#uhtred and aethelflaed is Not a Thing here

[fan-fantasies]

Lady in Waiting

A/N: first off I’d like to offer a disclaimer- there are some time jumps and I altered the storyline a bit just to save myself time. We’ve all watched the series and know what really happened so this is just me taking creative liberties. This is one of the longest fics I’ve written and I’m so happy it’s for our sweet boy, Osferth ❤️

Summary: you are Aethelflaed’s lady-in-waiting and are offered protection by Uhtred and his men, specifically Osferth. You’ve fallen for the man but you cannot give yourself to him fully until marriage. However, marrying the man you love is not going to be as easy as you hoped.

Warnings: a shit ton- dry humping, fingering, oral (f receiving, m receiving mentioned), unprotected p in v, violence, swearing

“Thyra!! Thyra!!”

“Lady Aethelflaed!! Find her!”

The screams of the men were what drew you from the safety of the woods. Finan was the first to spot you as you stumbled your way back into camp.

“Lord, it is y/n,” Finan said. Osferth’s head snapped in your direction and his feet were immediately moving. Before he could reach you, however, Aethelred had his hands on you.

“Where is she? Where is the princess?” He didn’t give you a moment to answer before he was shaking you, asking you again.

Behind you, Thrya was in Beocca’s arms sobbing. She explained that you had all split up in the woods and that Aethelflaed was gone.

“She saved me,” you whispered. All eyes turned to you. “She hid me while the Danes, they…they took her.”

“She gave herself up for the likes of you? It should have been the other way around, should it not?” Aethelred was angry as his grip on your tightened.

“You will unhand her, lord,” Osferth snapped at him.

“I would listen to him,” Finan growled. Though you had not known the men all that well, you were Aethelflaed’s lady-in-waiting so you were familiar with them. You enjoyed their company and how respectful they were. The same could not be said for your lady’s new husband who had already made passes at you.

Aethelred let you go and you fell back against Osferth. He steadied you on your feet while staring down the lord of Mercia.

“We must head back to Wessex,” Uhtred said, looking around the destroyed camp. He watched as Aldhelm whispered to Aethelred who glared at you. “Osferth, you will bring lady y/n back to Winchester and keep an eye on things there for me. We will return to Cookham where Alfred wishes me to stay until we have news to share.”

“I will not be returning to Mercia, lord?” You asked softly.

“No, lady. I do not trust that turd to treat you kindly. Osferth here will protect you,” he said with a kind smile.

“I will take care of you,” Osferth said confidently.

“I know you will.” Finan and Sihtric exchanged a knowing glance when the young monk’s face tinged pink.

Once the camp was salvaged as much as possible, everyone hit the road. Uhtred made sure to keep you close to him and his men.

“I do not understand why I am being protected as if I am treasure,” you chuckled sadly.

“You are as good as gold, lady,” Finan told you.

“Better than,” Osferth added. You ducked your head to hide your smile at their flattery.

You could see Aldhelm and Aethelred scheming ahead of you but Uhtred assured you that all would be fine.

Once Uhtred and his men split off from the group, your nerves began to build. You trusted Osferth but you knew he was no match for the conniving lord of Mercia.

Osferth escorted you to the inn where you were informed that there was only one room available. Osferth paid for it and you brought your things to the room.

“I can find somewhere else to stay, lady,” he offered.

“Nonsense. You paid for the room, you should at least use it,” you told him. “We will be fine and now I know I will be safe.”

Osferth nodded and unpacked his bag. He allowed you to freshen up first before escorting you to dinner. The conversation flowed easily and you found yourself at ease for the first time since the camp was raided. You still worried about Aethelflaed but you knew Uhtred would do everything in his power to retrieve her safely.

“I wonder if they have made it to Cookham already. I am sure Lady Gisela will be happy her husband has returned. They are truly blessed,” you said.

“Gisela is a wonderful lady and they are both happy. That is all any could wish for,” he smiled in agreement.

“Yes that is true. It breaks my heart that not all get to marry for love. Should I ever be lucky enough to secure a husband, I hope he is kind.”

Osferth paused for a moment and looked deep in thought, conflicted almost.

“Any man would be lucky to have you and if anyone treats you with anything less than kindness, I will be sure to handle it myself,” he said. His words surprised you but also made your stomach flip.

You were fond of Osferth and knew he was a good man. But he was a warrior and you were not sure where he stood on the matter of taking a wife.

You finished your supper in silence before returning to your room. The two of you stood awkwardly, looking at the one bed.

“I will sleep on the floor.”

“No, we can share. It is big enough for two,” you said quietly.

“Lady, I’m not sure if that is a good idea,” he said. You feared you had offended him in some manner but waited for him to explain. “It’s just… you are… beautiful. And- it would not be appropriate for me to lie with you- sleep with you- sleep next to you!” He stuttered. You tried your best to hold back a laugh.

“So you cannot sleep in the bed because I’m…beautiful?” You tried your best to stay composed as the reddening monk but a small smile slipped through.

“For my own sanity, lady, I think it is best if I sleep on the floor,” he said rather embarrassed.

“As you wish,” you said. The two of you turned around so you could undress. He made a small spot on the floor for himself while you crawled into the bed.

