#eadith x osferth

[skatingthinandice]

I judge very little, for I am in no position to.

[the-common-cowgirl]

The Lost Children -

Part 4

Summary: The group embarked on their mission only to be spotted by two of Brida’s scouts as they crossed into Mercia. A chase ensues and you are injured. Osferth cares for your injury and you both let pent up feelings free. Only, Osferth comes to his senses.

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Mentions of Animal Death, Blood, Injury, Fluff, Angst, Kissing, period typical slut shaming, religious guilt, mentions of arousal, heavy petting.

Word Count: 3.5K

“Don’t put that thing near me or I’ll bite it off, so help me G-“

You were cut off with Finan shoving a cloth into your mouth, gagging you.

“You need to be quiet when we mend your leg, girl.” Finan exclaimed with a hushed, hurried tone in the low bank you were in.

Of course you knew you needed to be quiet. Two of Brida’s scouts had spotted the group as you made your way into Mercia. This resulted in a small chase. Your old, bay horse tripped on a tree root in the chase, causing you to go flying from the horse and hurt your leg. The Dane scouts would have caught up to you lying on the ground and captured you if Osferth had not spun his horse around and lifted you into his saddle, successfully escaping the nearing scouts.

And now, you were in a low bank, with a cloth wrapped tightly around your head and through your teeth with Eadith hiking your skirt up so high that Osferth and Sihtric excused themselves for your modesty. Uhtred of course was busy keeping an eye out for the scouts if they should find the group.

A sharp stick was stuck under the skin of your thigh, poking the muscle. Enough so that when Eadith tried to pull it out, you kicked at her with your free leg, missing her by an inch. She must’ve been used to her patients retaliating, you thought between the surges of pain.

“Finan, grab her other leg,” Eadith ordered. As soon as he had hold of your other ankle, Eadith pulled with enough force that had you reeling in pain. Your hands flew on their own to push her off of you; this time you didn’t miss and she landed on her bottom in mud, painting the arse of her dress brown .

Clearly frustrated, “Go get someone to hold her hands too,” she barked at Finan who obeyed without hesitation, quickly jogging to where the men were. In little time, he came back with Osferth who had his eyes downcast, trying not to look at your exposed legs that neither Eadith or Finan seemed to give a second thought about. “Sit behind her and hold her arms tight.”

Osferth began to object behind you but Eadith shut him down immediately, “She is loosing a great deal of blood and she somehow has enough energy to keep fighting us.” Eadith’s lack of patience had Osferth obeying her order without objections this time. You felt Osferth move behind you to sit and he gently brought your hands behind your back as a cool sweat started to form on your brow and your gaze started to go hazy.

His soft grip felt comforting around your wrists but as Eadith tried again to pull the stick, your hands flew free of his hold and you tried to shove her again, this time, Osferth’s forearm reached around your front and pulled you flush against him. “Sorry,” he muttered - you were unsure if he was speaking to you or Eadith for lacking at his task.

Eadith had grown frustrated. “I cannot try many more times before the stick is too slick with blood to pull! Osferth, hold her tightly. Do not let her go. Same for you Finan.” Then her eyes turned on you, “For Heavens sake girl, stop resisting help.”

Your vision was darkening and you felt a strong hold on your wrists behind you, painfully so. It distracted you momentarily from the pain of the stick wedged into your thigh being ripped from your body. Every touch felt delayed or distant and you were vaguely aware of a muffled scream then it being cut short by a hand over your mouth. You head spun as the world tumbled forward and the last thing you heard was Osferth saying, “It’s okay. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

The world went black.

Your eyes felt heavy and a dull ache throbbed in your head as you were jolted awake. Slowly opening your eyes, you were met by a dimmed sky. Slowly realizing you were in the back of a covered wagon laying in the softest bed of furs you had ever slept on. Lifting your head took great effort due to the absence of your energy but when you did, you saw the back of Osferth’s head. As if he knew you were awake, he looked back at you and a smile broke across his face. He pulled the horse up to a halt and shouted for the group to do the same as he moved from the seat to the back of the wagon where you lay.

“How are you feeling?” He asked and took your hand, absentmindedly feeling for a stronger pulse but the action had your heart fluttering just a bit at how concerned he was for you.

“Heavy,” you replied as your head unceremoniously fell back into the soft furs. His thumb now brushed against your wrist gingerly. “Where did you get a wagon?”

“Sold your horse for meat to a nearby village to get the wagon.” Your eyebrows furrowed together in sadness as you looked at him. He gave a sorrowful look, “I’m sorry. I thought you didn’t care for the beast.”

“He was a good mount, he didn’t deserve death.” You were surprised at how your heart betrayed you and began to mourn for the old, ugly gelding.

“He was worse off than you after the fall. He welcomed death like an old friend after the pain he was in.” Osferth’s words made you feel better, knowing the bay was given a merciful death.

“He broke his leg?”

“Aye, lady.”

“Osferth, if I ever hurt myself so badly, make sure you give me a merciful death as well.” Your words were soft and true, he knew you weren’t speaking with sarcasm or anger like your normally did. You seemed too weak for that.

Your eyes were growing heavy again as you felt the wagon rock a little and Eadith’s voice, “She awoke?” Your eyes now closed but you knew Osferth nodded.

“She’ll make it then. She’s past the worst of it.” Eadith reassured him.

Sleep was beginning to embrace you again, despite its return, you were keenly aware of Osferth’s soothing thumb over your pulse.

“What about her fever,” he asked, quietly as if not to stir you.

Eadith was silent for a while before she answered him. “You’re a man of God, Osferth, pray.”

When you awoke again, the air was cool and there was no light but a flickering fire some distance away. You realized you had woken to the wagon shaking, someone was climbing in but you were too tired to care.

Your eyes found Osferth’s and he looked startled that you were awake but the shock soon faded as a smile spread across his face. You returned a weak smirk and you could almost see his heart flip.

“I - uh- brought you some stew.” He moved with a bowl and sat with his legs crossed beside your head. Setting the bowl down on the even wooden surface of the wagon that did not make up your soft bedding, he moved to help you prop yourself up. As you did so, your leg throbbed with a dull, burning pain and your head pounded. You could hear the group at the fire some distance away but could not see them due to the privacy the covered wagon offered.

Osferth smiled and grabbed the bowl., dipping the wooden spoon into the stew and gently blowing on it to make sure it wouldn’t burn you. The action was tender, sweet, foreign. You offered him a weak smile and he brought the spoon to you lips. As you slowly sipped the stew, you grew uncomfortable at the action of someone else feeding you, making you nearly lose your appetite. Once the first spoonful was gone and Osferth went in for a second scoop, you stopped him.

“I think I can feed myself,” you said trying to hide your discomfort.

Osferth furrowed his brows, “Are you sure? I can-“

“Yes,” you cut him off, “I’m certain of it.” You said with a little too much finality to be pleasant.

Osferth dropped his smirk a little and offered the bowl and spoon to your weakened hands. Feeding yourself took a bit more care as you were greatly reduced in strength, but you felt more comfortable this way.

Once you finished, you felt incredibly full and offered the bowl and utensil back to Osferth. “Did you like it?” He asked with a proud expression on his face.

You nodded, “Yes.” You willed yourself to be pleasant despite feeling as though you might vomit from how uncomfortably full your stomach felt.

“I made it.” He admitted with a smile, “I used to make it back in the monastery and the brothers devoured it.”

“Back in the nunnery, I was barred from the kitchens.” You admitted to him with a laugh as your stomach was easing down. You were grateful to share a similarity in your upbringing that wasn’t a sour memory.

Osferth laughed, “But why?”

“The sisters believed I was a cook of the devil for everything I cooked, somehow burned.” You laughed at the memory and Osferth laughed with you. It was a warming feeling; to feel humor again.

“So what were your chores at the nunnery?” He kept his bright eyes on you joyfully, simply happy that you were happy.

You huffed a short laugh through your nose, “To stay out of the way.” You both giggled at that. Once you recollected yourself, “Or gathering. I’m quite a good gatherer,” you admitted with pride.

Osferth raised his brows, “Oh really? Did you acquire that skill whilst doing your first chore?”

You tilted your head at his joke and eyed him in disbelief, “Did Osferth make a jest?” You both laughed. Once the laughing died down, you two just stared at each other in bliss, happy to be in the other’s company.

Then, a wave of realization washed over Osferth abruptly, and he shifted in sitting position. “Uh I forgot, I need to,” he stammered, suddenly uncomfortable, “Eadith is-“ he began, “Lady Eadith is busy. She asked me to,” he tripped over his words. “Lady Eadith asked me to clean your wound tonight.”

You gave a short chuckle at the reason for his sudden change in demeanor. “What must you do to it?” You asked, trying to sound like Osferth hiking up your skirt did not excite you.

Osferth began to blush. “Clean the would with a wetted rag and pour this over it,” he produced a small bottle of what you assumed was strong ale from a pouch that hung on his hip.

You nodded and reached for the hem of your now patched skirt. Osferth’s hand came to yours mid-grasp. “Wait, I’ll do it. I have to go get the rag wet in the river below.”

You nodded and Osferth left quickly. Your heart beat wildly at what was about to happen. You didn’t care about the prospect of pain from cleaning, just the mere thought that Osferth was going to see you immodestly had a light sweat breaking out over your body.

When he returned, you were still propped up, nervously biting your nail. Osferth settled next to your leg without a word, water droplets running between his slender fingers and down the bony knuckles of his hand. “May I?” He asked, bringing you from your trance.

“Yes,” you replied, not knowing what you agreed to let him do but knowing you’d most likely let Osferth do anything to you he so desired. You could almost hear the nuns that raised you calling you a harlot but you didn’t care in the wake of Osferth’s light touch at your ankle.

Osferth grasped the hem of your skirt and lifted your dress, keeping a hand on your other covered leg to protect your modesty and only reveal to him what he needed to see in order to clean your wound, nothing else. He rested the raised skirt on the bone of your hip and just below your undergarments. You kept his gaze trained on your wound; definitely not on your long, slender legs you were, for some reason, bending at the knee ever-so-slightly.

The wet rag moved against your wound and you sucking in a sharp breath. Osferth looked at you in terror, horrified that he hurt you more.

When the stinging subsided, you let out an uncomfortable, strained laugh, “Have you been doing this when I’ve been asleep? Not used to me being in pain?”

He shook his head, running the rag along your wound again gently, “No, Lady Eadith has been tending to you. This was the first time I was asked.” He moved the rag against you again, causing you to tense once more.

You let your head fall back, not wanting to look at the swollen pink wound anymore that you knew was infected from the discolored ooze Osferth was wiping away.

“That should do it,” Osferth announced to himself after some time of the cold rag gently caressing your wound. You heard the bottle uncork and prepared yourself for the worst of it. You remembered helping tend to wounds in the nunnery, when the alcohol was poured over the infected wounds, the girls would scream.

I will not scream, you told yourself, I am stronger than they were.

“This might hurt,” Osferth warned. Suddenly, the cold of the liquid touched your wound and you began to let out a squeal that had Osferth putting his hand over your mouth to silence you.

When it was over and the stinging subsided, he released his hand. “I’m sorry,” he apologized softly, “We are in Dane Land. We need to be quiet.”

You scoffed, “Tell the ones around the fire that.” You could still hear some of them talking even at this distance away. You pulled yourself back up to sit against the wagon sideboards.

Osferth bristled at your returning unpleasant attitude but did not say anything. He turned to set the bottle of strong ale at the front of the wagon. When his face found yours again briefly, then his cheeks turned the color of roses and he would not meet your eye, looking down to his hands.

Suddenly you realized your skirt was still hiked up to fully expose your injured leg and the tiniest glider at your undergarment. You began to chuckle at Osferth’s discomfort.

“Have you never seen a naked woman before Osferth?” You pulled your skirt down to cover yourself and he finally met your eye.

“What sins I have committed do not matter for it’s your innocence I am trying to protect.” He looked down to his hands again, they were clasped together.

Now he made you blush and you were glad he was not looking at you to see it. You liked the feeling his words gave you deep in your stomach, so you chased this feeling. “Who is to say I am innocent?” You smirked playfully.

Osferth slowly raised his brilliant blue eyes to connect with yours, eyeing you almost like a predator to find your jest hidden within your face but you were rather good at composing your lies. “Have you been with a man?” His voice was deeper, quieter, softer. You watched his tongue dance behind his teeth as he waited for your response.

Your lungs stopped working for what felt like a lifetime before you could collect yourself. Something about his aura, the way he asked you had you in a trance, you couldn’t lie now even if you wanted to. “No,” you breathed out, “I grew up in a nunnery. There wasn’t a chance.”

Osferth returned his vision to his hands once more, as he fiddled with a loose thread on his clothes. He seemed to be deep in thought. You wondered what he was thinking about in this moment. You longed to get inside his mind and pick it, to know if he imagined you under him. The mere thought of such an act gave way to an uncomfortable want at the apex of your thighs and you decided to do as you always did: not hold back.

“What are you thinking about?”

He met your eyes, and again, he had a deep look of desire in his blue eyes. He took in a quick breath. “I do not wish to tell you what I was - am thinking.” He looked down again, “I should repent.”

“You were thinking of me?” Your voice was soft like a gentle breeze through a field of wildflowers on a warm summer morning. Osferth considered in that moment you might be a living, breathing, walking siren for how you could sound so sweet when he knew you were anything but.

He met your eyes and nodded. “Tis not right,” he breathed, “Not fair to you.” Somehow he was closer to you than before. Who was leaning in? Neither of you could tell.

“I don’t care what’s right or wrong,” you whispered, running your hand up his leather armor and grasping the top of it, gently pulling him toward you, though, there was no resistance. “I want you,” was the last thing you said before your lips crashed on his.

He resisted at first, like the God-fearing monk he was taught to be, like the friend of Uhtred he was, like the caretaker he vowed to be to you, but as all pleasures of the flesh he had partaken in before, he decided he would repent afterward in order to taste salvation on the lips of a devil first.

You had never kissed anyone but you had seen it done between Eadith and Finan and the couples in Winchester. You had practiced on your pillow, and you wanted him, desperately. To say your first kiss was good was an understatement. With your novice lips working with Osferth’s expert lips, you felt like you may have met your God.

He pulled away from you but barely, enough to feel his heavy breath against your own. His eyes were heavy, his mouth hanging agape. “I’ve wanted you for so long,” he admitted.

“I’ve wanted you too,” you blushed, closing the small gap between your hungry mouths again and kissing Osferth with the fever of a rabid dog. He returned the want, the need tenfold and gently, but greedily, placed a large hand on your stomach, another around the bottom of your back and slid you down into a laying position.

He now hovered atop of your body, his large frame covering your own like a cloak of protection. Kneeling beside your body, one of his hands found purchase at the base of your head in your tender hairs and cradled you so that your head was tipped back and neck exposed. Slowly, he worked down your jaw to your neck, kissing and licking against your pulse.

An unfamiliar feeling of tight heat was building in your core and you moved your legs to gather friction against the mounting pressure at the apex of your thighs. When you did so, pain from your wound shot through your body and you let out a small whimper. It was enough for Osferth to stop his pursuit in the taste of your pulse.

He pulled back and you tried to grab his armor, pulling him back but he grasped your hands and shoved them away. “I’m sorry,” he stammered, “This is not right.”

Frustration bubbled up in your throat at his denial, “This is the only thing that’s ever felt right in my life!” You whined, sitting up, angry tears threatening to spill. You sat facing Osferth, propped against the sideboards of the wagon.

Osferth shook his head, “Not everything is about you.” Anger was hidden in his quick words.

You narrowed your eyes, “How could this not be about me? This would have been my first time if you would not have stopped.”

Osferth met your eyes defiantly, “Exactly. I cannot take your innocence! I am not your husband, I am not important enough in your life to do so.”

You rolled your eyes, “If I ask you to take me, then you are.”

He shook his head, jaw clenched hard, “No. That should be reserved for someone more special than me” He met your eye and for the first time in your time knowing him, you saw anger in his eyes, “Do not tempt me again. I will not forgive you if you cause me to sin in such a great way.”

With that, he stood and left angrily, the wagon rocking as he hopped out and away from you, leaving you along in the covered wagon, feeling denied, filthy and shamed.

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[moonlight-rider25]

Saint among��Sinners

Chapter 7, in the Eadiths lady series.

Word count:  3344

Warnings: Your guess is as good as mine

Read chapter 6 “Spill the beans’ leading up to this chapter...

Uhtred strokes your cheek where your tear has fallen. You grasp his hand and lean your cheek softly against his huge weather palm. 

“Please?” You ask again.

He casts his gaze down to his hand wrapped around yours and chuckles quietly to himself. He leans in against you, pressing his forehead to yours and you breathe in his safe familiar scent. You caress his cheek tenderly and peer into his blue sparkling eyes glimmering back at you. He slowly turns his head away from you and peers down at his lap.

“First…I need to know...” He says quietly avoiding your look.

Your heart quakes in your chest, you try desperately to remain calm as the butterflies in your belly begin to bounce around. He looks up to you with a wide grin.  Your eyes light up waiting to hear what he's to say.

“...How come you're so good at this, faking an ailment thing?” He asks, unable to keep his face even any longer.

You exhale heavily and laugh wholeheartedly at his remark. 

“Believe me, twas not an easy task!” You giggle.

You sit vibrating with laughter for a moment. He looks from your eyes back to your hand in his, laughter still thick in both your throats. 

Once you’ve finally settled, you squeeze his palm a bit and try to look him seriously in the eye.

“So?.. Do we have a deal, my Lord?” You ask him plainly, trying not to show too much eagerness on your face.

“…I suppose I could sacrifice…. a day or two?” He asks sarcastically. 

You giggle loudly at his remark. Clasping your hand over your mouth so as to not draw attention to you. 

“Three?!” He teases dramatically looking back to you.

His big hand comes down upon yours, grasping your hand now between his. He stokes tiny circles around your knuckles and smiles madly.

“Longer!?” He asks with a snicker. “Please tell me, how long, woman?!” he chuckles, leaning playfully against you.

He brings your hand up to his lips and plants a tender long kiss on your knuckles where he just rubbed tiny circles.  You gaze up into his stunning glimmering eyes and smile. 

“As long as it takes.” you tell him.

He watches you carefully, peering deeply into your eyes as you gaze back up at him.  His hand cups your chin softly and he slowly begins closing the gap between the two of you. Your eyes flutter shut and you hold your breath feeling him inch closer.

“I don’t think we have that much time..” He utters softly against your lips.

Your tender moment is quickly disrupted as you hear Eadith approaching, yelling her excitement of finding the herbs for your tea. Yours and Uhtred's eyes grow wide and you squeeze his hand tightly. 

“You better be as good at this, as I am…” You whisper against him before he stands quickly pacing away from you. 

“Eadith!” You call out, remembering to grasp your belly again. “Over here!”

She rushes over happily, Finan struggling to keep up with her, plops down next to you beside the tree, where Uhtred had just been. 

“I’ve got it!” she hums gleefully. “All we need now is a fire, some hot water, and your belly should be good as new!” 

You smile politely at her, remembering to keep your belly clasped. She spins around in her spot towards Finan, who's still huffing out of breath, and Uhtred, who's trying to hide the devilish smile dancing on his face. 

“Could you two, go gather some firewood?” She pleads kindly. 

Uhtred clears the laughter from his throat and smacks Finan on the back before heading off in the opposite direction.

“Of course my lady” Finan huffs, reluctantly following after Uhtred.

You sit trying to hide your own grin watching Uhtred's bad performance and quickly wipe it away as Eadith turns her attention back to you. 

“You know, Eadith…I think I’m fine now, really.” You tell her.

“Nonsense!” She assures you, “I’ve got everything you need right here!” She tells you calmly, sorting through the plants from her bag.

“No Eadith!” You tell her more eagerly.

She stops and looks confused at you.

“It was just…lady troubles.  That's all.” 

“Oh!” she replies. “Well, in that case…” she continues happily “..We mine as well have some tea!” 

~~~~~

Gathered around the fire, the day begins to drift away and the men; besides Uhtred, are visibly growing anxious. You try your best to act accordingly and Eadith tends lovingly to you, none the wiser. The fire crackles loudly and a spark drops out in front of you on the ground, you instinctively snuff it out with your shoe.

Uhtred sips water from his tin cup and meets Sihtrics eye. He swallows the sip dramatically, nodding towards him. 

Sihtric watches as you do, and stands to face Uhtred. 

"Lord, I believe lady Y/N is fine to travel, now's time to get moving before nightfall." He tells him in a concerned tone.

"Eh..you know Sihtric.." Uhtred begins.

The others turn their attention to him, including yourself.

"...I was thinking we might as well just make camp here for the night…" Uhtred replies stoically, peering off into the distance facing away from the group. "...Perhaps we could indulge ourselves a bit on the ale we have at hand…" 

In seconds the men's faces light up meeting one another's eye, with delight painted across their faces. Finan leaps over the campfire heading towards the bags loaded up with many bottles of ale.

"I thought you'd never ask, my Lord!" Finan cackles, holding bottles up in the air.

Osferth, Sihtric, and Eadith waste no time joining Finan in dishing out the ale. You peer around the group with a satisfied smile when your eyes lock with Uhtred. 

He stares in your direction, making no mind of hiding it from the others. You stare back watching and hoping the happiness you feel at this moment is also being felt by him as well. At least more so than any regret he may have; not be early on his arrival back to Wessex this time.

Eadith hands you a cup of ale and your stare with Uhtred breaks. You smile back at her as she giggles happily. 

"I wonder what's gotten into him?" She says before taking a sip, gesturing towards Uhtred.

"...Who knows?.." You reply, hiding your smirk as you bring your own cup to your lips; your eyes meeting back with Uhtred who's also being handed a full cup of ale.

~~~~~

The moon looms far overhead beyond the tree leaves while the fire roars before you. The group has and still is indulging themselves with the stolen ale Finan has been able to acquire from past towns. Regardless of how it became, you're glad to have another night under the stars with the group. 

