension was thick.

'I… I love them,' you said and kissed Sihtric's cheek, hoping to ease the awkward moment as much as possible, 'thank you, darling, they are beautiful. And I love you too.'

Your attempt was futile, however. Because without another word Sihtric stormed inside the house, leaving you and Uhtred at the door, confused and filled with some weird feeling of embarrassment. Uhtred was quick to apologise, and he turned on his heels while you slammed the door shut, not planning on bringing the moment up again later… or ever.

Several weeks later…

It was a night of celebrations, because spring was returning. What better excuse would one need to throw a festivity where ale and meat could be devoured in plenty? Sihtric loved festivities like these, simply because he loved to drink until he couldn't walk anymore and eat until he had to take off his leather belt to give his full belly some space. 

But tonight was different. Tonight Sihtric decided to stay sober and not over eat, because tonight was the night he would finally propose. This time there were no flowers, but he had found a beautiful ring during one of his recent travels, and he figured that would be even more perfect than a bouquet to give.

You had been by his side for the whole night, until he excused himself for a moment, saying he needed 'to take a piss.' But it was actually a little white lie to get away from the crowd and steady his nerves. He stood in the dark shadow of a cottage while the celebrations continued in town, and he fidgeted with the ring while rehearsing his speech in his head again. He then took a deep breath, slid the ring back in the small pouch of his belt, and he turned back to find you in the crowd.

You were dancing around the fire, alongside Gisela and Eadith, and Sihtric thought he could combust right there on the spot. You looked so beautiful, your skin flowing perfectly in the flickering bonfire flames, with a flower crown braided into your hair. Your green linen dress swayed and twirled along with the movements of your body, and Sihtric couldn't contain himself anymore. He stepped in and took your hand gently, asking for your attention.

'Sihtric,' you gasped and pulled him closer, 'dance with me!'

'In a moment, darling,' Sihtric smiled, 'can you come with me first?'

'Is everything okay?' you asked as you followed him, away from the crowd.

You grew concerned the further you walked. His sober state was almost alarming on a night like this, and you suddenly worried he was the bearer of bad news. You feared he had to leave you again, to go to war, leaving you behind on your own with the never ending fear for his life until he would hopefully return again.

'Sihtric?' you said as you stopped walking and pulled your hand away from him, 'what's wrong?'

'Nothing,' he reassured you, his warm hands holding your shoulders, 'everything is fine, I promise.'

'Okay,' you hesitated, 'then… why are we here?'

'My love,' Sihtric began and he took your hands, 'I-'

'There he is!' a thick Irish accent blared from behind your back, 'oi! Osferth, come here!' Finan yelled to his friend as they stumbled over. Finan then wrapped his arm around your neck, 'What are you two up to, eh?'

Finan's words were slightly slurred, giving away that he was not in a sober state like Sihtric, and the latter scoffed with annoyance. Meanwhile, Osferth had grabbed onto Sihtric's shoulder, probably in an attempt to stop his world from spinning by the looks of him.

'Finan, please,' Sihtric sighed and slapped Osferth's hand off his shoulder, 'can you take Osferth and-'

'I don't feel so well,' Osferth groaned, his face pale and eyes narrow.

Finan burped loudly, to which you made a disgusted face. And before Sihtric could speak again, Osferth fell down to his knees and threw up all over Sihtric's boots.

'Oh, gods!' you shrieked and jumped back while hiking up your dress, avoiding the splatters of Osferth's barf.

'Oh, wow,' Finan said, deadpan, as he stared at the unfortunate events that unfolded in front of him.

Sihtric cursed as he shook his boots, hoping to get some of the vomit off them, but he knew the stench would creep into the leather regardless due to the amount he had caught.

'I'm sorry,' Osferth coughed and wiped his mouth with his sleeve, 'I'm so sorry, I- I promise I will clean them-'

'To hell with you!' Sihtric snarled and grabbed Osferth by the neck, 'up!'

You ran after Sihtric as he dragged the poor monk to his home, and you tried to remember the last time you had seen your lover so angry.

'Darling,' you said, struggling to keep up with Sihtric's fast pace, 'we can clean your boots, they will be brand new.'

'It's not about my boots,' Sihtric muttered.

He was furious and in no state to behave decently right now, for another proposal attempt was ruined once again by his friends.

'Sihtric,' Osferth mumbled as he tripped over his own feet and into his home, 'I'm sorry if I ruined your-'

'Shut up,' Sihtric hissed, 'sleep it off and drink water when you wake up,' he said and slammed the door shut in Osferth's face.

'Sihtric,' you said, 'calm down, it's okay-'

'It's not okay,' he said with a sob and fought his tears, 'I'm… I'm going home. I will see you later.'

Sihtric kissed your cheek before he departed, and you were left puzzled for the remainder of the night as to why he was so upset.

Several more weeks later…

This was it. Today was really the day Sihtric would propose to you. He had it all planned out; he would take you to the river, away from everyone, luring you with him using the excuse of wanting to have a romantic lunch with you while basking in the pleasantly warm spring sun. You didn't need much convincing, and so you strolled alongside the love of your life through the woods until you arrived at the rather shallow sparkling river.

Sihtric spread out a large cloth for you both to sit on, and he unwrapped the delicious treats he had brought from home; fresh bread and a variety of red fruits. Sihtric watched you with a smile as you ate, admiring you in a way no one else ever could. He'd run his fingers through your loose hair, tucking it behind your ear whenever a few strands went rogue and obstructed his view of your face. He'd occasionally run his thumb across your chin and lower lip, cleaning the fruity juice that would run down when you'd eat a handful a little too greedily. And you loved it all. The way he touched you, the way he admired you, the way he loved you so unconditionally with every fibre of his being. He was made for you, the same way you were made for him.

But as Sihtric admired you, he also became more nervous. Every once in a while he'd subtly graze his fingers over the little pouch he carried on his belt, making sure the ring was still there. And then, after a long moment, he finally gathered the courage. But what Sihtric didn't know yet, was that you weren't alone at all.

Finan, Uhtred and Osferth had decided to take advantage of the summery day too, and they had gone out fishing at the river, someplace else from where you were at. But unfortunately for Sihtric, it didn't take long before the men got bored and decided to bring their catch back home. And they just happened to spot you and Sihtric from across the river on their way back.

'I can't believe this bloody bastard,' Finan whispered as the men spied on you, 'he told me he wasn't feeling well, that's why he didn't want to go out fishing! But there he is, sunbathing! I'll teach him a lesson…'

The other two men stayed back, watching with amusement how Finan grabbed a dead fish and snuck his way through the river, only to then crawl quietly up the riverbed. And just when Sihtric took your hands in his, to try and pour out his love for you in words again and finally ask you to become his wife, he felt something heavy, wet and slippery hit the side of his face with a hard slap. Sihtric yelped as he jumped up while you flinched at the sudden movements. 

It all happened so fast; the way Sihtric had kissed your lips and taken your hands, followed by a loud, slimy slap before a dead fish flew past your face, followed by Finan's loud laughter as he appeared almost out of thin air. Before you could even register what had happened, Sihtric lashed out at his friend and they ended up in a brawl. Suddenly Uhtred and Osferth appeared too, their boots and half of their tunics as drenched just like Finan's, revealing to you they had come through the river, and they tried to stop the two men from throwing hands and slandering each other.