Every time you would fall asleep, you were startled awake by Osferth tossing and turning, groaning in discomfort.

“Please, for my sanity and my sleep, get in the bed!”

“But-“

“Now!” You shrieked. You tended to get cranky when you were tired and you were exhausted.

“Yes, lady,” he mumbled. He laid as far as possible away from you, stiff as a board.

“I will not try and steal your virtue, Osferth. You may relax.”

“It is not you I am worried about stealing virtue, but myself,” he whispered. You turned toward him with wide eyes. He turned toward you as well and you just stared at one another for a moment.

“I must admit, since I met you my thoughts have been at war in my head. I wish my thoughts to remain pure, but- I do enjoy the impure ones as well.”

“And what is the subject of these impure thoughts?” You asked, filled with hope.

“You- Naked usually,” he admitted.

“Just usually?”

“Sometimes there’s not enough time and I just have to lift your skirt and take you right then and there.”

Your breathing was as heavy as the heart beating out of your chest.

“And which do you prefer?” You asked.

“I prefer when I get to have you completely bare before me and I get to take my time worshipping your body.”

Without another word you closed the distance between the two of you and kissed him with such passion you didn’t know you were capable of. He wasted no time allowing his hands to roam your body and claiming your mouth with his tongue. You moved closer to him to allow him on top of you. He was already grinding against your clothed core and you could feel how hard he was.

He began to press kisses down the column of your throat, making you moan in response.

“Osferth, fuck. We can’t,” you whined. As much as you wanted to, and shit did you want to, you couldn’t.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, scrambling off of you.

“No you have nothing to be sorry for! It’s just, I’ve taken a vow of chastity until marriage, which I’m much regretting right now,” you sighed.

“I understand, lady,” he said.

“Please, just call me y/n. And just because we can’t do everything doesn’t mean we can’t do some things,” you hinted. His eyes were as big as saucers when he realized what you meant.

“Are you sure? Because we can stop and that’s completely fine.”

“Always a gentleman,” you chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure. If it is a means to not break my vow completely then I am sure God will overlook.”

He needed no further compelling to resume his position and the heated make out session from before. His hand slid between your legs and cupped your center, making you jolt against him. He continued to rut into your leg as he slipped beneath your night dress and undergarments.

He moaned when he felt how wet you were and all for him. He slid his fingers between your folds and you were already trembling beneath him. He circled your clit slowly, building up the speed until you were moaning loudly.

“Where did you learn to be so good at this?” You asked breathlessly.

“Hanging around Uhtred and the others has its perks,” he smirked. “I hope this will please you without having to even enter you.”

“Oh it is pleasurable, but one finger might not hurt,” you whimpered pathetically. You wanted him so badly you were a hairs-width away from breaking your vow.

“No, y/n, this will have to do for now,” he chuckled.

“Will you make me beg, Osferth?”

“I would, lady, yes. Perhaps another time though.”

He sped up his ministrations on your clit and you threw your head back into the pillow. He took the opportunity to nip at your exposed neck. You encouraged him further and he began to leave love bites along your soft skin.

You felt a knot begin to form in your stomach and you began to thrust your hips to meet his fingers where you needed them most. He could tell you were close so he became focused on pushing you over the edge.

He was still humping your thigh and his moans were becoming louder which was enough to ignite the spark that sent your body ablaze. You screaming out his name triggered his own orgasm, which surprised you both but you found it incredibly attractive.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” he groaned.

“Don’t be,” you said before pulling him into a searing kiss.

“Let’s clean up and then we can sleep,” he said softly. You nodded in agreement and made your way to the water basin.

You slept wonderfully that night and that is how the evenings continued for the next week or so.

The first time he used his mouth on you you swore you saw heaven. You returned the favor of course and Osferth decided if it was going to send him to hell then it was worth it.

It wasn’t just sex though, there were feelings there. He was gentle and loving all while making sure to protect you from any angry Mercians.

Aethelred already word that the princess sacrificed herself to save you and that did not sit well with many. Osferth comforted you and told you that not only were you worth saving but that everyone else could be damned for thinking otherwise.

Uhtred and his warriors arrived in Winchester with news of the princess. He went straight to the palace while Finan and Sihtric went to find Osferth.

“Baby monk!!” Finan shouted as soon as he laid eyes on him at the ale house. Osferth immediately stood and welcomed both men with a hug.

“Lady,” Sihtric said, bowing his head.

“Oh come here!” Finan yelled as he pulled you into his arms. “Thank ya for keeping my baby monk safe in our absence.”

“It was no trouble at all,” you laughed. “I will go get you both some ale.”

“So is she your wife yet?” Finan asked. Osferth choked on his spit at his friends words.

“No! Why would you ask that?”

“We know how ya feel for her,” he chuckled.

“It does look like he has some repenting to do though.” Sihtric smirked as he pulled down the collar of his robe, exposing the marks you had left on him the night previous.

Sihtric and Finan howled as Osferth glowed red. You came back over with a jug of ale and two cups, a smile gracing your face.

“What’s so funny?” You asked.

“I see it’ll be a confessional for two,” Finan added, pointing to your neck. Instead of hiding from the teasing, you placed a kiss on Osferth’s cheek.

