#tlk headcanons

𝑼𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅

“Destiny is all… but you were never part of the plan.”

・This marriage is a strategic alliance. An act to broker peace between two warring factions.

・Even though Uhtred wants this peace, he isn't thrilled about it.

・At first his mindset was to keep you alive, but the more you got to know each other...the more he was in denial:

“I don’t care about her. I just need to make sure she stays alive… for the alliance. That’s all.”

・What started as a simple sword lesson had turned into him pushing you harder than he intended. Wanting you to see the true strength of opponents.

・He didn't want to sugarcoat what war and battles were. (Not that you had been fantasising about them anyway).

・Uhtred thought his lesson was going well until you finally knocked him to the ground.

・For a split second, he was shocked...stunned and then he stared up at you, breathing heavily. And then he smirked.

・Showing indifference, Uhtred trains you to fight. And adorns you with proper fighting gear, a shield and gets a blacksmith to make your very own sword.

・Even in the early stages of your marriage, Uhtred would subconsciously protect you - no matter where you were or what you were doing. E.g., even at the tavern, he never let anyone get too close (his men were like three other bodyguards)

・You were glad for Finan, he became like a brother to you. Always making things lighter, bringing the humour.

・Because you were constantly on the road with the four men. And Uhtred didn't trust anyone else to take care of you.

・But he would never say that...

・Sihtric barely spoke to you, but he held a lot of respect for you.

・Over time, Sihtric becomes one of your fiercest defenders, in battle and in life. Like a quiet shadow, a forcefield ensuring no harm comes to you.

・Osferth; he's your first friend, real friend, although he was a bit awkward. You become the sister he's always wanted. And he becomes that little brother who wants to follow you everywhere and do everything you're doing...

・The truth of Uhtred's feelings comes out during a heated argument. After nearly getting himself killed...again, you accuse him of putting too much at risk to gain Bebbanburg, that he cares too much about gaining that castle back.

・Shocked, ashamed, embarrassed that you would say that. Uhtred's face heats, and what you say is truth. Well, it was truth, until:

"I have spent my whole life fighting for Bebbanburg! But then you came along, and now I’m fighting for something else. For you. Don’t you see that?”

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖:

“My Heart” uses this one when you have private moments and when he feels vulnerable. I.e., after a battle or during soft, intimate conversations.

“Shieldmaiden” is used in front of his men, showing his pride in you.

“Wife” is both teasing and affectionate, often said when you’re being stubborn.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Shared Vision and Purpose

Closed Off (Uhtred) x The Person They Warm Up To (You)

Brave Warrior (Uhtred) x Self-Assured Damsel (You)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Home Is Wherever You Are

The Parents Of The Group

Reluctant Allies to Lovers

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Kingdom Dance by Alan Menken

Scotland by BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

I Had To Do That by James Newton Howard

𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏

“I didn’t want this, but now? I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

・Your marriage was a political alliance to strengthen ties between Ireland and the Saxons. Finan, as Uhtred’s right hand, was seen as a valuable connection.

・How else could Finan endure this other than with humour?

・As soon as you met him, he was cracking jokes. Sometimes he was funny, other times you were annoyed - because he was constantly making light of ... everything.

・When you called him out on it, he sighed, "I'm sorry lass. It's ah...the only way I know how to cope sometimes."

“She’s alright, I guess. I mean, for someone who can’t keep up in a fight…” (He says this right before throwing himself in front of an arrow meant for you.)

・Day by day, you were slowly opening up to each other. Learning through talking by the fire, on horseback, walking through the forest.

・Soon Finan began to lean close while talking to you, staring into your eyes, moving a piece of hair behind your ear, brushing past you "accidentally", etc.

・Finan was always looking to see if you were okay. Even in a crowded hall, his gaze would flick to you every few moments, but if he was ever caught, he'd smirk and look away.

・Whenever you feel down, Finan doesn't mind making a fool of himself to make you laugh

・If talking doesn't help, he'd happily slip in the mud during training or let Sihtric carry him around bridal style.

・One night, as a joke, you tied a small braid into his hair, saying it makes him look more "noble." He laughed it off but didn't take it out... he wore it for days afterward.

・His feelings are brought to light during a drunken night around the fire. The others were sharing stories about what they fight for; land, honour, family, ... fun.

・Someone asked Finan and as he was about to make a joke, he glanced at you.

・Your face was illuminated by the light of the flames, and it hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Her."

Silence fell. He looked to you who was wide-eyed, "I'll always fight for you."

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Lass” is his go-to—light, teasing, and affectionate.

“Trouble” slips out when you’re bickering or challenging him (which is often).

“Little One” is playful, his everyday teasing, often when he’s trying to make you laugh.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

You Fell First, But He Fell Harder

Constant Banter

The Sarcastic Duo That Can Finish Each Other's Insults

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Height Difference

Bickering and Banter

Timeless Love

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Say Yes To Heaven by Lana Del Rey

Valerie by the Midnite String Quartet

Happily Ever After by George Fenton

𝑺𝒊𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄

“You make me feel like I belong… like I'm worth loving.”

・For Sihtric, he was forced to marry you. The King willed it so. It was a cruel decision. the King wanted to somehow split up Uhtred's group - make it harder for them to be connected.

・It didn't turn out how the Monarch intended...the group just kept you with them.

“I don’t care if she notices me. I’m just here to protect her.” (He says while carrying a pouch full of the random trinkets you’ve given him.)

・You were trained by all of them in battle; how to defend, attack, how to do a shield wall etc.

・Spending time with the men was fun; even if Sihtric was silent most of the time.

・Finan always made you laugh, and Osferth made you feel comfortable no matter what the context was.

・In time, you truly thought of Uhtred as your leader. And you too called him 'Lord.'

・Sihtric constantly lingered in the background. He was always nearby, however, he was never imposing. Just ensuring you were safe.

・You were very different to what everyone thought. There was a softness in you. A heart of gold.

・When you became comfortable around Sihtric, you started to give him things.

・Particularly things you found on your journeys. E.g., many many rocks; smooth river stones, shiny pebbles (anything shiny really), beautiful feathers from birds, flowers that have specific meanings etc.

・And he keeps every single item.

・His pockets are completely full.

・Sihtric is constantly staring, but instantly looks away when he's caught. A small blush dusting his cheeks.

・Another thing is his quiet gestures...he'll fix your armor, puts extra supplies on your horse, sharpens your sword without saying a word.

・The love you hold for each other comes out during the aftermath of a brutal fight.

・You were tending to Sihtric's wounds, hands trembling as you stitched a deep cut on his arm.

・Sihtric couldn't help but watch your face, the concetration, the look of concern.

・You were both silent until you uttered, "You...you could have been killed," your voice was soft but full of emotion.

・Sihtric caught your wrist, his blood-stained fingers entwining with yours.