'Sihtric!' you yelled and grabbed his arm, 'what is going on with you lately!? All these outbursts and you being so moody!'

'They keep ruining it!' Sihtric half snarled while Uhtred and Osferth kept him separated from Finan, who wasn't laughing anymore at this point.

'What?' you yelled, 'ruin what?!'

'The way I-,' Sihtric paused, and he tried to hold back his sudden tears.

This was not how he had wanted to reveal his plans to you, but there was no going back anymore now. He knew you had noticed a change in his behaviour as of late, he had been moody and on edge, and the way he had lashed out at his friends was so unlike him. It needed to end, and it needed to end now. Sihtric looked at you and then groaned. 

'I want you to be my wife!' he blurted out, 'I've been meaning to ask so many times. But every time I am about to ask you, one of those idiots,' he spat and pointed at his friends, 'manages to find a way to ruin it!'

You all gasped softly while staring at Sihtric, because suddenly it all made sense.

'The flowers,' Uhtred remembered with a sigh of regret, 'it wasn't her birthday.'

'It wasn't!' Sihtric hissed.

'That night I threw up on you,' Osferth mumbled, 'I thought you were angry about you-'

'I wasn't angry about my boots!' Sihtric snarled.

'I'm sorry,' Finan grimaced, 'for, you know, the whole fish slapping in your face…'

'No, you're not,' Sihtric retorted.

'Aye, you're right,' Finan laughed, 'I'm not. But I am sorry, lady,' he said to you, 'that I ruined the moment.'

'But… Sihtric,' you said with a light scoff as you took his hands, 'darling, you know I am already promised to you. There was never any need for a proposal.'

'But I wanted it,' he mumbled shyly and reached for the ring, presenting the golden piece to you, 'I even got you a ring. I just needed to hear you still want to be my wife after all this time.'

'Oh, my love,' you sighed with a smile, 'you know I want to be your wife. Of course I still want to be your wife! There is nothing I want more.'

You accepted the ring and crashed into a deep kiss with your future husband, while his friends felt terrible, but still had to wipe away a tear while they had beaming smiles on their faces.

'Well,' Finan eventually interrupted, 'now that that's settled, you,' he pointed at Sihtric, 'owe me a new fish.'

'I'll show you a fish!' Sihtric snarled and made a fist, ready to take another swing at his friend, but you all managed to shush the situation while Finan continued to howl with laughter.

'Go home,' Uhtred said and he gave Sihtric a light shove, 'take your beloved with you, go home and get changed into your best clothing.'

'Why?' you frowned as you took Sihtric's hand.

'Because I will not let this go on a day longer,' Uhtred said, 'I'll arrange for Beocca to marry you two. Today.'

Winter came to Rumcofa in the blink of an eye, even faster than you could have imagined, unlike the village you once called home. However, you would be lying if you said that the cold season brought nothing but atmospheric surroundings. The white, soft snow covered part of the village streets all the way to the wooden dock, the frost clinging to the planks like delicate lace. The trees had been stripped of their leaves, but their bare branches were adorned with pure white, along with some water plants sprouting along the sides of the dock. The harsh temperatures didn't stop the merchants from coming and going as they reached the village by boat, some even staying the night and enjoying the evening bustle of the alehouse, warming their bodies with a hot meal and ale.

You didn't mind walking the streets at this time of year, the hustle and bustle of the village warming the air with a pleasant buzz. But there were days like this when you simply basked in the warmth of your home, a modest but cosy hut that provided a safe nest from the biting cold outside.

Signe, your daughter, was content to sit on your lap, her legs swinging happily and her eyelids half closed as you ran the palm of your hand through her silky hair, your bone comb gently untangling a few pesky knots. A soft hum escaped your lips, a soothing melody accompanied by the crackle of the fire, as your eyes wandered to your two youngest twins, Kare and Kore, playing peacefully on the warm fur on the floor, with a few wooden toys scattered about.

A buzz of voices outside caught your attention, a deep male voice followed by two shrill ones. And as the door of your hut swung open, you recognised the voices of your husband, Sihtric, followed by your first and third sons, Hindr and Ivar, the latter hoisted onto his father's broad shoulder. You saw the twins raise their heads, run to their father and cling to his shirt, tugging at it as Sihtric's free hand roamed over their small heads, playfully ruffling their hair with a wide grin on his face.

Years had passed, and Sihtric had become one of Uhtred's most trusted allies and friends, and a formidable warrior, earning him the nickname, along with Finan and Osferth, of "Uhtred's Pretty Boys". Yet despite his newfound confidence, you could see in his gaze the same shy warrior you had met many years ago in Coccham, on one of your usual stops on your lonely journeys. You were a warrior not bound to any lord, and Sihtric had been sworn under Uhtred's protection some years ago.

You could remember all the stolen glances you shared that night in the alehouse, and how he looked away quickly when he met your eyes, the flush in his cheeks visible in the dim light. It took some time for you to get to know him better, and at first you thought the Dane didn't enjoy your company, for he fled at the first opportunity.

But Sihtric loved you, of course he did. A love so fierce and sincere that it would move even the hardest of the gods. And because he loved you so much, he feared to disappoint you: he was born a bastard, with nothing to give you in return but his skill with the sword. It was not until you joined Uhtred's warriors a few months later that you got to know each other well, and the spark of love exploded like a fire in the middle of the forest. After a short courtship, Sihtric asked his lord for permission to marry you, and he eagerly agreed.

The gods blessed your union with the arrival of your first child, a boy you both named Hindr. Three years later, your union was blessed again with the arrival of Signe, who Sihtric affectionately called "my little princess". While you loved your two children dearly, you both agreed that there was room in your love nest for one more, and a few years later Ivar was born. 

Your fourth pregnancy came as a surprise, as neither of you had planned to welcome another child into your family. Sihtric was reluctantly forced to leave his family to follow Uhtred in his attempt to retake Bebbanburg, and while he was busy defending the borders of Mercia, you gave birth alone, bringing two healthy twins into the world. You were reunited after the Siege of Winchester, and after shedding tears of joy for his children, he vowed to be a more present father and husband and make up for lost time.

"Let me come with you, Papa!" was the whining voice of Hindr, tugging at his father's sleeve to get his attention. The Dane lowered Ivar to the ground, and after he both kissed his sons' foreheads, he bent over his firstborn.

"It's still too dangerous for you, Hindr," Sihtric chided in a calm but firm tone, his calloused fingers stroking the child's cheek and chuckling at his son's little pout. "One day you will join me. I promise you." He finished, kissing the top of his head.

Then he rose and approached you and Signe by the fire. As soon as he was in your presence, he bent over you, holding two small flowers in one of his hands.

"One for my little princess," the Dane said softly, placing one of the flowers in his daughter's hand and gently pressing his lips to her forehead, to which Signe responded with a shy, silent nod. "And one for my queen," he added, leaning his face over yours and sealing your lips with a tender and lingering kiss. You closed your eyes, savouring the moment as a pleasant and familiar warmth spread through your chest. It had been a long time since you and Sihtric had shared an act of intimacy, and caring for five children took time away from even a brief kiss.