“We will confess when we’re done doing all that needs repenting,” you told them. Their eyes all went wide and it was your turn to smirk. You sauntered off to your room and left the men to catch up.

“Good thing ya left her in one piece- I don’t think that’s what Uhtred had in mind when he said protect her,” Finan chuckled.

“It’s not what you think,” Osferth rolled his eyes.

“So make her your wife and make it what we think,” Sihtric told him.

“Uhtred would not permit me to marry.”

“Why not? She is a nice girl and we like her. She’s good for ya,” Finan replied.

Osferth considered his friends’ words. He cared for you, loved you even, but would you feel the same?

Uhtred eventually joined and filled them in on the plan. They were to travel north to negotiate for Aethelflaed’s safe return.

“How is your lady holding up?” Uhtred asked Osferth.

“M-my lady, lord?” Uhtred and the others chuckled.

“He wants permission to marry her, lord,” Finan said. Osferth could not believe the audacity of his friend, well, maybe he could.

“So she is well then?” Uhtred laughed.

“She is, lord. And I would like permission for when the time comes.”

“Permission granted, Osferth.”

He couldn’t help the giddy feeling that bubbled up inside of him, but also the nerves.

“Come, let us drink our fill. The ale in the north isn’t nearly as good,” Sihtric said.

The men were fairly drunk by the time Osferth found his way to your room. You had fallen asleep but woke up when you heard him stumble into the room. You watched in amusement as he stumbled around trying to undress himself.

“Well hello there,” he said when he finally laid eyes on you.

“Hello, Osferth,” you replied. You pulled back the sheets for him so he could come to bed.

“Don’t mind if I do.”

He flopped onto the bed and it took some adjusting to try and get him comfortable.

“You will not have a good day tomorrow,” you said.

“Yes I will, because I get to marry you,” he said before drifting off into a heavy slumber. You, however, could not find sleep over the words he just said.

What did he mean he gets to marry you? You never agreed to such a union, although you would not protest. You would also both need your lord and lady’s permission before anything moved forward and your lady was a bit preoccupied at the moment.

The next morning, you waited to see if he would say anything. However, the only sounds emitted from him were groans when the light seeped through the window.

“Good morning, love,” you laughed.

“Is it?” He grumbled.

“Yes, I believe it is.”

“Go on ahead to breakfast, I’ll catch up,” he groaned. You pressed a kiss to his forehead before going to find food.

“Lady! Join us!” Finan smiled as soon as he saw you. You sat at the table happily and picked at some food.

“We leave tomorrow morning for the north,” Uhtred informed you.

“All of you?”

“Yes, all of us,” he said with a sad smile.

“We will all return to you in one piece,” Finan joked.

“You better,” you tried your best to smile.

“You will be going to stay with Thyra until we return. You will be safe with her,” Sihtric said.

“Perhaps you should go spend the day with your man; remind him what he’s fighting to come back to,” Finan said with a smirk.

“I think I’ll do just that,” you sighed, filling a plate to bring back with you.

You spent the day with Osferth, nursing him until the hangover passed.

You wanted to give him all of you, but you simply could not. You wanted to ask what he meant by what he said last night, but could not find the words in case he would regret what he said.

The next morning, you saw him out to the stables where the men were readying their horses.

“Promise you will return to me,” you said softly.

“I swear, my love, if you will make a promise in return.”

“Anything, Osferth.”

“Marry me.”

Your heart was racing as you processed his words.

“I- yes I will marry you,” you said, jumping into his arms. His friends all watched on in amusement and happiness.

“We will discuss it further when I return,” he said, unable to contain his smile. Thyra came and found you to bring you back to her house. You waved the men off and you couldn’t contain your excitement for their return.

All you had to do was get the Lady Aethelflaed’s permission. She was always so kind to you and you cared for her deeply, you were sure she would grant you permission once she was recovered.

The time passed slowly, but you found that Thyra was great company to keep. You waited for word of your lady’s recovery but you could tell there was unrest in the city.

Uhtred had sent a messenger back to the city to explain to Alfred the cost to buy back his daughter.

All of Wessex and Mercia was to help pay the ransom but what they did not know was that the princess had no plans to return south.

Osferth had sent a message of his own, alerting you to your lady’s plan and reassuring you that he was safe. You burned the letter as soon as you read it.

You wanted Aethelflaed to be happy and if this Northman was capable of doing that then blessings to her.

More time passed and men marched from the city. You became anxious and prayed every night that everyone you cared for would be safe.

You found yourself at the secluded lake one day, washing and enjoying the nice weather. You were lost in your thoughts and didn’t hear the person walking along the banking.

“What a sight for sore eyes.”

You whipped around in the water, clutching your chest.

“Osferth!”

You swam to the shore as quick as possible and ran into his arms, not caring you were wet and naked.

“If I’m welcomed back this way every time, perhaps I should leave more often,” he smirked.

“You should not,” you laughed, pulling him in for a kiss.

“As much as I’m enjoying this, perhaps we should get you dressed and back to town.”

“Yes- wait! What of Lady Aethelflaed?”

“She is back safe. The Northman did not make it. I will tell you everything later, I swear.”