Osferth, opening up from the drinks, has made himself quite comfortable beside Eadith. His arm wrapped gently around her neck as he wavers a bit back and forth listening to her as she speaks. Finan and Sihtric shout out a laugh in unison, seemingly sharing some grand story with Uhtred calmly beside them. Uhtred sits watching you from across the fire, and as if he's able to read your thoughts; looks around the group assuming they're all too intoxicated to make much note of his moment towards you.

Ale in hand, he seats himself beside you and pours you both a fresh cup. Eadith let's out a hearty cackle from beside you; you meet Uhreds look before laughing amusingly to yourselves. 

"Would be ashamed to cut all this short." He says softly with a chuckle.

You nod, joining him in his amusement; watching the others.

"Hopefully Finan has enough stored away for the next few nights," he adds, taking a sip. "Otherwise we will be in a hurry…to get to the next town at least and stock up!" 

You giggle madly at his words, unfortunately, drawing the attention of the others, over to the two of you in the process.

"AY!"  Finan calls out from across the fire. "What are you two love birds doing over there!?" 

Your heart sinks into your stomach and you feel your cheeks flush with red.  Uhtred, also feeling the tension, stirs uncomfortably and turns his body towards the fire a bit.

Finan gets up and hobbles over to Eadith and Osferth. You're sure he can hear the beating in your chest as you finally exhale the lump in your throat down slowly. 

Finan mocks the two entangled in each other before dramatically sitting himself blunting down between the two of them. Eadith cackles and scoots closer towards you, squishing you closer towards Uhtred.  You inch carefully as Uhtred does nothing to move away… but instead, gently places his hand on your lower back. You allow yourself to enjoy the moment for a few brief seconds before turning your head toward Uhtred, and peer up lustfully at his big blue eyes. He smiles gently down at you with a smirk dancing across his face…

You both jump when Sihtric places himself on the other side of Uhtred, breathing a hot wave of ale breath on you. Finan chews thoughtfully on the end of a stick then points playfully to Eadith.

"I'm watching you!" He says sarcastically, pointing between Osferth and Eadith. The crooked circle bellows in laughter as cups are refilled; Uhtred's hand refuses to leave its spot on your back… 

So badly you wish to spin your head around and grip his face between your hands and meet his lips with yours. Devouring his mouth, feeling his hot tongue against yours before pulling back and spying  his brilliant blue eyes sparking down at you asking not to stop…, but instead you sit still, feeling his huge warm body so close to yours, and the soft tickle of his beard scratching at your temple. Before you can hear the words he tries to mumble, Osferth casts his hand in your direction.

"Us?!" Osferth states, still swallowing down his mouthful of ale. "What about those two?!" He says with a laugh pointing towards you and Uhtred.

You freeze, feeling your throat swell up yet again. The fear makes its way down toward your stomach. 

"Can't I ask the lady if she's feeling better?" Uhtred quickly, and smoothly fibs.

His hand falling away from your back as the group seems to accept his lie well enough. The others mumble to themselves as you swallow hard, raising your cup to your mouth trying to hide the redness on your face that has formed.  You try to relax again back towards Uhtred's hand but it has disappeared; not as quickly along with the knot in your stomach. 

Osferth finishes his cup as Finan eagerly cheers him on. 

"Now… sleep," the baby monk replies, tipping his cup upside down. 

"Aw no, not yet!" You protest as eagerly as you can, trying not to sound too eager to spend more time next to Uhtred.

Sihtric drains the remains of his cup into his mouth before also agreeing and standing to join the baby monk.

"No! Come on, stay up with us!" You cry again; this time Eadith joining in your plea.

Uhtred makes no comment but begins to stand and walk towards his tent along with the others.

"Aw, forget them ladies…. They're not fun… we can have a good time just the three of us…"  Finan jokes.

You and Eadith make eye contact knowing being alone with Finan in the middle of the woods is the very last thing you should be doing…

"Please!" You both beg now. "Don't go, come on, stay here!" 

"And do what?" Sihtric snaps, his hands placed firmly on his waist.

You and Eadith sit quietly for a moment trying to come up with a reason…

"Oh I know!" Eadith cries out cheerfully. Let's play a game!"

Osferth strides back over the circle around the fire and seats himself, again by Finan who 'huraws' his return.

"What game?" The baby monk asks hopefully.

"Umm…" Eadith wavers a bit trying to think of one.

"Stones!" Finan pipes in.

"No, we are not playing your made up game Finan!" You tell him with a laugh.

"Oh I know!" Eadith says turning towards you. "What's that game we used to play in the field…back…when we were at…Madam Ells!?..." Eadith asks you through staggering words.

"Uhhhm…" you rack your brain trying to understand.

"Saint amongst Sinners!" She blurts out finally.

You raise an eyebrow at her and peer around the circle; clearly no one else has ever heard of the game. 

Sihtric and Uhtred make their way back over and sit down around the fire as well, Uhtred much further away than before, but still beside you. 

"Saint amongst Sinners? Well, clearly the Saint is baby monk..game over!" Sihtric states with a laugh.

"No, it's fun!" Eadith assures him all too gleefully. "We all go around the circle naming off ‘sins’ we've never partaken in…" She begins to inform the group.

"Oh yes, I do remember this." You add. "We all start with our hand out, palm open. One by one we all go around the circle and name something bad you’ve never done, but, believe the others may have. If you have, you close your palm and you're out for the rest of the game, but the last person with their palm open is the Saint!" 

"Oh… I get it," Sihtric says plainly.

"You do?” Finan says with a straight face.  “Well, could you explain it to the rest of us?" He shouts through a laugh across the circle.

"It's easy, watch, Eadith and I will start…" You tell them; sitting with your hand out palm open.

"I am a Saint, for I have never stolen…" you state. 

The others copy your open hand and look blankly at each other.

"Now, if you have ever stolen, you close your palm and you're out." Eadith tells them.

She looks to Finan whose hand is still open.

"So you're out Finan, close your hand." 

"Why! I've never stolen!" He argues.

"Where'd you get all this ale from?!" She asks with a cackle.

"That's not stealing…thats…its" He tries to reassure the group.

"Stealing, and you're out!" Replies Sihtric as the group roars in laughter.

"Dumb bloody game.." Finan spats sarcastically.

Eadith goes next, "I am a Saint, for I have never told a lie to my mother…" 

You reluctantly close your hand and eye the circle seeing you're the only one. 

"Dumb game isn't it!" Finan says with a smirk.

"How have you all never lied to your mothers?" You ask shocked, eyeing the others around the circle…

"Hard to lie to your mother when you haven't got one,” Osferth tells you apologetically.

