thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“Oh, she was no burden…” Osferth says with a silly smile. “Really, no trouble at all… Yes, Lord Uhtred is with the Princess,” he says, returning your smile with a smirk of his own.

@revnashieldmaiden

Road to Bebbanburg....

Just before dusk Uhtred reins in at the spot Sihtric has chosen to be the campsite for the women and children. He looks over at the younger Dane, giving him a nod of approval when he takes in their surroundings. A nice flat meadow with a backdrop of trees offering cover should the need arise. He can hear the sounds of a stream nearby, the soft tricking of water as it flows along its banks.

Dismounting Tintreg, Uhtred feels a wave of anxiousness come over him. Bebbanburg only lays a couple hours ride to the north. Just within their grasp. Glancing over at Finan, Uhtred feels his heart starting to pound in his chest as a slight tremor comes to his hands. He has been dreaming of this moment for so long, reclaiming his birthright, but now more than ever he has so much he could lose. If anything were to happened to Finan, he knows he wouldn’t be able to live with himself. He tries to push those thoughts from his head as he looks over the men surrounding him. Irishmen, Danes, Scots and Northmen, their numbers more than he could have ever hoped for.

Uhtred has never been one to shy from a battle, but he can help the ominous feeling that comes over him. He just prays to the Gods for their protection for those he holds dear. No matter what happens to him, as long as they are safe, as long as they win this battle for them, all will be right. The home he promised his love, finally theirs.

Coming out of his reverie, Uhtred looks over at the men starting to unload the wagons and set up tents. “Make sure the women are set up comfortably with everything they need in our absence.” Uhtred shouts out, as he walks Tintreg towards the river so his horse can get a drink. Taking a deep breath himself, Uhtred calms the emotions coursing through him.

“It’s time…Bebbanburg belongs to me.” He softly says to himself almost as a mantra to prepare himself for what’s to come and to steel his nerves.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @asksihtrickjartansen @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden

[thebabymonk868]

“Hey…” Osferth says.

“Finan did it. You were there. And you see how the light has returned to his eyes. Don’t you?” Osferth asks.

“It’s because he finally faced it, Sihtric. As we all must. In one form or another. We even stand here as our Lord begins to face his own.”

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

Osferth’s eyes widen at the Dane’s words.

“No! Don’t even say such a thing,” he says.

“You need deep healing, and that is for certain. You cannot just hide from what tears at your insides. It won’t go away until it is dealt with… and death is surely not the answer. Maybe you should have faced Dunholm with more certainty… as I have tried at the palace of Winchester. It’s where our ghosts hide that we may find ourselves renewed.”

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

Osferth takes a long breath, releasing it as a soft sigh. He shakes his head.

“It could be… something like it. Restoration, perhaps. Pride. Healing,” he says.

“… what is your heart telling you?”

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“I know,” Osferth nods against him, still holding him close while his hand caresses his back. “I know…”

The baby monk not only empathized deeply with Sihtric’s grief and trauma. He was utmost in love with him, and hated seeing him in pain.

“Your soul needs rest. It will feel better without the hyper vigilance of Dunholm,” Osferth whispers.

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

Osferth nods, before taking the Dane’s hand to pull him closer. He wraps his arms around Sihtric, snuggling him in for a warm embrace.

“I’m right here,” the baby monk says softly.

“… where would you like to be? Would you like to get away for a little while?”

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“I meant… ah, nevermind,” Osferth says. When Sihtric speaks, he moves to step in front of him, to place both of his hands on his shoulders and take a good look at him. He wants to admit the same… that he hopes Alfred doesn’t show too readily in his features.

“I think… you look like you,” Osferth says, giving the Dane a tender smile as he looks into his eyes.

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“The women are content!” Osferth chuckles.

“You can hump, whenever you need it… God knows you probably do… all that brooding,” he laughs again.

“If I know you well enough, you probably need to eat, too. Would you like to join me?”

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“Too envious?” The baby monk chuckles. “Of which one, I should ask…”

“… oh, Sihtric hush. You are always dedicated to us, to your family… give yourself some grace.”

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“It’s true. I only meant for his own selfish reasons,” Osferth chuckles.

“Hey…” he says, placing his hand on Sihtric’s shoulder. “I’m here… if you need me.”

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“Perhaps the journey would be quicker if Uhtred did not insist on stopping along the way,” Osferth smirks.