He helped you get dressed and you made your way back to town. You greeted your friends who were already drinking the ale house owner out of house and home.

“I’m so glad to see all of you!”

“As we are to see you, lady,” Uhtred smiled.

“Aethelflaed is spending time with her family I’m guessing?”

“She is. I would give her a few days to settle in before going to the palace. Her husband is not in the best mood despite having his wife back,” Uhtred grunted. You rolled your eyes and sighed.

“Yes, he is a bit of an arse,” you mumbled.

“Just a bit?” Sihtric scoffed.

“Perhaps more than,” you laughed.

“Well luckily for you, your husband will be a kind man,” Osferth smiled. You pressed a sweet kiss to his lips while the other men pretended to vomit.

You gave the princess a week to recover with her loved ones before approaching her. She pulled you into a tight embrace and apologized for any terrible things her husband may have said.

“I am used to your husbands sharp tongue, lady. And I’d rather it be directed at me than you,” you said softly.

“You are too kind, y/n,” she replied.

“Speaking of husbands…I wanted to ask you something, lady.”

“Of course. You may ask me anything,” she said.

“I have had a marriage proposal and wanted to seek your permission.”

She grabbed your hand in hers with a huge smile on her face.

“Oh that is wonderful news! Who is it?” She asked.

“Osferth. Uhtred has already given his permission.”

Aethelflaed’s smile slowly fell as she considered your words.

“I am afraid I cannot allow that.” She said sternly. Your heart fell into your stomach.

“May I ask why not?”

“He is my father’s bastard and any children you may bare could lay claim to the throne in the future. I cannot permit such a thing to happen,” she said coolly.

“So you would deny me happiness due to the risk to your family? A risk that would not even occur!”

“You could not ensure that,” she snapped.

“But I could! He will have children of his own some day whether it be with me or another. Wouldn’t you rather it be with someone you are close to and would be on your side in the matter?” You tried reasoning.

“I have given my answer. Besides, I need you now more than ever,” she said in hushed tones, cradling her stomach.

“I did not put that babe in you so why should I have to care for it? And I’m guessing it wasn’t your husband who did either,” you said.

You knew your words would cut deep but you did not care. She had just robbed you of your happiness for her own selfish reasons.

“You will go to my chambers and pack my things. We leave first thing tomorrow. I order you to stay away from Osferth and any of Uhtred’s men.”

You said nothing as you turned on your heel and left the room. You could not believe her. You wanted to run to Osferth but you knew she could have you seized for disobeying her.

You rounded the final corner to the chambers and ran into Father Beocca.

“Child, what’s wrong?” He asked, noticing the tears on your cheeks.

“Lady Aethelflaed will not allow Osferth and I to marry for fear of our children trying to stake a claim to the throne,” you sobbed.

“That is absurd! I will speak to Uhtred and she will be reasoned with,” he reassured you.

You packed the princess’s belongings rather quickly in hopes of sneaking out to find Osferth. As if reading your mind, you heard a knock on the chamber door.

“Y/N?”

“Osferth?” You asked quietly. You met him in the hall and found an empty room where you could speak in private.

“You have heard the news?” You asked sadly.

“I have and I have more,” he sighed. “Uhtred went to speak with your lady but she is not having it. I gave her my word that any children we have would not be a threat to the crown but it was not enough.”

“I am so sorry, my love,” you cried. He pulled you into his arms and held you as you cried. He kissed you like it was his dying wish to feel your lips on his one last time.

“Time to retire,” you heard Aethelflaed call from outside the door. “Say your goodbyes.”

“I will see you again, my love,” he whispered.

You could do nothing but nod sadly, parting from him with one last kiss.

The next day you journeyed back to Mercia with the Lady Aethelflaed and her men. You did not speak to her and she did not speak to you other than what was necessary.

That is how it continued for weeks on end. You were miserable and as much as she tried to reason with you, you refused to listen. The weeks turned into months and slowly life returned to as close to normal as it would.

Your lady swelled with the child and when she was born, you were torn between joy and pain. You were happy for her, for her healthy baby made from love, but you resented her from tearing the same opportunity from you.

4 years later…

“Men! There are men in the kitchen!” One of the nuns shrieked.

“Bar the door!” Aethelflaed yelled.

You hid yourself in a corner while everyone was quiet.

“Is it Danes?” Someone asked.

“What if I am Saxon by birth but Dane by heart?” Uhtred called from above.

“Uhtred? You came!” Aethelflaed sighed in relief. “Open the door.”

The nuns opened the door and the rest of Uhtred’s men, including your beloved Osferth. Your heart nearly stopped in your chest when you laid eyes on him for the first time in years. He hadn’t noticed you yet and you let yourself drink him in.

He looked like your same, sweet Osferth, but more of a man. His jaw was sharper and he looked more muscular than you remembered.

As much as you enjoyed admiring him, you couldn’t help but wonder if he had found another to marry. He was handsome and a fierce warrior, you were sure he caught the attention of many ladies.

“Would you please helps the nuns in the kitchen please, y/n?” Aethelflaed asked you. Osferth’s eyes darted to yours and it looked like he had seen a ghost.

“Yes, lady,” you mumbled as you joined the other women in the kitchen.