The group roars with laughter, yet again.

~~~~~~~

After a few more rounds of the game it's clear; Osferth was in fact the leading Saint among Sinners in the group.  Leading with not having laid with anyone outside of wedlock, not having shamed another publicly, and never telling a white lie… Beyond killing another being in or out of war, that round you found yourself winning. It was now Eadiths turn again, and with the ale flowing steadily she flashed you a quick devilish look and began with her hand open in the circle. 

“I am the Saint among Sinners, for I have never lay beneath a blanket with Y/N..”

You’re sure the group could hear your heart slamming in your chest and you carefully eye the circle of hands before you, watching Uhtred reluctantly fold his hand closed and retract it from the view of the others.

You hold your breath  in your throat as eyes grow wide meeting each other's looks, quickly followed by inaudible stammering and shouting from across the circle. 

You flash Eadith a very disapproving look and try your best to be heard over all the men now shouting around the fire. Eadith, whos far too inebriated to appreciate your looks of terror, force you turn your attention to Uhtred; whose face is painted with a thick smirk as he takes a long sip of ale.  You flash him a look of ‘help’ while he eyes you and downs the rest of his cup's contents. 

Leading Eadith, the group begins chanting; “Uhtred, Y/N, tell us” while Uhtred and yourself grow restless in your seats.

“There's nothing to tell!” You shout desperately.  

Uhtred shakes his head towards the group and lays back against his elbows on the ground. You turn your attention back to him and anticipate with a heaving heartbeat his words. His eyes avoiding yours makes your pulse increase even more..

“It just so happens…”

“It was just one time!” You interrupt him, shaking noticeable. 

“...When we all thought Eadith was ill, and it was cold…we ended up under the same blanket in the horse stalls because it was cold!...” 

The others ‘ohh’ and ‘ahhing’ over the lie you choose.

“It was just that once…and I’m not sure why Eadith is so adamant on forcing my hand in sharing the story seeing as she already knows…”

You flash her quick look of ‘stop it’ before adding “Who needs another drink?!”

Everyones cup raises and you quickly take the chance to lock arms with Eadith, hoist her up, and begin making your way towards the tent, to grab another stolen bottle of ale.

Eadith laughs as you guide her towards the tent flap. 

“What in God's name are you doing?!” You ask in a rasped whisper.

Your heart; still beating rapidly in your chest as you cast the tent flap closed behind the two of you.  She leans against the thick tree limb holding the structure secure.  Laughter still in her throat, she shakes her head a bit from side to side. You pour her a cup, well knowing she doesn't need a refill and take a long sip from the long bottle neck.  You wipe your mouth in disapproval and stare back at her with rage and disapproval in your eyes.

…“I told you…You're playing a very dangerous game Y/N.” she says aftering taking her own gulp from her cup.

“Eadith!” You snap coldly.

She rolls her eyes dramatically, turning her back towards you slowly, peering out from the tents flap back towards the men gathered at the fire.

“You and I were once unbreakable…” she begins with a sad tone in her voice, still staring out towards the men around the fire.  “You’re like a sister to me… And still are… Or so I thought…”

You allow a heavy sigh to escape you before shaking your head. She turns back and your look has turned a bit softer now.

“...I’m not sure anymore…What I am sure of, is the secrets you’re are keeping from me these days…” Eadith says with a solemn look on her face.

“Eadith…If there was anything to tell… I would tell you…” You say slowly, before taking a long sip from the bottle. “The truth is I don’t know what to make of Uhtred and myself..”

She rolls her eyes yet again, gathering her dress ready to make her way back towards the group. You lock arms with her, carefully urging her back behind the faint barricade of the tent. 

“Alright yes…some things have happened…” You tell her quietly. 

She crossed her arms a bit, wavering in place balancing her cup in her crossed arms.

“I watched you slip into his tent last night…” she tells you with a look of drunken disapproval on her face.

You bite back your bottom lip unsure of what to say next.  She sighs and casts her look back out towards the group, you peel back the tent flap a smidge, and peer out with her.  Uhtred looks back towards the tent and smiles meeting your eye. Eadith, clearly seeing the interaction, no thanksthe lasto Uhtred, cranes her head towards you and allows the tent flap to shut.

“Alright you little Sinner…” Eadith says with a smirk.  “Story time…”

Tags:@osferthsworld @emily-forever75-blog @sirenofavalon @rrtxcmt @cosmosworldd @elbereth-bluebird @chemitaromance @deadstarkblacksoul @kimi240302 @buglyberry

[icarusignite]

Just finished The Last Kingdom, and I am absolutely blown away. Feeling abit inspired so would y'all be interested in some tlk fanfics. Probably mostly for sihtric since that's my new hyperfixation, lol, but I can do others too. Maybe like a series of short stories idk, thoughts and opinions are welcome :)

[aadmelioraa]

It's almost 2023, so I figured I'd share my updated The Last Kingdom fic recs since I have been meaning to do that all year. Below the cut you will find some shippy stuff, some introspective pieces, and a variety of characters featured (several of whom rarely get fanfic). I hope if this post crosses your path you may find a new favorite! I did limit my selection to complete fics, but you can find more recommendations, both works in progress and complete, under my ao3 tlk bookmarks. Happy New Year, and happy reading!

the leap by @irisdouglasiana

Season 5 cottagecore nuns fixit for Aalys and Aelflaed. Fixit fics are not usually my vibe tbh but this one is perfectly complex and bittersweet.

A Hard Story to Know by @wildwren

Post Season 5 fic. Aelfwynn processes her grief at the loss of her mother with the help of Aldhelm and Eadith. This fic broke my heart and mended it several times over.

no escape by @volvaaslaug

Wonderful Eadith character study and I adore the prose style as well.

come go with me by @wendy-daahling

Aethelflaed x Aldhelm political marriage (for MERCIA of course), slow burn with lots of delicious pining.

the drowned and the damned by @irisdouglasiana

Canon divergent AU centered around Osbert, Uhtred's youngest son. Addresses family trauma, cycles of violence, and legacy within the world of the show and does it in such a thought provoking way.

and, lord, she found me just in time by @jeynepoole

Hild x Iseult hurt/comfort bathing fic...so tender and so lovely.

a rope in hand for your other man by @jeynepoole

This fic is definitely for a niche audience, but if the idea of an Aethelflaed/Aldhelm/Aethelred threesome intrigues you, check it out...and there's more where that came from.

Meanwhile in Mercia by @skatingthinandice

This series is an absolute staple of Aethelflaed x Aldhelm fanfic and I am very grateful for it. Essential reading!

Daughter of Darkness by @ulfrsmal

Gen fic focused around Brida and Thyra's relationship and trauma that I, for one, desperately needed. *this fic is locked, you will need to be logged into your ao3 account to access...I still have a few invitations to send, if you need one feel free to DM me!

I go you go, my dear by alittlebitalexis

Two Osferth x Eadith fics for the Eadsferth truthers among us (no for real they were cute). Fluff and smut.

When the Party's Over by @wildwren

Aethelflaed x Erik College AU. Part of a series, read Part 1 first, I am just particularly attached to this part for...reasons.

The Maiden by @wildwren

Pirate/Witch AU for Aethelflaed x Skade. This fic is HOT and creative and HOT and gorgeously written and HOT.

To Curse a King by @pokeasleepingsmaug

Skade x Sihtric smut fic featuring magic and knife play. Very fun and sexy.

Saint of Shitty Reasons by @volvaaslaug

Edward Modern AU character study that hits 95% of my kinks.

Most CURSED among God's kin are aethelings by @wildwren

Aethelwold character study. A masterpiece though and through.

Lay Down Your Arms by @skatingthinandice

Aethelflaed x Aldhelm post Tettenhall smut, and a most worthy entry for the #GET IT AETHELFLAED tag.

clever-tongued by @tsukkinami

Aethelflaed x Aldhelm smut with wonderful tension and intimacy, it's just top tier! A classic.

in my dreams we survived by @irisdouglasiana

Hild character study, really lovely angst that makes me tear up every time.

poison by @irisdouglasiana

Brida x Skade enemies to lovers...need I say more?

fortune cookie by @jeynepoole

Competent stepdad Aldhelm, Modern AU Aldhelm & Aelfwynn bonding. A warm blanket of a fic.

[magravenwrites]

The Ghosts of Christmas' Past

Finan x Eadith

(GIF not mine)

Summary: After a year of plague, hard fighting and heartbreak, Uhtred and his men are ready to celebrate Yule with Coccham's newest residents; Aethelstan and Eadith. While the rest of the party seem to enjoy the festivities, Finan is disturbed at how little joy the season brings to Eadith. After following her outside, they talk of what it is to really have a home and a family.

Requested: Yes

A/N: This was posted on ao3 a while ago but thought it was about time I posted it here too. Set after season 4 but before season 5.

Thanks to @axe-does-writing for beta-reading this for me 💕

Enjoy!

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

The fire in the hearth cast a golden glow across the hall, its warmth could be felt throughout the room.  

Finan relaxed back into his chair, letting the heat and contentment settle in his bones.  It was nice to experience some peace for once.  Particularly after their year of running up and down the country, losing loved one's, fighting in battles and evading the dreaded sickness.

Now, it was a time for peace, before Uhtred undoubtedly dragged them all into his mess once more.

He would take what he could while he had the chance.

It was nice for everyone to be together, laughing, drinking and feasting with their families.  

While Uhtred was Pagan, he had still agreed to host a feast for Christmas.  No doubt persuaded by Hild, who may or may not have threatened him had he not agreed to host the celebrations.  

Uhtred had argued he would host the feast to celebrate Yule, rather than the Christian celebrations, but they all knew he did not need an excuse to hold a feast.

Finan gazed around the room, taking in the sound of laughter from the far side of the table where Sihtric sat with his wife, entertaining their many children.

Osferth had not long arrived after praying in the makeshift church with Hild.  He now sat next to Sihtric, throwing the occasional comment here and there while eating his fill of the feast.

Aethelstan was sitting next to Finan; it would be the boy's first Yule with them and Finan was intent on making it a good one.  

He knew what it was like to grow up too quickly, to have so much responsibility forced on his young shoulders.  He'd be damned if he didn't let Aethelstan enjoy just one Yule as a child should.  

With fun.  With a family.

It was heartwarming to see the young boy sat at the table with a smile on his face, laughing at the stories Sihtric was telling, and eating his fill of the feast.  He was slowly but surely coming out of his shell.

"Once you've finished your plate, you can go and listen to Sihtric's stories with the other children."  He told him gently.  "-and if you have a second helpin' of vegetables then I'll tell ya how to beat Young Sihtric in your next sparring match."  He winked, chucking when the young boy immediately reached to spoon more of the vegetables onto his plate.

Osferth sent him a shrewd look from across the table "Are you not above bribing children Finan?"  He teased.

"It's not bribin' -  more… gentle persuasion.  Besides, the boy needs feeding up if he's to be a big, strong, warrior one day."  He argued lightly, ruffling Aethelstan's hair.

Finan's eyes moved past Osferth's shoulder, and settled on the latest edition to their ragtag group - Eadith, where she was sat warming herself in front of the fire.

If it wasn't for her bravery, they would all be dead.  At first she had intended to go to Frankia, she had some family there.  Finan was only glad when she had decided to return to Coocham with them instead.

He had not trusted her at first, but over the months he spent in her company he had grown to admire her.  More than admire her, if truth be told.

She was sat by the fire, her gaze lost in the dancing flames.  Finans breath hitched at her beauty.  The golden glow of the flames shone off her hair and dress, making her look as though she were an angel.  A fallen angel just for him.

Eadith gracefully rose from her seat, making her way for the door and exiting without even looking back at them once.  She hadn't even taken her cloak with her.

Finans eyebrows furrowed in concern at her sudden exit.  She had been relatively quiet all evening, but he thought that she was just enjoying the peace of the festivities.  

He felt a sharp boot kick him from under the table, looking away from the door, he turned to glare at the offender.  

He saw Baby Monk giving him a pointed look, inclining his head toward the door.

"Go after her, you know you want to.  I'll keep an eye on the boy."  He said.

After debating it a while in his head, he nodded in agreement, standing from the table to rush after her.  

"Bless ya Baby Monk".

He only made it to the end of the table before turning on his heel back to Aethelstan's side. 

"Make sure he finishes his plate."  He warned, pointing a threatening finger between Osferth and the boy.

Osferth only rolled his eyes at his antics.

"I will, now stop stalling and go!"

Finally satisfied, Finan swiftly marched to the door, grabbing his cloak before heading outside.

Letting the door fall closed behind him, Finan was surprised to see it was still snowing outside.  His breath instantly clouded in front of his face.  

He spotted Eadith not too far away, sat on the bottom step to the hall, staring up at the snow.  Her arms were wrapped around herself, shielding her from the cold.

He usually hated the cold.  He had spent too many winters freezing his arse off at sea to hold any love of it now.  

But he had to admit, there was a beauty and a stillness that snow brought like nothing else could.  Or perhaps that was just the effect Eadith had on him.

As he descended the steps, getting closer to her, he noticed how the snowflakes settled on her hair and eyelashes, making her look even more beautiful.

"May I join you?"  He asked as he stood a step behind her, not wanting to intrude.

Eadith looked over her shoulder at him, giving a small nod of her head with a gentle smile.

Finan gave a smile in return, glad she hadn't turned him away. He settled himself on the step next to her with a groan, making sure his cloak was securely around him to fight off the chill air.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a little while. Neither one of them wanted to break the peace.

Finan felt like a fool.  He came out here to woo her.  Now he couldn't think if a single thing to say.  

He blew warm air into his hands, rubbing them together to keep them warm, in an attempt to stop fidgeting from nerves.

"Are you alright?" He asked, cringing internally at how awkward he sounded.

"I mean - you left the hall in a hurry - I just wanted to make sure you were alright?"  He stumbled, by way of an explanation.

He wanted to kick himself. He prided himself on being able to be confident in any situation, particularly when it came to charming the ladies. So why was he now struggling to string two sentences together, as if he were a boy with his first crush?

Eadith, either oblivious to his awkwardness or choosing to ignore it, simply smiled lightly, taking a deep breath of the night air.

"I just needed some air," She replied quietly.  

"You don't have ta hide things from me. There is something bothering you.  If you feel ya need to talk, then you can always come ta me. If you want to. You're safe here."

"I fear that is part of the problem. I find that being here… I have never known such security before.  Such comfort. Such peace. I am unused to not having to look over my shoulder, or not being seen as an object to use. It can be so…" She vaguely waved her hands in front of her, as if wanting to grasp the right word from the air.

"Overwhelming." Finan finished for her.

"Exactly."  She gave him a puzzled expression, surprised he had managed to sum up how she was feeling so simply.

"I have never spent a Christmas amongst people I feel at home with. It is a foreign feeling.  I always had my brother by my side, but we were always jumping from one court to another, trying to redeem our family name. It was never a happy time for us, and now he is not here either."  Her arms tightened around herself, though whether it was for warmth or to comfort herself, Finan couldn't tell. He guessed it was probably a little of both.

He remained silent, letting her work through her thoughts and feelings, before he comforted her.  He knew the importance of needing to process things first.

"I know he betrayed us. But I still miss him.  He was the only family I had left." She sighed, holding back tears.

He shuffled closer to her, getting so close that their knees were lightly brushing together. He reached over, taking her hand in his.

Her hand felt like ice in his own, she had goosebumps raised on her arms, and he only just noticed how her teeth were beginning to chatter.

"Good God woman, you're freezing!" He exclaimed, immediately moving to cover her with his cloak.  Shuffling closer still so they could share its warmth.

"I am fine," She protested lightly, giggling over his fussing.

"Don't be so stubborn, you'll catch your death in the cold like this." He enclosed his hands around her own, rubbing them to instill some warmth, trying to ignore the way just holding her hand made his palms tingle and his head spin.

"Thank you." She relented, sighing at the warmth he provided.  

Unconsciously, she leant closer toward him, leaning on his shoulder.  

Finan smiled softly at the weight of her pressed to his side, glad she was comfortable enough with him to be so close.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, each enjoying the other's presence, but as the minutes passed by, Finan felt he had to broach the subject of their conversation once more.

"I understand, y'know - about not having a family or a home ta call your own. Probably better than most."  He started.

"Of course, you have been away from your homeland for so long.  You must miss it dearly."

Finan huffed a laugh at that.  If only it were so simple.

"Not quite.  You may not know this… but I first met Uhtred on a slave ship."  He told her looking her in the eye, watching the suprise cross her face.

"I am so sorry, I did not know…"

He shook his head, not wanting her sympathy. He swallowed thickly, attempting to hold back the tumultuous array of emotions that were threatening to burst from him. It was important she heard this.

"I was a foolish young man and I made mistakes.  I spent three Winters pulling at the oar in payment for those mistakes.  

My life in Ireland - it was not my own life. Everything was planned out for me, and I wanted to escape.  It has been a long time since I have considered Ireland my home."  He admitted.

Eadith listened in silence, her heart heavy knowing he had been through such torments.

"It took me time to adjust, but my home is now here."  Finan continued, looking over their shoulders at the doors to the hall with a fondness in his eyes.

"Home is not always a place, Eadith, it is the people that make it so. Uhtred, Sihtric, Osferth, and the children…  As long as I am with them, I know I am home.  It is why I would follow them anywhere.  It is my wish that one day, you will come to see this - us - as your new home too."  He turned back to face her, their eyes meeting.

"I think I am already beginning to see it as one."  She whispered, a small smile pulling at her lips.

Her eyes darted down to his lips before darting back to meet his gaze once more.

A smile grew on Finans own features, happy to hear the news.  He leaned in closer to her, his smile turning into a smirk as a thought crossed his mind.

"You know, back in Ireland, to kiss an Irishman during a Christmas festival is considered good luck".

"Is it indeed?"  Eadith laughed.  

Finan beamed, adoring the sound.

"Well then, I am in need of some good luck."  She leaned forward.

Finan closed the distance between them, his lips meeting her own.  It was sweet and tender, and everything else around them seemed to disappear. 

Eventually the need to breathe overpowered their ability to keep kissing, causing them to separate, their breaths heavy.

They shared a smile, letting their foreheads rest against each other, their fingers lacing together. Their breaths mingled in the cold air between them.

They sat there together in the quiet of the night, taking in the moment and considering what lay ahead of them in the future.

"What are you both doing freezing your arses off out here?" A voice shouted, startling the pair apart, both clearing their throats acting as if they had been caught doing something they shouldn't.

Looking ahead of them, Finan saw Uhtred making his way over to them, ascending the steps past them and to the doors of the hall with a grin on his face.

"Just takin' in the night air, Lord,"  Finan replied, getting to his feet and sending a scathing look to his friend at his untimely interruption. 

"And will you be rejoining us in the hall, or will you be taking the fair lady home for the evening?"  Uhtred smirked, eyebrow raised in question while he opened the door to the hall.

Finan looked to Eadith, unsure if she would want to return to being in company just yet.  He could always offer to walk her home if she did not.  Though not in the way Uhtred had intended it.

"We will rejoin the party Lord, I am not finished listening to tales of all your past misadventures yet."  She giggled.

Finan offered her his hand, helping her to her feet.  Not letting go even once she had caught her balance.

"I am happy for you both."  Uhtred said seriously, before disappearing inside, leaving the door open for them.

Finan and Eadith shared a last breathless smile with each other before making their way up the steps and back to the feast.

Whatever had happened in their pasts, Finan was sure that they would continue onwards, able to finally find a home in each other.  

Home was certainly where the heart is.

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

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!

Tags:

@solinarimoon @emilyhufflepufftlk @morosemagick @madrielite @axe-does-writing @lauwrite1225​

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Flesh for Fantasy

Note: what can I say, it's a good song.

Warnings: smut 18+!!! mention of weed and smoking.

pairing: "modern"!Sihtric x you (f)

summary: Sihtric invited you over to play some games and listen to a record.

wordcount: 4,6k

Masterlist

1983.

There he was; Sihtric Kjartansson. You saw him across the record store as you browsed through the newly released vinyl section with your friend, Eadith. Sihtric looked so effortlessly stunning when he was just standing there, leaning back against the wall next to the checkout while he spoke to his friends; Uhtred, Osferth and Finan, the latter who owned the record store.

Sihtric's friends were also handsome, you couldn't deny that, but Sihtric was truly something else. He was always a little different and a little more extravagant looking than the other boys, like today. He was wearing untied black leather boots, fitted leather pants and a KISS shirt that was cut into a crop top. Sihtric often wore crop tops and you loved it, as it showed off his well trained body. Around his neck he wore a hammer pendant, which he wore religiously, and around his wrist he had a chunky silver chain bracelet. His hair was partly shaved off, his beautiful curls only gracing one side of his perfectly scarred face. Sihtric was into punk and rock music, and he often wore shirts of bands you liked and sometimes those you had never even heard of. You also knew he drove a black BMW M3, and he was always blasting music loudly in his car as he drove. And last but not least, the pretty boy had two different coloured eyes.

You simply had the biggest crush on him ever since the first time you saw him in that very same record store, and you sort of knew each other, but only vaguely. Eadith had a thing for Finan and they had hooked up more than once in the past. And since she was your best friend, you had hung out with the guys too on several occasions when you joined Eadith at a party. But you never spoke much with Sihtric as he made you a nervous wreck.

Sihtric had glanced at you from across the store a few times already while you searched for a specific single, but to no avail. You eventually gathered the courage to walk up to the guys so you could ask Finan if the vinyl was still in stock, leaving Eadith browsing on her own. Your heart was beating rapidly as you neared them, and you swallowed hard when Sihtric looked at you as you stood right next to him, waiting for Finan to ask you if he could help you, but he seemed rather busy as he argued with Uhtred about how great that new Men at Work single was, and Osferth got caught up in the discussion too. You flashed Sihtric a shy smile while you waited, and he returned a sly smile. He then used the fact that Finan was too busy to acknowledge you to his advantage.

'Hey, sugar,' Sihtric said smoothly, his sly smile still set on his face.

'H-hey,' you blushed heavily.

'Looking for something, doll?'

'Eh, yeah,' you chuckled nervously, 'but I can't find it, so…,' you shrugged.

'What are you looking for then?'

'That new Billy Idol single.'

'Flesh for Fantasy?'

'Yeah,' you smiled, 'it's really new.'

'Mhm, I know,' Sihtric pushed himself away from the wall, 'let me have a look with you then,' he said and wrapped his arm around your shoulder, walking you with him to the newly released records section.

Technically, Sihtric didn't work in the record store, nor did Uhtred and Osferth, but they all often helped Finan out since they loved records as much as the Irish man himself. So whenever someone needed help and they were around, none of them would hesitate to help out.

'I already checked here,' you said, feeling all giddy as you were closer than ever to your crush right now, 'but it's not here.'

'Really?' Sihtric frowned and let go of you, then quickly flipped through numerous vinyl to find your desired single, 'hm, looks like you're right, sweetheart. Guess we sold out already. I'm sorry, love.'

'Ah, man,' you pouted, 'I really wanted to listen to it.'

'I'm sure there will be a restock next weekend, so you'll have to hang in there a little longer,' he winked, 'also, MTV plays it like every hour, just switch on your tv, doll.'

'But then I have to sit through the rest of the shitty music they play too,' you argued.

Sihtric chuckled and looked you up and down while he leaned back, his elbows on the countless vinyl next to you, 'Well, if you really want to listen to it,' he said, 'I got a copy back home, darling. Why don't you stop by sometime?'

'What?' you asked wide-eyed, 'oh, n-no, I don't, eh, want to be a bother or anything.'

Sihtric smiled when you looked away, desperately trying to hide your flushed face, which he thought was adorable and he couldn't help but chuckle again.

'You're not a bother, angel,' he said and nudged your elbow, 'besides, it's more fun to listen to music together anyway, isn't it? We could also play some video games too. I saw you coming out of the game store a few days ago,' he confessed, 'so I figured you like to game too, correct me if I'm wrong. But we could play some games and listen to some records, you know, veg out. No pressure though.'

You looked with panic in your eyes towards Eadith, who was behind Sihtric, and she mouthed a 'do it!' to you.

'I, eh, I- I guess, yeah, s-sure.'

'Rad,' Sihtric smiled, 'hm, you got any plans tomorrow afternoon?'

You looked at Eadith again, who shook her head and mouthed 'no.'

'Not… not really, n-no,' you said to the pretty boy, who still smiled at you and leaned in a little too close for it to not be flirty.

'Well,' he said, 'then if you'd like to, we can meet up here at four? I'll give you a ride to my place.'

'Yeah, o-okay.'

'Rad,' Sihtric said again, 'I'll see you tomorrow then, sugar,' he winked.

You were so nervous to meet up with Sihtric the next day that you had called Eadith hours before four. You went on and on about how you didn't want to get your hopes up with him, that there's no way he would be into you and eventually you even decided you didn't want to go anymore.

'You're going!' Eadith hissed through the phone, 'he clearly likes something about you, so find out what he wants.'

'But… but what if he only wants to… you know, like, have sex?'