“Are you brooding?” He jests, looking into the Dane’s mismatched eyes.

@asksihtrickjartansen

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“A good morning, Sihtric,” Osferth says, cheerily adorning the Dane’s side.

“A day’s ride from the women’s camp, I hear. And then we’ll be on to the fortress.” He says, trying to make it seem exciting, but in all truth the baby monk is always nervous for battle.

“What are you thinking about?”

@thebabymonk868

Sihtric stands on an overlook, facing away from the camp. There is still such unsettlement in his blood, feeling like there is too much he still has to find disclosure for in Dunholm, but his blood also yearns to do battle for Bebbenburgh. He's a bit guilty for not being as present a father as he can be, the Gods know he pulled his weight with every single one of his other children.

His two oldest stand by his side, dressed ready for battle.

The Dane had to admit, it scared him a little to see his daughter carry a battle axe and his son brandishing a sword.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @askuhtredragnarson @lagertha-lothbrok @elspethofalba @revnashieldmaiden @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

PERI BAUMEISTER, ALEXANDER DREYMON and EWAN MITCHELL as GISELA HATHACANUTESDOTTIR , UHTRED RAGNARSSON and OSFERTH ↳ THE LAST KINGDOM (2015 - 2022), dir. RICHARD SENIOR | 2x07

[thebabymonk868]

“Yes, Lord… Finan and Bjorn are being tended to for injuries. They just arrived back through the side gate. I am almost certain everyone is inside, but I will check right away, Lord.” Osferth says before hurrying away.

“Lord!!” Osferth beckons, entering the Hall of Dunholm to see Uhtred and Ragnar seated at the long table.

“T-there has been a fight, Lord! Haestan has been recovered, a fleet of Danes killed by Finan and Bjorn Ironside,” Osferth says.

“There is also a fleet approaching the gate, but they are not Danes… they hold the flags of Wessex…

Steapa is at the head of them, he asks to speak with you.”

- @thebabymonk868

@warriorabbesshild @asksihtrickjartansen @askuhtredragnarson

Uhtred abruptly stands from his chair, knocking it over in his haste. Osferth’s words setting a dread deep inside him. So much for a reprieve from their travels. It appears trouble is intent on following them where ever they go. He hears Ragnar barking orders at his men to lock down the fortress and line the ramparts.

“There was a fight? Haestan has been recovered? What the Hel is happening?” Uhtred growls as he strides out of the Hall towards the gate with Osferth on his heels.

Men rush past them in their haste to get to their posts. Uhtred has no doubt that the fortress will hold if these men from Wessex decide to attack.

“Osferth! Make sure everyone is accounted for.” Uhtred orders the baby monk as he continues to the gate to meet with Steapa.

@thedarkprinceofulaid @warriorabbesshild @alfredofwessex69 @asksihtrickjartansen @thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

Osferth grins at your excitement.

“I missed you too, Lady! I’m sorry for my own delay in seeing you,” he smiles, giving you a warm hug. “The battle was quite fruitful, but debilitating, and I’ve been aiding the men with their injuries.” He lets out a shaky breath.

“Yes, I believe it to be about Dunholm.”

@revnashieldmaiden

“Revna,” Osferth smiles as he approaches the Shieldmaiden.

“Your husband requests audience with all of us within the Hall.”

@thebabymonk868

Seeing my best friend brings a smile to my face. “Osferth! It is so good to see you. I have missed you so much.”

I hold out my arm for Osferth to take under his as we walk towards the Hall. “Finan has requested an audience with all of us? Is it about our return to Dunholm?” I ask the young monk.

@thebabymonk868

[thebabymonk868]

“Finan!!!” Osferth shouts. “They’re mine!”

Osferth is quickly distracted by a few Viking women passing by who give him teasing looks.

“L-Lord, I will come to you in the morning, to hear of your battle plans…” he says, though no longer looking at Uhtred as he trails after the women.

@askuhtredragnarson

“Lord… Lady,” Finan drawls with his trademark cheeky grin as he approaches Uhtred and Gisela at a table in the center of the Hall.

“Apologies for bein’ absent…It did much to ease my heart and mind,” he shrugs as Uhtred gives him a knowing smirk.

“Now that the Northmen have assembled, I assume plans of siege will be underway at any time. The Northmen have agreed to aid us in our quest,” he smirks.