Osferth wanted to follow, but he knew he shouldn’t. He had missed you greatly but he knew if he held you in his arms once more that he wouldn’t be able to let go.

Aethelflaed kept you busy while the men were there to keep you distracted from Osferth. It wasn’t an easy task but you managed to avoid him other than at meal times.

One morning, you were all eating breakfast when you heard a scream outside and nuns came running into the hall.

“Danes! Outside and they have hostages!” The abbess shrieked. “They’ve asked for the Lady Aethelflaed.”

“You must go and speak to them, tell them she is not here,” Uhtred told her.

“I cannot!”

“You must, even if it is only to buy us time to make a plan.”

“I will do it,” you offered.

“No!” Osferth argued.

“I will go,” the abbess said, taking your hand in hers. “It is my responsibility.”

The door was barred shut behind her as Uhtred and Aethelflaed watched from the window. You found yourself mindlessly gravitating toward Osferth until your side was pressed to his.

Finan and Uhtred discussed a plan forward when you heard the abbess scream outside. She was dead. And you feared that you were all next.

“Ladies, to the back. We will handle this,” Finan said, ushering you and the nuns to the back of the hall. Osferth gave you a small nod before readying himself with the other men behind the door.

The action broke out before you could even register it. You did your best to remain calm while you watched the battle in the hall before you. Uhtred seemed to have the advantage but a few Danes managed to slip by them.

“Hello, ladies!” They laughed menacingly.

“Leave them!” You yelled, standing in front of the nuns with your sword drawn.

“I like them feisty,” one chuckled. The other easily knocked your sword from your hand and grabbed you. You thrashed against him but it was no use as he overpowered you.

“Come men! Outside!” Haesten yelled. You were dragged toward the door but before the men could get any further, the one that was holding you suddenly released his grip.

He fell to the floor in pain while the other tried to fight his attacker. You watched Osferth fight the larger man but he eventually bested him and drove his sword through the Dane’s heart.

He swept you into his arms and held you tight.

“No one will take you from me again,” he sighed.

Uhtred drove the remaining Danes from the nunnery but you knew that was not the last you’d be seeing of them.

“We must travel to Aegelesburg, to tell my husband and father of what has happened here,” Aethelflaed informed everyone.

“We will accompany you,” Uhtred said. You glanced at Osferth who offered you a shy smile.

The journey was not too long and it was no surprise you were met with resistance at the gates.

“You are welcome, lady. But the outlaws must remain outside the hall,” Steapa told you all.

“Y/N, please secure food and ale for these men in my absence,” she told you. So off you went in search of provisions for the warriors.

“Lady, wait for me!” Osferth called after you.

“I thought I told you not to call me that,” you joked.

“Well those were different times,” he sighed.

“Yes, I suppose they were. Perhaps you should call me lady out of respect for whoever you’ve chosen to take as your wife.”

You entered a storage shed where you knew they always kept an extra supply of food and ale.

“I have no wife, lady. I could never,” he said quietly. You turned to face him and you could see the sadness in his eyes.

“Surely there have been others?”

“I could never,” he repeated.

Against all reason, you flung yourself into his arms and pulled him into a kiss. You tried to pour every ounce of emotion you had been feeling for the last few years into the kiss so he would understand how much you had missed him.

He had you pinned against the counter as he allowed his hands to re-familiarize themselves with your body. His tongue fought for dominance with yours and you could not control the moans of contentment that were spilling from you. Your body was on fire and you wanted nothing more than for him to take you right there.

“Osferth, my love, please. Please, I need more,” you whined.

“We cannot, not here.”

“Then take me elsewhere, anywhere,” you begged.

“As much as I would love to ravage you right now, you know it would not be right.”

His words caused frustration to bubble up inside of you and for a damn to break.

“I am sick and tired of people telling me what is wrong and what is right! I am tired of people telling me no and controlling my life, denying me happiness and what I want!” You snapped.

Osferth was surprised by your outburst but he understood. He often felt anger whenever he thought on the situation and of how it was unfair.

“It was your wish to remain chaste until marriage and you know we cannot,” he said.

“Well then I take back my oath. I will never marry if it is not to you and therefore give you permission to ravage me,” you said defiantly.

“Are you certain, my love?” He asked.

“Please do not make me beg,” you whined.

“I did tell you perhaps another time,” he chuckled. “Tonight then. Because our first time will not be in a storage shed in the open.”

“Tonight it is.”

You couldn’t help the smile that enveloped your face. The two of you sorted yourselves out and grabbed some food and ale to bring to your friends.

“Jesus! We thought we were gonna starve!” Finan yelled when he finally laid eyes on the two of you.

“Yes, you look as though you’re withering away,” you joked.

“We are!” Sihtric argued.

You set the food down before them and joined them, sitting next to Osferth. He kept a hand on your leg at all times which did not help the growing fire in your belly. Tonight could not come soon enough.

Uhtred was eventually allowed into the hall to speak with Edward and Alfred. The men were finally full and content, allowing you and Osferth time to sneak away.

“You are still certain you wish to do this?” He asked.

“Do you not wish to bed me, Osferth?”

“I do! I do, I just wanted to make sure.”