'Well, then you have sex with him! Christ, girl,' Eadith sighed, 'you've liked him for so long, you can't not meet up with him now that he finally made a move!'

'I don't know…'

'Come on,' your friend groaned, 'what are you afraid of?'

'God, I don't know,' you sighed as you laid on your bed, twirling the telephone wire around your finger, 'what if he just meant it friendly?'

'Did you not see the way he was eyeing you up? There was nothing friendly about that. Besides, it's not the first time I've seen him check you out. He always glances at you when you're in the store. And he even remembered seeing you a few days ago. This is not just friendly, I promise you. It will be fine. Sihtric is a nice guy, okay? He's not going to use you once and just dump your ass. He's not Uhtred. Sihtric is the loyal type of guy, everything will be fine, just go for it.'

With those words kept in mind, you got ready to leave for the record store. You put some light blush on your cheeks, some black mascara and eyeliner, and you put a popping pink lipstick on your lips, which matched your pink eyeshadow. You were dressed in a short black dress with fishnet tights and black sneakers underneath, and a pink denim jacket draped over your shoulders. You put on a necklace with a lightning pendant before you left out the door, and you walked to the store while butterflies taunted your stomach. You were so nervous for your date, as you weren't even sure if it was a date date, that you felt like throwing up. Regardless, you made it to the record store without getting sick, and you found Sihtric already waiting for you at the parking lot. He was wearing a white Vikings crop top with denim jeans underneath. His jeans were tucked into his black signature boots and held up by a black leather belt. You felt your heart skip a beat when you neared him while he sat on the hood of his car, smoking a cigarette. Unlike yesterday, he was wearing several rings on his tattooed fingers today, and he fidgeted with one while he stared towards the record store entrance.

He only averted his eyes from the store when he noticed a movement in the corner of his eye, and he smiled when he saw it was you approaching. He breathed out the smoke he had inhaled and flicked away his cigarette while he jumped up.

'Hey, sweetheart,' he said, so smoothly again as he embraced you.

'Hi,' was all you managed to say, and you inhaled his scent; a mixture of cigarettes and fruity bubblegum.

'You look bodacious,' he smiled, 'how are you doing today?' he asked and opened the car door for you.

You lied and said you were doing perfectly fine, while your nerves almost got the best of you, and you took a deep breath when Sihtric slammed the door shut and made his way over to the driver's seat. He smiled at you as he started his car, and soon the familiar sound to Black Sabbath's Crazy Train blasted through the car. 

'I like your necklace,' he said, 'lightning. Matches my pendant,' he winked, and you were glad that the music filled up the silence when Sihtric drove off the parking lot, because you forgot how to speak after his compliment.

'So,' Sihtric then said and lowered the volume of his radio, 'what game did you get the other day then?'

'Hm? Oh, eh, I, eh… Donkey Kong 3,' you mumbled.

'Really? You played it already? I heard it's wicked.'

'Oh,' you chuckled, relieved to find out Sihtric didn't think you were a loser, 'y-yeah, it's pretty wicked. You could, you know, maybe, like, borrow it sometime?'

'Really?' Sihtric smiled, 'yeah, that'd be nice. Hey, you can check out some of my games, and if you see anything you like you can borrow them too.'

'Really?' you fought a smile.

'Of course, why not? Sharing is caring, right?' Sihtric chuckled and smoothly placed his hand on your knee while he kept his eyes on the road.

You silently gasped at his sudden touch, but you didn't pull away. Instead, you felt yourself blush and completely melt when he began to slowly rub his thumb over your skin.

'I got the latest Mario Bros game,' he said, 'we could play that one today if you like.'

You agreed to his plan with a smile, and Sihtric kept his hand on your knee until he had to shift gears several times. Then, he kept his hand on his gear stick, while lightly tracing your knee with his fingertip as you sat close enough. Once he pulled up at his house, he was quick to get out of his car and open your door, and he walked you up to his apartment.

As soon as you stepped through the door you felt intimidated by how cool Sihtric was. Even cooler than you thought. His small but cosy place was decorated with flags of some of his favourite musicians; Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, KISS, AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blondie, The Clash, Iron Maiden, and last but not least; Billy Idol. He had a few cabinets that held several skulls as decoration, as well as a variety of headphones and game consoles. On one wall a sword was mounted, and underneath it you saw a reverted pentacle, which he had painted on the wall himself, simply because he thought it looked cool. He had a tv, a record player, a stereo with a huge speaker set, loads and loads of videotapes and hoards of vinyl and videogames. Here and there were some clothes scattered around, and his small place didn't have a couch, only a bed, one recliner chair and a table with two chairs next to the kitchen. Sihtric noticed you were a little taken aback by his home, and he smiled while kicking off his boots.

'Too messy?' he asked.

'N-no,' you chuckled and took off your sneakers, 'no, it's fine. I just… I- I like your… decor. It's pretty rad.'

'Yeah?' Sihtric smiled, a little cocky, 'thanks.'

He told you to get comfortable and offered you a drink. You awkwardly sat down on the side of his bed and waited until he returned to you with your drink.

'No need to be shy, darling,' Sihtric laughed softly and joined you on his bed, 'just act like you're at home.'

He laid down comfortably and beckoned you to sit closer. You scooted over and propped up a pillow to lean back against while Sihtric shuffled even closer to you. He turned to lay on his side and you caught him looking down at your legs, while he slowly licked his lips and bit down on his lower lip. A cheeky smile appeared as he brought his hand back to your knee again, and he lightly trailed his fingers up and down your thigh.

'So,' he said softly, 'you want to play a game first or listen to that single?'

'W-we could play a game first,' you said as cool as possible while his warm hands set you on fire.

'Mhm,' he hummed and looked up at you, 'you're really pretty you know?'

'I bet you say that to a lot of girls,' you blurted out.

Sihtric stared at you, surprised, and an amused smile appeared on his face.

'You're right,' he admitted, 'I do. But I only do that in the record store,' he shrugged, 'you know, fake flirting.'

'So you're fake flirting now?'

'No, I'm not. I only fake flirt at the store to boost the sales for Finan,' Sihtric revealed and continued to slowly caress your skin, 'I'm never serious when I flirt there. However,' he paused to look back into your eyes, 'I'm very serious right now.'

'Oh,' you mumbled and looked away. 

Sihtric enjoyed watching you being at a loss for words for a moment, and he then chuckled softly again before he sat up.

'Well, let's play some games then.'

After two hours of gaming, you finally felt more relaxed while Sihtric became more flirty. As the game was loading to the next level, he pulled you in his lap and sat back against the bed's headboard, and he snuck his arms under yours, around your waist, locking you in as he held his Nintendo controller with both hands. You sat back against his chest, feeling a mixture of nerves and comfort when he leaned his chin on your shoulder. You watched him play the next game and giggled when he lost, terribly, to which he gave you a teasing squeeze.

'Are you laughing at me, darling?' he asked playfully, 'this is a hard level, okay?'

'Sure,' you laughed, 'or maybe you're just not that good.'

'Oh, really?' Sihtric dropped the controller next to him on the bed, 'like you're so good, lady.'

'Better than you,' you grinned as you looked back at him, 'I won the most games here.'

'How dare you?' he squinted his eyes, 'insulting me in my own house?'

Sihtric gave you a mean glare but then broke out in smiles and started to poke your ribs. You yelped and tried to fight him, and soon you were playing pretend wrestling with the handsome Dane on his bed. It didn't take long before he had you flipped over on your back while you were both laughing, and out of nowhere he suddenly cupped your cheek and kissed you firmly. The sound of both your laughter was silenced instantly, and for a moment the only sound being heard was the nintendo menu soundtrack and the beating of your own heart in your ears. When the kiss was broken after a few long seconds, Sihtric looked at you with a half smile and he slowly traced his thumb over your lower lip. When he felt your hands move up his body and underneath his cropped shirt, he leaned back in to capture you in another firm, head spinning kiss. Soon, the sound of heavy breaths and soft gasps filled the room along with the cheerful Nintendo melody, and your hands moved through his hair while he squeezed your waist as you made out on his bed.

'Hold on,' Sihtric husked and pushed himself up from the bed, 'let me put on that record now, sweetheart.'

He quickly grabbed the vinyl you had been looking for at the store the day before, and he switched on his record player and pressed auto-repeat. When the song began to play, Sihtric took a small box out of a drawer and returned to you on the bed. You sat up and leaned in when he beckoned you closer. He opened the box and looked at you as he leaned his shoulder against yours.

'You want to share some devil's lettuce, baby?' he asked, sweetly.

'W-what?' you frowned, confused, 'I… hm, what is that?'

Sihtric smiled at you, but then realised you were truly confused and didn't know what he meant.

'Devil's lettuce,' he smiled and held up a half smoked blunt, 'is weed, sweetheart.'

'Oh,' your eyes grew big, 'oh, I, eh… I've never… you know…'

'Wanna try it with me, love?'

Your eyes darted between Sihtric and the blunt he held up, and you smiled nervously while you considered his offer. But Sihtric already knew your answer, and he didn't want you to do anything you didn't truly want only to impress him or whatever you thought you had to do. He already liked you for you and didn't want to change you.

'Hey, it's okay, doll,' he almost whispered and held your chin, 'you don't have to try it if you don't want to.'

'Yeah, I… I don't think I want to,' you admitted shyly.

'No worries,' he pecked your lips, 'mind if I smoke though?'

You told him it was fine, and you sat back watching him as he lit the blunt and took a few long drags. He closed his eyes and smiled, then threw his head back slowly and exhaled the strongly scented smoke through his lips.

I am experienced, oh yeah…Face to face… and back to back…

You watched him in awe, the way he sat next to you with his eyes closed, his head thrown back and his lips parted in a smile, his neck tattoo completely exposed and his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed; it was enough to turn you into the neediest lady. And then he slowly opened his eyes, put the blunt on an ashtray and turned to look into your eyes.

You see and feel… my sex attack…

You gazed at each other and he leaned in, cupped your cheek with one hand and pulled you in for a heated kiss.

Flesh… Flesh for Fantasy…

He pushed you down on the bed, his hands shoving underneath your skirt, pushing it up and easily pulling down your fishnet tights and panties at once. You were quick to remove his shirt and worked his belt while he kissed you, holding your face with his warm, slightly trembling hands, his tongue in your mouth allowing you to taste the Devil's lettuce he just smoked.

We want…

Flesh… Flesh for Fantasy…

Sihtric took off his jeans and boxers and then completely took off your dress, leaving you both completely exposed while the music blasted through his room. He quickly grabbed a condom out of his nightstand drawer and pulled the blankets over you both. He then climbed on top of you, slowly grinding and teasing you with his hard cock, rubbing it against your soaked folds to the rhythm while he kissed you hungrily. He brought one hand to your throat and moved his other slowly down your side, to your waist. Your breath hitched when he lightly squeezed your throat, and your eyes widened as that was not something you were used to. Your previous lovers had been rather boring, so to say, and you looked up at Sihtric with uncertainty in your eyes while you placed your hands on his wrist.

'Relax, darling,' he murmured against your lips, 'you're safe with me, I promise,' he pecked your lips and then flicked his tongue teasingly, 'and if you don't like it then you'll have have to say it, and I'll stop, okay?'

You hummed in agreement and slowly released your grip on his wrist, then brought your hands up into his hair again, adding pressure to keep his lips locked with yours while you kissed. He then teased your clit with his fingers, earning soft moans and gasps from you even before he slid his fingers inside you. And when he did, you tensed for a moment at the stretching sensation, but you relaxed just quickly when you felt his lips drag down from your chin to your neck. You smiled and squirmed while he slowly thrusted two digits in and out of you, completely dissolving into the pleasure he gave you. Sihtric watched you with hazy eyes, admiring the pure bliss on your face and the sounds you made just for him and because of him.

'You're making such a mess for me, sweetheart,' he purred and continued to pleasure you with just his hands, to which you smiled and bit down on your lip.

Sihtric watched you closely with an intense gaze, desperately wanting to see your eyes roll back in pleasure, just for him, so he picked up his pace to get you to the edge as fast as possible. But he also wanted this moment to last; he wanted to torture you in the most pleasant of ways as long as he could. He wanted to break you, lovingly though, and he wanted to make you beg. He worshipped you and adored you, and he didn't want to hurt you, ever. But the thought of making you cry was one that wouldn't leave his mind while he watched you gasp and moan so sweetly for him. He wanted to see your eyeliner and mascara run down your face, and see your pink lipstick smudged and have his own lips and neck covered with the popping colour. He wanted to see your eyeshadow stains on his pillowcase when he was done with you, as well as feeling the burning sensation of the scratches that your nails would leave on his skin. Sihtric wanted to fuck you. Fuck you to the point you're all marked up and claimed by him. He wanted to own you, but not in a psychotic kind of way, no, only in a loving way.

And as he felt your walls clench around his fingers, knowing your climax was approaching, he pulled away from you. You gasped at the sudden loss, a surprised look painted your face as you looked up at Sihtric, who smiled slyly as he watched you being all needy and desperate for him.

'S-Sihtric,' you breathed, 'please…'

'I know, sugar,' he cooed and repeatedly kissed your lips gently, 'I know you want more.'

'Please,' you begged.

You heard his soft chuckle in your ear and then he swiftly moved to lay behind you. He placed his big, warm hand on your hip, pulling you flush against his body underneath the sheets and he wrapped his other arm around you. He peppered your neck with soft kisses while he smoothly slid his hard, twitching cock inside you. A sharp gasp escaped you, smiling, and the music in the background suddenly became quiet as the record player prepared itself to repeat the single. Seconds later you heard the familiar beat again, and you threw your head back at the feeling of Sihtric's slow, deep thrusts inside you. He kept his pace steady, rhythmically, and he cupped your breast only to massage it before he squeezed your soft flesh.

'Fuck, ahh,' he breathed, then chuckled and grazed your ear with his lips, 'I've never had a pussy this good.'

He brought his hand back to your throat, lightly squeezing it, and he growled when he felt your walls clenched tightly around him while a needy cry left your mouth.

'Hm,' he hummed, 'you like it, don't you?'

'Y-yes,' you whined, and moaned when you felt his grasp on your hip becoming firmer.

Sihtric trailed his fingers over your neck, up your chin, and he traced your lips lightly.

'Suck my fingers for me, doll?' he whispered brokenly while he began to thrust harder into you.

You did as he asked, sloppily sucking the fingers he had fucked you with before, and the sound of his heavy breathing only made you suck his fingers more eagerly.

'That's good, darling,' Sihtric rasped, 'just like that. Keep going for me.'

Your moans were muffled as your mouth was full, and only a faint cry of pleasure snuck out when he suddenly slapped your sensitive spot. You squirmed in his embrace, desperately wanting to reach your climax, but he continued to tease and edge you while he fucked you slow and steady. 

You cry…

Flesh… Flesh for Fantasy…

You brought your hand up to the back of his neck, clawing at his skin, turning your face to the side so you felt his hot breath on your lips and in your mouth as he pulled out his fingers. His pace became rougher, and each time you neared your climax he slapped your pussy hard and sunk his teeth in your neck, marking you, until you begged him to let you finish as tears ran down your face.

'P-please,' you cried, 'I n-need to… c-cum.'

And then he finally flipped you over, face down and pressed into his pillow, and he grabbed your waist to fuck you relentlessly. The fire in your lower abdomen rose quickly, and your muscles tightened up as the heat finally exploded inside you and spread through your entire body. You grabbed onto Sihtric's arm he had around you, digging your nails into his flesh while you came with loud moans, and inaudible curse words left your lips while he fucked you through your climax, chasing his own. And when his pace became sloppy, he dug his fingers in your your waist and you felt him pulsate when he stilled inside you. You were both breathing hard and heavy, gasping for air while you collapsed into each other's arm, and you were only brought back from your highs when you suddenly heard the record player preparing itself to repeat the record again. 

You looked into Sihtric's eyes as he held you, slowly caressing your cheek with his thumb while he gazed back into your eyes. You both had flushed cheeks and yours were covered with your smudged make-up, which Sihtric thought was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. And you loved seeing your lipstick stains on his lips, cheeks, and smudged all over his chin, neck and shoulders. He leaned in and sweetly pecked your lips, then smiled at you.

'So… you heard that record enough now?'

'I think so, for today at least,' you chuckled and buried your face in his neck.

'Hm,' Sihtric hummed, smiling, 'well, we could always listen to it again tomorrow.'

'Only tomorrow?'

'Tomorrow,' Sihtric whispered and kissed your forehead, 'and every other day after.'

taglist: @clairacassidy @finanmoghra @uunotheangel @hb8301 @bathedinheat @neonhairspray @anaeve @bubblyabs @travelingmypassion @sylasthegrim @andakth @succnfuccubus @willowbrookesblog @lady-targaryens-world @skyofficialxx @elle4404 @alexagirlie @sweetxime @solango @gemini-mama @cheyennep3107 @little-diable @jennifer0305 @drwstarkeyy @mrsarnasdelicious @verenahx @urmomsgirlfriend1 @foxyanon @djarinsgirl27 @sigtryggrswifey @diiickbrainn @sihtricsafin @lexwolfhale @dixie-elocin @m-a-s-h-k-a

[whitedarkmoonflower]

Sickness

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Anonymous asked:

Season four Sihtric, when the group are passing through the fields during that plague and the river. Reader is the lover of Sihtric and is sick. Her sickness gets worse after the run in with Eadith’s brother Eardwulf. Very angsty with the rise on emotions everyone is dealing with. Eadith tries keeping the reader alive with her medical abilities but it’s to no avail. The reader and Sihtric have what they think are their last moments before she is kidnapped along with Stiorra, Aelswith and Aethelstan. She gets better and reunites after the siege.

Pairing: Sihtric x reader (female)

Authors note: This is the request I took over from @sihtricfedaraaahvicius It is the first part, the next will follow hopefully soon.

Warnings: a bit of fluff and angst, quite a load of angst

Word Count: 4,6K

Tags: @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @hb8301 @zillahvathek @alexagirlie

If you want to be added to the tag list - write to me.

Uhtred's heart pounded in his chest as he spotted the soldiers on horseback emerging from the road bend. There was no time to waste.

"Run!" he shouted urgently, his voice leaving no room for questions. Finan and Osferth quickly grabbed Aethelstan by the hands, while Uhtred swiftly turned and scooped up Aelfwynn in his strong arms. Without further ado, they darted off the road into the tall grass of the meadow to their right. Eadith, Stiorra, and the young Uhtred, followed suit. You hesitated for a moment, bending over with your hands on your knees, desperately trying to catch your breath as your gaze locked with Sihtric.

"Come on, there's no time to waste," the urgency in his eyes turned into worry. "Are you okay? Can you run?" he asked, taking a step in your direction and extending his hand.

You had been relieved to escape the woods and feel a solid road beneath your feet again after the exhausting days you had endured. A nagging sense of discomfort had slowly settled into your body, initially dismissed as the expected toll of running through fields and woods on foot, and sleeping under the open sky with moss and fallen leaves as your only mattress and blanket. It had started as a subtle ache in your joints, as if they were encased in lead, protesting every movement and sending sharp, shooting pains through your body. Gradually, this discomfort had escalated into a more pronounced pain, and this morning, you had woken up tired and weak, your skin hot to the touch. 

But the last thing you wanted was to reveal your weakness and become a burden or an obstacle to others. You held responsibility for the children – Aelfwynn, Aethelstan, and Stiorra, though she pretended to be grown up already. You had been caring for them in Saltwick for over a year, and your bond had deepened in ways you never could have anticipated. You loved and cared for them as you were sure you would for your own children, should you ever have any.

Aelfwynn, with her bright eyes and insatiable curiosity, had a remarkable talent for bringing warmth even to the coldest of days. She was a quick learner, possessed a genuine thirst for knowledge about the world, and you found yourself marvelling at her growth. Her laughter was as sweet as a melody, and her hugs felt like a soothing balm for the soul.

Aethelstan, the thoughtful and introspective one, had a heart overflowing with kindness. His gentle spirit served as a constant reminder of the goodness that still existed in the world, even during the most challenging times. His trust in you warmed your heart.

Stiorra, the spirited and adventurous one, injected an element of excitement and unpredictability into your lives. Her infectious laughter and boundless energy were both exhilarating and, at times, exhausting. You embarked on countless adventures together, and with every scrape and bruise she earned, you felt it tug at your heart. 

You loved these children unconditionally, celebrating their victories and providing comfort during their moments of sadness. You worried about their futures and dreamt of the wonderful lives that lay ahead for them. Your heart had expanded to encompass these precious souls, and you couldn't fathom a day without their laughter, quirks, and love. So when Uhtred and his men insisted on fleeing, you didn't hesitate for a moment—you were determined to accompany them.

And then, of course, there was Sihtric, the handsome Dane with the most unique haircut you had ever seen in your entire life. You couldn't deny the initial unease you felt around him when he was assigned by Lord Uhtred to guard the children alongside Finan and Osferth in Saltwick.

His quiet demeanour and the way he observed you had initially sparked suspicion. Sihtric's deep and enigmatic eyes seemed to track your every move, their intensity sending a prickling sensation across your skin. It was as if he could see through you, discerning something you couldn't quite grasp, leaving you feeling vulnerable and exposed.

However, as the days passed, Sihtric's presence transformed from a cause for suspicion to a source of reassurance. His reserved nature concealed a kind heart and a readiness to lend a hand whenever necessary. He frequently offered assistance with the children, whether it was helping Aethelstan carve his wooden horse or taking Stiorra on playful adventures in the woods. Aelfwynn, in particular, had taken a liking to him, finding solace in his company. 

Your initial unease gradually faded as you witnessed Sihtric's interactions with the children, noting his patience and caring nature. Imperceptibly, you grew quite fond of the gentle and kind-hearted man hidden behind the rugged exterior of a fierce warrior.

You vividly recalled that evening, as if it had occurred just yesterday. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, orange glow over the tranquil garden where you had found your moment of peace and tranquillity. The children were fast asleep, their dreams filled with the day's adventures.

As you sat there, lost in your thoughts, you received a pleasant surprise when Sihtric quietly joined you, taking a seat beside you. His presence was a welcome one, and the two of you relished the serene beauty of the fading daylight.

For a while, you enjoyed each other's company in silence, with only the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze breaking the stillness. Sihtric's gaze lingered on you, and you could feel his eyes on your face. It was an intense scrutiny that made your heart flutter, and you couldn't resist stealing a glance in his direction.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sihtric broke the silence, his voice low and sincere. "You are truly remarkable," he began, his words carefully chosen. "The way you care for Aelfwynn, Aethelstan, and Stiorra, it's... inspiring."

Your cheeks flushed with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "I appreciate your kind words, Sihtric," you replied, genuinely touched by his compliment. "But I'm just doing what comes naturally. They've become like family to me."

Sihtric nodded, his gaze still fixed on you. "It's more than that. You have a gift, a way of making them feel safe and loved. It's a rare quality, and I admire it greatly."

A sense of warmth enveloped you as you listened to his words. There was a vulnerability in his expression, as though he had revealed something deeply personal, and you appreciated his openness. As you gazed into Sihtric's eyes, you saw a sincerity and warmth that had been hidden beneath the surface.

The moonlight bathed the garden in a soft, silvery glow, casting enchanting shadows on the two of you as you sat side by side. Touched by Sihtric's words and captivated by the way the moonlight highlighted his handsome features, you found it difficult to tear your gaze away from him. He appeared so strong and reassuring in the tranquil evening light, and you couldn't help but feel a flush of desire as you imagined his strong arms around your waist and his full, sensual lips against yours.

As the thought danced through your mind, your heart quickened, and you couldn't help but let your hand fall gently onto Sihtric's, a subtle invitation that carried a world of unspoken desire. Your pulse raced as you leaned in closer and inhaled his breath, your faces just centimetres apart. You were so close that you could sense his muscles tensing and his breathing becoming more strained. The moment seemed so perfect and you closed your eyes, anticipation hanging in the air.

Sihtric shuddered, his body tensing under your touch. With a sudden, trembling voice, he stammered, "I... I should excuse myself. It's getting late, and I should check on the horses."

His sudden withdrawal and the tremor in his voice took you by surprise. Confusion and disappointment washed over you as Sihtric hastily retrieved his hand and stood up, his gaze avoiding yours.

In the space of a heartbeat, the enchanting moment was shattered, and you were left sitting alone in the garden, the echoes of what might have been hanging in the air. Sihtric's abrupt departure left you feeling both bewildered and disheartened, wondering what had caused him to recoil so suddenly.

The next day, an awkward tension between you and Sihtric hung in the air like an unspoken barrier. His once-warm presence had become elusive, and you couldn't shake the growing sense of embarrassment stemming from the events of the previous evening. You certainly didn't want to ruin the budding friendship that had developed between you, especially considering the deeper feelings you had begun to hold for Sihtric.