In a voice so wrapped with truth, Sihtric whispered, "I would die for you. Without hesitation. "

・This marriage wasn't duty anymore. Now...it was love.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Little Blade” pops up during training sessions or when you sass him.

“Mine” is possessive, intense, and usually slips out during high-stakes moments.

“Angel” when he’s overwhelmed with how much he adores you.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Madly In Love (Sihtric) x Ridiculously Oblivious (You)

Sun (You) x Moon (Him)

Always Bringing Them Rocks They Think They Would Like (You) x Keeps The Rocks (Him)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Healing and Redemption

Unbreakable Bond

Emotional Intimacy

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino

Sex On Fire by Midnite String Quartet

Fire In The Water by Feist

𝑶𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒉

“You make me brave. Brave enough to be yours.”

・The marriage was to save your life. Many Saxons wanted you dead, but a marriage to a religious Saxon meant you'd be safe.

・Early on in the marriage Osferth would blush at everything you did. From compliments to teasing, he was constantly red-faced.

・But as your time together grew, he started seeking out those moments.

・Even though he’s usually mild-mannered, if anyone speaks poorly of you, Osferth is the first to step up; sword in hand, voice shaking, but unwilling to step down.

・Osferth would give you thoughtful gifts. Small items like a bunch of wildflowers, a smooth stone, etc. But never admitting they’re from him.

“She’s just being friendly. That’s what this is… right?” (As he turns red after you compliment his sword-fighting.)

・Both of you faced your feelings when he thought he lost you.

・It was after a battle; a close one where you all were separated from each other. You were missing for a few hours, and Osferth had been searching unrelentlessly.

・With each moment his panic had risen. His heart beating so fast he thought he might die.

・But he did find you. You were unconscius but alive.

・Osferth cradled you, tears in his eyes while whispering his feelings:

“Please, don’t go. I… I love you. I should have said it before.”

・You stirred at his words, opening your eyes, smiling lightly.

・Blinking slowly, you hummed. Moving to hold onto his arm.

"I love you too."

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Sweetheart” is his everyday term — filled with gentle love.

“Dearest” slips out when he’s overwhelmed with love — often in moments of shyness or soft confessions.

“Braveheart” is used when he’s overwhelmed by your strength, often after emotional or dangerous moments.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

He Confessed His Love When Thinking You Were Unconscious 

Black Cat (You) x Golden Retriever (Osferth)

Menace To Society (You) x Living Moral Compass (Osferth)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Trust and Dependence

Intertwined Destinies

Love Conquers All

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush

The Train by James Newton Howard

Let The Light In by Lana Del Rey

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒈𝒈𝒓

“I would follow you to the ends of the earth—because without you, none of this matters.”

・There was constant tension whenever you were around Sigtryggr.

・He rarely spoke to you in the early days of your marriage.

・Seeing it only as a way for him to gain more power

・And in return, your family would be safe - your village, kingdom, would not be harmed by any Dane.

・You kept your own beliefs and wore your traditional family clothes, even though you did not know when you would see your family again.

“She talks too much… but I don’t want her to stop.”

・Watches you when he thinks you aren’t looking.

・His stoic exterior hides it, but he studies you. Including how you smile, how you move, how you speak.

・Sigtryggr knows what your favourite colour is, what you like to do with your time - all because he notices things. And he wants to know more about you.

・He lets you in; allows you to see glimpses of his vulnerable self.

・He shares stories of his past, things he’s done, things he regrets and waits to see if you’ll turn away. You never do.

・And in a world where he controls everything...he lets you make decisions. E.g., about where to travel, what to eat. He values your opinion.

・When both of your feelings were revealed, it was during a difficult situation.

・You had confronted him after a harsh decision in battle. He had executed someone who defied him.

・It shocked you. But ... you understood. Traitors had to be punished, maybe he went a bit far this time but you understood.

・In the comfort and seclusion of your shared bedroom, you spoke your thoughts.

"Don't you think that was a bit ... brutal? I mean, yes he was a ... traitor but you could have done anything else-"

"I know you think I'm a monster," he replies, his voice low. He wasn't facing you, almost as if he wouldn't. Or couldn't.

"A monster?" You replied, shocked.

"Yes! Do you think I wanted this? To be this man?" His words came out like venom.

You soften, and step closer, "No. No, you aren't a monster. Sigtryggr, I have seen the good in you!

His gaze turns to you, utterly and completely. Gently taking a hold of your wrist, voice low and vulnerable: “I’ve done terrible things… but I would burn the world for you.”

・No more pretending. You had the realisation that...he is completely, undeniably yours.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Beloved” used during rare, emotionally charged moments e.g., after a battle, during confessions, or when you’re vulnerable together.

“My Flame” is used when there's passionate, heated arguments or intimate moments.

“Little Chaos” he calls you this when you’re being unpredictable or teasing him.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Soulmates

"I've done terrible things in the past" (Sig) x "All i care about is who you are in the present" (You)

The Hyperactive (You) x The Unheeded Voice of Reason (Sig)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

I Can't Exist Without You

Healing and Rebuilding Together

I Go Wherever You Go

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

One More Hour by Tame Impala

Margaret by Lana Del Rey

there would be a feast that night. music; dancing; ale and wine; women.

the two men glared at one another, pumping out their chests.

“ya only want her ‘cause i do.” finan accused, narrowing his eyes.

sihtric smirked, oddly-coloured eyes darting to you, then back again. “i would have spotted her eventually, my friend.”

“well i spotted her immediately,” finan countered, thumbing the leather of his doublet. “how many times do i wonder ya’ve seen her before and not batted an eye — blue or brown?”

the dane scoffed, thumbing his own leathers as he shifted his feet. “i think i would remember a lady like her, finan.”

“funny,” finan took a step nearer. “i don’t recall seeing her around. i’d remember her, too.”

sihtric quirked the brow that bears a scar beneath it. “uh-huh, what is her name?”

“. . .”

“. . .”

“well i don’t know that yet, do i?” finan chided, a little too defensive. “ya little runt.”

“can i get you lads anything?”

they both jumped at the melody of your voice, finan’s hand flying to his chest while sihtric gazed down at you with bulging eyes.

you gave them a strange look, lips smirking. “did i scare you?”

once finan regained his composure he cleared his throat and leaned against the bar, eyes soft. “you could never scare me, lady. please, excuse my friend,” he leaned forward to whisper the next bit. “he’s not great with women.”

you shot a glance at sihtric who rolled his eyes at the irishman.

“ale?” you offered, jug in-hand.

sihtric parted his lips to speak, but finan turned to him with sour features and hissed. “i saw her first.”

then he returned his gaze to you. “i’d love one, sweet lady.”

you smiled and filled his cup. “and you?”

“i would also love one.” sihtric propped his elbows atop the bar as you poured him some ale, eyes wondering over your face.