But the time was up, and soon you were forced to break the kiss and watch as Sihtric hurriedly took his sword. "Are you leaving already?" you asked, a hint of disappointment in your voice. Sihtric looked over at you as he took one of the twins in his arms.

"The Blood Month, my love," the Dane said, content to be surrounded by his wife and children, "Our boy Aethelstan is ready for his first hunt and we will join him.”

You hummed in understanding, your body mechanically combing Signe's hair while your mind was elsewhere. You loved your children, they all had your blood and Sihtric's running through their veins. But you were a warrior before you were a mother, and the time you spent on the battlefield with your husband was a distant memory. But Sihtric seemed to sense your discomfort, and he approached you once more before putting Kore down. 

"I swear we will celebrate the next Blood Month together, my love," the Dane reassured you in a soothing voice and gave you a final kiss before saying goodbye to his children one by one. Before leaving the hut, he stroked Hindr's hair once more. "Protect your Mama and siblings while I'm gone, little warrior."

"As if his mother could not protect herself," you scolded playfully, rolling your eyes dramatically. Sihtric replied with a loud chuckle, his eyes sparkling with affection as he crossed the threshold of the door.

"I know you can, my fierce shield maiden," he replied with a grin, closing the door behind him.

You quickened your pace as you reached the alehouse, holding the twin's small hands in yours. Sihtric followed ahead of you, a small axe taken from Hindr sheathed in his leather belt, as he watched his three eldest children run through the building. 

The hunt had gone well, except for one unforeseen event that no one had anticipated. Sihtric told you how Aethelstan had been attacked by three men, but had somehow managed to kill one and survive almost unharmed. It was not a boar they had sacrificed, but at least the Blood Month tradition was somehow expected. But it was the unexpected arrival of Eadith that took everyone by surprise: Uhtred and his men knew she had left after the events in Mercia and Winchester, but no one expected her to pay a sudden visit to Rumcofa.

The alehouse was warm, the flickering fire of candles dancing through the tables and casting a cosy glow on the wooden walls. The aroma of ale filled the air, the clatter of mugs and the cheerful chatter and laughter of the men adding to the convivial atmosphere. 

With each mug of ale in hand, the whole group stood still and circled around Eadith as she told them the stories of how she had come to Frankia and how she had learned and honed her skills as a healer. As the conversation continued, you could see the surprise in the redhead's eyes when she recognised Aethelstan among the men, and you couldn't blame her. 

You remember how King Edward's bastard son was taken under Uhtred's protection and raised among you: the child knew nothing of the dangers of the world, spending his early years in a monastery, his cocoon shielded from the outside world. Most of the time he ended up in your and Sihtric's care, and together with Cynlaef you raised them as your sons, the boys calling your own their little siblings. But now they were grown men, and you looked at them with pride and emotion: you and Sihtric still had your own children to love and cherish, but you would be lying if you said you missed those moments.

"This is Sihtric's wife," Uhtred said to Eadith, pointing to you with the mug in his hands, "and all of her and Sihtric's little pack that populate this town."

"Five children can hardly populate Rumcofa, Uhtred," you replied with a smile, your fingers gently stroking Signe's hair.

"Perhaps the gods will be on our side and bless our union again," Sihtric added, his hand slipping from your shoulder to your flat stomach. It was no secret that you both longed for another child, but you both knew that you were not the young and fresh couple you once were, and your ageing bodies made that dream distant and uncertain. 

"Perhaps you should ask your gods for a little nudge," Finan snorted lightly, holding Ingrith by the waist and your son Kare in his arms. In the midst of the laughter, you could see Finan and Sihtric exchanging a knowing look that surprised you, but did not carry much weight.

The conversation continued until sundown, when the sun set, giving way to the moon, and the orange of the sky was replaced by a deep blue dotted with stars.

As you entered your hut, you threw your cloak and boots onto the nearest chair, tossed your hair aside and tried to undo the laces of your dress. Sihtric was the last to enter, closing the door behind him, unbuckling his belt and placing his weapons against the nearest wall. 

When you turned to look at him, you noticed that something was wrong: everything was quiet, too quiet for a family with five children. You would expect chaos after a day at the alehouse, your husband running over his children in a playful catch, or just you and Sihtric sitting by the fire playing with them before tucking them into bed. But they were nowhere to be seen.

“Where is our little pack?” you asked with a hint of worry in your voice, frustration rising as you struggled to untie your laces.

"With Finan and Ingrith," Sihtric replied casually, his voice dropping as he approached from behind. Had you listened more closely, you would have heard a bit of hoarseness in his voice. "I asked them to look after our children for the night." 

The Dane put his hands on your waist and pulled you gently from behind, pressing your back against his chest. You could feel his hot breath against your skin, his facial hair tingling your skin as he planted soft kisses on the side of your neck. 

"I would have preferred to be informed of this idea of yours, Sihtric," you sighed, lifting your head to give him better access to your neck. You felt a shiver run down your spine, a strange but familiar warmth blooming in your lower abdomen: you could not remember the last time Sihtric had made your head spin and your body tremble with pleasure, the sounds of your moans echoing in your head.

“Is it so wrong to surprise you, little wife?” he whispered in your ear. 

His teeth slowly grazed the skin of your neck. It was only meant as a tease, a way to have you fully entranced by him. Your words began to come out in broken, stuttered responses as you tried to think of anything coherent. 

"Help me undo these laces and you will see how wrong you are," you replied courtly and sharply breathed, feigning offence in that remaining moment of lucidity. But your veil of resoluteness soon fell as you felt his rough hands cross your back, one of his tattooed fingers tracing your spine in a fluid motion. And as you sighed at the sensation of him touching the laces of your dress, a loud gasp escaped your mouth as you heard the muffled sound of a tear, the movement so unexpected that you lost your balance and were forced to place your hands on the table.

"Ah, m-my dress!" you hissed, your eyelids half open at the feel of his mouth kissing and nibbling your exposed skin, from the nape of your neck to your shoulders. "You tore one of your gifts-"

"I will buy you another one," Sihtric cut you off with a low murmur, savouring every inch of you with his mouth, "I will buy you the finest gown in all of Northumbria, if you allow me," the Dane continued, working his way up from your shoulder to your earlobe, nibbling gently, "but you know I will always prefer you without your clothes on."

All hope of maintaining self-control was lost when his hands began to squeeze your breasts as he sank his teeth into your tender flesh. You moaned loudly, your mind clouded with too much pleasure as you pressed against his body: Sihtric let out a low, guttural moan as he felt his throbbing cock pressed against your arse, sinking his teeth deeper into your shoulders. 

He had waited too long for this moment, and had he had the chance, he would have stripped you naked and humped you on the kitchen table. But in his eyes you were his queen and goddess, ready to throw away his pleasure to satisfy yours first.