As the next day proved to be no better, you found no recourse but to approach Finan.

"Finan, may I speak with you about Sihtric?" you began hesitantly, unsure how to start the conversation.

"Lady, you have a question? Just go ahead and ask," Finan replied tersely.

"I'm not sure how to put it," you admitted. "It seems I've upset Sihtric, but I'm at a loss as to what I've done wrong. We had a pleasant conversation about the children last night, and then he abruptly left. Now he's avoiding me."

Finan set down his sword and turned to you, his eyes scrutinising your face with a stern expression that made you slightly uncomfortable. Your cheeks flushed, and you averted your gaze, beginning to regret initiating the conversation.

"So, he finally mustered the courage to speak to you," Finan remarked with a chuckle. "I don't believe you've done anything wrong. Lady, that lad has a heart of gold, and he's been smitten with you since the moment he laid eyes on you. But, let me put it this way - he struggles with recognizing his own worth. It's not for me to share his story. Perhaps he will, when the time is right." Finan continued to fix you with a penetrating gaze, and you began to feel increasingly uneasy. Thinking the conversation was over, you turned to leave.

"Lady," Finan called out quietly, the mischievous glint in his eyes replaced by a stern and earnest expression. "Please, don't give him false hope if you're uncertain or not serious. It would shatter him, and believe me, he doesn't deserve to have his heart broken again." 

You lifted your eyes to meet Finan's, and the genuine care and concern emanating from him filled you with profound appreciation for the bond that united these men.

"I promise I won't," you whispered.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the estate, you decided it was time to address the issue directly and made your way to the stables, a place where you knew Sihtric often sought solace and solitude. There, you found him leaning against a wooden post, his gaze fixed on a distant point, his expression holding a mixture of contemplation and melancholy. Seeing him in this state tugged at your heart, as you approached cautiously.

"Sihtric," you began softly, "is there something I did or said that disappointed you? I can't help but feel like something has changed between us."

He turned to look at you, his eyes full of surprise. For a brief moment, silence hung in the air, as if he was struggling to find the right words. You took a deep breath, moved a step closer, and gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Sihtric," you said softly, your voice brimming with sincerity, "I genuinely like you, and I don't want any awkwardness between us."

The instant your hand made contact with his shoulder, Sihtric visibly flinched. His eyes widened in surprise, and it appeared as though he had momentarily forgotten how to breathe. His chest rose and fell in a rhythm that mirrored the quickening of his heart.

A medley of emotions flitted across Sihtric's face, but most of all a complete disbelief.

“You like me? No, lady, that can't be,” his response caught you off guard. You blinked in astonishment and then, almost instinctively, asked, "Why wouldn't I like you, Sihtric?"

He let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm a Dane," he said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "A bastard. A man without a future, without a place in this world. Certainly not someone deserving of being liked, especially not by a lovely Saxon lady like yourself. I apologise if I overstepped the previous night," he continued sincerely. 

"It won't happen again," Sihtric added, turning as if he intended to leave.

Surprised by his words, you stood there, gazing at this grown man who appeared simultaneously strong and fearless yet vulnerable and lost, like a small child. At the last moment, you extended your hand, grasping his arm.

"Sihtric, please, wait. Why are you saying this? I don't care that you're a Dane. And, by the way, I'm not a lady. You are so much more than your heritage. You're gentle and caring with the children, always respectful and ready to help. You have a kind heart, and that's what truly matters. I like you. I like you a lot, and not just as a friend…" Your voice lowered, and you felt your cheeks flush crimson as you whispered the last words.

If anyone was overstepping, it was unquestionably you. However, in this moment, all you wished for was for this incredibly sweet man to see himself through your eyes—worthy of admiration and affection, regardless of his origins or the challenges he faced.

The weight of the conversation lingered in the air as Sihtric processed your words. There was a quiet pause between the two of you, with the gentle rustle of hay in the stables the only sound. Then, as if compelled by an unseen force, Sihtric's hand reached up to cup your chin, gently tilting your face upward until your eyes met his. In the dim light of the stable, his gaze held an intangible twinkle of delight as he tenderly caressed your face with his thumbs.

"You are so breathtakingly beautiful," he whispered. "And you're so kind and sweet…so loving and caring. You don't understand… there's nothing I can offer you in this life… you deserve something better."

You gazed into Sihtric's mismatched eyes, a tentative smile spreading across your lips as you took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze before pressing his palm against your cheek, nuzzling into it.

"Sihtric, please don't feel compelled to make a decision on my behalf," you said with a warm smile, and in a sudden rush of emotions you lifted yourself onto your tiptoes and gently pressed your lips against his.

A deep sigh escaped Sihtric as he felt your lips brushing against his own. He cradled your face in both of his palms, pulling you slightly back, his eyes wide open, scanning your features with a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment in them. Your heart quickened, threatening to burst from your chest. You feared you had made a fool of yourself, that he was about to reject you, and tears welled up in the corners of your eyes.

With a soft, lingering touch, Sihtric leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a gentle and tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with sweetness and delicacy, infused with awe and adoration. You had never been kissed like this before. The gentle, hesitant touch of Sihtric’s tongue, the way he held you in his arms, the soft moans of delight escaping his lips, his trembling fingers cupping your cheeks – every small detail, every motion of his body spoke of hope and unending love, promising something more—a connection you had never before experienced but were willing to embrace. It swept away your breath and set your heart racing with an unseen intensity.

This was just the beginning of what felt like a fairytale for you. Later that night, as you shared your bed with Sihtric, revelling in his passionate yet gentle and affectionate touch, as he worshipped your body, you silently pondered whether to thank God or the Devil for bringing this handsome and kind-hearted man into your life. Even if loving him meant being condemned to eternal flames, you were ready and willing to embrace it.

—-----------------------------------

Panic flickered in Sihtric's worried gaze as he noticed your distress and rapid breathing.

However, the approaching sound of hoofbeats spurred you into action. With a determined effort, you summoned all your strength and began to run. You grasped Sihtric's hand for support, and together, you followed the rest of the group into the meadow.

The rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins fueled your determination, urging you to push harder. You sprinted up the hill and down to the riverside, maintaining your pace alongside Sihtric, whose firm grip on your hand served as a silent source of strength and encouragement.

The cool breeze against your face and the rhythmic thud of your footsteps helped you push through the weakness and nausea that threatened to overwhelm you. You knew you had to keep moving, to remain with the group and ensure everyone's safety.

Upon reaching the riverside, it became evident that crossing it was not an option. The riders pursuing you drew nearer and all eyes turned to Uhtred, awaiting a command, a solution, or even a miracle if need be. However, there was no easy answer he could provide. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds against the armed horsemen approaching, Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, and even Osferth instinctively formed a protective barrier before the children, Eadith, and you, ready to defend you all against any impending threat.

The riders closed in, and suddenly the physical and emotional strain of the sudden sprint and the overwhelming events of the past moments took their toll on you. Your strength reached its limit, and with a gasp, you collapsed to the ground, your legs no longer able to support you.

Your vision blurred as you lay there, the world spinning around you. The sound of Uhtred's voice, commanding his men to protect the children with their lives, grew distant and muffled.

The ground beneath you felt cool and unforgiving, and as darkness threatened to engulf your consciousness, you desperately clung to the unreasonable hope that Uhtred and his men would see the children through this.

Sihtric's eyes widened in panic, his heart aching as he watched you collapsing to the ground. Every muscle in his body tensed with an overwhelming desire to rush to your side, but before he could make his move, your gaze locked with his, and you vehemently shook your head. With the last remnants of your strength, you whispered urgently, "Children, you must protect the children."

The pain etched on Sihtric’s face as he continued to watch you, torn between his instinct to run to you and your final plea to safeguard the children, was palpable. He nodded in understanding, your words echoing in his mind, just as the first arrows from the approaching riders sliced through the air. 

You heard a sound of someone falling to their knees near you and closed your eyes as you felt two small gentle hands, you unmistakably recognised belonging to Stiorra, cradling your head and placing it in her lap. And then everything went black. 

—---------------------------------------------------

As you slowly stirred from unconsciousness, you found yourself lying in a bed, your body aching and feverish. Memories of the riverbank and the perilous encounter with the riders rushed back, leaving you wondering how you had ended up here.

Turning your gaze, you saw Sihtric sitting by the bedside, his eyes fixed on you with a mix of relief and concern. Weakly, you attempted a smile, wanting to reassure him despite your own discomfort.

Sihtric's expression softened as he noticed your effort. "You're awake," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine relief.

You nodded, your throat dry and raspy, making it difficult to speak, the pain in your body serving as a constant reminder of the ordeal you had endured.

"How are you feeling?" Sihtric inquired, his concern deepening.

With a faint, reassuring smile, you whispered, "I've been better."

Sihtric let out a relieved chuckle, the tension in the room slightly easing. He reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from your face, his touch gentle and caring.

"You gave me quite a scare," he admitted, his voice filled with gratitude. "But you're strong, and you'll recover."

You wanted to reply, but your head began to spin, and a thick fog enveloped your thoughts, pulling you back into oblivion.

“Hey, stay with me,” Sihtric's voice broke into a silent whisper, laced with anguish and concern, but you no longer heard him. He grasped your hand and lifted it to his lips, placing soft kisses all over it.

“You are strong. You have to keep fighting. You can’t leave me now. I just found you, the missing part of my heart. Don’t you dare to leave me,” he murmured, his voice choking. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness threatened to engulf him. He wanted to protect you, ready to fight an army if necessary to ensure your safety, willing to give his life for yours. And there he was sitting at your bed, unable to ease your suffering, to shield you from the illness that had taken hold of your body, slowly sapping your strength and vitality.

Sihtric remained seated, his unwavering gaze fixed on your face, his hand gently resting on your forehead, sensing the heat of your fever. From time to time, he leaned in to plant soft kisses on your hot forehead, his fingers caressing your hair, whispering his plea softly into your ear, repeating it over and over in the hope that somehow, in your unconscious state, you could still hear him. “Please, don’t give up. I need you. I need you to stay with me… please.”

As hours passed without any sign of your awakening, and your fever continued to rage, Sihtric mustered the courage to step away from your bedside and seek out Eadith and the others.

"Tell me how bad is it? And how is Aelfwynn?" The anguish etched across Sihtric's face, his eyes desperately searching Eadith's for a glimmer of hope, made her heart ache.

Eadith had witnessed it—the love-stricken look in Sihtric's eyes each time he cast a glance in your direction. Still struggling to fully believe that you reciprocate his love, he savoured every smile, every affectionate word and every gentle gesture you extended toward him. It was a love that bordered on adoration, a sweet madness that granted him purpose and strength.

Now, he was on the verge of losing you. You were slipping away. You were dying. Both of you, as Aelfwynn's condition was no better. Eadith recognized the subtle, almost imperceptible shift when the body ceased its resistance and surrendered. You both had crossed that threshold.

As much as she wished to offer some glimmer of hope or reassurance to Sihtric and the others that everything would be alright, it had long surpassed her ability to provide relief for you and Aelfwynn. It was now in the hands of God, and she envied Osferth, whom she knew was currently praying in the small chapel. His unwavering faith in God's benevolence gave him strength, whereas she had lost her own faith long ago.

Eadith slowly shook her head, averting her gaze. Words that had begun to form on her tongue froze, unable to escape her lips. To tell Sihtric the truth would mean killing him too; to cut the last, tenuous thread of hope that kept him going.

"I've been doing my best to care for them," she finally said softly. "Their fevers are high and show no sign of abating. Their strength continues to wane. They require rest and proper care."

At least it was not a complete lie, but it was far from the whole truth. It was as close as Eadith could bring herself to utter.

A faint glimmer of hope flickered within the depths of Sihtric's eyes. He clung to those last words like a drowning man clutching a small piece of driftwood, hoping it would carry him to shore, even if that shore seemed impossibly distant. They require rest and proper care - and they will manage it – those were the words he wanted to hear and thought hearing them, even if they never left Eadith’s lips. 

There was no way to tell him that it no longer mattered, that the battle was already lost. 

Eadith nervously chewed her lower lip, her hands aimlessly tugging at her dress. The room was filled with suffocating silence. Her gaze wandered to Uhtred, who paced around the room like a caged beast, his steps heavy and agitated. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white from tension. Several times, he raised his fists to his mouth, biting down on his index finger, his brows furrowed, and his jaw clenched tightly.

She knew he was angry; it radiated from his every pore. He was angry at Edward for his weakness, his premature and ill-conceived actions driven by the fear of losing power. While Edward's intentions were to reunite the realm, his actions were actually tearing it apart. The young king's feeble attempt to resolve his problems by burdening unprotected children with them angered Uhtred more than anything else.

But among that Uhtred was angry at himself. He was furious with himself for not foreseeing this, for failing to anticipate the chaos that had unfolded, and for lacking an immediate solution. He was desperate to shake off this unreasonable feeling of being responsible together with the overwhelming need to take action, to do something, even if he didn’t know what. But he couldn't. He was a man of action, a man of solutions and inability to provide for one drew him to the brink of madness.

While Uhtred continued to pace, his breath becoming shallow and uneven, Eadith's gaze shifted to Finan, who sat alone at the table. His posture slumped, his hands clenched and unclenched, and his gaze was distant and unfocused, as if he were trapped in a labyrinth with no way out. He was afraid. Eadith had come to know this fearless warrior well by now and her heart was full of awe and admiration toward him. Yes, he was fearless, fearless in the battle, ready to stand up against as many men as needed, yet he was afraid—afraid of losing his friends to the spreading sickness, and desperate to protect them, yet fearing he might fail.

—--------------------------------------------

"I don't want to leave her, Eadith. You don't understand, nobody does. I can't leave her. She's everything I have," Sihtric's voice quivered, his hands shifting from the hilt of his axe, as if seeking reassurance, to his dishevelled hair, where he pulled hard before returning to clench around the axe hilt again.

"You won't be leaving her, Sihtric. You'll be trying to save her. We need a safe passage to Winchester and a proper healer for her, for both of them. Uhtred's plan is the best and only option we have. You're not abandoning her, Sihtric," Eadith spoke with conviction, though she couldn't help but despise herself at this moment. Was it a lie she was telling Sihtric? Not entirely. The last days had been full with half-truths, and this was just one more, but why did it hurt so much? Will he see her alive again? Probably not. But staying here will not change that, while leaving might bring a big change for the whole kingdom. If there was one man to bring Aethelflaed and Edward back on the path of peace, then it was Uhtred and he needed Sihtric. 

Sihtric cast one final, longing glance at the bed. You looked too small in it, your eyes closed, your face pallid. He raised his hand and took one hesitant step toward you, as if wanting to stroke your head one more time before leaving. Turning abruptly and storming out of the room, Sihtric buried his teeth in his clenched fist with such force that blood started to trail down his arm. 

“I’m not leaving you,” he whispered to himself, “You need a safe passage to Winchester, and I’ll secure it for you, no matter the cost.”

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

[fan-fantasies]

Care For You

A/N: surprise! I’m avoiding my issues with real men by fantasizing about my fictional men so please enjoy the product of that! Slight enemies to lovers (which isn’t easy cuz Osferth is such a sweetheart) but it’s my favorite trope!

Warnings: swearing, insults, unprotected sex and slight choking, people walking in on them

Pairing: Osferth x fem!reader

The sun was slowly setting over Rumcofa when a watchman from the river yelled to Uhtred.

“Lord! We’ve spotted a ship we cannot identify!”

“Soldiers to the riverside!” Uhtred called to his men.

He and his merry misfits waited on the dock to see who it could be. As the ship came closer, a familiar face stood up.

“Is that Eadith?” Finan asked, standing taller.

“It is!”

“Lord, we are from Frankia looking for safe passage. We have coin to pay the toll!” She called out with a smile.

Uhtred and his men were thrilled to see her.

“Don’t let her fool you, lord. It is no more than tin,” you joked, popping up beside her.

Finan looked at Osferth who already had a scowl on his face. The Irishman elbowed him in the side and chuckled.

Uhtred helped the two of you off the ship and escorted you to the great hall along with his men.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

“We have been studying healing in Frankia and we heard that Rumcofa has become riddled with diseases of all kinds,” Eadith answered.

“Well that would be Osferth’s fault,” Finan laughed.

“That wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest,” you smirked. “Or perhaps it would since I’m sure you’re still a virgin, baby monk.”

“Didn’t feel like staying in Frankia?” He snapped at you.

“And miss out on seeing my favorite warriors?” You asked, throwing your arm around Finan. “I think not.”

“Do not listen to him, y/n. We are glad to have you,” Sihtric smiled.

“Speak for yourself,” Osferth mumbled under his breath before leaving the hall.

You had to admit he had grown into quite the fine young man, but his attitude was as sour as ever and you loved to poke at him.

“Why such hostility?” Eadith asked Finan quietly.

“They want to hump each other but neither will admit it. So they do this instead,” he sighed. “Stubborn bastards.”

“We will celebrate properly later but we have much to do to prepare for the festival,” Uhtred said.

“Yes and we must get settled,” Eadith said, looking at you. You followed her to the small inn where they informed you that they only had one small room left.

“You take it! I’ll stay with someone else,” you insisted.

“But-“

“No buts! You’re here for important business and you’ll need a place to rest,” you reminded her, referring to a letter the Lady Aethelflaed had sent to you in Frankia.

“Fine, but go straight to Uhtred and tell him you need a place to sleep,” she said.

“Yes, lady,” you said while rolling your eyes playfully. You sought out the lord and found him at the ale house inspecting the latest brew for the festival.

“Uhtred! May I have a moment?” You asked.

“For you, you may have many moments,” he joked.

“It seems your inn is full and I gave Eadith the last room so I’ll be needing a place to sleep,” you informed him.

“Well I’m sure Sig and Sihtric wouldn’t mind you staying with them. I doubt they’d even notice another person,” he laughed.

“Any other options?”

“Finan and Ingrith already have guests and I would offer my own, but-“

“The princess is coming, say no more,” you gave him a soft smile. “So that leaves…”

“Osferth!” Uhtred said with a huge smile as the young man in question came through the door.

“I’d rather sleep with the pigs,” you grunted.

“I doubt even they would have you,” Osferth snapped.

“Kids, play nice,” Uhtred sighed. “You will stay with Osferth, end of discussion.”

“What? Lord!”

“End of discussion, Osferth,” he said in a serious tone.

“Well are you going to show me the way or do I have to guess which place is yours?” You asked. He said nothing but left while expecting you to follow.

His little house was nicer than you expected it to be. It was simple but it suited him. It didn’t seem like as much of a bachelor pad as you would’ve expected and it made you wonder if he had a woman in his life. You quickly rushed that thought from your mind because you didn’t like the jealousy bubbling up inside you.

“There’s a small makeshift bed over there for guests so…help yourself,” he mumbled.

“What a shame, I thought we’d be sharing,” you said with a wink and a laugh.

“Not if you begged me,” he scoffed. “Although I’m sure it would sound nice coming from you.”

“Like I’d ever beg you for anything.”

He crossed the room in only a few steps and bumped his shoulder against yours as he passed, stopping briefly at your side.

“I’m sure there are ways to get you to beg,” he whispered in your ear before walking out the door.

What a cocky asshole he had grown into; you couldn’t say you disliked it though. It lit a fire in your belly that you wanted to ignore.

Osferth left and went to find Finan and Sihtric who were searching for Aethelstan who was probably hiding from his chores.

“So, it must be weird seeing y/n after all this time,” Sihtric commented.

“Why would it be weird?” The younger man asked.

“We know you were upset when she left with Eadith so I’m sure there’s some unresolved feelings there,” Finan smirked.

“I was not upset and there are no feelings!”

“You don’t have to lie to us, baby monk,” the Irishman chuckled.

“Has she grown into a beautiful lady? Yes. Is she still the same annoying brat from all those years ago? It would appear so. So that’s all there is to it,” Osferth insisted.

“She just likes to play with you,” Sihtric sighed.

“Yes well I don’t enjoy it.”

“Perhaps you’d enjoy it if she played with you in a different way,” Finan said, jabbing him with his elbow. Osferth replied with a scowl but deep down he knew his friends were right- about everything.

Uhtred held a small feast to welcome the two of you back. You found that you actually enjoyed the townsfolk of Rumcofa. It was nice to be back with your friends, even if Osferth’s weird stares had been throwing you off all night.

“Lady, I am glad you have found your way to our humble town,” a man said, taking the empty seat next to you. “I am Ivar.”

“Hello, Ivar; it’s a pleasure to meet you,” you smiled. “I’m quite enjoying my time here so far.”

“You’ve come at the perfect time. Blood month festival is always a momentous occasion,” he said. He scooted closer to you and slid you another cup of ale.

He was attractive, you couldn’t deny that. You knew Uhtred would not allow any sleazy men in your company so you hoped he was decent. What harm could it do to entertain him?

“Perhaps we will be able to celebrate the festivities together,” you said, taking a sip of the ale he offered. His eyes lit up at your words and you laughed. The two of you were unaware of the eyes that were watching you with much scrutiny.

“I would enjoy that very much, lady-“ he leaned in closer so that no one but you could hear- “perhaps there are some other festivities that we could enjoy together as well.”

You were surprised by his words but you were more surprised by the knife that was stabbed into the table between the two of you. You jumped apart from one another quickly, looking up and realizing it was Osferth standing over you.

“To cut your meat, lady,” he sneered while pointing to the knife. He stormed off, leaving you angry and Ivar confused.

“He should probably be more careful next time,” he mumbled more to himself.

You wanted to chase after him and demand a reason for his behavior but you did not have the energy to deal with him.

You continued on with some small talk before you realized that as handsome and forward as Ivar was, he was actually incredibly boring. You finished your meal rather quickly and excused yourself from the table. He offered to walk you back but you politely declined, feigning exhaustion from your long journey.

The walk to Osferth’s was not long but it was enough time for your anger to creep back in. You slammed his door shut when you entered, causing him to look up from whatever book he was reading.

“You were a reckless idiot back there,” you snapped.

You began to take off your top layer of clothing to get ready for bed. You’d spent enough time around Uhtred and his men that being shy was no longer a thing.

“I was reckless? I’d consider you the reckless one if you’re going to sleep your way through Rumcofa,” he replied.

“Are you dense? It was one man and we were simply talking! It was not as if he was going to take me right there on the table in that moment!”

Osferth’s jaw tensed when that image flashed in his head.

“I saw how you were acting, like a bitch in heat.”

You stormed over to him and ripped the book from his hands, throwing it across the room. He stood up from his seat, fuming.

“I should cut your tongue out for saying such a thing,” you growled. “I’m so sick of your holier than thou attitude! You’re no better than anyone else.”

“I’m better than you,” he sneered.

“Is that so? I’m fairly certain it was I that saved your ass in our last battle. And it was I that convinced Uhtred to allow you to join us in the first place; what a mistake that was!”

“Is that why you’ve always been mean to me? You regret having me around?”

“I’m not mean! I simply tease you like Finan and Sihtric do!” You defended yourself. You truly never meant any malice toward him.

“It is different with them.”

“Why? Because they are men?” You asked.

“Yes!- well, no!”

“Are you sure about that?” You laughed. “You’re no better than me just because you’re a man.”

“Well at least I stuck around! I didn’t run off and come back years later pretending as if nothing happened after abandoning my friends!”

His words made you stop in your tracks. You left with Eadith to gain more knowledge and secure your own coin. Uhtred encouraged you to do so so you knew it was not him that was angry with you for leaving.

“I was not aware that you were so upset over my leaving,” you mumbled.

“I was not.”

“It sounds like you were,” you said with a small smirk. “Do you care for me, Osferth?”

“In your dreams,” he scoffed. His heart was racing and he was afraid he had been discovered.