“Well I am sure, and I thank you for asking,” you said.

You silently led him to your chambers and closed the door securely behind you. Neither of you moved for a moment and all of a sudden you both burst into a fit of giggles.

“It is not like we have not done anything before,” you laughed, finally breaking the tension.

“I know but it has been so long and I get to have all of you now,” he said, stalking toward you.

His nimble fingers unbuttoned your dress, and you allowed him to pull it from your figure. You helped him with your undergarments while he rid himself of his own clothes. You took a moment to drink each other in before your hands were grabbing at anything they could touch, tongues entwined once more.

He guided you to your bed where you landed softly on the furs. Your legs fell open naturally, welcoming him between them. His nose grazed your inner thigh while you waited for him to act.

“I have missed this,” he sighed before diving into your cunt.

He licked a fat strip between your folds before settling on your clit. You had been untouched for so long that every ministration sent shockwaves through your body.

“Fingers, I need your fingers, Osferth,” you moaned.

“No, nothing shall enter you before my cock. After that, my love, I shall give you whatever you want,” he said.

He licked and sucked until you were mere moments away from the edge. You did your best to be quiet but it was difficult with the gorgeous man with his head between your thighs.

“Osferth, I am close!”

He focused on the spot he knew was sure to send you into your bliss. You thought about what was to come next, having him inside of you, and that was enough to throw you over the edge.

Your body writhed on the bed but he held your hips down while he lapped at your soaking cunt.

“I need you, please,” you begged.

He crawled his way up your body and kissed you, allowing you to taste yourself on his tongue. You could feel his cock poking your entrance and it caused your heart to race.

He slid it through your slick folds a few times before slowly sinking into you. He went slowly, trying to allow you time to adjust. He knew he would not last long either so he wanted to savor the feeling for as long as he could.

“You feel amazing,” he grunted, finally fully sheathed inside you.

“I must have died and gone to heaven,” you sighed happily.

He began to pull out gently before rocking back into you. The more you grew accustomed to his size, the faster he began to thrust.

He hid his face in the crook of your neck, trying to hold on as long as possible. Your walls fluttering around him were torture as he didn’t want it to end.

“I am afraid you feel too good wrapped around my cock,” he groaned.

“Cum, Osferth. Let me feel you,” you told him.

A few more thrusts of his hips and he was emptying inside of you. Your name fell from his lips like it was the only prayer he knew.

His hand slid between the two of you and found your clit. He rubbed you slowly, still fully seated within you.

He felt you clench around him and he knew you were close. He sang sweet praises in your ear until your back was arching off the bed and you were cumming for the second time. If he was not already so spent from the first time, he would have begun fucking you again. But to feel your sweet cunt swallowing him up as you came was satisfaction enough for now.

He cleaned you off as best he could before joining you in bed. You pulled the furs over the two of you and laid on his chest.

“What are we to do, Osferth?” You asked sadly.

“Sleep?”

“No, silly. I cannot go years without seeing you again- without touching you.”

“Do you think your lady may be persuaded now that time has passed?”

“I doubt it. Perhaps I could just run off with you…but she would know who to find me with,” you sighed.

“We will find a way. I swear it,” he told you.

Days had passed and the leaders prepared their armies for battle. You did not want to let Osferth go but you knew he would be returned to you safely. Victory always favored Uhtred and his men.

A year or so later…

“Beg me, my love. Beg me to fill you with my seed and you will have it,” Osferth whispered into your ear. He pounded into you as you could barely register what he was saying.

“Please! Please, fill me. I need you, my love,” you cried.

Your vision went white as your orgasm crashed over you, his hips still slamming into you. Your nails dragged down his back, causing him to lose his rhythm and spill into you.

The two of you had spent the better part of the last year speaking behind Aethelflaed’s back. You considered getting married in secret but Osferth said you deserved better than that.

Change was coming, you could feel it. So you tried to enjoy your lover for as long as you could.

“Aye! If you two are done in there, we need to get going!” Finan yelled.

“Be there in a minute!” Osferth yelled, rolling his eyes. “My apologies, my love.”

“I understand you must go. Battle awaits,” you sighed.

The Danes had sacked Mercia while Aethelred played king in East Anglia. The hope was to best them in Tettenhall, luring C’nut there through his sons, who he thought to be slaughtered.

“I will return to you, as I always do,” he smiled.

Waiting to hear word of either victory or defeat was always a challenge. Losing Osferth before you even really had the chance to live a life with him would surely be your undoing.

A weeks time had passed while you busied yourself around Aegelsburg. Your heart dropped into your stomach when you heard the call for the gate to be opened. Men rushed in with a body on a cart. It was not your Osferth, but Aethelred.

The lord had been injured in battle and you wished you could say you felt sorry for him. His treatment of his wife, and any other woman really, did not allow for such kindness.

Aethelflaed and Edward began preparation for a new lord to be chosen should her husband perish.

Aelfywnn was an obvious path but that was not suitable for she was just a child. Many of the young men of prominence in Mercia had been slaughtered by the Danes.

Unbeknownst to Aethelflaed, Edward went behind her back and sought out Uhtred. Uhtred was popular with the people and Edward felt he could be inclined to follow Wessex.