“it is rude to stare, my friend.” finan scolded him, which earned him a giggle from you. he smirked, proud. “and get ya mucky elbows off the lady’s bar.”

sihtric only motioned to finan’s own arms which were bent against the oak, then uttered his thanks when you slid the cup into his open hand.

“what is your name?”

finan scoffed at the dane’s question. “smother the poor woman, why don’t ya?” though he was only annoyed he hadn’t asked you that first.

you looked between them with a smile, then gave your name. sihtric grinned at you, igniting a flutter within your stomach. “a pretty name for a pretty lady. please, call me sihtric.”

he offered his hand and you took it, only to flush deeply at your cheeks when he turned it in his palm to kiss it. “and this here is finan.”

the man in question glared at sihtric through a swig of ale, then turned to you. “i would kiss your hand, lady, truly i would. only, i don’t know where my friend’s mouth has been. . . on many other women, i reckon.” he leaned closer to murmur, “if i were you, i’d wash ya hands.”

“thought i was not great with women?” sihtric nudged him. “do not listen to him, lady. he is a jealous little man.” he leaned closer also. “but i am not.”

finan took another sip, then forced himself between sihtric and the counter. “i saw you first.” you chuckled at that, resting a hand at your hip.

“and i do not think ya pretty, i think ya beautiful.” then he glanced back at sihtric as if to say ‘hah.’

“would ya dance with me tonight?” he asked you, and behind him sihtric huffed.

you took your lip between your teeth, eyeing each of the men as they awaited your answer. “the tavern will be busy, but if i find the time, then yes, finan, i’d be honoured to dance with you.”

he pushed himself away from the bar with a grin, the masculinity that festered between them almost as potent as the stale air of the alehouse.

“i will see you boys later.” you said with a smile, then left them to their bickering.

they both wished you farewell at the same time, then exchanged standoffish expressions once you’d gone.

“you only did that because i was winning.” sihtric grumbled, drinking from his cup.

“i was going to ask her anyway. it’s like i said, old friend,” and finan took a gulp from his own. “ya not great with women.”

“at least i asked her name.” the dane shot back.

“i was going to ask her for her name before ya interrupted me.” snapped finan, his brow wrinkling.

sihtric finished his drink, then clapped a hand to the irishman’s shoulder. “so it begins, then.”

finan shrugged his hand off. “so begins nottin’. she’s mine, you’ll see.”

“for now, maybe.” sihtric leaned toward his ear. “soon we will see who is truly great with women.”

as he sauntered away, finan watched him with a face like a slapped arse. “ya just a baby!” he called after him, then sunk his weight against the counter. “i saw her first.”

“might i have this dance?”

you turned at the voice’s familiarity, the steel tankard in your hand squeaking as you polished it. “still competing with your friend for the first dance?”

“well, i asked first.” finan reminded you with a cheeky glint, a far less predatory gloss to his eyes this time.

you nodded and returned the tankard to its shelf, then leaned against the counter. he mirrored you, leaving a small gap between your faces.

“like how you saw me first?”

“precisely,” he glanced around, then turned to you again with that same mischievous gaze. “i think ya can retire from ya duties to join me for a moment.”

the bar was empty, save for you. everyone else was dancing or drinking or both. “i think i can, too.”

so he led you into the space where people swayed to the music, lost within themselves and each other.

“ya look beautiful.” he told you, one hand landing at your waist whilst the other took yours in his.

“why, thank you.” you gushed, resting your other hand atop his shoulder.

you moved in time with the song — a slow, steady beat. he pressed you to him, holding you close. over his shoulder you caught sight of his friends, a familiar face standing out from the rest.

sihtric watched you behind his alehorn, not drinking from it, but rather trying to conceal his thoughts. you could read them just fine; his expression did him little justice.

“your friend appears thwarted, to say the least.”

finan did not need look to know. “he is not known for taking defeat so lightly.” he hovered his lips at your ear, breath tickling it. “just another reason why i am the better choice.”

“i see.” you lifted your fingers from his shoulder to give sihtric a small wave. the gesture was not returned, his focus solely pinned on shooting daggers at the back of finan’s head. “he is not happy.”

“let him stew in his misfortune.” finan gave your back a light pat, regaining your attention. “and let us enjoy ourselves.”

you challenged him with an arch of your brow and a broad, goading smile. “you hardly know me. do you think my affections are won so easily?”

“i know ya enough.” he retorted with practiced charm. with a silver tongue such as his, it was small wonder to you how he survived so much. “and i plan to become acquainted with ya all the more, if i may.”

you glanced at sihtric again, his eyes fixed to yours and finan’s interlaced fingers. “you may.”

— HOW IT PROCEEDED.

you’d never known such attention, especially not all at once. it got to the point that you contemplated asking uhtred he put the two men on leashes.

“finan, i can manage.” you griped as you heaved a barrel from the wine cellar.

“are ya sure?” he asked, arms at the ready should you changed your mind.

you huffed, eyeing the man. “very sure.”

“here, allow me.” offered sihtric, reaching for the barrel.

“thank you, but that’s quite alright.” you rebuffed, wishing they’d stop badgering you.

“you heard the lady,” finan folded his arms. “she said she could do it. are ya questioning her ability to move a barrel, sihtric?”

you groaned, on the verge of banning them both from your tavern.

“i am simply concerned for her wellbeing,” his friend parroted back. “those barrels can be heavy.”

“so are ya questioning her strength?” finan continued to stir the way he would when he felt sihtric had, how he’d say, the upper hand.

“you tried to carry it first.” sihtric shot back with his usual sass. “you are usually the first to point out how you are the first.”

“so childish.” finan said with a tut, then turned to you. “such a man-child. ya cannot be doing with that, sweet lady.”

you scrubbed at your eyes, hands dropping when you could finally face them again. “listen—”

“he started it!” sihtric blurted, pointing at the irishman who looked between you with a shake of his head.

“see now, i would never snap at ya like that—”

“right, both of you out.” and you herded them toward the door. “come back when you have grown up.”

finan began to chime in but you held up a silencing hand. “no, i have heard enough.” you told him sharply. “out.”

sihtric sniggered.

“i am angry with you, too.” you told him with a jab of your finger.

his face dropped and you slammed the door before he could pipe up.

“now look what ya did.” finan hissed, delivering a smack to the back of his head.

and then there was the time the door to the tavern just ‘came loose’. to this day you’re certain one of them loosened the hinges on purpose.

“my sweet lady,” finan announced, opening and closing the door a few times, then gave it a tug. “it would seem this door has seen better days.”

“you did slam it rather hard.” sihtric voiced, barging finan from his way to inspect the hinges.

“yeah, ‘cause of you.” finan grumbled, batting the dane’s hands away. “ya don’t even know what you’re looking at, little dane.”

“i am taller than you.” sihtric quipped.

finan tsked at that. “by a finger nail, perhaps.” and stuck his middle finger up.

sihtric swiped for it. “how many doors have you fixed, anyway?”

finan threw him a sidelong glance, then gave the door an ‘expertly’ tap in several different places, pressing his ear to the wooden face of it. “ah, i know what the problem is.”

sihtric glared at him, incredulous. “what are you listening for?”