Instead, Sihtric spun you around and sat you on the table while he quickly revealed your breasts, slightly swollen from all the time you had spent carrying and feeding your children. His lips trailed down your throat, his tongue tasting the saltiness of your skin as he finally reached for your breast, his mouth enveloping and sucking gently as he cupped the other one in his hand, teasing your hardening nipple with his fingers. Shrieks and whimpers were your only sounds, accompanied by your soft moans as you rolled your eyes back, your back arching as you surrendered to the pleasure of the moment, the warmth in your abdomen spreading uncontrollably. 

You could feel your core pulsing with excitement, a burning sensation that felt like sweet torture to you, loud sighs mixed with your screams as you desperately searched for something to relieve you. The wetness between your legs only increased as you felt one of Sihtric's hands push up your skirt, his fingers trailing up your inner thigh as they reached your warm cunt. 

"Already so wet for me, my love?" the Dane asked in a hoarse voice, teasing your core with a few strokes before pushing a finger inside you, the intrusion unexpected but pleasurable at the same time. You almost forgot how thick his fingers were as he stroked inside you, how often he let your body float and how much your legs trembled at his touch. 

Babbling and rambling words were the only thing you could say, your rational self temporarily gone. His name, called out like a ritual chant in a breathless voice, was the only word you could manage, your low throaty voice reaching his ears like a distant melody, frustrating him as his cock grew impatient in his breeches. But he knew he would postpone his pleasure for much longer, not before he made you squirm and scream his name loudly until your lungs were empty of air.

"How much I missed this," Sihtric whispered, leaning his head towards you, "how much I missed us." 

"Sihtric," you sighed as his lips met yours, the kiss far from the gentle one you had shared in the morning. It was a needy, bruising kiss that told a story of longing touch and pent-up passion, of two souls locking their primary desires for the sake of their family. 

Sihtric's tongue parted, the tip finding an entrance into your parted lips. You allowed him to enter your mouth, your tongues meeting in a frenzied dance as you swallowed another loud moan and felt another finger penetrate you. You inadvertently moved your hips towards him, moaning at how perfectly his thick fingers stretched inside you, his wriggles teasing and rubbing your tight walls. 

Your husband could feel your hips moving frantically against his hand, your arse slapping against his open palm and your walls tightening against his fingers, a signal that your climax was reaching its breaking point. But he had no intention of letting you finish like that: he needed to remember how you tasted, to savour you and drink you all up. 

He gently pushed you back, wanting to lay you down and bury his head in your thighs. But you quickly grabbed his wrist and stopped him, a frustrated moan escaping his lips.

"Not here," you murmured breathlessly, your body still trembling from the pleasure you had just received. For as much as you could not wait to release your own excitement, you would never let him take you on the table. 

Sihtric's impatience grew as he scooped you up in his arms, carried you in front of the fire and laid you on the warm furs. Your lips entwined again in hungry and lustful kisses as you both undressed, Sihtric tearing your dress to shreds while you removed his with gentle movements, letting them fall with a soft thud. 

You both stood naked by the fire, his lips moving quickly down, tasting and biting your skin from throat to belly, until he spread your legs in desperation, his head trapped between your thighs. His breath was hot against your folds, the heat from his mouth so pleasant and arousing that you would have closed your legs and found some friction had Sihtric not spread them with his hands. He teased your wet core with the tip of his tongue, but the taste of you was so intoxicating that all restraint was lost. First a lick, then his tongue penetrated your folds, devouring you like prey after a day's hunting. Your head began to spin, moans and whimpers escaping your lips as your fingers trailed over his curls, tugging wildly at them, causing the Dane to grunt and moan in return. 

You reached your peak quickly, coming on his tongue as he eagerly lapped up your release. Your thighs trembled under his grip, which caused Sihtric to chuckle next to your folds. 

“Good girl, such a pretty wife I have,” he said quietly with a kiss to each thigh. “Are you willing to give me one more?” 

Before you could even answer, he allowed you to taste yourself on his lips as he positioned himself between your legs, his cock twitching painfully as his own arousal desperately needed to be released. Keeping your legs spread, he spat on his tip and after a few strokes, he positioned himself at your entrance and thrust into you in one swift motion. It took all his willpower not to fuck you at speed: instead he chose a slow approach, his length stretching inside you like a sweet torture. He was slow at first, creating a careful rhythm, knowing how sensitive you were.

“Do not be so gentle now, husband,” you said softly as you leaned up. Your lips ghosted across his chest, then his collarbone, creating a trail of chills as you went. His thrusts faltered a bit as he shuddered with each kiss. “I am not some fragile flower, I can take it.”

Your leg wrapped around his hips, allowing him deeper inside you as you angled your hips up. One hand gripped your thigh, holding your leg tightly around him, while the other braced itself on the furs, holding his weight. A string of curse came out with every thrust, now deeper and harder. 

The crackling of the fire could not hide the vocal chaos you two were making, the room filled with your whimpers and moans, Sihtric panting and grunting as he fucked you deep and hard, hissing under his teeth every time you tugged at his curls wildly. One of his hands moved from your hips to your flat stomach, the circling movements gentle in contrast to his rough movements.

“How good would it be to see you round with my pup again,” he whispered with an animalistic growl, never faltering his pace as you both rocked against each other’s hips.

“I would like to, husband” you whined, arching your back and head as he hit a sensitive spot. “But I am afraid my body could not bear another pup inside me,” 

Upon hearing your words, Sihtric lowered over you, kissing the contour of your jaw gently, “Never underestimate the workings of the gods, my love,” he whispered with a hoarse voice, “We do not know what-”

A choked moan escaped his throat, grunting against your neck as he quickened the pace once more, his own climax on the verge of the release. The grip on your hips tightened into a bruised vice, your walls clenching around him, eagerly awaiting his release.

"Fuck, please," you let out a sharp breath as you clung to him, your nails digging into his back until they left scratches. Your senses were sharpened by the growing wave of pleasure, leaving you temporarily stunned as you felt your own release coming. 

"Come to me, my queen," was the gruff voice of Sihtric you heard, praising you and whispering honeyed words before you both came simultaneously, wetting his cock with your fluids as your walls milked him of all his seed. When he pulled himself out, you both collapsed on the furs, both a terrible mess, but neither of you wanted to leave each other's embrace. You remained entwined for minutes that seemed an eternity, your fingers intertwined as you opened your eyes.

"Sihtric," you called out breathlessly, feeling the Dane's head rise against your neck, "What if the gods do not bless us with another pup?" 

Your question made Sihtric smile fondly, his rough hand resting on your cheeks as your lips met in a tender kiss.

"Then I will thank them for giving me a beautiful wife and five loving children to love and cherish with my whole heart."

If you've come this far, thank you so much for reading my fic! Hope you enjoyed it!

Taglist: @whitedarkmoonflower @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @foxyanon @legitalicat @zaldritzosrose

While getting your horse ready for the journey, your father approached you.

“Are you not feeling well my child? You look a bit pale” he said.

“Just the usual, father, you know I am not fond of riding for a long time” you told him and forced a smile on your face.

“If the ride is too much, tell Ragnar, and we can rest for a bit.” “I know, I know…” you mumbled while nodding your head lightly.

Your father turned around and walked back to Cnut and the others, to discuss the path they were taking.