“Oh in my dreams you do much more than care for me,” you joked.

His eyes widened at your admission and he was left speechless. You noticed the change in demeanor and decided to test his limits.

“Do you wish it were you?”

“What are you talking about?”

You moved closer to him so that you were nearly pressed against him.

“Do you wish it were you whispering dirty things in my ear? Do you wish you were the one taking me on a table at any given moment?” You asked seductively.

He gulped and refused to look at you. You could feel something against your leg so you looked down and noticed he had gotten hard beneath his robes.

“I knew you cared for me,” you chuckled, looking at him with a smirk. He finally looked at you and you could tell he was annoyed.

“Just because I wish to hump you doesn’t mean I care for you,” he scoffed.

“Do something about it then,” you said. “You may bed me if you wish.”

Once again, he found himself speechless. You were testing him but he couldn’t tell if you really wanted it. He allowed himself to stay in his head for too long before he heard you laugh. You turned away from him and went to the table where you had tossed your belongings.

“I thought just as much. Perhaps I should go back and find Ivar. I’m certain he would not hesitate if offered to-“

Before you could finish, his back was pressed against yours and he had a hand wrapped around your throat, forcing you to look at him.

“Do not say his name again,” he growled.

He slammed his lips to yours in a feverish kiss of passion. He turned your around and you slid onto the table, welcoming him between your legs. His hands were rough as they grabbed at your hips, sliding your slip around your waist.

“You are far too dressed,” you sighed as you pawed at his robes. He threw his robes aside and dropped his trousers.

“Your turn,” he chuckled as he pulled your underwear down your legs and threw them behind him.

You pulled the slip over your head and set it aside. You took a moment to admire his body just as he did with yours. He hooked his arms beneath your thighs as you braced your hands behind you. He slid his cock through your folds and chuckled.

“Already so wet, lady. Is fighting foreplay for you,” he asked.

“Only when it’s with you,” you admitted. His eyes snapped to yours and he could tell there was sincerity in your words.

He slid his cock into you slowly, allowing you time to adjust. He waited until you told he was good to move before sliding out and thrusting his hips back into yours.

You couldn’t contain your moans and whimpers as he began to fuck you relentlessly. He enjoyed watching you fall apart in front of him, knowing he was the one bringing you this pleasure.

“I should bring you back into the hall and let everyone see what a whiny little mess you are on my cock,” he growled. Your cunt clenched around him and he chuckled. “You like that, huh? Want everyone to see who you belong to?”

“Y-yes,” you managed to say as he hammered into you. He released one of your legs so he could circle your clit, bringing you closer to your release.

“Say it; say who you belong to,” he grunted.

“You, Osferth! I belong to you!” You cried as your climax washed over you. He kissed you once more to swallow your moans and his as he spilled his seed inside of you.

He broke the kiss only so the two of you could catch your breath. He rested his forehead on yours and you enjoyed the intimacy more than you cared to admit.

“I do care for you,” he whispered. “It pained me when you left so easily.”

“Uhtred encouraged me to leave and I believed there was no hope that you’d ever return my feelings so I fled from them,” you told him.

“Your feelings?” He looked into your eyes with hope.

“Why do you think I always teased you?” You asked with a laugh. “That’s my way of flirting I suppose.”

“Couldn’t have just stuck with ‘you’re handsome and I like you’?” He laughed.

“I suppose that may have been easier,” you agreed.

“No matter. Now we just have to make up for lost time,” he said, leaning in to kiss you again.

*bang!*

“Aye! We were told to make sure you didn’t kill each other yet!” Finan laughed as he burst through the door.

“Oh my god!” Eadith shrieked as she averted her eyes. Sihtric took in the room, clothes strewn about before turning around, laughing as he left.

“Told you they wanted to hump!” Finan laughed as Osferth did his best to shield you from their eyes.

“We’re alive! You may go now!” He yelled, very annoyed at the intrusion.

“Uhtred owes me 10 silver,” Finan said as he took his leave, closing the door behind him.

You let out a sigh of relief but you both jumped when you heard tapping on the window. You turned to see Finan’s stupid face in the window.

“And close your curtains!”

You covered yourself with your slip as Osferth went and pulled the curtains shut. He turned around to look at you and after a moment of silence, you both burst into a fit of laughter.

He came back over to you and helped you off the table, gently taking you in his arms.

“To bed, then?” He asked with a small smile.

“I’m not tired.”

“I didn’t say it was to sleep,” he smirked.

He did say that you had to make up for lost time, and that you did.

[auroracalisto]

she’ll have the world if she wants it

uhtred ragnarsson x fem!reader, 1.9k words tw: pregnancy, canon typical violence, blood, kidnapping, general worry and distress a/n: this was requested by @elbereth-bluebird​! i started writing it as soon as you sent in the ask, so i apologize for it taking me forever to finish. i love uhtred. 

The confession slipped through your lips before you had half the gall to stop yourself. Eadith stared at you with wide eyes, lips slightly parted as she glanced over your shoulder. The men continued on laughing over the fire, ignoring you for the time being. Osferth stoked the smoldering embers as Sihtric threw on a few more pieces of wood, bringing the fire to life once more. 

Uhtred was all smiles, glancing your way—not that you saw. Your eyes were glued onto Eadith’s face as terror spread through your body. 

It was as if time itself had stopped, mocking you for the confession that had left you moments prior. Did you anger something far greater than mortal life? Surely not. 

But the look your dearest friend gave you made you think otherwise. 

Would she tell? No. 

You hoped not, anyway.

"You are with child?" she repeated, hand raised over her mouth as she whispered. She could never be too careful (the men liked to eavesdrop every now and then, even if it were to just be reading lips—Finan had a knack for that, but she only figured it out recently). "And the father? Does he know?"

"No, and—and I do not want him to find out. Not now." You fidgeted in your seat, tension eating at the back of your throat as you fought the urge to cry. This could ruin him. This would ruin him, and he wouldn’t ever look at you the same. 

Eadith reached forward and took ahold of your hands, worry akin to the fire that raged close by. "Who..." she trailed off, thumbs gently brushing against your knuckles as she searched your face. 

You looked away from her, skin burning as your nerves ran through your body. You did not need to say anything to your dear friend. She would know with a response like that.

Him.

"Oh," she breathed out, a smile forming soon after. "Had I'd known, perhaps I would have given the two of you more privacy the other night—"

You slapped her arm in retaliation, eyes wide. "Eadith!"

She let out a soft laugh. The realization that it was indeed him made it all the better. You would be taken care of, even in the worst of winters. When the summer days came, sun glaring down and burning your skin, he would be there to lend a hand. 

He was good for that, if not anything.

"When you decide to tell him, he will be elated. I promise you, my dear friend. A child is a gift,” she said. 

You may not have found it within your heart to realize this, but she knew all was well. He would never let you want for nothing.

You clenched your jaw. You couldn't tell him. Gift or not, there were other pressing matters at hand.

Between King Alfred and the constant threat of war, you were certainly an afterthought; a hump to keep his mind off of things for the night.

You loved him; you did. You had known it for some time now, and it had blossomed the first time you saw him. Perhaps it would be safe to say he was the love of your life, even if he would never see you in such a light.

Perhaps that is why you knew you needed to keep it a secret. He was far more than you and the child that had begun to grow inside of you not too many moons ago.

"Promise me," you said, voice lowered back to a whisper. "You mustn't say a word of this, Eadith. I... will once I am ready. But for now, the time just isn't right."

"I will not say a word," she said, placing a hand over yours. "Your confidence in me will stay strong, Y/n."

You gave a faint smile. "I know."

It all happened so quickly.

The Danes had arrived well within the night, and while some were able to escape safely, many did not. Confusion was high as they couldn't understand how they found them; Uhtred had found a place to camp that should have been safe. And yet, there he stood, looking at the destruction in front of him, the blood of slain men soaking the earth. They had left nearly as soon as they arrived; a warning, perhaps. A raid on a camp that was meant to entice fear in Uhtred's very soul. A warning for the English King that waged war against them.

But Uhtred worried little about that. King Alfred could deal with it when the moment came for him to act. He had proven that time and time again, almost to the point of downright annoyance. No, the trivial act of war enticed him little at this very moment, especially when all of his friends had been accounted for, save for one.

The only one that mattered far more than his brothers—than the ones he spilt blood with. 

You.

Where were you? Where had you gone? He hadn't found you amongst the bodies that littered the grounds.

Perhaps he had overlooked you, and you rested off to the side of the bloodbath with Eadith. Or maybe, you did lie amongst the dead, waiting for passage to the afterlife.

If only he could think straight—maybe then he would find you.

Eadith left the sanctity of her horse, and Finan, searching for you—her dearest friend. She looked at the bodies, the untouched tents, the people still alive and well.

When she couldn't find you, she ran to Uhtred, calling his name.

"Have you found Y/n? Have you seen her anywhere?" Her voice came out in a rush—panicked.

Uhtred shook his head. If she hadn't seen you, then the only other place you could be would be with the Danes that came.

You wouldn't have been the only one taken, but perhaps you were the most important. They weren't there just for a warning. They were there to send a message that would shake Uhtred to his core. They had his lady.

Lost in his thoughts, he barely reacted when Eadith grabbed onto his arm.

"My Lord, she is with child," Eadith said, heart pounding in her chest.

Uhtred's head snapped back to look at her.

"You are not in earnest," he retorted, staring at her in disbelief.

She pursed her lips, hand still gripping his arm. "I am, my Lord," she said. "She told me just last night. I swore to keep it secret, but since she is missing—"

"—my Lord!"

Sihtric's voice came from behind the two. Uhtred looked over his shoulder, eyes wide. The Dane pushed a nearly unconscious man to the ground, scowling.

"He hid amongst the trees, but he will talk," he said, chin held high as he looked at Uhtred. "He will lead us to the Danes."

Uhtred clenched his jaw, moving away from Eadith. "Wake him. They have Y/n."

It couldn't have been more than a few days. The Danes that had captured you hadn't touched you. In fact, a woman came around, saying something about how because you were Uhtred's woman, she wouldn't do anything to you. Unless Uhtred never showed. He would know where to find her as soon as he realized it—perhaps as soon as he found the bait.

He wanted a deal, she had said. Something that would benefit both of them in due time.

But perhaps this Dane had the wrong Lord. Uhtred never took kindly to his men being killed, and he wouldn't take kindly to whatever had happened that night.

You had only managed to see a blur of blood and the sound of screams still plagued your mind, but beyond that, you knew nothing.

You knew not of where you were, or who had captured you. You just hoped that wherever Uhtred was, he was safe.

For now, you would be, too.

You hoped.

The gods had looked upon Uhtred the morning he infiltrated the Danes' base. It looked as if he had opened a slaughterhouse (especially when they began to fight back), but he cared little about the blood spilled.

The fool who had captured you bore a gruesome reality—Uhtred wouldn't hear him out. He had little regard for those who took what was rightfully his.

As soon as the man took his last breath, he turned to look at his trusted men.

"I'm to find her," he said. "There shall be no more blood spilled, unless they give you trouble. Keep guard until I return."

With a simple nod from Osferth, Uhtred was on his way.

And when he finally found you, high up in the fortress tower, the relief he felt was immense. He had never known his heart to be filled with such joy, seeing you alive and well.

You stood from your small bed, eyes wide as you watched the blood-covered Lord walk in, watching you and taking you in as if you'd disappear once more in the blink of an eye.

"You are fine?" he asked.

At your nod, he couldn't help but smile.

"You are with child?"

Your lips parted as you stared at him. He knew. He knew, and he had come to rescue you. Uhtred was rescuing you. You nodded once more, and the man met you where you stood, his arms wrapping around you. He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, unable to stop himself from smiling.

"Let us leave," he said. "We have a long journey back to Coccham."

"Coccham, my Lord?" you question, looking up at him curiously.

He smiled. "I do believe it proper for a woman to find comfort in her time of need," he said. "I plan to see it through."

You fought the tears that sprung to your eyes as you buried your face in the confines of his chest. 

He rubbed circles on the small of your back, smile disappearing as he stood there, holding you.

“You were not going to tell me?” he softly asked, peering down at you.

Your head tilted back, eyes locking with his. “When the time was right. I would have.”

“And you are lying to me?” he raised an eyebrow as he spoke, lips pursing together. 

You fought the urge to roll your eyes, heat blossoming on your face as you pulled away from him. 

“May we leave, my Lord?” you asked, holding out your hand to take ahold of his. “I am growing quite tired of these quarters.”

He chuckled softly and took your hand in his. “Yes. We’ve much to discuss on the way.”

The sight of your friend was a beautiful thing, indeed—up until the realization that she told Uhtred the one secret you had begged her to keep. 

“Eadith!” you exclaimed, pulling your hand away from the careful hold of Uhtred. 

He just watched with a smile as you went to your friend, looking towards his own.

“You’re to be a father, then, hm?” Finan grinned, slapping his shoulder as he spoke.

“Not for the first time,” Osferth interjected, arms crossed over his chest. But he smiled at the man, nonetheless.

“Will you marry her, Lord?” Finan asked as Sihtric came over to the bunch, wiping dried blood off of his face with a damp cloth. 

“If she’ll have me,” Uhtred said.

Sihtric rolled his eyes, a scoff escaping him. “You’ve to hear the way she talks with Eadith. She will have you. No question, Uhtred.”

[aphroditesmoon]

osferth taking care of sick wife!reader hcs

osferth x reader

a/n: im sick as hell rn so this is very self indulgent💀

°°°

- you know damn well he'd drop everything the moment he sees you throwing up and looking pale.

- finan is out here with theories of you having the 'sickness' despite it being a year ago when the disease spread and scaring the shit out of osferth.

- no fr, he's getting war flashbacks of sick aelfwynn.

- he'd make you drink warm water and wouldn't let you walk anywhere, carrying you straight to bed.

- helps you sit up when you start feeling nauseated.

- calls in eadith to help you.

-while waiting for the medicine to kick in, he'll help you to throw up when you need to.

- at this point the nausea is so bad you're unable to eat.

- he'd try to spoon-feed you the broth he made bit by bit.

- you'd try to push it away, too sick to eat anything, but he'll slowly make you eat it to help your body.

- after eadith confirms you're having a virus fever, he'd be relieved and worried at the same time. relieved it's not the sickness, worried because he have not dealt with much virus fever before and doesn't know what to expect.

- he'd wipe your sweat off, help you in the tub to wash you with hot water as you lean your head on his chest.

- you try to convince him you could do it all without his help, worried he'd get infected, but he insisted to help you.

- his worry overtook any tiredness he felt taking are of you.

-eadith visits you daily with medicine.

- one day, the whole group came to visit you, acting as if you were dying.

- osferth had been describing your illness as if it's the worse than the sickness and had everyone worried to death.

- you waved off their concerns, and their visit had help you brighten up your spirits, much to osferth's liking.

- when you slowly got better, he's there at every step, making sure you're not uncomfortable or pushing yourself too hard.

- he's very overprotective of you, seeing too much death and has lost too much people in his life, you were basically his only family besides his group of misfits friends.

- you're thankful he's there to take care of you, appreciating his every effort, either it's by cooking you his special broth, staying up at night to help you to vomit, helping you bath, fetching eadith herbs for medicine.

- he was more than willing to make sure you were healthy and safe in his arms, always.

[the-common-cowgirl]

The Lost Children -

Part 3

Summary: You try to escape only to hurt yourself. Osferth gives you a lecture. Edward is suspicious. Uhtred has a new task and a new lie to uphold. The group readies to leave Winchester. Osferth isn’t good at concealing his feelings toward you.

Rating: Mature

Warnings: swearing, innuendo, blood, injury, no use of Y/N, fluff, angst, brief mention of reader having long hair, brief illusion to female masturbation

Word Count: 2.8k

You awoke to loud rapping at your door. It startled you from your sleep and you threw your arms out from where they were laying comfortably underneath your head. Before you could straighten up in your bed, Uhtred came into the room you were sleeping in, followed by Finan, Osferth, and Sihtric.

“Get up and get dressed,” Uhtred ordered, “I have to meet the King this morning and my wish is that you are safely in the nunnery before I do so.”

You rolled your eyes and blew a stray piece of hair out of your face. “Why must the burden of my presence be off your hands before you meet the King?” You shifted in the bed so that you sat against the headboard now with your arms crossed and your legs still warm underneath the covers.

Uhtred took in a deep breath, obviously as a way to subside his frustration. He began walking out of the door. “Do as I say,” he called to you as he left the room, leaving no space for you to argue with him.

You turned your glare from the open doorway where your father just left to Finan, Sihtric and Osferth, still standing in the room. “I presume he told you to make sure I don’t run?” Finan slowly nodded, eyeing you. You laughed with haste, “Well, I need to change and I’d prefer privacy.”

Sihtric was the first to nod and step outside the door, followed closely behind by Finan. Osferth lingered, just long enough that it wasn’t noticed by Sihtric or Finan exiting the room but long enough for you to notice. He made eye contact with you before leaving, his face seemed to say, don’t try anything, but you weren’t able to tell for sure.

Once all three men were waiting outside your room, you walked over to the door, closing it then rushing to get dressed. You dressed quickly and grabbed your bag from last night on the chair bedside the bed, not realizing that it had been returned to you in the midst of your sleep. You threw the bag on the roof outside the window once again and started out the window.

You were pulling your second leg through the window when Sihtric came through the door of the bedroom, “What are you doing,” he yelled as he rushed toward you but you were quicker than he. Your foot barely escaped his grasp as he reached the window. “Get back here!” Sihtric started climbing through the window after you but it took him longer due to the fact that he was not nearly as nimble as you in his bulky armor.

You skidded across the slanted roof, grabbing your bag and glanced down to the drop from the roof. The fall would certainly hurt but you couldn’t possibly break any bones unless you landed terribly wrong; you’d have to try not to land terribly wrong. You could sit at the edge and ease off to dampen your fall but that would require a little more time than you thought you had. You looked back behind you, Sihtric was nearly out the window, you didn’t have time. Leaping off the roof, you landed in the mud behind the inn on your feet but then a sharp pain that shot through your legs and you fell to your knees and hands. Mud nearly covered half of the front of your dress now and the tips of your long hair. Groaning, you put your hands on your knees and eased yourself up on sore legs but the pain in your left ankle was too great and you fell back into the mud puddle on your arse.

“Fu-uck,” you whined high pitched as tears began pooling in your eyes. Pulling up your dress to access your ankle. The skin was red and inflamed but no bones were appearing thankfully.

Suddenly, there were a pair of hands scooping you up from the mud puddle. You didn’t see who had began picking you up but you reeled back and slapped at their face anyway. You heard a deep groan after your hand hit their cheek and then you blinked away your tears, looking at your abductor to find Osferth.

“Lady, that was quite rude,” is all he said as he began to carry your muddy form to the front of the inn.

You wiggled in his hold, trying to free yourself but he just held you tighter to his body. You couldn’t bring yourself to hit him again despite your need to flee. “Let me go Osferth! I don’t want to go to the nunnery! I don’t want to live that life anymore!” You grabbed at a nearby pole to try and stop Osferth but he shifted sideways making it out of your reach as he continued down the alleyway beside the inn.

“It’s safest for you,” he quipped. “Not only from Brida but from Edward.” Your brows furrowed in confusion and you stopped your attempts at freedom for long enough to look up at Osferth who kept his sight ahead of him in the direction of his destination. He could feel your questioning gaze though, as he continued, “Edward will use you as a pawn against Brida.”

You laughed, “Brida doesn’t love me, she wants to kill me. Why would I be of any use of her?”

Osferth finally looked at you, his brilliant blue eyes settling on your own, “That’s the point.”

When you reached the front of the inn, Uhtred was thoroughly frustrated with you. He would have told you to go change your dress or even bathe but the longer you were in Winchester with him, the more suspicious your relationship would grow. Surely, Edward would have spies informing him when Uhtred entered the city gates and who all traveled with him. Edward’s interest would pique the moment he heard of a newcomer in Uhtred’s presence. And of course, Edward had heard of Uhtred’s quest to find his lost daughter before Brida could get to her, although, Uhtred did not know Edward knew of that.

So they dropped you off with the nuns who stripped your of your muddy clothes, bathed you, combed your dirty hair, and wrapped your sprained ankle without much more than a “goodbye.” Although, Osferth looked rather sad and Lady Eadith gave you a quick hug. Stiorra did not say anything to you and hung at the back of the group. You heart felt cold again, what little warmth that had breeches it in the short time you were with the group had disappeared the moment you hobbled into the nunnery.

When Uhtred went to the King’s palace, he was welcomed by the guards stating that he, “kept the King waiting.” As Uhtred entered the throne hall, Edward was waiting him on the chair itself; they were alone.

“Lord Uhtred,” the King greeted from his chair, “I assume you found your daughter?”

Edward’s words haulted Uhtred in his tracks but ever the warrior, he held a straight face in the presence of an enemy, “I was not aware you knew of my recent journey.”

Edward gave a queer smile and nodded.

“Nevertheless, no.” Uhtred lied, “By the time I reached the nunnery, Brida had burned it to the ground. There were no survivors.”

Edward dropped his expression and offered Uhtred a feigned sadness, “Yet, I hear you traveled through the city gates with a new girl in your pack.”

Uhtred shook his head and smiled at the lie he was creating but Edward could have taken Uhtred’s smile at the thought of what he was to say next, “It seems one of my men had fallen in love on the road.”

Edward tilted his head. “Forgive me if I’m wrong, but your man, Sihtric, is married, correct?” Uhtred nodded. “And Finan, well, he’s quite old for the age of the lady that traveled through the gates.” Edward was trying to catch Uhtred’s lie, “And for the bastard monk Osferth-“

Uhtred thought quickly about how Osferth and you had grown close in the short time together and decided that was the best course of action. Raising a finger in correction and smiling, “No longer a monk my King…. a warrior.”

Edward looked mildly disturbed that Uhtred had ruined his game but he still wasn’t convinced. “Osferth and this lady….” He began, waiting for Uhtred to correct him but Uhtred didn’t. “This lady who shares a striking resemblance to you…” Uhtred nodded. “Uhtred, do you take me for a fool?”

“No my King,” he lied, “never.”

“Uhtred, if I find you’re lying to me, there will be consequences.”

Uhtred furrowed his brows, “My King, what need would I have to lie to you? I know that if I had brought my daughter here safe and unharmed, you would allow her refuge behind these walls.” He lied and lied well, because Edward sat back in his chair, realizing he seemed all but too eager to find Uhtred’s daughter.

“Yes, of course,” he dismissed. He would have to drop the issue for now, but he wasn’t convinced the girl who rode in with Uhtred was Osfeth’s lover. “Anyway, Uhtred, the reason I called you here this morning is that I have a task for you.”

Uhtred nodded, “Anything my King.”

“Kneel girl, on your knees!” The elder nun had not been in your presence long before she grew frustrated with your antics. She put a strong hand on your back and pushed, forcing you to the hard, stone ground in front of the pew you were sitting in. When you landed, you made sure to jut out your ankle so it wouldn’t take the hit but being too focused on your ankle, your nose hit the pew in front of you and started to throb and bleed.

You grabbed your nose and turned to glare at the nun who didn’t apologize. She just sighed with contention and kneeled beside you. The fact she was content with hurting you made your anger bubble up and you took the blood on your hand from your nose and flung it at her, staining her coif.

The old nun’s mouth hung agape with her eyes closed for a number of seconds, in disbelief that you, a girl raised in a nunnery as Uhtred said, would act like a heathen. After her initial shock wore off and she looked at your through scowling eyes you smiled, letting the slowing blood from your nose run into your upturned lips and drip into your mouth.

“Devil child,” she huffed under her breath to herself as she got up and began to stride out of the chapel, away from you. You closed your smile triumphantly and the taste of blood filled you mouth.

You heard the chapel doors open, assuming the nun was leaving you and spit the blood onto the stone aisle way. As you did, you heard feet approaching. You looked up as you couldn’t see where you were nestled on the ground between pews. You saw Uhtred and Osferth.

Anger rose immediately, alongside hope. “Are you coming to take me away or coming to move me to a different nunnery as I’ve already been kicked out of this one?” Your teeth were yellow from the remnants of blood and your nose still throbbed.

Uhtred scoffed, “If you haven’t been kicked out yet, you certainly will be soon.” He looked to the glob of spit and blood sitting beside their boots in the aisle. “Osferth, help her up.”

Osferth moved in between the pews toward you but you began rising before he could reach you, using your upper body strength to pull yourself to stand and balancing on one foot. “I don’t need help.” Osferth stopped with his arms halfway outrstrected and looked back to Uhtred.

Uhtred pinched the bridge of his nose in agitation. “Do you think you can ride?”