Aethelflaed objected, of course. Her love for Uhtred did not outweigh her duty to her country. He was not the right choice, she felt, but then men could not be dissuaded. Uhtred’s men were over the moon, thankful to finally have some wealth and power.

“Uhtred, do you swear to lead Mercia on a path that is righteous and beneficial to all Mercians?” Ludeca asked.

“I swear.”

“Does the wittan agree to appoint Uhtred the next Lord of Mercia?”

“Aye! Aye! Aye!”

Aethelflaed watched on in discontent.

“Then Uhtred, we hereby proclaim you Lord of Mercia! You may take your throne!”

Uhtred stood before the Wittan with a sly smile on his face.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to rule over Mercia. However, I do not feel like I am the best choice. There is someone who will put this land above all else and that is the leader Mercia deserves! So my first act as Lord of Mercia is to relinquish the throne in favor of the Lady Aethelflaed.”

Gasps erupted around the room and Edward was furious. The princess was as shocked as anyone else.

“A woman cannot sit on the throne! What if she chooses to remarry? That man would be the new lord therefore bypassing the Wittan,” someone argued.

“If it pleases the Wittan, I will swear an oath to remain chaste so long as I sit on the Mercian throne.” Aethelflaed offered.

“You will also swear one thing to me,” Uhtred said.

“What is it?” She asked.

“I will relinquish the throne to you if you swear to allow y/n to marry Osferth. End their suffering and allow them to be wed. There will be no threat,” he whispered.

“That is what you require? Not land nor silver?”

“Everyone deserves happiness and they have been denied long enough. Plus I am tired of them sneaking around,” he chuckled.

“Fine. I swear to you, Uhtred, I shall allow them to marry. And I swear before the Wittan that I will remain chaste as Lady of Mercia!”

“Then it is settled. Lady Aethelflaed, take your throne!”

Meanwhile, the men were celebrating in the ale house unaware of what was occurring. You took the time enjoy everyone’s company, certain you would have to leave with the princess some time soon. You doubted she would stay in Aegelesburg and were certain she would take you with her.

“Men, lady,” Uhtred said as he walked through the door.

“The Lord of Mercia visiting an ale house? How scandalous!” Finan laughed.

“I was lord for all of five minutes,” he chuckled. “I gave up the throne in favor of Lady Aethelflaed.”

“You did?” You gasped.

“I did- but not before some oaths were made.” The smile on his face was cunning, that of a cat who swallowed a canary.

“Care to share those oaths, lord?” Osferth asked.

“Firstly, the Lady of Mercia will remain chaste as long as she sits on the throne,” he said.

You knew how upset that must have made him; his love for your lady was no secret.

“Secondly, a marriage has been arranged.”

“Who is it, lord?” Sihtric asked.

“We have a wedding to plan, boys,” Uhtred chuckled.

“Lord?”

“If y/n still wishes to be married to the baby monk, that is.”

“That is not a funny joke, Lord Uhtred,” you said, the nerves evident in your voice.

For so long you wished to hear those words but now that you had, you couldn’t allow yourself to believe them to be true.

“It is no joke, Lady. I told Aethelflaed that if she wanted the throne, she needed to let the two of you wed. So you have our permissions.”

“This is true, lord?” Osferth asked, standing in excitement.

“Is it true? How many times do I have to repeat myself? It is true!”

“Let us find Father Pyrlig! We shall marry at once!” Osferth pulled you into his arms as you cried in happiness.

“Father Pyrlig may need a few minutes,” you heard someone groan from behind you.

You all turned to see Father Pyrlig laying on the table surrounded by empty cups of ale.

“We shall marry tomorrow then!” Osferth laughed. Your friends cheered for you as you clung to the man you loved most.

God had blessed you at last and you hoped for that favor to continue in your marriage as you hoped to one day have a family with Osferth- in a small home with the safety of your already made family surrounding you.

——————————————————

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[halfmylife]

I Waited For You

Pairing Uhtred x Reader

Summary You have loved Uhtred for some time but when he finally tries to move on from Lady Aethelflaed, he chooses another woman.

Warnings angst (I’m not sorry)

A/N I had this idea a little while ago and thought I’d write up some angst

Finan had been the one to break the news to Uhtred and he could hardly believe it. You had made it quite clear that by the end of the day you would no longer be in Rumcofa. Uhtred would not have it. Panic started to settle inside of him as he stormed towards your lodgings. He could not lose you, you were one of his oldest and closest friends. Never would he understand why you wanted to leave so suddenly.

He barged through your door, without even bothering to knock. There was no time for such pleasantries. The sudden bang didn’t even startle you, you had been so stuck in your own mind, packing whatever you could that you almost pretended as if he weren’t there.

Maybe it was easier that way.

“Finan told me you were leaving, tell me it is not true.” His gaze followed you around the room as you stuffed everyone of your belongings into sacks. There was little for you to take other than clothes and a few keepsakes but you packed it nonetheless, wanting nothing to do with this place.

“It’s true.” You didn’t bother to look up at the man who stood in the doorway watching you. There was no time for a conversation, let alone time to listen to his poor excuses.