The journey to the stop along the way and the final camp was exhausting.

The first one somewhere in the woods in the middle of Wessex, the final one in Hunstanton, East Anglia.

When the camp was finally put up, everyone was coping with their own stuff, so no one noticed you laying in your tent all day, except for your friend Brida.

She knew something was wrong, so she dragged you out of the tent to the nearest fireplace and pushed a horn of ale in your hand, trying to cheer you up.

“So, now you tell me what’s wrong. The whole travel here your head was hanging low and you think deeply about something, and I just can’t figure out what.”

“It is nothing, believe me.”

“Doesn’t seem like nothing to me…” Brida mumbled, while taking a sip of her ale.

“Wait, it’s not about that boy, Sihtric was his name right?” She grinned.

Your eyes flicked to hers immediately. “Maybe… depends on how able you are to keep your mouth shut.” You answered mad. “Come on, it can’t be that bad right?” She laughed, but stopped immediately as she saw the corners of your mouth were pulled down.

“I think I am with child…” you sighed, while staring at the dirty ground.

“And he is the father” you said further, gripping the horn with ale tightly.

Brida listened quietly.

“You can’t tell anyone, I don’t want anyone to find out”.

“I mean, at least he’s not a Saxon right” she tried to make you smile “but I won’t tell anyone, not even Ragnar, not a word will cross my lips”. She threw her arm over your shoulder. “I promise.”

You thanked her and sat with her in silence, finally gotten it of your chest.

The next morning you were awoken by a scream, recognizing that voice as Brida’s.

As you exited your tent, you saw Brida and your father circled by numerous warriors.

Not knowing what happened before you saw Brida was trying to attack your father, but he knocked her to the ground.

The circle dissolved.

You were running to her, giving her a hug.

“He’s dead… Ragnar is dead…” she sobbed.

“I.. I have to go, find a place to bury him” she said with empty eyes.

Helping her collect stones for the grave, you let her and Ragnar alone to have their last moment together and you walked back to the camp with Cnut.

Back at the camp you went to your father with him. “We both will lead this army” he told Cnut.

Then he looked at you.

“I want to know you beside me, my daughter.” “I will always be loyal to you father.” You smiled.

He looked at you with pride, laying his hand on your shoulder.

In the evening, while Cnut held his big speech about how Ragnar has been a great warrior and that they are all united as Danes, you stood beside your father, and at the speech's end, when everybody cheered for the battle to come, you just stood there sadly, knowing that you won’t be able to fight because of the little secret you’re hiding.

The camp in Hunstanton was always busy. Warriors were training, maidens were preparing food all day. Cnut and your father talking about battle strategies, while Aethelwold listened carefully and you?

You were just sitting on a stomp next to your father, bored by everything because Brida was not here to keep you company.

Just as you thought you’re going to die of boredom, you saw that stupid fool Haesten with the seer Skade from afar, you were just rolling your eyes and continuing to listen to the battle strategies.

As they got closer, your father got up, and seemed to be relieved that Skade was back.

Haesten told them what happened, that he lost more than half of his men and that she is now his woman.

He was an idiot to think that your father would just accept that.

You got up to stand between Aethelwold and your father, Cnut still stood in front of Haesten.

Skade was chained and sat down at the muddy ground and as she saw you, she was taking a sharp look at you.

“You, daughter of Bloodhair” she was talking to you “I feel it, and I can see it, you are carrying a child, he’s going to be a strong warrior one day.”

Everyone went silent.

You mouth fell slightly open.

No, that can not be, how can she know that? Has she talked to Brida?

Brida is the only one who knows.

Even if they met somehow, Brida would never tell anyone.

She promised you.

But how did she know?

“My daughter is what?” your father asked furiously.

“You heard me Bloodhair, you know that my fortunes are always true” she said, looking arrogantly in your fathers face.

But your father just looked your way, disappointment in his eyes.

“Who is the father of this child?” He asked you, his voice softer as moments ago, but he was still mad.

You remained silent.

“I am not asking you again Y/N. Who. Is. The. Father?”

“Is it important? It is someone who isn’t here, and he doesn’t know I’m with child”

He just run his hand across his face.

“I thought I raised you better, I am really disappointed in you…” he said and turned around to walk away.

Your heart feeling heavy.

You hoped Skade would stay with Uhtred.

She brought nothing but misfortune to everyone.

“Who thought Sigurd’s daughter would get knocked up by some nobody” Haesten said laughing, trying to get a reaction out of you.

“Hey, I am talking to you!” he yelled in your direction. You stared at him.

“I heard you the first time, but I’m just not interested in talking with some moron like you.”

You responded calmly and turned away, looking for you father.

He just has to hear you out.

Standing in front of your father’s tent you took a deep breath, feeling kind of nervous as you entered.

He was leaning against the big wooden table.

“Can I talk to you father?” You asked, your voice not louder that a whisper.

“Of course you can my child” he answered, while sighing out loudly.

“I know you are disappointed in me and believe me, I didn’t plan to get pregnant right now, especially because we are just before a great battle. But I want to let you know that I was really in love with that man, I don’t know if he felt the same and if I will see him again, but now it is how it is. I can’t change the past…” you held in for a few seconds before continuing “The father of this child is a great warrior, just as you are father, and I would be more than happy if my son turns out the same way... ” he listened attentively before he started to speak.

“My reaction towards you was unfair my daughter, I could never be disappointed in you and you know that. I don’t care who the father is, a child is always a blessing” he stepped closer, holding your head between his hands “you are my only child, my only family, my only blood, the only person I trust fully. You are Y/N Sigurdsdottir, and I could never manage losing you.” He held you close, like never wanting to let go of you again.

Then he said “and you know, that after I lost your mother, my beloved wife, that I found almost the same love in Skade again. I want her back…”

You kind of understood him. Kind of.

Fighting for love is always worth it.

But fighting for love you already lost in fighting, is just stupid.

And fighting for a witch who is not interested in him anymore, is just suicide.

A day later, riders on horses came riding up to the campground and got to a hold in the middle of it.

You recognized them immediately as Danes, Haesten’s men, one of them Dagfinn.

And for some reason, underneath them was the man you were never able to forget.

Sihtric.

He was sitting on his horse, seeing you standing by your tent, looking even more beautiful than he remembered.

He felt like being back in Dunholm, looking at you for the first time in his life.

But his glance could only last a few moments, before he was involved into a conversation about what he, one of Uhtred’s men, was doing here.

You stood by your tent watching them talk, as Cnut approached you.

“Will you tell him?” He asked you.

“What will I tell who?” You replied, trying to sound confused.

“Come on, you know what I mean. I watched you two sneaking around in Dunholm, more than once, and I know what a pregnant woman looks like, I have two sons.”

“Why didn’t you just tell everyone when you knew the whole time?” You wondered.

“Because it’s none of my business what you do behind closed doors. So, are you going to tell him?”

“I’m trying to, he has the right to know … we will see.” You spoke, as you entered your tent again.

In the evening, Brida came back from her journey, apparently with a plan to safe Ragnar from Niflheim.

When the night was falling, and nothing but stars were seen at the sky, you were sitting at the campfire with the others.