The question gave life to the hope you began to experience prior but you guarded your heart, not allowing yourself too much. “Yes…why?”

“Because we are leaving.”

“We?”

Osferth nodded, answering your question to Uhtred. You looked at him and began to mouth, why, but Osferth began, “King Edward has given a duty to Uhtred and he needs our help, as always.”

Our. His men. Not you.

“Why do I need to go?” You tried to play indifferent to leaving, worried if you seemed too eager, Uhtred would change his mind.

Osferth smiled nervously and turned to Uhtred, “Should I tell her-“

“No,” Uhtred cut, “I’ll tell her.” Your father looked at you and for a mere moment he looked embarrassed. That moment passed quickly and he looked around the chapel to make sure they were alone. “I may have lied to the King.” You raised your eyebrow, smiling. Uhtred making mistakes, big mistakes such as treason, was quite funny to you. “About who you are. Edward knows you not as my daughter,” he looked at Osferth who was staring at the ground,nervously wringing his hands. You started to get suspicious. “But, as Osferth’s lover.”

The words took a few seconds to hit you fully but once you understood them, you reacted in a way neither of the two men had thought you would, you laughed. In fact, you laughed so hard that tears had begun to form in your eyes and your nose startled to trickle blood again. When you finally regained your composure, wiped your eyes and smeared the tricking blood across your face, you found they were dumbfounded. Osferth maybe a bit withdrawn too.

“Are you…are you laughing because Osferth-“ Uhtred began but you cut him off.

“I’m laughing because you’re worried I wouldn’t like my new title…” you began with the remnants of laughter still held within your voice, “But I’d rather be Osferth’s lover than your daughter.”

Osferth tried to conceal a blushing smile but his cheeks reddened and tightened at your words. Uhtred bit his lip in anger and began walking out of the chapel. Again, walking away from an argument with you. Before he reached the doors he called out behind him, “She’s your responsibility now then Osferth.” He turned and pushed the doors open with his back, looking at Osferth helping you hobble out into the aisle way. “Saddle the horses, we leave soon.”

When Uhtred was gone, Osferth and you barely made it out of the chapel, he asked you through a smile that wasn’t faltering. “So uh, you’d take me as a lover?” He didn’t glance at you as he asked, maybe too bashful now.

You gave a quick chuckle as you began to descend the stairs outside the nunnery, “I mean, if we have to pretend…” you let the rest of the question hang in the air, insinuating that you’d prefer to pretend Osferth was your lover than being Uhtred’s daughter.

Osferth scowled softly in discomfort but you’d never know it because your eyes were set on the next place you’d hobble with your good foot. “But you’re not pretending.”

“Not pretending what?” You didn’t understand what he meant.

“You’re not pretending to be Uhtred’s daughter. You are his daughter.”

You finally looked at Osferth and you saw it, the pain. The realization of the root of his pain hit you, what Uhtred said to Edward may have been a lie, but Osferth didn’t want it to be. Osferth wanted you. Suddenly, you felt uncomfortable.

Sure, you had thought about Osferth, his perfect lips or his humble, kind nature but your anger and frustration upon entering Winchester has clouded that desire. And now, upon the understanding that Osferth might share those feelings that your forgot had harbored inside you, quickly brought back the membrane of said feelings and it was overwhelming. You felt yourself grow hot and suddenly, the large, strong hands he had on you as you hobbled across Wessex toward the stables were stinging through your clothing and burning your skin.

“Osferth,” you said weakly, “I think I can make it from here on my own.”

Osferth shook his head, “We have to pretend in Wessex and I’m not leaving you alone in the streets with an injured ankle.”

You flinched as he tightened his grip on you. It was gentle but firm. It made you feel strangely in more intimate parts. It made you confused. But you didn’t tell him to let go of you again.

“Osferth?” You asked, not daring to look at him. You began to feel strangely wrong too, for being so angry as of late. You felt the need to right things.

“Yes, lady?” His voice was so polite.

“Thank you. And, I’m sorry.” Apologizing again, maybe this time, you won’t mess it up.

“Uh, may I ask why to both?” A confused snort came from his nose. His perfect nose. God, why did you have to remember the lust you held for this stupid man in such a close proximity? Why couldn’t you remember alone in your bed at night? A place where you could find relief?

“For putting up with me…that’s both.” Osferth chuckled, you continued. “I know I’m unkind, stubborn, and truly rude. Borderline feral at times. You’re the opposite. I don’t know how you remain so kind with me.”

Osferth chuckled. You both were nearing the stables, “I suppose that’s your parentage in you, as is mine.”

You shook your head, hearing Uhtred yelling for Storria inside the approaching stable, “We have no parentage. We’re bastards. Bastards stick together, right?”

Osferth smiled down at you, hearing his words from yesterday on your lips. “Bastards stick together.”

TLK Taglist: @godrakin @tssf-imagines @brianochka @victoriagaunt @fan-goddess

[moonlight-rider25]

Down with the sickness! part 1

Summary: Part of the Eadith’s Lady series

Eadith is exsposed to a frightening sickness, she needs her own room at the inn; leaving you alone with the boys and to fend for yourself.  What will this ‘alone time’ result in? Stay tuned for part 2 to find out!

Word count:  5219

Warnings: PG 13+, mentions of dead bodies, angst, bits of lust.

You’ve been in Glastonbury for two days now; the pained and ill seeking you out at every hour of the day.  Eadith and yourself have gotten little rest since arriving and you’re both on edge of hearing from multiple mouths there's a family West of town plagued with “the sickness”. So far, none of your patients have been showing signs of the sickness but the townspeople speak of the bizarre illness that has all but wiped out the large family.  The words they speak to you make it hard not to fill your brain with worry.  You desperately try to extinguish any more thought of the nonsense as you’re bandaging up an older gentleman's arm in a sling.

“The devil himself is spewing from their bodies!’’  The man before you says elaborately with his one good arm.

“Alright, Mr. Tompson, be sure to stay away from the house, and be sure to bathe often.” You tell the man trying to ignore the irrational comments he's telling you.

Eadith casts you another unhopeful look as she turns to drop another tooth from the poor woman whose mouth is infected with rot. 

“It is but superstition..” Uhtred says under his breath behind you to Osferth. 

You turn and send them a slight smile trying to show your agreement there is nothing to worry about, but inside you have your own known fears that illnesses can come and go quite abruptly, often leaving little to no survivors in its tracks. 

Eadith has finished with the lady's mouth and is wiping her hands as best she can on her apron as she approaches you.

“Still at the inn are they?” She asks, referring to Finan and Sihtrick who are too scared to be in the sunlight with any talk of sickness.

Eadith chuckles at your remark and the men cast each other confused looks.

“Of course" You reply with a smirk. “Not sure why they seem to think they're safe surrounded by strangers in the dark and not in the open air..” 

“Illnesses can spread quicker in confined…small areas” You tell the men. “They’re just as likely to pick up any sickness from the Inn as they are here in the open air with the sick.” 

Osferth nods, though you're not sure if he truly understands what you’re telling him. Uhtred stares off into the distance watching the small gathering of people waiting their turn to be treated at the opening of the fence. 

It's hot and miserable in the afternoon sun beats down on the thin tents canopy. You’re sure the remaining crowd of people will refuse to be turned away for a second day. You sigh and roll your sleeves back up trying desperately to gather the energy to stand there till the crowd has disappeared.  Uhtred and Osferth get antsy sitting in the same spot for so long and walk around the town not too far out of ear shot.  Eadith takes her chance and scurries over to you while you’re applying some ointment to a small child's chest and shoulders for a nasty sunburn.  

“I’m going to ride out to this ‘house of sickness’ after we’re done here” She tells you quietly glancing around the crowd.

“Eadith no!” You tell her sharply.

“Oh come on, you can’t believe in this nonsense of ‘Gods Sickness’!” She says hastily.

“No, but I believe there are some illnesses even we, can not battle.” You tell her with a slight glare.  

She sighs “What if it's just a poor outcast of the town in need of some hydration or better nutrition? We can’t leave them out there to die alone.” She says still quietly so the people around don't hear.

You shake your head and hope the young boy whose shirt you fastening backup does not understand what you and Eadith are speaking of.

“We’ll go.” You say finally, eyes scanning the remaining patients slightly calculating how much longer your day will be.  “But you’re in charge of informing the men.” You inform her.

Eadith bites back a smirk on her lips while narrowing her eyes slightly, shaking her head.

You look back to the child 

“Keep as much of your skin covered from the sun from now on, you hear me?”  You inform him sternly with a smile.

He runs off back to his mother who inspects your work and nods in your direction before they turn to leave.  Eadith and yourself quickly file through the remaining patients as the sun begins to fade.  Uhtred and Osferth finally close the wooden fence and help you both gather your tools to bring back to the inn. 

At the inn, you’re greeted by a very intoxicated Finan and Sihtric who are too eager to make your acquaintances.  Osferth and Uhtred take seats next to them leaving you and Eadith to carry the remaining luggage back to your room.  You fill your arms as full as possible and follow Eadith down the dimly lit hallway to your shared room.  

“Don’t bother changing, just gather some fresh provisions and let's head out,”  Eadith instructs you, already filling her bag with clean water and fresh herbs.

“Eadith, I really don’t have a good feeling about this...” You tell her hoping she’ll allow you to just eat and go to bed after another long day of endless caring for people.

“Please.” She asks you calmly.  “I just need to make sure there is nothing we could do to help them.” 

You sigh and rub your head trying to dismiss the tiredness growing in your mind.  You allow your eyes to fall closed for a moment and open them to her face peering back at you with a helpless and desperate expression on it. 

“It’s your fault if I die,” you tell her, half joking half warning. 

She smiles and continues packing her bag with provisions and you follow her lead out the door.

You cloak your heads with your hoods and scurry through the crowded ale house, hoping not to be seen by the men.  You make your way out to your horses and strap your supplies to them before mounting. Eadith is already off when you hear a faint cry of your name.  You turn to find Osferth standing in the dimly lit doorway of the ale house, with a very concerned look on his face.

“The house to the West..” You tell him. “...I promise I won't let her do anything stupid.” 

He nods but remains still with a slight frown on his face as he watches you ride off into the setting sun.   As you ride fast, trying to catch up with Eadith you remind yourself what you told him. Don’t let her do anything stupid.

You finally arrive at an old-looking house barely standing by the looks of it, in the middle of nowhere.  There are no lights on inside and no sign of life around outside.  You hold out the old rusted lantern; for Eadith to strike to life and slowly make your way to the front door.

“Hello!?” Eadith yells out.  “Is anyone here?” She asks, peering through the dark windows.

You gently push the front door open and see the same empty darkness you were greeted with outside. 

“We are healers, is there anyone here who needs tending to?” You ask calmly inside the house.

The dark empty house sends a slight chill up your spine.  No sounds fill the halls but the slight roar of the flame in your hand and the shuffling from your and Eadiths feet.  You wrap your arm around Eadiths and walk further into the house.  What little furniture that remains is thickly painted with dust and seems to have been undisturbed for quite some time. You peer around each of the small empty rooms seeing no signs of life.

“Do you truly believe someone could live here?” You ask her quietly, still scanning the room with the faint light.

“Humanity amazes me more and more each day…” She replies, peering around the house as well.

You bob through the few rooms of the dark empty house finding nothing but abandoned emptiness and thick dust causing you and Eadith to sniffle more and more.  

“Well…I feel better knowing no one is suffering out here.”  She tells you as you reach the front door again. 

You both pause when you hear a slight thud outside. You turn to look at Eadith who seems to be curious, rather than terrified like you at the moment.

“Over there.” She says calmly looking out towards the side of the house.

You swallow hard telling yourself it's probably an animal or something as you trail behind her in the growing darkness. She stands before a small hastily built shed and you hear another ‘thud’.  You both jump at the sound and look to Eadith as what you should do. She stares back at you with a worried look on her face before turning back to the small crooked door and reaching out for it.  She rests her hand on the knob for a moment looking back at you.

“Please…Eadith” You tell her quietly.

She looks back to the door and turns the knob in her hand.

“DON’T!” You shout as the door swings open with a loud crash.

Out rushes a racoon with a few babies attached to her as she rushes past yours and Eadiths feet.  You both step back in fright but are quickly distracted again by a large figure coming at you from the door frame. You gasp and jump back again while Eadith, closer to the door, still instinctively reaches out and catches the figure in her arms.

You stand gasping as the figure falls against her.  Her face is terrified but she gently and carefully settles it politely on the ground before the two of you. 

“Eadith!” You shriek.

She backs slowly away from the corpse, her chest rising and falling rapidly in fright. You hold the lantern to the body and see what you fear most. The corpse can't be more than a week old, by the smell and the fact that most of all the flesh is still intact, just discolored.  There on the ground before you lay a tall deceased man; pale face and hollow eyes, sunken into his head from deterioration.  His fingers are darkened and blacked, along with his nose and around his lips.  His face has large gashes and sores on it, which make your stomach begin to turn; knowing what they’re a sign of.

“Eadith, you didn’t..”  You turn to your friend frantically.

“I touched him.” She cuts you off bluntly.  “I touched him, surely I am infected, stay away from me!” She instructs, backing away with tears streaming down her face.

“THE BLACK DEATH” Finan yells frantically.

“SHHH” you instruct him. “Please do not alarm the townspeople!” You hush him.

Uhtred grabs him by the arms and seats him harshly on the bench by the horse stalls.

“Plague..” Sihtric whispers to himself quietly while he stirs anxiously in place, combing his fingers through his hair with a terrified look on his face.  

Osferth turns and looks to you with worry on his face but remains collected knowing now is not the time to be frantic.  Eadith remains seated on her horse a few yards away from you and the men to ensure not to infect the rest of you, if it is indeed; plague. 

“Eadith will bunker down for two days time.. alone!” You tell the men hushly in a calm voice. “We must keep her possible exposure quiet so as to not raise suspicion.” 

“I told no one,” Osferth says quietly “Where you were headed..”

“Yes, so no one else needs to know Eadith… could have been exposed.” 

“She touched the man! She's infected, she must be!” Finan blurts louder than you wish he would.

Uhtred again quiets the frantic man.

“I will get her settled in our room. I am to be the only one to come in contact with her or anything she touches.” You instruct the men. “I have been exposed before and I should have the best immunity out of us all.” 

The men nod reluctantly.  Saddened and disapproving looks on all their faces as they do.

“None of you are to breathe a word of any of this to anyone though.” You add sternly. 

Sihtric turns away from the group, his hands on his head. “We’re all going to die!” He whispers panicked to Uhtred.

Uhtred shakes his head but casts you a concerned look and you take a deep breath before  continuing to address the men.

“I need someone to make a distraction inside, so I can get Eadith into our room through the window, without watching eyes…” 

You don’t even finish your sentence before Uhtred grabs the nearby ale cup and dumps it over Finan's head with a satisfied smirk.

Finan sputters and gasps from the dripping ale falling against his face.

“Shall we fight, my friend?” Uhtred asks, slapping Finan's shoulder playfully.

Finan stands and faces Uhtred briefly before Uhtred trails off towards the entrance of the ale house, Finan following behind, still wiping the liquid from his head.

“I believe that's your cue, my lady” Sihtric shouts before him and Osferth trail after them.

You rush to Eadiths side, carefully help her down from her horse trying to touch her as little as possible. 

“Through the window, do you remember which one it is?” You ask her peering around to see all the other figures following Uhtred and Finan inside.

You scan the side of the building trying to remember which window your room leads to.

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” You hear yelled from the inside of the inn.

“Fighting!?” Eadith asks, surprised.

“..Not quite what I had in mind, but it'll do,” You tell her hurrying up the hill to the alehouse in the dark.

With Eadith settled into your room, you wash up outside scrubbing over and over again trying to rid yourself of whatever possible germs could be lingering.  The sun has been down for a few hours now and you desperately await a hot meal and a soft cot to rest your head. …when the realization hits you; Where are you to sleep?

The men are inside at a table gulping down ale, when you approach them.

“I won in case you were wondering, Y/N!” Finan informs you as you approach the group.

Uhtred shakes his head with a large smirk on his face.

“Very uneventful fight actually.” Sihtirc protests.

“Well, it served its purpose” You add with a quick grin. “However.” You continue glancing around at the men.  “Where am I…” 

You stop pondering the thought for a moment. You realize you cannot share a room with four men, that would not go over well at all in such a little town with the uproar of plague already in the air. The men are eagerly awaiting your response and you smile as you still turn the thoughts over in your mind.

“...Would someone mind fetching me a plate of food?..” You lie coyly. 

Uhtred stands and makes his way towards the barkeep while you settle yourself in his seat.  The men seem to have also forgotten the tiny tidbit of the fact that you’ll be forced to sleep outside alone tonight.  You turn to Osferth quietly, trying not to attract attention to yourself from Finan and Sihtric. 

“Could you possibly spare a blanket for me tonight Osferth?” You ask quietly.

He turns to you with a puzzled look.

“And, perhaps, not bring light of it to the others..!?” You add with a painful smile.

His eyes widen and he shakes his head to you.

“Yes, of course my lady” He says quietly. 

You pat his hand softly with a small smile on your face.  Osferth the meek, the kind, and the discrete.  You never realized how much of an ally the baby monk would be to Eadith and yourself while wandering the road with warriors. 

You finish your meal in peace as the men have headed for bed, you half disappointed, half exhausted and don't care, climb into the dry scratchy staw beneath the blanket Osferth had promised to leave you. The horses whimper amongst themselves and you try desperately to fall asleep, praying to all Gods that no man will stumble out in a drunken mess; eager to find a sleeping, unwatched lady alone.  You hear a pack of coyotes in the distance and anticipate the horses pacing in their stalls around you, before you slowly drift off to sleep.

You awake to the shout of a man and sit upright out of your sleep.  Panicked, you look around to find daylight peeking through the cracks in the horse stalls and figure the shouting must have come from outside.  You gather yourself as best you can and flip the blanket off yourself revealing it being covered in straw and to your surprise, there being more than the one Osferth left for you.  You peer around more carefully scanning the horse stalls and spy a pair of feet just outside the empty stall you chose to take for the night.  You quickly stand and approach the feet, sure you are to find a recovering drunk man that you're lucky enough did not discover you in the dark.  You stop when you see the closed peaceful eyes of the Warrior instead, laying without any blankets on the straw at your feet.  

You quietly cover Uhtred in the blankets you peeled off yourself just moments ago, and try not to feed into the thoughts of how easily it could be just to slip in under them, besides him.  Instead you smile to yourself and leave the nobel man to rest, sure he had a worse nights sleep than yourself; keeping watch over you throughout the night.  You knew it would be near impossible for the men to allow you to sleep alone outside unguarded, but you also knew they needed their rest as much as you did.  It had been far easier displacing all 4 of the men out to the stables than just leaving yourself. You wonder how Uhtred knew you'd be out here all alone. Surely, he had drank his fair share of ale last night like the other men. Regardless; the idea of him wandering around looking for you makes you smile a little more.

Inside the ale house; Sihtric, Finan and Osferth are gathered around chatting at a table.

“Morning, sunshine!” Finan yells playfully as you appear in the doorway.

“Have you seen Uhtred?” Osferth asks politely, glancing at you over his shoulder.

“I haven't..” You say biting the smirk off your lips as you strut over to the bar to gather food to bring to Eadith. 

The men make no more note of Uhtred's absence and continue with their conversation while you carefully pluck the items from the counter and make your way down the hall to Eadith.

You tap lightly on the door and hear her faint voice behind it beckoning you in.  You open the door slowly peeking in to make sure she's not too close as you enter.

“How are you feeling?” you ask her gingerly.

“Fine so far, thank heavens,” She tells you.  “How do I look?” She teases turning a little.

“Fair and pale as usual.” You tease back with a giggle.

You place her meal upon the table closest to the door.

“Not feeling warm, feverish?” You ask looking a bit closer at her now to ensure she indeed is fine still.

“No, believe me, I am in high spirits to tell you I feel quite well!” She says before coughing into her hand harshly. “Just the dust,” she tells you with a slightly concerned tone.

You nod but feel your stomach begin to tighten reading the expression on her face.

“Well, you just take it easy and rest for now anyway,” You tell her kindly.  “Please let me know if anything new arises,” You tell her before turning and leaving.

As you turn and latch the door behind you, you hear her faintly cough again from the other side of the door and you close your eyes gently before a single tear begins to trail down your cheek.

“Lord please!” you begin softly  “Please, I beg you… spare her.”

You sit in the courtyard after half a day's work, the people have clearly all had their share of spreading gossip to the new people in town and can deal with their aching teeth and open wounds for now.  The sun shines brightly and you feel your forehead dampen with sweat as you sit alone silently, thinking of your dear friend just a few yards away.

“Y/N.” 

You turn and see Uhtred waltzing towards you. You quickly snap out of the dreadful mindset you’re in thinking of Eadith and wipe your forehead before he sits down next to you on the soft grass.  

“How's Eadith?” He asks calmly as if he didn’t know that was precisely what you were thinking about.

“She’s good…” you say, peering down at your hands that are gently fiddling with a small twig in your lap.

“She…she was asleep when I brought her her midday meal..” You continue trying to tell as much of the truth without sounding alarmed.“...I’ll check on her again this evening and hopefully she will still be fine.”

“No signs of illness today…. That is a good sign she's not infected, yes?” He asks you, watching as you fiddle nervously with the twig.

“Yes.. No symptoms is a good sign..” You say softly, finally looking up to meet his striking blue gaze peering back at you.

He reaches out and softly encapsulates your hands in his, not breaking his intense stare.

“You’ll tell me the moment she shows symptoms… right?” 

You hold your gaze with him for a moment and contemplate telling him the truth…but what good would it do, what’s done is done and no one can undo that.  If Eadith is indeed sick with plaque, only time will tell if she’ll survive it or not, and currently, the survival rate is not on her side…

“...Of course,” you lie telling him finally, entranced in the blue glaciers that melt your heart.

He smiles warmly at you, satisfied with your answer, and peers down at his massive hands holding your little ones.  He lightly brushes his rough fingertips across your knuckles before pulling them up and pressing a small light kiss on them.  You smile faintly back, trying to shake the dreaded thoughts from your mind of Eadith, and quickly remember a subject that will do well at that.

“How'd you sleep last night?” Your smile growing more genuine.

His face begins to fluster as he smiles and shakes his head at you.

“Was it not cold without any blankets?” You ask sarcastically.

He nods while chuckling “It was, a bit I must admit.” he tells you gazing in different directions still laughing with you.

“How'd you know I was there?” You ask, calming your laughter a bit.

You smile while tucking a piece of hair behind your ear and look back down at your hand in his.

“...I may have caught a baby monk sneaking a blanket out there for you..” He says with a smirk still rubbing your knuckles gently. “Did you really think I'd allow you to be left unguarded all night?”

“Do you really think someone would look out in the horse stables for an unguarded vulnerable lady?” You ask with a snicker.

“Of course not!” He says surly. “Not when they were met with my ugly arce on the floor in front of you!” He tells you laughing again. “I don’t think anyone would want to lay down beside me, there on the straw and manure..” 

You flash your eyes up at him, biting desperately at your lip, recalling how easy it would have been to wake in the middle of the night and roll a yard or so in his direction and be snuggled up next to the man you crave with all your being.

Uhtred clearly reads the look on your face, and his eyebrow furrow “What's that look for?” he asks, still chuckling.

“..Nothing..” You state plainly shaking your head trying to dismiss the tension.  

He watches you closely as you retract your hand from him and rest your chin carefully on it while taking a moment before gazing back up at him.  He stares at you for a moment in silence, and you allow it as you take in the image of the man leaning back next to you on the grass, a satisfied smirk on his face. 

Perhaps it could be like this…you wonder to yourself.  Maybe we could be friends by day, traveling on the road together, spending the nights tucked between each other's arms, and it could be just like this. Simple, wonderful, and beautiful, just like this.

You both hear Uhtred's name being called in the distance, and just as quickly as the idea came to your mind, it comes to a screeching halt. 

Uhtred turns and looks in the direction his name is shouted from, you see Sihtric and Finan waving for him by the entrance of the alehouse and sigh quietly to yourself knowing he's to be whisked away, along with your momentary bliss.

"Keep a close eye on Eadith and please tell me if you discover anything." He says gently while standing.

You nod looking up at him, squinting as the sun blinds you from the ground. He extends his arm out to help you up and you gladly take it.  He stands before you; smiling and eyes gleaming. You imagine if you were a couple this would be the part where you'd be able to feel his plump soft lips pressed ever so tenderly against yours before parting. Instead, he pats your shoulder softly as he turns away. You stand watching him and fold your arms across your chest as he makes his way back to the men beckoning for him. He stops and turns back only a few paces away from you.