“it has woodworm.” finan concluded, thumbing his belt as he turned to you. “an easy fix, if i may, my darlin’.”

“woodworm.” sihtric scoffed. “you made that up.”

“everything was made-up by someone.” the irishman retorted.

you smirked at their exchange. “what is woodworm, finan?”

“it is a wood-eating infestation, my dear woman. it burrows into the timber, ya see,” he pointed at the door, but at no part of it in particular. “nasty things, so they are.”

“you do not talk like that,” sihtric remarked. “you read that in a book, didn’t you?”

“at least i can read.” replied the irishman lowly.

“how did it get in there, then?” sihtric challenged, arms folded.

finan blinked, then squinted at the man. “in all manners of ways, i’ll have ya know.” he took a step toward him. “care to explain in which manner my foot ended up your arse?”

sihtric snorted. “your foot is not up my arse.”

“not yet.” finan leered.

“you are funny, finan.” the blue and brown-eyed man took a step forward, too. “if you are looking for a stick, i might know where you lost it.”

“spose i should start looking at my lovely lady’s backside where i’d be sure to find yer lips, ya little arse-kisser.”

“children, children, please.” you wrenched an arm between them and they backed away from one another. “fix my door, if you must, then kindly be on your way. i have much to do and would rather do it without your squabbling.”

they glanced at you; then at each other, stared the other down; then both raced for the door.

you watched them fight over the hinges, trying to jam their hands into the small gap whilst shoving each other in the side.

it was like watching two kids fight over a slice of cake.

then finan snapped his hand back with a wince, cradling his fingers. “ya did that on purpose, ya shite!”

“i did not!” sihtric placed a hand over his chest, feigning shock or even offence. “you are clumsy.”

“they call me finan the agile, not finan the clumsy.” he growled. “i dance around men on the battlefield, y’know.”

“well, work your magic, by all means.” sihtric took a step away from the door. “dance.”

you shushed them and took finan’s hand in yours, assessing his fingers. “well, they are not broken.” you told him, stroking them gently. “but swollen, yes.”

“he could have crushed them.” finan mumbled, laying it on thick. “ya don’t want to let a finger-crusher court ya, lady.” he kissed his teeth. “bitter little man.”

“if i were truly courting her, it would not be her fingers that risked injury.” sihtric deadpanned, though the implication made you blush all the same.

“and you keep calling me little,” he went on, smirking over his shoulder. “you are the one with small man syndrome. i know this because you display every symptom, friend. temper-tantrums, a fuse almost as short as you, and the like.”

finan huffed out through his nostrils. “by a finger nail.”

you shook your head, adjusting his fingers within your grip. “can you bend them?”

“of course, i can, sweet’eart. we irish aren’t so brittle.” and he bent his fingers in front of your face, then booped your nose. “gotcha.”

“you put your fingers in the way because it is the only way you can get the lady to hold your hand.” sihtric accused, wobbling the door in its frame.

“ya just shitting y’self ‘cause a bruised ego isn’t so easy to tend to.” finan quipped, then leaned down to murmur. “he has chased so many other women, ya see. now he has many wounds from his attempts to show for it.”

sihtric muttered something under his breath, still struggling with the door.

“such a shame that he’ll soon have a broken heart to accompany them.” finan chortled, then let out a pained noise when you bent one of his fingers back.

“be nice.” you berated, then approached sihtric. “those women must have been blind.”

the younger man smiled down at you, finally freeing the door from its rusted hinges.

“what’re ya doing?!” finan marched up to him, conveniently placing himself between the two of you. “why did ya take the whole bloody thing off?!”

sihtric looked at him like he’d been asked to recite the alphabet backwards. “you said it had worms.”

“it’s not a physical worm, ya absolute menace.”

“finan is right.” you laid a hand atop his shoulder. “they are beetles.”

they turned to regard you with expressions that alternated between both surprise and perplexity.

“how d’ya know that?” finan asked, genuine.

“because i know what woodworm is,” you told him with an amused smile. “and my door does not have it. if it did, you would see the damage.”

finan opened and closed his mouth again with a furrowed brow, then you turned to sihtric. “please, put my door back.”

“yes, go on. very bad manners to rip a lady’s door off.” finan told him with a wag of his finger. “he is heavy-handed, always has been.” he drawled, low like a murmur.

“you said it had worms.” sihtric hissed, trying to realign the door.

“i said it had woodworm which is a beetle.” finan corrected with a smirk.

“well you were wrong.” then sihtric switched his glare to a sweet smile when he looked to you. “do not fret, my fair lady, i will fix it.”

“with what? hopes and prayers?” finan pushed him aside. “let me handle this.”

you ended up having to replace the door entirely and fitted it yourself whilst they watched.

oh and how could you forget about the bouquet debacle? you’d never received so many flowers.

“those are pretty flowers.” sihtric had observed one day, nodding to a cluster of floral wildness that sprouted from the soil before him — each petal differing in shade from the last.

“so they are.” finan agreed.

they looked at each other, then the flowers, then each other again. there was a pause, then the two men dove for the bloom, hands wrestling for their stalks.

“find your own flowers!” sihtric seethed, clenching them in his palm while his free hand tried to pry finan’s away. “and do not tell me you saw them first.”

“how do ya know i didn’t?” finan grunted, digging his boots into him.

but it was the dane who prevailed. he leapt to his feet, bouquet raised tauntingly. “you got to dance with her, it is only fair.”

finan rolled onto his side, dusting his front down. “that’s fine, some men do not need flowers to impress a lady. make it your apology gift for breaking her door.”

“i helped her mend it.” sihtric defended, wiping bugs and dirt from the flowers.

“ya did not,” finan took to his feet. “ya got in her way until she kicked ya out.”

sihtric narrowed his eyes at him. “you hammered the nails in upside down.” he waved his hands around, exasperated. “how do you even hammer something that only has one sharp end in upside down?”

“i was distracted by her beauty.” finan grinned, arms spread out at his sides.

“she cannot hear you, you know.” grumbled the former.

so that night, sihtric presented you with the bouquet—a little bent and misshapen—but you appreciated the gesture, placing them in a vase along with the others that both men had offered you over the weeks. you’d acquired quite the collection; the tavern never smelled so nice.

and finan arrived soon after, unveiling a fresh loaf of bread. “here,” he’d said. “a lady who works so tirelessly must keep her strength.”

your stomach growled at the sight and you took it in both hands, very thankful indeed. “oh, thank you! i will get some bowls. please, eat with me.”

the irishman grinned, triumphant. he was absolutely considering it a date. but his smile faded as soon as it came when you invited sihtric to join you.

when you disappeared to the kitchen, sihtric threw an angry finger at the man. “you do not bake.”