You knew that Sihtric was watching you from across the fire, but trying not to make it too obvious.

Everyone was having a good time.

Dagfinn asked Sihtric where he was going to sleep, since he does not have a tent nor some furs. Unfortunately Brida saw that as an opportunity to play match maker again.

“Y/N’s tent is one of the bigger ones and she has some furs to spare, he can sleep there.” she stated emotionless, continuing to chew on some chicken wing, not giving a hint what she was thinking.

“Ehhm… right” you replied dumbfounded, not really agreeing with her.

“I am going to bed, good night” you said quickly further, feeling really embarrassed.

Sihtric remained seated for a short while, then he turned to follow, while Cnut said laughing “Hey Sihtric, I know she is a very beautiful woman, but keep your little friend in your breeches”

“No need for that my friend, she already is full” Haesten joked, but got quiet as soon as Brida’s and your father’s stare landed on him.

You gritted your teeth.

You cursed Haesten for his existence.

You wanted to tell Sihtric yourself.

You definitely didn’t want him to find out from someone else.

Well, that really didn’t turn out as planned.

What you didn’t noticed was how Sihtric got really pissed about that comment too.

He was mad he lost you to another man.

This fool could call himself happy to have a beautiful woman like you carrying his child, but he still seems not to be around.

But he didn’t had any right to be jealous. Sidgeflaed was in Winchester waiting for him.

You entered your tent and Sihtric followed slowly after you.

You stood there, your back still facing him.

Turning around, your eyes met. Both of you staring at each other for a while.

Sihtric was the first one to break the silence.

“So… you are with child. Congratulations. Your man must be really excited” he spoke with jealousy.

You looked at him confused.

Was he really that stupid?

“There is no man, I am on my own.” You told him, fumbling to pick out some furs for him.

“And… who is the father?” He asked, still oblivious, staring at the ground.

You looked at him for what felt like minutes. Throwing the furs to the side.

“Sihtric, you are the only man I have shared my bed with in a while, so you tell me” you gulped.

His eyes turned big.

“Wait… you mean… I am… the father?” he asked further, but his voice only a whisper in the dark.

You just nodded.

And then the unthinkable happened.

You thought he would be mad, that he didn’t want to have anything to do with you and the child.

But he pulled you into his body and kissed you passionately, the world around you both completely disappearing. You were breaking the kiss and leaning your foreheads against each others.

There was only you and him (and the little one still inside your belly).

You both crying and laughing at the same time.

It seemed like the perfect world, even if it was for just a moment, you enjoyed every second of it.

Now Sihtric knew for sure, he was going to leave his wife for you.

He didn’t care that you were Bloodhair’s daughter, the enemy, the Dane (even though he is one too).

He was deeply in love with you. He would do anything for you and your child.

But he still has somehow to tell you that he is in fact already married.

He really did not know how and when to convey that information and how you will react.

You were talking the whole night, snuggled up on some furs on the floor.

He wanted to know if anyone knows that he is the child’s father, you just told him that only Brida knows and she would never tell anyone, your trust in her is deep.

He even told you about the curse the witch Skade put on his Lord, and why he has to bring her back to him.

You understood it, curses are not taken lightly.

He wanted your help to get Skade out of the camp.

And you had just one favor to ask of him.

You wanted to go with him - as a hostage.

To give your child the chance to live, not having to grew up in a camp, but rather in a stable home and he agreed.

The following weeks were running by quickly. Sihtric awaiting news from his Lord.

You spend a lot of time together, trying not to make it obvious.

You trained together, sharpened your swords together, ate together almost every meal.

You were again training with Brida for hours.

You missed it dearly to spend time with her.

Unfortunately the ground was so muddy, as it has just rained before, so you slipped and got covered in dirt.

“I think you should go and take a bath” she laughed “maybe your lover wants to join” she suggested, nodding her head to Sihtric and wiggling with her eyebrows, carefully to be quiet enough so only you understood her words.

You just hid her shoulder with your fist in response, grinning from one ear to the other.

Sihtric was sitting at the campfire alone, eating his meal in silence.

You got up to him and whispered in his ear “I need you to do something, follow me, but make sure nobody sees.”

You walked out of the camp and into the woods.

Sihtric finished his food and followed you, always looking around if somebody noticed.

You were waiting for him behind a tree.

You heard the leaves rustle.

You knew it was Sihtric.

He was calling your name and just before he walked past you, you came out of your hiding place and stopped in front of him.

He took your head in his palms and kissed you full of lust.

Not being able to kiss in the camp was bitter.

“So what special task do you need me to do?” He smirked. You came closer to him, your lips just millimeters apart.

“I … I need … I need you … to look out if someone comes while I am taking a quick bath.”

“Oh… eh … alright” he mumbled disappointed.

“What’s wrong? Were you … were you thinking we were going to hump here? So when I told you I need you to do something, you understood that I need you to do me?” You asked kind of amused.

“Yeah… I actually kind of thought that.” He replied flustered while scratching his head in embarrassment.

“I mean, you could just join me, but we have to be quick, it’s freezing” you told him seductively while pulling him behind you to the lake in the forest.

What you two didn’t notice, was a man standing next to a few trees, a few meters away.

He watched the whole scene in front of him.

Dropping the bunch of flowers, he extra picked for you, onto the ground.

His heart shattering into a million pieces.

He saw you walking out of the camp and thought that would be his chance.

He finally found the courage to tell you about his feelings, picking flowers to surprise you but being disappointed to find you with Sihtric.

He thought you being pregnant was one of Haesten’s jokes. He felt like the last jerk.

A long time ago, even before Dunholm, he fell in love with you.

You both even shared a drunken night.

But that was long before Sihtric.

Back then Haesten was always picking on him, even though he’s his second in command.

One day you couldn’t take it anymore, listening to his bullshit and bad jokes all day, so you confronted Haesten.

That was the moment he fell deeply.

The the first time someone vouched for him.

He never showed his feelings for you towards anyone.

He was a strong and feared warrior after all, but he wanted you to notice him, in more than just the way of being a warrior, or maybe a friend.

But it was too late. He missed his chance.

Looking desolate he walked back to the camp.

The next morning you woke up alone, only covered in furs.

Sihtric was already up, somewhere in the camp.

It was cold outside, snowing.

You were just leaving your tent as you witnessed an heated argument between your father and Haesten.

Cnut trying to mediate.

But Haesten provoked you father, by calling him a coward because he fled in Fearnham.

Your father pulled out a dagger, Sihtric holding him back.

Haesten walked aggressively towards your father but Dagfinn got hold of him.

Your father demanded enraged for the square, cutting the throat of Aethelwold’s spy and walking towards his tent.

He wants so see Haesten dead.

You went to your father’s tent, as you saw Skade exiting it.

You passed her.

You both not even giving each other a glance, before you entered and noticed you father’s hair and face already covered in blood.

That meant he was ready to fight.

“What was she doing in here?” you asked, meaning Skade leaving the tent earlier.

“She wants me to kill Haesten. She doesn’t want him to win” you father said, preparing to exit the tent.

You hold onto his arm. “Watch out father, he might be an idiot, but he plays very dirty” you warned him.