Lagertha and Bjorn’s forces easily added hundreds to Ragnar’s already large fleet, and the Irishman was starting to have a renewed hope for Revna’s safe return. That, and he could potentially bestow upon his brother the revenge that had been simmering underneath his bones for years.

“I owe them my deepest gratitude,” he drawls as he glances longingly at Lagertha across the room. He takes Uhtred’s hand, kneeling in front of him.

“As well as you,” he says, kissing Uhtred’s hand.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

@warriorabbesshild @lordaldhelmofmercia @asksihtrickjartansen

Seeing the spark in Finan’s eyes brings a smile to Uhtred’s face. Whatever has been going on between the shield maidan and his second command seems to have brought him out of the depths of despair, and for that, Uhtred is thankful. He only wished he had been able to do more for the Irishman, but maybe what Finan needed was the comfort only a woman could provide.

Uhtred reaches out, placing his hand on Finan’s neck, craving even more contact with his love. “It makes me happy to see that hope return to your eyes.” Glancing around the Hall at all the strong warriors at their disposal, he has no doubt they will be triumphant in the battle to come.

“Before we leave on our journey, we need to discuss our plan of attack. We need to find the path that ensures Revna’s safety in the siege to come.” He gives Finan a solemn look. 

Having never been to Irland himself, Uhtred is unsure of what to expect. How many men might they be up against? The layout of the land. The little bit Finan has told him about his brother, the man is ruthless in his desire to punish Finan. Might he try to use Revna as a shield to protect himself. Will he threaten her life to try to get to Finan? All of these unknowns plague him. Winning the battle will mean nothing if they lose the one thing they are seeking. The safe return of their shield maiden and of her child. 

@thedarkprinceofulaid @asksihtrickjartansen @warriorabbesshild @lordaldhelmofmercia

[thebabymonk868]

Osferth approaches excitedly, not caring so much that Uhtred and Finan are wrapped up in a kiss. He was starting to get used to their insatiable passion for one another.

“Hey!” Osferth rings out. “The Vikings said they’d kill me, but when I told them you were my Lord, they backed off,” he smiles, snickering.

“They gave me these,” the baby monk smiles, opening his hand to reveal a palm full of dried mushrooms.

@askuhtredragnarson

“Lord… Lady,” Finan drawls with his trademark cheeky grin as he approaches Uhtred and Gisela at a table in the center of the Hall.

“Apologies for bein’ absent…It did much to ease my heart and mind,” he shrugs as Uhtred gives him a knowing smirk.

“Now that the Northmen have assembled, I assume plans of siege will be underway at any time. The Northmen have agreed to aid us in our quest,” he smirks.

Lagertha and Bjorn’s forces easily added hundreds to Ragnar’s already large fleet, and the Irishman was starting to have a renewed hope for Revna’s safe return. That, and he could potentially bestow upon his brother the revenge that had been simmering underneath his bones for years.

“I owe them my deepest gratitude,” he drawls as he glances longingly at Lagertha across the room. He takes Uhtred’s hand, kneeling in front of him.

“As well as you,” he says, kissing Uhtred’s hand.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

@warriorabbesshild @lordaldhelmofmercia @asksihtrickjartansen

Seeing the spark in Finan’s eyes brings a smile to Uhtred’s face. Whatever has been going on between the shield maidan and his second command seems to have brought him out of the depths of despair, and for that, Uhtred is thankful. He only wished he had been able to do more for the Irishman, but maybe what Finan needed was the comfort only a woman could provide.

Uhtred reaches out, placing his hand on Finan’s neck, craving even more contact with his love. “It makes me happy to see that hope return to your eyes.” Glancing around the Hall at all the strong warriors at their disposal, he has no doubt they will be triumphant in the battle to come.

“Before we leave on our journey, we need to discuss our plan of attack. We need to find the path that ensures Revna’s safety in the siege to come.” He gives Finan a solemn look. 

Having never been to Irland himself, Uhtred is unsure of what to expect. How many men might they be up against? The layout of the land. The little bit Finan has told him about his brother, the man is ruthless in his desire to punish Finan. Might he try to use Revna as a shield to protect himself. Will he threaten her life to try to get to Finan? All of these unknowns plague him. Winning the battle will mean nothing if they lose the one thing they are seeking. The safe return of their shield maiden and of her child. 

@thedarkprinceofulaid @asksihtrickjartansen @warriorabbesshild @lordaldhelmofmercia