“i never said i do.” finan sighed, helping himself to a jug of ale. “you did not grow those flowers.”

“no, but i picked them personally.”

“and i bought that bread personally.”

the only time the pair of them saw eye to eye when it came to you, was when you dared to spike another man’s interest.

“are you seeing what i’m seeing?” sihtric nudged his friend.

“i am.” finan answered into his cup.

“she is laughing.” sihtric panicked, shifting in his seat.

“yeah, at him.” finan slammed his cup down, straightening in his chair to watch more closely. “he is making a fool of himself, surely.”

they both watched from afar, faces thunderous when the man touched your arm. you didn’t back away.

sihtric shook his head, jaw ticking. “i think she is enjoying his company.”

“so the man has jokes,” finan was practically seething. “so do i.”

you indeed were laughing when they approached, though on closer inspection your laughter seemed forced and solely at the man’s expense.

two gravelly throats cleared themselves behind him and he turned, jumping a little. “can we help you?”

you smiled, then took that as your opportunity to escape.

“no, but you can.” sihtric told him, hand poised at his sword’s hilt.

the man glanced at it, then back up, gaze flitting between them. “and how might i do that?”

“by leaving.” finan jutted his chin in the door’s direction.

the man frowned. “i don’t understand—”

“i do not think we can make it any clearer.” sihtric warned, slicing at the words with his tongue.

finan took a step nearer, expression fierce. “we could arrange to have ya carried, big man.” the threat was delivered icily, so much so that the man shuddered.

he never bothered you again.

— IF YOU CHOSE SIHTRIC.

it was probably through rather traditional means. with uhtred’s blessing, he vowed to wed you before he bed you.

he would not wait long before taking you for his wife. the battle for your heart had been a tedious one, perhaps the toughest he’d ever fought.

might as well make it official before his god.

but it had been uhtred who took it upon himself to hurry things along. “sihtric, loyal friend, we cannot bear these longing looks of love much longer. wed the girl, of this i actually beg. you know i do not beg.”

it made sihtric laugh, deep and from the pit of his chest. “lord, i fear the longing looks will not stop with marriage.”

finan, to your surprise, was not as sore of a loser as you’d expected. you broke the news of your decision to him gently out of fear he might kill his opponent, but if anything, he took it on the chin like it merely inconvenienced him.

he took sihtric’s hand, then clasped his shoulder with the other. “ya fought well, my friend. i guess all that arse-kissing paid off.”

sihtric chuckled, genuine and hearty. “it did, friend. she will be my bride, finan. that means you will not have to worry about losing to me next time.”

the irishman guffawed and drew a cross over his chest with his fingers. “well, thank the lord for that.”

of course, he still held a torch for you. a flame like that is not so easily extinguished. on the odd occasion, finan would throw a wink or a flirtatious comment your way; harmless, and no doubt to soften the blow of seeing you at his best friend’s side every day.

he might remind you of what you could’ve had, but sihtric would soon shut him up with a stern glare.

so they drank to it like men, both of them secretly relieved that their little contest had come to an end, which in the grand scheme of things was pretty silly.

“i let ya win, y’know.” finan jeered through a mouthful of ale.

“well then i must thank you, finan,” sihtric grinned. “thanks to your act of virtue, it is me who gets to hump her, not you.”

“virtue?” finan grinned. “a big word for a dane. where’d ya learn it?”

“it is not that big.”

“y’know what else isn’t that big?”

sihtric huffed. “please, do not say my cock.”

— IF YOU CHOSE FINAN.

you went to sihtric first, letting him down gently. he did not try to hide his disappointment but he smiled and said, “the heart wants what it wants. i wish you both happiness, sweet lady. and my friend deserves a woman as kind as you. finan, he can be a lot, but he will never harm you.”

so you went about seeking out the irishman, though you always hear him before you see him.

and when you told him the words he’d been yearning to hear since the moment his eyes first found you, he ravished you in a way one might inhale a mutton chop amidst starvation.

a man starved, he certainly was.

he had not been with a woman since meeting you, and with a sex drive as high as his, he was pleased he had not deprived himself for nothing.

to put it simply, he did not wait until your wedding night to hump you.

if anything, it was uhtred who encouraged him to elope before he impregnated you. “finan, the two of you are like rabbits in spring. for the love of what is good and pure, marry the poor girl.”

and so he did. and before long, there were many mini finans running around to remind sihtric of his loss.

finan

when drunk, this agile fuck is anything but. he'll come home stumblin' in with chris norman and suzi quatro, burp, and barely catch the tumbling vase when he bumps into the dinner table. big brown puppy eyes will scan the place to locate you while he gains some semblance of balance, trying to blink out of the drunken stupor, feeling ever so blessed when he, in his rat-arsed haze, finds a whole three of you lying on the bed.

"fuck me," he breathes, then hiccups, unable to take his eyes off of your smaller frame heaving slightly in your peaceful slumber as he hopscotches out of his boots before he loses his footing and plumps down on the mattress with a thud. his large hand greedily reaches across, squeezing a handful of your arse. "ma beautiful missus."

"piss off," you croak wearily, swatting away his hand, earning a feigned sob.

"no fair," he mutters as he clumsily rolls closer, sneaking an arm around your belly and tugs you into his warmth. "ya can't mean i can't touch my wife when she lies 'ere so fine."

you'd roll your eyes if you cared to open them, but can't help the flutter in your stomach when you're enveloped in his comforting presence. you writhe out of his bear-like embrace, snuggling into the furs though it's hard not to immediately miss his touch. "wash up and maybe i'll let you sleep up here tonight."

finan grumbles as he lazily leans back on his elbow, admiring you for a moment longer before finally complying. "as the missus wishes. but if yer gonna lie with your arse out like that there won't be much sleepin'."

osferth

not that he's a lightweight, but this babe is definitely having a hard time keeping up with the rest of the boys. he buckles under their pressure and is the laughing stock when he pukes, or falls asleep at the table, or stumbles over his own feet, but as long as he's the one making them laugh their asses off, osferth's happy.

he's even happier, though, when they finally let him off so that he can return to you. a warm embrace reserved just for him, cuddling up under the furs, feeling your soft skin against his own—he's so blessed. heaven on earth? you are it, he is convinced.

he'll be still as a mouse when he returns home, press a soft kiss to your forehead and whisper that he is home so you don't get startled by his low rummaging about. as he starts undressing and delicately folds his clothes over the back of a chair (cause he's a good boy and doesn't leave messes behind), he's watching you with lovesick eyes and a sheepish smile, thanking his god for giving him a woman as good as you.

when he slips into bed and the dip on the mattress moves you closer, he tenderly wipes the hair from your face, instantly melting when you tiredly lean into his touch, sighing softly. "hi, love."

you hum peacefully in response and wriggle closer so that he can hold you. as you drowsily nuzzle your face into the crook of his neck, planting a sleepy kiss under his jaw, the headache and nausea disappear in an instant, and he falls asleep while you body molds to fit in his cradling arms.