“I know what I got myself into my child. Don’t worry” giving you a reassuring smile.

He continued walking.

You followed him outside, to the square where the fight is going to take place.

Cnut is explaining the sanctions.

It is to the death. Valhalla awaits one man.

Then he got out of the square, standing next to you and Sihtric.

“Your father will win, there is no doubt. He is a great warrior” he tried to cheer you up.

The fight started really good for your father, killing Haesten almost a few times, even disarmed him.

He has always been a strong warrior.

When he was tying the knot to end this fight and Haesten’s life, he suddenly became disoriented.

He was reeling and not even able to stand straight.

Skade poisoned him, that snake.

He got that really quickly.

He tried to attack her, but she was able to counter.

Then you saw how she put out two daggers and sinking them into your fathers shoulders.

The world stood still. The only thing you saw was your father’s life left his eyes.

Your color drained from your face.

“NOOOOOO, FATHER!” you screamed.

Flashback to a village somewhere in Norway

“Your footwork is sloppy, and you have to hold your axe higher, try again!” Your father screamed as shoving his shield against yours making you fall backwards on the floor.

“Don’t you think you are a little too hard on her? She is still just a young girl…” your mother said, walking towards both of you.

“There is not such a thing as being too young to train fighting Helga. She got your talent, but she still needs to work on it” your father explained to your mother, who was a well-known Shieldmaiden back in the days.

She just rolled her eyes and smiled. “Alright my dear husband, I just came to let you both know that feast is ready” she said, still smiling while walking back to the Great Hall.

Still hearing your fathers scolding in the distant, what you did wrong this time.

When you came back to reality, you realized you were dragged away by Cnut.

“Hey hey hey look at me” you looked into his eyes, tears running down your face “your father is now in Valhalla, feasting with the gods, Brida made sure he hold his axe”

“But that witch drugged and killed him. It was an unfair fight, father would have killed that turd if she hadn’t interfered.”

“I know, but we can’t change a thing now. Don’t do something you will regret later, we still have to stand together as an army and think about your unborn child” he tried to calm you down.

It kind of worked.

You thought about the words Sihtric told you, that his Lord has to kill her to end the curse. But you knew one thing.

That witch will pay for what she did, either by you or someone else.

You went back to the square, where your father was laying on the floor in his own blood, holding his axe.

You knelt down next to him, laying your hands on his. Your heart is broken. Sitting there in silence for what felt like hours.

“We have to prepare his funeral. His body should not stay in this ugly world longer than necessary. Bring him into his tent and lay him onto the table. You” you pointed to some of your father’s warriors “bring a lot of stones and dig a big hole, we are going to bury him.”

You got up to walk beside the man carrying your father.

Sihtric was one of them.

When they laid him on the table, you told everyone to get out.

You wanted to stay with him one last time.

But Sihtric didn’t leave you alone.

He knew how it felt to lose someone loved, the same pain he felt when he lost his mother.

You just watched your father’s face, scared to forget how he looks.

You run your hand through his bloodstained hair and let your tears fall.

Sihtric pulled you into a hug.

After a while you let go of him.

Your eyes looking from Sihtric back to your father’s face.

Hand back to his hair.

“Everyone saw him as a raged and cruel warlord, bathing in blood and bewitched by some crazy lady. But to me he was a loving and caring father, raising me all by himself since mother passed away.” You sobbed. “He was everything I had” you sniffed, a tear running down your face.

“I know how you feel, I lost my mother when I was really young” Sihtric tried to comfort you.

“I appreciate you trying to make me less sad, but pain is never the same, believe me…” you said with a small smile crossing your lips, caressing his cheek with your other hand.

Your gaze back to your father, you noticed a small leather band hanging at his neck. You pulled it out of his armor and smiled.

“What is that?” Sihtric asked.

Flashback to a village somewhere in Norway

“Father, father” 5-year-old you shouted, while running to a tall man with a face tattoo, standing at the docks with his back to you, talking to some warriors.

“Father, look what I found”.

The man turned around, looking at you, waiting for you to stop in front of him and got on his knees to inspect what you were holding.

It was a flat stone, exactly shaped like a snail shell.

“Y/N my dear child, where did you find that?” He asked with a soft voice.

“I found it in the forest, underneath some moss father” you voice filled with pride.

“Do you know what that is?” “No” “Then let me tell you” he said and leaning in to whisper “That’s the sea snake Jörmungandr, and this stone was sent by the gods, to protect the person who will find it from everything evil.”

“Is that really true father?” You asked.

“Of course it is”

Your eyes turned big with excitement and as fast as you were standing in front of your father, as fast you disappeared.

Your father smiling and laughing as you run away to find your mother.

You showed her the stone and told her what you planned on doing with it.

In the evening at the feast in the great hall you stood shyly behind your mother.

“Go to him, he will love it, trust me.” She spoke gently.

She shove you in front of your father and nudged your shoulder.

“Father… I … I have something for you, it will protect you in all the battles you’re going to fight” you said nervously, while giving him a leather band with the stone you found as a pendant.

Your father looked at it for a while, turning it around, inspecting it.

His mouth formed into a smile.

The biggest smile you had ever seen on him. He hanged the leather band with the stone around his neck, picking you up and shouting, so that everyone in the hall could hear him

“All men want their unborn children to be sons, so they could call themselves blessed by the gods” he said mockingly.

“But only a man with a daughter knows how you feel, when you are truly blessed by the gods!”

Everyone erupted in cheering and laughing.

That was your favorite memory of him.

“He had it with him all those years…” you mumbled.

“Y/N, the stones are collected, the hole dug, the funeral can be carried out.”

One of your father’s warriors interrupted.

“Thank you, Halfdan. Tell the men to bring my father there.” He just nodded.

Everyone from the camp gathered together to pay their last respects to your father. But you wanted to be left alone with him.

You stacked stone after stone on his body.

“I swear by the gods father, she will die a painful death for what she did to you” you murmured.

When you finished, you stayed till the sun set, thinking about your childhood and the time you spend with him, then making your way back to the camp into your tent.

Sihtric was waiting for you inside.

“I know it’s not the right time to tell you, but tonight is the night to disappear” he whispered into your ear. You just nodded.

You were waiting for Sihtrics sign, a rock thrown against your tent. You packed your weapons as you waited, planning to leave everything else behind.

You knew that Skade will be with him, and justice for her will come soon enough.

You noticed them walking across the field to “collect herbs” around a nearby a tree.

You followed them discreetly, with enough distance.

No one noticed you leaving.

Arriving at the tree, the three men were already talking with Sihtric and Skade.

She was kissing Uhtred. His three friends were completely oblivious to the fact you followed.

Suddenly the brown-haired man with the beard noticed, pulled out his sword and pointed it at you.

You halted behind Sihtric and put your hands up. “I thought no one followed you Sihtric? Wait… I know you, I have seen you before, you are the girl from Dunholm, the warrior, the daughter of Bloodhair. What are you doing here?” He wondered.

“Finan, she is coming with us. She is a friend. She is carrying my child…” Sihtric explained. “Your child?” Uhtred asked surprised, “does your wife know about that?”