"..I'll bring more blankets for us both tonight." He says all too calmly.

"What!?" You stare blinded by the sun at him trying to read his face.

"You'll be in the stables again, yes?" He asks nonchalantly, backing up the hill towards the men.

You uncross your arms and peer harder towards him.

"I….yes uh, I suppose so…"  You tell him.

"Then, I’ll be sure to bring more blankets tonight." He says with a smirk as he turns and continues on towards Finan and Sihtric.

 He leaves you standing there baffled in silence as you watch his tall figure stride away. How can he make it so effortlessly simple; the way he turns your core to liquid and sets your heart on fire.  You watch as he takes huge steps up the small hillside to the dirt path of the alehouse and admire how his hair softly grazes against his huge broad shoulders as he does.  

How you have dreamt of running your fingers through those thick long locks entranced in the heat of passion. You imagine he'd be hot to the touch and warm your fingertips instantly on contact with your soft nimble hands. When you'd kiss his neck he'd taste salty but savory, and he'd leave your mouth wanting as he pull away from you.  You hastily shake your head dismissing the thoughts and realize you should probably be gathering some fresh herbs and supplies for treating the sick the next day.  You make your way much less easily as Uhtred did up the small hillside, and make your way to check on Eadith again before heading out to the pastures to do so. 

You rap lightly against the hardwood door waiting patiently, to see if Eadith has awoken yet from her slumber. You can't help but envy her just a hint, at the fact that she has this time to rest all day barely interrupted. Life on the road makes it very hard for an individual to catch up on sleep. You hear her stir from behind the door and gently turn the knob in your hand peering behind the large dark wall before entering. 

"You're awake!" You say delighted as she sits up in bed.

Her hair is a mess and her face paler than you recall but you try your hardest to ignore these perhaps not signs of illness. She smiles brightly at you and waves for you to close the door.

"How's the cough?" You ask abruptly, trying not to sound too eager.

"I'm fine! Really! It's just from all the dust in the old abandoned house."

You flash her a suspicious look and she giggles to herself as you do.

"I feel fine, really. I wouldn't let you come in, if I didn't!" She tells you confidently.

You grab the untouched meal from the table you left earlier and carefully walk it over to her and set it down gently next to her bedside table. 

Closer to her now you can see, perhaps her pale complexion, was just the lighting or even just her complexion coming out a deep slumber. You smile faintly to yourself and pour her a fresh glass of water. You reach out hesitantly and she shakes her head back and forth disagreeing with you coming so close to her. But, you keep your hand extended out towards her.

"If you are to meet our maker; you're not going alone!" You say firmly. 

She tilts her head up to you and squints slightly, before hesitantly reaching out and taking the cup from your hand. She smiles back at you and takes long satisfied gulps from her cup. 

"Honestly, how are you feeling?" You ask her again more sternly this time.

She finishes her mouthful with a satisfied 'ahh' before turning to face you, serious and stoic as can be.

"I feel as though our maker; has decided to wait a bit longer to meet me." She says with a smile growing on her face.

She takes another long sip from her cup as you watch as her hands stay steady, and calm as ever before.

"Almost this time tomorrow you better have those horses ready for us to get out of this God forsaken town!" She tells you with a laugh.

You giggle with her and pat her feet gently under the blankets. 

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, you still have another long day and night before you're clear to leave this room." You tell her kindly.

You lift yourself from beside her, and sigh as you begin to take your leave.

"Send for me if you need anything," you tell her warmly before shutting the door behind you.

This time when the door is shut; you sigh a slight breath of relief. You know the first 24 hours are the most crucial and if she indeed was infected. She should be showing obvious signs of it by now.  Not that she's completely out of the clear, but you walk back down the hallway towards the inn. Relieved that so far, she indeed, is doing just fine.

COMMENT FOR PART 2!

[icarusignite]

Union of the Gods Masterlist

“The first thing God made is love

Then comes blood

And the thirst for blood

So take me back

Oh, drunken gods of slaughter

You know I've always been your favorite daughter.”

Wattpad    Ao3

Chapters: 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Main Masterlist

Reyna of Nowhere

❝I believe in no one but myself. No god has ever answered when I needed it.❞

Reyna was a child of nothing, belonging to nowhere. A most ruthless shield maiden for the Danes. Once long ago, even she had people she cared for, but that was another life, and Wessex was no longer her home. Now, she fought against the very people who shared her blood and had forsaken their God just as He had forsaken her. The gods always have their own plans though, whether or not one believed in them, and through a twist of fate Reyna finds her paths crossing with the brother who was most cruelly taken from her as a child and a band of warriors who made her question everything she ever believed in.

Sihtric Kjartansson

❝If you betray my Lord I'll put a sword between your eyes myself.❞

Sihtric Kjartansson, bastard son of Kjartan the Cruel and his Saxon slave girl, and one of Uhtred of Bebbanburg's most loyal lieutenants. He will do anything to protect his comrades but is finding it difficult to trust the newest addition to their group, the feral girl who claims to be the sister of their youngest member, Osferth. Something about her doesn't seem quite right and Sihtric would rather be damned than accept her into their company...or his heart.

❝I've never believed in the gods, but surely they must exist if they have brought you to me.❞

Taglist: comment to be added :)

A/N: Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, I'd love to hear them. Also, I've only watched the show so I don't know anything that goes on in the books. Since not much is said about Sihtric's or Osferth's mothers, I'm going to take creative liberties with their storylines.

Hope yall enjoy!

Cheers.

[kitkatscabinet]

The sickness

Osferth x reader

Summary: on the run from Eardwulf and attempting to reunite child with mother you find yourself succumbing to the sickness

Word count: 970

A/N: because apparently I can't get enough of making my boys suffer

To say you were exhausted was an understatement, your group had spent days on the road with little food and sleep whilst attempting to evade both Eardwulf and the sickness. Finan's hysteria was beginning to fray your already thinned nerves, and your heart ached for the children that had taken to being passed around the group.

Somehow caring for Aelfwynn had fallen mainly to you when Eadith required a break. More than once you had woken up to the small body burrowing her way under your chin and arms. Forcing both yourself, and Osferth who curled around your back to move slightly to accommodate the new arrival.

As such you were one of the first people to notice the young lady's worsening condition, but still, you do not allow yourself to pull away from her. You carry her despite the men's protests, you give her your portions of the scarce food and you wipe away the sweat on her brow as she sleeps.

Through this, you do not truly take note of your own worsening condition. Simply blaming it on the toll of travel. You stubbornly push on in these beliefs until your body can no longer operate under the strain you have put it through. Luckily you are not carrying Aelfwynn when it happens, nor does she see your body hit the ground. But Osferth, who had been tugging you along with him sees it in painful detail.

His cry of despair only adds to the chaos as it becomes apparent the group cannot cross the river and Eardwulf and his men have closed ranks and surrounded you.

Yet you are none the wiser, head lolling lifelessly into the crook of Osferth's neck as he uses one arm to support your weight and the other to brandish his sword to protect you. His heart hammers in his chest, the only thing keeping him upright is the feeling of your shallow breaths against his skin.

Later Osferth will struggle to recall the events that followed, his attention lost on you and the little girl clenching her fist in the back of his tunic. The instant the arselicker turns tail to flee Osferth is dropping his sword and gently lowering your body to the ground. Hands coming up to clutch at the back of your neck and face as he attempts to wake you. Somewhere in the background Aelfwynn is crying and Finan is cursing up a storm.

It is when Osferth turns to snarl at Finan that they are not leaving you behind that your eyes flutter open once more. Your weak call of his name catches the groups attention and Uhtred is quick to demand you move once more. The atmosphere is sombre and even Stiorra does not complain about having the young Athelstan foisted upon her. All eyes darting back and forth between your barely breathing form and Osferth's distraught face.

Upon finally finding a safe place to rest Aelfwynn's condition had worsened to exceed yours and after harsh chastisement and being forcefully fed, you had appeared to recover a little. Enough to speak again, where the young princess was lost to unconsciousness.

Osferth had refused to leave your side, even when the group was forced to split once more. He had kept vigil at your side tending to your and Aelfwynn's every need.

It is in the brief moment that Eadith pulls him away for a frantic discussion that you start to hear a terrifying rattle from the small girl beside you. Blearily you look around for Osferth but with your swimming vision you can't quite make him out.

"Osferth" you call weakly in an attempt to get his attention, "Os-" you are cut off by your own set of chest-rattling coughs which gets their attention instead. It is frankly how impressive how quickly Osferth flies to your side, hands hovering as he tried to discern what was wrong.

Shaking your head you let out another series of concerningly wet coughs before you gestured to the young princess. Eadith had already noticed the problem causing a deathly hush to fall over the group. Even with your limited vision you made eye contact with Eadith, the two of you seem to come to a similar conclusion.

"We have to take her to Aegelesburg, we can't wait for Sihtric" Eadith's words were harsh but her face conveyed how distraught she was.

"What? the four of us will never make it" Osferth hotly protested, a hand snaking down to clasp one of yours and even in your weakened condition you could feel his slight tremble.

"No, we won't" you whisper, "you'll have to leave me behind." You already know Osferth is about to furiously refuse but you won't let him. "Sihtric will be back soon but Aelfwynn can't wait and Eadith can't take her by herself." Still, he is shaking his head in denial even as you see him realise it's the only option. "Please Os" you beg, "she's just a little girl. I'll be fine I promise."

Exhaling harshly you are forced to lie back down once more, exhausted from using so many words. You can only hope that if you hadn't gotten through to Osferth then Eadith would, and that Sihtric would hurry the hell up.

A consensus must be reached because through the haze you feel a soft set of lips come to rest on your forehead. You also hear him promise that the two of you will be together again soon, along with more sweet words you can't quite make out. Opening your eyes you only manage to make out the faint visage of his outline before he finally pulls away.

Knowing that Aelfywnn will be safe you allow yourself to fall into unconsciousness once more, even if you begin to worry you may not be able to keep Osferth's promise.

[magravenwrites]

Do Not Go Where I Cannot Follow:

Part 1:

Finan x Reader

A/N: A massive thank you to @axe-does-writing for beta reading this for me, you're the best 🥰

This is set during season 4 as the Coocham squad are travelling through Mercia to avoid the sickness.

Warnings: symptoms of sickness, angst, keeping secrets, established relationship

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or GIF

You had lost count of how many days you had been travelling, trekking through Mercia on foot with the children, trying to avoid danger and the dreaded sickness.

It was only due to Eadith's bravery that you had managed to survive for this long; standing up to her brother so that you might escape.  Though this brought you all some semblance of safety, you knew it would not last.  Not if Edward’s men caught you.  With this in mind, you decided to keep moving until you could find somewhere safer to rest.

Your feet had begun to ache, and Aelfwynn had started to become a dead-weight in your arms. It was a strain you weren’t sure you could continue with in your present state, but you were determined not to say anything until you absolutely had to; everyone had enough to deal with without you becoming a burden too.  

Releasing a slow, measured breath, you adjusted Aelfwynn in your arms, trying not to show how much you were struggling.  Luckily, with only Osferth behind you, you had managed to avoid detection.  

Until now.

“Give her to me.”

Looking to your left, you found Osferth had sped up to walk beside you, already holding his arms out ready to take Aelfwynn from you.  The look on his face brooked no argument and you could not find it within yourself to disagree with him.  For all he was such a sweet and caring man, he could be very stubborn, a trait you were sure he had picked up from your husband, Finan. Without any complaints, you carefully transferred the young girl into his arms, making sure her head was comfortably settled on his shoulder before continuing to catch up with the others.  

You hadn’t realised how much your slow pace had caused you both to fall behind.

“Are you alright?” he asked gently as you walked.

“I’m fine,” you smiled.

“Y/N, don’t lie to me, you’re as pale as a ghost!  You’re getting sick aren’t you?”

“Keep your voice down!” you berated him, glancing to the front of your group to see if anyone had heard him.

You knew it was true, you had begun to feel progressively worse over the last two days.  Your whole body ached, you had a persistent headache that had started to pound behind your eyes and you were sure you had the startings of a fever.  Truth be told, all you wanted was to curl up in a ball and sleep for a week, but you knew that wasn't going to be happening any time soon.

“We don’t know if it is the sickness, it might pass in a day or two.”  You weren’t sure who you were trying to convince, Osferth or yourself as you twirled your wedding band around your finger.

Releasing a long sigh, your gaze lifted to your husband at the front of the group, watching as he carried Aethelstan atop his shoulders.  Your heart squeezed in your chest, overflowing with the love you felt for him.  He had been excellent with the children during the journey.  You hoped that one day you would be blessed with your own children, he would make an excellent father.

Osferth noted the action, guessing where your thoughts had led you.  “He deserves to know.  If you are unwell - if it is the sickness - he would want to know. He would be heartbroken to think you could not tell him.  Do not ask me to keep this from him.”  he begged.

“I know, but I can’t tell him, and you cannot either.  He would freak out, he needs to focus on Uhtred, the children and getting us all to safety; he cannot do that if he is fussing over me.”

“Finan always worries for you regardless, it is his nature to worry over those he cares for.  You know, when we are away, you are all he talks about, all he can think about is you: what you would be doing that day, whether you were well, or thinking about the day he can return home to you.” he lectured.  

It made you smile to know that even when you were parted his thoughts still turned to you, the same way yours turned to him.

“Even so, I beg you not to tell him, if this does pass in a few days then there will be nothing to worry about.”

“And if it does not?”

“Then I will cross that bridge when I get to it.”  You ended the discussion, seeing a small village come into view up ahead, hopefully where you could get some rest for a while.

With everyone on edge already, Finan's sour mood and near constant anxiety about the sickness had started to grate on everyone's nerves, though everyone knew he didn't mean it - he was just terrified, having seen its effects before.  

Having reassured him multiple times over the course of your journey, you had discovered what really had him in such a state of panic: The one thing Finan wanted to do was to protect his family. To protect you, and make you happy.

But this? This he had no control over.  That is what terrified him.  That he could not protect you from this.

That was your main reason for not telling him of your illness. To know that you, his own wife, had the dreaded sickness.  It would break him. You would not do that to him. 

— Time Skip — 

You had all safely settled into the village of Wulfrunetun, having managed to gain a few hours of rest while you planned out your next move.  Aelfwynn’s condition had deteriorated in the last few hours, the poor girl barely able to keep her head up from exhaustion.  You all hoped that with some rest she might start to feel better.

You had managed to get some rest in the shade outside, where it was cooler, trying to reduce your progressing fever.  You felt rotten, your skin felt slightly clammy to the touch, and you were certain you could feel a bubbling in your chest whenever you breathed too deeply, but couldn’t decide whether that was just your overactive imagination and fear of the sickness playing with your mind.  Surely the sickness wouldn’t progress this quickly?  It had only been a couple of days since you had started to feel unwell.

“Ah, there ya are.  I’ve been lookin’ for ya.”  Your thoughts were interrupted when your boisterous husband came bounding through the door, heading over to you once he had caught sight of you, a grin forming on his face.

You forced a smile onto your face, standing up from where you had been resting under a tree.  Finan’s arms immediately encircled your waist as soon as you were within arms reach, and you couldn’t help but fall into his embrace, leaning your head against his chest, letting his steady heartbeat soothe your anxiety.

Finan rested his head on top of yours, and the pair of you took a moment to simply enjoy each other's presence.  

“You feel warm, are ya feelin’ alrigh'?”  he asked, pulling back just enough to look at your face, his eyebrows drawn in concern.

“I'm fine”

“Are ya sure?  You've been spendin’ a lot of time with Aelfwynn, I don't want ya to get sick.”  He reached a hand to cradle your face.

You let your cheek rest against his palm for a moment, before pulling away and teasingly swatting his hand away from his fussing.

“I promise I'm fine, my love.  I have just spent too long in the sun, is all.  I would tell you if anything was wrong.”  

Liar.  The words tasted bitter in your mouth.

“Has Lord Uhtred formed a plan yet?”  You asked, hoping to distract him.

“Aye, he has.  Uhtred has decided we must travel back to Aegelesburg; Sihtric and Young Uhtred are going to search for Aethelflaed and Aldhelm and bring them to meet us there.  We will be leaving soon.”

“What of Aelfwynn?  She is not strong enough to travel any further.”  ‘Neither am I’ you silently added.

Finan grumbled to himself for a moment, heaving a sigh through his nose. “Osferth and Eadith are goin’ ta stay ‘ere to look after her until things calm down in Aegelesburg, it wouldn’t be safe for her there, even if she wasn’t sick.”  He pulled you in closer.

“Then I will stay here with her.” 

“Absolutely not!  You’re coming with me to Aegelesburg and as far away from this sickness as possible.”

You shook your head, pulling his arms from your waist so that you could hold his larger hands between yours.

“Finan, listen to me.  I am still tired from travelling, and I would be glad for some rest.  I would be of more use tending to Aelfwynn than I would be to anyone in Aegelesburg.  Besides, the situation is still volatile, what happens if it turns into a siege?  I would be safer staying here, and coming to you once it is safe.”  

“Y/N, do not make me part from ya, please.”  He begged, bringing his forehead to rest against yours.

It took everything in you to not break down into tears, but you knew it was better for him to be away from you, at least until you got better.

“I know, I don’t want to part from you either, but you must go, and I will follow as soon as it is safe enough to do so.  It won’t be for long.”  You murmured.

“Alrigh’”  He reluctantly agreed, pulling away and pulling you into a bear hug, his arms completely enveloping you.  You felt him press a kiss to the crown of your head.

“I love ya.”

Your heart felt fit to burst, and you blinked away the tears that welled up in your eyes.

“I love you too.  Now go and get ready.  The sooner you leave and sort this mess out, the sooner we can be together again.”  You pushed his shoulder jokingly.  He chuckled, letting his arms slip from around you as he headed back inside.

As soon as he was out of sight you slouched, coughing into your elbow to muffle the sound.  You could feel the burn of it pulling at your chest, you could taste faint traces of copper in your mouth.  It was definitely better that he leaves now.

— Time Skip — 

The men were tying their saddlebags to the saddle of their horses, preparing to leave any minute.  You watched as Sihtric helped Young Uhtred with his saddle, making sure everything was properly secure.  He must have surely been missing his own children, his own wife.  A pang of sorrow went through your heart at the thought.  At least you got to travel with your husband, to say goodbye to him.

You wrung your hands as you continued to stand on the outskirts of the action, there had been something plaguing your mind over the last few hours, something other than the sickness you could feel creeping deeper into your bones and your secrets from your husband.

“Sihtric,” you called to him, your eyes darting to Finan briefly to make sure he was out of earshot.

Sihtric quickly finished helping Young Uhtred, clapping him on the back as he moved away to talk to you.

“I just wished to say goodbye...”  you exhale nervously.  You had to ask him - why was it so difficult to ask him?

His mismatched eyes studied you silently for a moment. 

“Goodbye”  he answered, half a laugh falling from his lips, unsure of where this was going.

Your gaze moved over Sihtrics left shoulder, falling onto Finan as he moved back and forth, finishing his preparations.  It was for him you had to ask this.

Sihtric followed your gaze, looking over his shoulder, before looking back at you, questions now very present in his eyes.

“...I know you are not going with him now, but… look after him for me.  Lord uhtred will give him something to follow, a purpose perhaps - but he will need you to lean on.”  Tears rose in your eyes at the thought, making sure Finan had people to carry him forward if the worst should happen.  

“Y/N, what is this about?”

“Just promise me!” 

“Of course! I swear it, you don't need to ask.” He looked visibly shaken by your panic, stepping closer to make sure you were ok.

“I know. Thank you.” You breathed a sigh of relief.  You needed to pull yourself together, you weren’t gone yet. 

“Y/N, please, what is wrong?  How can I help?”  

“Nothing just - in case things go badly.  There is so much that could go wrong.”  you answered evasively.

You weren't sure if he quite believed you, there was still the lingering question behind his eyes.  

You knew he could tell something was still wrong, he always saw more than was shown, heard more than was said.  You supposed that's why he made such a good spy.  Thankfully he did not press the matter, instead bringing you in for a hug.

“Everything will be fine, you'll see.  Lord Uhtred has not failed us yet.”  He looked so sure as he pulled away, for a moment you allowed yourself to hope.  Perhaps things would be ok after all.  You would fight this sickness with everything you had.  For Finan and the rest of your family.

“I know, but you can forgive a wife for worrying.”  You joked.

“Speaking of, might I borrow my wife so that I may give her a proper goodbye?” Finan interrupted, a sly grin on his lips.  The same flirtatious grin that you had fallen for so many years ago plastered across his handsome features.  Sihtric laughed easily, backing away to give you both some privacy.

You fell so easily into your husband's waiting arms, reaching your arms around his shoulders to bring him closer. 

You saw Sihtric climb up onto his horse, not moving from your place in Finan’s hold, you call out to him once more.

“Sihtric!  Be careful.  Look after yourself.”  

He nodded at you, looking between you and Finan.  

“You as well, both of you.”  With that, he urged his horse forward, joining Young Uhtred on the road to find Aethelflaed.

“Well I knew I might have to ward off some men vying for your attention, but I did no’ think I would have to count Sihtric among ‘em”  Finan tickled you, just under your ribs, causing you to let out an undignified squeak.  

You give him an unimpressed look, before smacking lightly on the arm.  You cleared your throat, hoping to make it sound like you were just composing yourself, rather than staving off the coughing fit you could feel burning your lungs, no doubt induced by your scream.

“Oh please, you know I only have eyes for one man.”  

“Oh aye?  And who might that lucky man be then hmm?”

“Osferth of course!  Why else would I be staying behind with him?”

You couldn't help the chuckle that crept past your lips at his shocked expression as he pressed his hand to his chest in mock hurt.

“You wound me!  Are ya sure there isn't anything I can do that could convince ya to bestow your affections onto myself?”

“I suppose I could be persuaded.”  you raise your eyebrows in suggestion.

“I am nothing if not persuasive.”  he lowered his head closer to your own, his lips a hair's breadth away from your own as his tone deepened.  The very voice he knew you loved, that could make your toes curl and your pulse race.

Despite the fact you could feel yourself getting hot under the collar, a feeling you were quite sure had nothing to do with your illness at present, you retained steady eye contact, not letting him know how much he had affected you.

“Well, I shall look forward to your attempts to win my favour upon our reunion, husband.”

His eyes lit up a fraction, enjoying the reminder of his title to you.  As you watched him, your overdramatic, funny, fierce, loyal and ever-loving husband, you felt yourself fall for him all over again.

“I shall relish the challenge, wife.  I will send word soon.”  He closed the distance between you, capturing your lips with his own.  He cupped your chin with his finger as his thumb brushed over the swell of your cheek, reluctant to part with you. 

You deepened the kiss, attempting to pour all of your feelings into it, trying to convey all the love you felt for him and all of the things you could not say.

Eventually, the voice of your lord interrupted your final moments with Finan.

“Finan!  Put your wife down and let us be on our way.”

You finally parted from each other, opening your eyes to look at your husband once more. You tried to banish the tears that rimmed your eyes and you prayed this would not be the last time you saw him.

“Be careful,” you whispered into the space between you.

He pressed a final kiss to your forehead, murmuring into your hairline “You too, I love ya.”

“I love you too”  you told him as he began to move away, letting your arms slip away from his frame.

He mounted his horse, and Uhtred lifted Aethelstan so that he sat in front of Finan in the saddle before checking on Stiorra and making his way to his own horse.  

You watched until the four of them were out of sight, and you felt Osferth’s presence at your shoulder.

“You should have told him.”  he chided quietly.

“Perhaps,” you conceded, wrapping your arms around yourself at the sudden chill you felt in your arms.

“I am going to rest awhile, wake me if there is any change in Aelfwynn.”

He watched you go back inside, a feeling of trepidation sinking in his stomach.

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Hope you enjoyed it! Part 2 will hopefully be finished soon!

Tags: @axe-does-writing @solinarimoon @morosemagick @emilyhufflepufftlk @lauwrite1225 @madrielite