sihtric

stealthy as ever, he quietly enters your home and slumps down on the stool by the fireplace, languidly ridding himself of his clothes. he's so focused on not making a sound that he doesn't notice the bed squeak when you move or the floorboards creak when you approach him from behind.

he inhales sharply when he feels your soft touch on his shoulder before your lips press against his throat, inadvertently moaning raggedly before suddenly flinching away, grumbling, "noo—i 'ave a wife."

you giggle, pinching his strong chin beneath your fingers, lifting his glossy gaze to meet yours, mismatched eyes intense despite the blurry lens of intoxication he's looking through. "you're a lucky one then, huh?"

a contented sigh of relief escapes him, a small and lazy smile curling his lips as his strong and calloused hands firmly pull you into his lap, possessively snaking around your form, holding you impossibly close as he breathes in your scent. "the luckiest. you are my wife." a chuckle escapes you, interrupted by a gasp when you feel him ground you down on his hardening length. "will my pretty little wife let me get even luckier tonight?"

Leofric has a rather big family, consisting of two younger sisters and a baby brother. Since he’s the oldest, he’d look after them before he left to be a soldier in Odda’s army.

His sisters needed someone to do their hair for them in the mornings, so he’s surprisingly good at braiding hair. Don’t tell anyone that he secretly loves doing it.

Leofric would also play fantasy with them when he wasn’t busy. He would play either the heroic knight coming to save the day, or he’d be the villain, and one of his sisters would be the hero.

Being the oldest boy, Leofric did most, if not all, of the chores around the house, including household chores. He can cook, clean, and badly sew, in addition to farming, cleaning the barn stalls, and guard duty. He’s not good at sewing in the slightest, but if there’s a hole in his clothes, he can easily fix it himself.

Leofric secretly really cares about the Arseling—Uhtred—more than he’d like to admit.

Once he moved to serve under Odda’s rule, his family would travel every few months to visit him. His parents aren’t around too much growing up, but they still support and love him nonetheless.

When Uhtred found out about his hair braiding prowess, Uhtred started to ask him to braid his hair too. It took only a little bit of begging before Leofric caved in, but only under the condition of being allowed to put flowers in the braids he made.

To be completely transparent, he’s never been with a man like that before, but he’s thought about it one too many times for it to be a phase. In all of his fantasies about it, Leofric has always imagined himself on top.

When he first met Uhtred, he couldn’t figure out if he found Uhtred stupid because he was stupid; or if it was because he was having a gay crisis. Turns out, it was both. There’s just something about that idiot that makes his heart beat faster and makes his palms sweaty.

He didn’t only have eyes for men, however. Leofric is attracted to more than his fair share of women as well. Why only pick one when you can have the best of both worlds?

Leofric is an amazing lover, no doubt about it. He knows how to listen and will center all of his actions around making his lover feel good. To say he’s a service top is an understatement.

He really enjoys going down on his lover, regardless of their gender. It’s one of the easiest ways to get them off and he likes to do it, so it’s a win-win for both parties.

When it comes time for the main event, Leofric prefers to do it in a position where he can see your face. Shoving your face in a pillow makes him feel as if he’s forcing himself upon you, so he prefers to be able to see the pleasure on your face rather than having to imagine it. It’s more romantic this way, too.

Believe it or not, Leofric is a real romantic in bed. By his appearance, one would think he fucks just as rough as he looks, but they’d all be wrong. He wants nothing more than to take his time and to ensure that you both enjoy the entire experience.

His favorite positions are any and all variations of missionary. Depending on the mood, he’ll fold you in half with your legs resting on his shoulders, or he’ll have your legs wrapped around his waist while he nestles his face into the crook of your neck.

If he truly cared for you, Leofric would marry you before bedding you. Honor and all that bullshit.

After he marries you, with permission from King Alfred and Lord Odda, Leofric would find himself a good estate/plot of land to build you a home on.

He would build you a giant hall filled with everything you ask for and more. He puts you in control of all of the decorating since he’s absolutely terrible at it.

He incorporates gardens and flower beds into the design of the main hall for you as well.

When it finally comes time for you two to move in, Leofric will pick you up bridal style and carry you across the threshold of your new home. Don’t tell anyone about how big of a sap he truly is.

The night you move into your new home, Leofric hosts a huge feast in your honor. Everyone who is anyone is in attendance, including Uhtred, Hild, Father Beocca, and all of Uhtred’s men.

Osferth has really bad allergies. Don’t ask him to do anything remotely stealthy during the spring because he will sneeze and fuck it up.

Despite all of his friend’s teasing, he’s not a virgin in the slightest. He’s been with a fair amount of women in the past, so he knows what he’s doing and he’s good at it.

He lost his virginity to Finan. It happened a year or so after Osferth joined the group. They were holed up in a village with nothing to do other than stare at each other and the four walls surrounding them. Osferth had finally had enough of Finan teasing him about it, so he gave him some of his own medicine.

Finan sat next to him with crossed arms, a smirk plastered on his face. “You’re not convincing anyone, baby monk. You act all tough but melt at the sight of a woman that’s thirty yards away,” he teases, his accent thickening as he laughs.

“Oh yeah?” Osferth chewed on his bottom lip, stewing over his choices. Making up his mind, he climbed into Finan’s lap, legs straddling the man’s hips. “If you’re so convinced I’m a virgin, Finan, then why don’t you take it?” he offers, mimicking the Irishman’s smirk.

Finan’s hands went to his sides immediately, pulling him down to grind against himself. “Is that what you want, baby monk? Positive you can handle what you’re askin’ of me?”

He nods, spreading his fingers across Finan’s chest. Osferth grinds back on him, hips moving with the pace Finan had started. “Mm? It sounds like you’re not up to the task. I could always ask Sihtric—”

The Irishman flipped them over suddenly, pinning Osferth beneath him, hands firmly above his head. “Quiet, Os. Before I make you be quiet.”

Sihtric and Uhtred slept in the stables that night. Turns out it didn’t matter; Osfeth’s loud when he bottoms.

Osferth will go down on you without question. He loves doing it, it’s like one of his favorite pastimes. He just can’t get enough of how you taste, how you smell, the sound of your whimpers and whines. He won’t stop until you either call the safeword or start crying.

His favorite position is either doggy style or spooning. Osferth likes the intimacy of sex in the spooning position, it makes it feel more like lovemaking rather than fucking.

If you let him, he’d cum inside of you every chance he gets. Osferth likes watching it drip out of you after he pulls out. If he’s feeling bold, he’ll finger his spunk back inside you, ensuring everything stays inside where it belongs.

Believe it or not, Osferth is the king of dirty talk. No, seriously, he is. He loves the romantic parts of sex just like any other man, but sometimes he needs to indulge the nasty, filthy part of it with you.