Your chest thundered with panic, your eyebrows raising in confusion.

You turned to Sihtric, peering your head forwards towards him.

When Uhtred and his army burst into Haesten's fortress with swords drawn and shields raised, everyone was amazed at the silence that greeted them once they entered. There wasn't a single dane, it was as if they had all evaporated into the air.

"Uhtred... They did not just run away, did they?" Finan murmured, looking around.

"No, Finan. Something is wrong" Uhtred retorted, sheathing his sword.

Was it perhaps a trap? Were Haesten and his men hidden somewhere and would attack them at any moment? No, it was impossible.

Some of Alfred's men who were with them began to cheer, believing that they had retreated, but Uhtred continued to look around for something that might tell him the truth about what was happening. If Haesten had come up with a plan, he needed to find out quick.

Until...

"Lord!" Sihtric suddenly exclaimed, catching everyone's attention. "Up there!"

Uhtred and everyone else turned to look at what he was pointing at and saw a lit brazier on one of the tallest towers of the fortress. No, it wasn't just a simple lit brazier.

"That's a sign" Finan said in alarm, turning to Uhtred. "But for what?"

A look of realization formed on Uhtred's face, and he looked at his companions one by one.

"They're going to camp"

Osferth felt a pang in his heart and his mouth slightly parted in shock, while his eyes immediately filled with terror.

"Y/n..."

Finan and Sihtric looked at him worriedly, but before they could say anything Uhtred shouted to everyone to mount their horses and return to camp as quickly as possible. Osferth wasted no time and jumped onto his horse, then galloped along with everyone else towards the camp.

Uhtred, Finan and Sihtric saw him riding at great speed ahead of the whole army, so fast that they could hardly keep up with him. They had never seen him so terrified, but how could they blame him? You remained at the camp with other saxons and none of you could have known that the Haesten's danes were about to attack.

As he galloped, Osferth prayed within himself to God, Jesus and all the saints he knew that he had spared the lives of some innocent persons, but above all that he had spared yours. He couldn't even imagine returning to the camp and seeing your body slaughtered in the middle of the grass for no reason. You didn't deserve it. And he didn't know what he would've done without you.

When they arrived at the camp, unfortunately everyone saw the scenario they expected but didn't want to see. Tents burned and still burning, tables destroyed and cauldrons for preparing meals scattered around. But above all, the amount of bloody and cut bodies as if they were slaughter animals that decorated the camp was indescribable.

Osferth was the first to dismount, followed by Uhtred and the others. He looked around with wide eyes and his heart pounding in his chest. There were no danes around, only corpses of saxon men and women.

Osferth brought a hand to cover his mouth and almost felt a retch rising up his throat. The anxiety of finding your lifeless body among all those corpes was taking over his mind and soul.

"Oh God..." he murmured, advancing towards the inside of the camp. "Let it not be true, please, let it not be true..."

Uhtred, Finan, and Sihtric remained a few steps behind him. They didn't want to believe that they had let Haesten fool them so easily. And now because of them all those people were dead. And if they had had the weight of your death on their conscience, they would have ruined their own lives and mostly Osferth's.

"Y/n!" Osferth began to call you with a trembling voice. "Y/n! Answer me please! Y/n!"

"No one has survived…" Sihtric murmured, glancing nervously at Finan. He didn't want to be heard by Osferth. "Do you think that even Y/n-"

"No no no, we will find her" Finan replied immediately, with a tone mixed between determination and concern. "We must find her, okay? For Osferth"

Uhtred said nothing and saw Osferth spin around to look at every inch of the camp around him. There was no trace of your body. Yet. Only fate could decide whether this was a good or bad sign.

"Y/n! Y/n!"

He kept walking with the sound of his heartbeat booming in his ears and his palms starting to sweat. Where were you? Where the hell were you??

"No no no no..." he muttered, putting his hands in his hair. "Let her be alive, please Lord... Let her still be alive... Please, i beg you"

Osferth continued to call your name, but the only response he heard was the echo of his voice ringing in the air.

Suddenly, someone from behind placed a hand on his shoulder and Osferth jumped in fright, whirling around. When he saw Uhtred's sympathetic look, he still couldn't calm down. In fact, he felt like he was about to have an anxiety attack. Osferth looked at him with teary eyes, but managed to contain himself and shook his head.

"She's not answering, Lord..." he murmured in fear. "What if they truly k-killed her?"

Uhtred tightened his hand on his shoulder to try to reassure him.

"We will find her Osferth" he replied, looking at him with comforting eyes. "Whatever happened, we will find her"

Osferth sniffed, noticing that Finan and Sihtric were walking away to help him look for you. Then he looked back at Uhtred.

"I-I couldn't even say goodbye..."

Osferth lowered his head, accepting what had happened and began to cry silently.

Uhtred remained in sad silence. After all the loved ones he had lost up to that day, he could imagine the pain the poor young monk was feeling at that moment.

A few seconds passed until suddenly...

"Osferth!"

Osferth tensed when he heard a familiar voice call his name and Uhtred turned to look towards the woods, while Finan and Sihtric stopped in their tracks to do the same. Osferth jerked his head up, turning to look for the direction from which that voice was coming.

"Osferth!"

And finally he saw you. Osferth saw your body emerge from behind the trees and run towards him.

"Osferth!" you called him again, in desperation.

Osferth returned the cry by screaming your name and with a sob he too began to run to reach you. Behind him, Sihtric and Finan sighed in relief and Uhtred smiled slightly.

When he was a few inches away, you lunged at Osferth's body, wrapping your arms around his neck and hugging him as tight as you could. Osferth began to cry harder than before, pressing his cheek against yours and then nuzzling his face into your shoulder.

"I-I thought you were dead" Osferth sobbed, his voice muffled by your robes. "I thought you were dead a-and i wanted to die too. I-I'm so glad you're okay"

You cried too, stroking his hair and basking in the warmth of his body against yours.

"I-I’m fine" you murmured, pressing your lips against his temple. "I was afraid of losing you forever. But i'm okay Osferth, now we're together again"

"May the Lord be praised" he said, sniffing. "Thank you, thank you..."

You pulled away enough so you could place your hands on his cheeks, stroking them with your thumbs. You looked into each other's eyes and flashed him a smile which he returned weakly, despite the tears decorating both of your faces. Then he leaned down to kiss your lips softly and you closed your eyes, enjoying that moment of comfort and knowing that you were both safe now, in each other's arms.

When you broke away he rested his forehead against yours, closing his eyes for a few seconds. You both ignored all the men who stood still watching your touching moment. There was only the two of you and nothing would separate you anymore.

"God gave me a second chance and i don't intend to waste it" Osferth murmured, taking one of your hands and clasping it to his chest, over his leather armor. "I will always stay close to you, i promise. I don't want to lose you again"

You nodded, rubbing your nose against his. "And i will always be by your side"

Uhtred Finan and Sihtric looked at you with satisfied smiles and then walked away to give you a few last minutes of intimacy, before deciding together on a new plan against the danes.

You gave him another small kiss on the lips and Osferth looked into your eyes as the last tears escaped them.

"God will protect us"