Imagine: he has you naked and kneeling in front of a full-length mirror, forcing you to stare at the reflection of yourself getting pounded from behind. His hands are wrapped around your waist, thumbs and forefingers gripping the fat of your hips. Osferth’s snarky smile is plastered across his lips as he watches his cock slide in and out of you over and over.

“Aw, my love, look at you,” he smirks, “getting fucked on all fours in front of a mirror-like a common alehouse whore.”

It’s safe to say that this only happens when he’s in a town with an inn. There’s no way in hell that he’s doing this when there’s a chance of Uhtred, Finan, or Sihtric overhearing.

Just like his uncle Leofric, he’ll save enough silver to buy a house wherever Uhtred has settled down for the time being. If you get married while they’re still on the road, he’ll do his best to find a nice village or town that the two of you could explore together for a couple of days.

Osferth will 100% marry you. Hands down, no questions about it. Getting married has been one of his biggest goals in life, so getting the opportunity to complete that with you makes him insanely happy.

He cries when he sees you walk down the aisle at the wedding. Finan, his best man, has to help him keep it together so he could get through his vows without breaking into tears. Please give him tons of extra kisses, he deserves it so badly.

Osferth’ll set up your tent for you every night. He makes a point to always pitch your tent as close as possible to the fire to keep you warm. He keeps plenty of furs available for you as well. Almost an entire trunkful of their traveling supplies is just furs and extra furs. You can never have too many in his book.

His adoration for you is so, so obvious and it’s adorable. Finan will ride next to you on the road to tease you about it, never wandering out of Osferth’s earshot.

Whenever Finan teases him about it, Osferth lights up like a damn torch. It’s all in good fun of course, regardless of how relentless Finan is with his teasing.

No matter how many times you tell him you can handle/enjoy the gentle teasing his friends give you, if Osferth feels like they’ve gone too far, he will tell ‘em off. He’ll still be respectful about it, but all respect will be thrown out of the window if he catches anyone, friend or not, questioning your honor fists will fly.

Osferth’s snarky little smile will show itself whenever he’s the one who gets to do the teasing. He can’t help himself sometimes, it’s just too damn easy to get you flustered. His favorite way is to back you up against a wall with a hand next to your head, effectively caging you in. He leans in real close to your face, his nose almost brushing against yours. Osferth then starts to whisper against your soft lips, words ranging from sweet nothings to filthy, lust-filled ones based on his mood.

“Oh god, my love. Look at how pretty you are, pressed against me like this.”

(those marked with an * contain smut and are only suitable for 18+)

Duty, Love, Betrayal - Chapters 24/?* (on hiatus)

I See You | Finan x Lucinda (edit)

The Irishman Who Loved Me (co-written with @morosemagick ) - Chapters 5/?

my hand was the one you reached for - Chapters 17/17*

It Can’t Be You | Finan x Eowyn (edit)

loml | Finan x Eowyn (edit)

The Time Traveller and the Immortal- Chapters 1/?

don't let the hard days win

Breakthrough; Part 1, Part 2

'Do I know You?'

Why?

The Irishman Upstairs *

'You're smarter than you look'

Drunk, Miserable, & Lonely

An Impossible Decision (Sihtric x Reader, Finan x Reader)

Embracing them from behind (150 celebration)

A Family Reunion

One Spring Day *

The Lucky Ones *

Touched by Fire - Chapters 24/24*

Walk Through Fire - Chapters 21/21*

Forged by Fire - Chapters 7/7*

Fire Turns to Ash - Chapters 29/29*

Behind the Character - Lucinda (my OC)

Some reflections on Lucinda and Fire Turns to Ash

you'll never have to be alone - chapters 20/20*

This wasn’t supposed to happen

Holding Me Back

placing a hand on the back of the other's neck (150 celebration)

My Heart’s Yours

Flower Crowns

Nightmare

Memories and Loss

Show up at my door

What I lost in you I will not replace

Roommates

A Cruel Game

Swept Away

‘Scared to be Lonely’*

A Beautiful Contradiction

An Impossible Decision (Sihtric x Reader, Finan x Reader)

making them food they like (150 celebration)

kiss to the side of the head (150 celebration)

Show Me What You're Made of *

a tether to the land of the living

The Best Christmas Ever

My Person

Cornflowers

My Home

you care so much

Missing You Now - chapters 5/5*

wondering if you were ever coming around (Aethelflaed x Erik)*

Sharing an Umbrella (Aethelflaed x Erik - 150 celebration)

Another Love (Aethelflaed x Finan) - chapters 5/?

Miscellaneous Fics:

Young and in Love (Young Sihtric x OC) - chapter 8/9

The Secret Garden (Edward x Reader)

The Blind Monk (TLK x Daredevil crossover)

and I shall sleep in peace until you come to me (Uhtred & Sihtric)

it's peaceful in the deep (Coccham Squad)

Finan & Sihtric - putting a blanket on them (150 celebration)

Conversations by the River (Aethelstan)

Don’t Wait for Someday (Aelfwynn x OC) - Chapter 1/?

Non-Fics:

TLK edits by me

SEASON 5 REVIEW

SEVEN KINGS MUST DIE REVIEW

TLK x Star Trek headcanons

TLK fic recs

Some thoughts on Brida

Challenges:

Ems100 Challenge Masterlist

Ems200 Challenge Masterlist

Ems300 Challenge Masterlist

Ems Midnights Celebration

You and your brother had always been very close, even in your childhood days long ago

You two would cause mischief around the village you lived in and the people would complain to your parents, who would just smile and pretend they knew nothing about it

Finan was always the funny one, who has a joke at the tip of his tongue anytime and always has something to say

You, are the more quiet and while Finan is talking, you're observing. You like to watch people and try to understand them, they way of thinking

When Finan is taken as a slave, you go into a break of rage and will not stop looking for him, ever

You travel the seas, you ask around, you fight, you do all you have to do to find Sverri and his ship. The ship your brother was in

When you find him again, you realize you had gotten too late to help your brother because another had already done such a thing or so, he had helped himself

When you first see Finan again on a tavern in Wessex, where people had heard rumors of a man like him being around when you asked, he is well, well cared for. In fact, he looked as heathy as ever

There were two more men with him, and he was laughing with them like they were family

You called for him, and his face when seeing you was so full of happiness you will never forget it

You hugged tightly, a few tears were shared

You ended up sitting down for a drink with those men, and Finan introduced you to Sihtric, Osferth and Lord Uhtred

He explained how he escaped with Uhtred, how he drove his sword through Sverri's throat and looked into his eyes as he died

And that brought you an enormous satisfaction

You asked Finan to leave with you, but he said he could not, because he was now sworn to serve Lord Uhtred

It did not take much for you to give the man your own oath. Both because you wanted to stay with your brother and second, because he had helped your brother escape and that was priceless

From then on, you travel with them and you quickly realize how good they are as a group and you accept the fact that you are now a part of that group yourself

They value and respect you, every one of them, and you do the same for them

When the time demands, you fight together in the shield wall, side by side

And in those moments, you would look at your brother and he would be slightly smiling, raising his eyebrows at you

𝐔𝐡𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐝

・In the late afternoon sun, you were riding in the march towards the battlefield.

・Not far from Uhtred, you heard the gallop of someone approaching.

"Lady," a young soldier said.

"Aye, you have eyes. Good for you," you replied without looking at him.

"No, Lady, you've been summoned."

・You snorted.

・As did your horse.

Your voice fell flat as you spoke, "no one summons me."

・The young soldier looked around for help, and his eyes saw Uhtred, who broke from the formation.

"She is right, no one summons her-" Uhtred began to say.

But the young, and quite nervous, soldier, butted in "-sir please, can you tell your wife that she is needed elsewhere."

・You looked at Uhtred, who looked at the soldier than at you.

・Father Pyrlig had appeared from nowhere (he had been galloping behind the soldier trying to get him to stop before he reached you.)

"Did you not hear me, boy?" Pyrlig rasped from his horse.

"No Father Pyrlig, I had my orders-"

"You have been a soldier for all of five minutes and now look. You've made things awkward. And held up the line. Look! Anyway. I was trying to tell you...she listens to no one but Uhtred."

And without missing a beat, the boy-soldier said,

"Yes, like a good wife should."

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧

・You had been in a constant battle of wits with Finan all morning.

・The rule was that the first to break i.e., smile/laugh, would lose and have to do what the other says for the rest of the day

・As noon ticked by, Uhtred's men and yourself had reached your destination.

・Men nodded to one another, climbing off of horses and clasping arms.

・It wasn't until a young ... well you couldn't even call him a man yet, he barely fit the uniform...

・So the young man had approached you two, helmet still on and asked, "why did you bring your wife to battle?"

・Both, you and Finan blanched.

・You looked at Finan, who looked back at you and smirked.

"Aye, can't get rid of her. So, I just take her with me," and then the Irishman shrugged.

・Your nose flared.

・The young soldier nodded and disappeared.

・Finan started laughing.

・You were bright red.

"Finan...I win."

"What? No!"

"Yes! You smiled! You're laughing!"

"Only because -"

"No, Finan. Rules are rules. You must do what I say for the rest of the day, Husband."

・But oh...You have no idea what that word, coming from your mouth, does to him.

・He so desperately wants it to be true.

𝐒𝐢𝐡𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜

・You laughed along with Finan, spilling ale and wheezing at his jokes. A funny man became hilarious when drink had been drunk...

・Sihtric watched from the opposite bench, with stars in his eyes as he looked at you.

・He had barely drunk any ale, but still smiled, with everyone revelling around him; all he could think about was you.

・Truth be told, you were on his mind constantly.

・At night he lay with your smile in his mind. The way you rolled your eyes behind Uhtred's back. Or the way you pointed out cows when travelling.

・You hadn't drunk this much in a long while. But you wanted to celebrate with everyone else.

・But with Osferth gone to bed, Finan being hoisted onto the back of Uhtred, Sihtric was ... well he was your designated handler.

・Ushering you out the door, you walked ... well, you wobbled to your room

・Finan was nearly unconscious, but still making it difficult for Uhtred to carry him.

"I want another drink-" Finan began, and Sihtric laughed, "there is more in your room."

"Oh, is there!" You said, turning to face him. But the movement was too much and you tripped.

・Luckily Sihtric had caught you.

・Then an unfamiliar voice sounded behind you all, making Sihtric, Uhtred and yourself turn:

"Your wife seems quite the handful!" The man said and kept on walking.

"That was odd," Sihtric murmured.

𝐎𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡

・You two had risen with the sun, unlike Uhtred, Finan and Sihtric.

・You decided to take a stroll with one another. It was a thing you did together often. Both close friends, having spent much time together, you grew to like his company...

・In the dim morning light, you walked through the edge of town, and came across two girls. Sisters. Not many years apart.

・They were both holding a bunch of wild flowers, and walked straight toward you two and looked at Osferth.

・It was the older girl who spoke, "Does your wife want a flower? They're pretty!"

・Osferth was shook to the core.

・But you just smiled and nudged him.

"H-How much?" Osferth asked, and the girls squealed. They had not approached you two for business.

・Osferth gave them more money than they had ever seen (which wasn't much in the big picture of things. But to two girls under ten, it was a lot.)

・They gave you half the bunch and ran home, giggling all the way.

・You looked at Osferth, and suddenly became shy. He looked at you and smiled, tucking one flower behind your ear and handing you the rest.

𝐀𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦

・A month had gone by since the last time you saw Aldhelm and you missed him dearly.

・unbeknownst to him, he had missed you more than you could imagine.

・You finally had the chance to visit Mercia and so you went.

・Travelling the roads until you got to the gates.

・Lady Æthelflæd was glad to receive you. She knew the feelings Aldhelm had for you, but she never pried.

・After refreshing yourself, you walked to his chambers and knocked on the door.

"Just a moment," a called out. He was nearly completely dressed to walk out the door.

・You didn't say anything

・Aldhlem opened the door and his jaw nearly fell to the floor.

"Why didn't you tell me it was you!"

・His arms slid around you, pulling you flush against him.

"I wanted to surprise you!"

"Well consider yourself accomplished. Because I am."

・All you could do was smile. And hope that Aldhelm couldn't hear your thumping heart.

・He took you down to the alehouse; telling you this was a cause for celebration.

・The whole while, your arm was threaded through his, your shoulders bouncing against one another as you walked.

・Then suddenly an old, grouchy voice sounded -

"With that much touching, I do hope you are married..." the old man said. His skin weathered. Lips thin.

"Very immodest," another grunted.

They nodded along with one another, and you couldn't help but blush.

"Do not worry about them," Aldhelm said, still holding onto you, but the look in his eyes was all too obvious...to everyone but you.

𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜

・You both had been riding day and night to catch up to the King.

・News from Uhtred had shaken the very course of this war with the Danes.

・Arriving at first light, you both dismounted, and slightly grunted in doing so.

・Leofric helped you, and stayed by your side as you both searched for the King's tent.

・Just as you were about to enter, a guard standing at the entrance made a comment.

"Oh, so once Leofric humps a woman, he drags her with him, wherever he goes? I want a woman like her."

・Leofric turned slowly, eye twitching as the words hung in the air.

"Say it again," he growled. Looking straight at the man. He was shorter than Leofric, and was much stupider than he.

・The man mumbled something.

"Aye? What was that?" Leofric grunted, taking one step forward.

・You watched Leofric, who was the most mad you had ever seen him.

"I'm sorry," the man said. Barely above a whisper.

"Don't apologise to me, you ass. Apologise to the lady."

"I'm s-sorry m'lady," the man wobbled as he spoke and lowered his head.