“Why? You cannot leave, Rumcofa is your home.” What a joke. Rumcofa was never your home. Finan and Sihtric had managed to settled down and have a family so it had become their home. Uhtred had somehow managed to make this his home despite all odds but it have never been home to you. Uhtred was your home.

“It was but not anymore.” No longer was he your home, not after everything. It hurt too much to even look at him. Time and time again you had given everything for him and where had it gotten you? Far away from family and alone.

“You cannot go, you won’t be safe anywhere.” That was always his answer. Maybe when you first met he would’ve protected you, you used to be defenceless but now after years on the road and living with them, you had been taught a great many things. Protection was no longer a necessity to you.

“And what would you have me do? Stay?” You threw your final clothes into the bag, tying it shut far too aggressively. “I have been here too long.”

“Stay here.” Out of the corner of your eye, you could see him step forward. “Stay here for me.”

“For you?” Finally you looked at him and you regretted it instantly. His eyes were searching your own, hoping to find answers that were no longer there. “Uhtred that is all I have done. All these years I have stayed because of you. All these years I have waited for you.” You tried to hide the shake in your voice as you spoke but it became more evident as more words fell from your lips.

“Waited for me?” He shook his head, confused. Had he truly been so clueless? Had you not given him everything?

“Are you truly that blind?” The sadness soon turned to anger as you looked at him. All this time you had been there for him, displayed your affections so openly only to be turned away over and over again and he had no idea?

“Y/N tell me what you speak of, please.” He begged, stepping forward once more. You could take no more, the confession spilling from you before you could stop it.

“From the moment we met I have had eyes for no man except you. I felt like you were the second part of my soul, the piece missing from my own broken heart yet you never felt the same.” This time your voice did not shake but the tears in your eyes gave your heart away. “I watched you fall for Gisela and I kept my distance, swore I would not destroy your happiness over jealousy. Then when she died I stayed with you in your grief. I abandoned my heart to fix your own and thought that maybe in time you would feel something instead your heart found Lady Aethelflaed and mine was left more shattered than before.”

Once the words were out they hung in the air, taunting you in the uncomfortable silence. It practically scorched you the way he looked upon you. It was pity. Even now whilst you confessed it all, he only pitied you.

“Y/N.” His voice was barely a whisper but you didn’t want to heart it.

“No Uhtred. I have waited so many years. I kept my distance and remained kind for your happiness because I cared only for you. I thought after her vow of chastity that you might move on and you did.” The last few words were venomous as you spoke them and you remembered hearing how he had spent his previous evening. “Except it was not me. It was the tall woman you humped.” All that time you had waited only for him to go running to a woman he hardly knew. Had you not been there for him every time?

“I did not want to.” Part of you wanted to believe him, that perhaps he truly didn’t want to hump the woman and it was part of the process of moving on. How was that supposed to help?

“Is that supposed to make me feel better, Uhtred?” You snapped, not caring for any reason or excuse he had for humping the woman. Whether or not he wanted it was no longer a concern to you.

“What do you want me to say?” His voice started to rise to match your own but in his eyes remained the confusion and the sadness dancing together like old friends.

“Nothing. I do not care for your words anymore.” Words could not undo the damage. Words could not mend a broken heart. There was nothing that Uhtred could say to make you change your mind. “I have broken my own heart for you too many times and I cannot stay any longer to do it all again.”

“I have no feelings for her.” You didn’t know if that was worse. It wasn’t about what he felt for the tall woman. It was about loving someone who never loved you back. “Does that make you feel better?”

“No it does not.” You sighed. The tears threatened to spill from your eyes once more but you blinked them away. “Nothing you can say will make me feel better and you cannot change my mind.” That was it. You grabbed your bag and headed for the door.

“Please.” Uhtred managed to grab you by the bicep, stopping you in place. “I have lost too much I cannot lose you too. I need you.” You knew how much he’d lost, you had been there for all of it. Every time he mourned it was your shoulder he cried on, every time he was angry, you were his voice of reason but that didn’t matter anymore.

“Do you need me to mend another broken heart? Do you need me to fill the emptiness others have left?” That was all you had done and still it was not enough for him to love you. You snatched your arm away from him, shaking your head as you took a step back. “I won’t. I won’t be a third choice that has been by your side all this time only for you to disregard again. I cannot do this any longer.”

“Y/N, don’t go.” He called out to you as you marched out the door, he was quickly behind you, still calling your name as you headed to the stables.

“It’s too late.” You said quietly as you secured the bag onto your horse. It took you a moment to steady your breathing before you looked at him again. “Perhaps in another life I might’ve been your love but I have not been blessed with such a fate.”

No it had been a curse. It was a curse to fall for a man who only ever had eyes for another woman. You had watched him fall in love so many times but it was never you.

“There is still time.” He stepped forward cautiously, taking your face in his hands. It was gentle and warm. Everything you had ever wanted was in his hold yet you wondered if he even meant it.

“I have wasted so much time waiting for you.” You spoke in a hushed voice, the confession feeling like a dagger through your heart. “I have loved you Uhtred in all these years but you’re not mine and you never will be.”

Tearing your face away from him, you walked the horse from the stable and out into the open. You never looked back, not even when he called your name. No more would you wait for him. Your peace had been spoken, a weight off of your shoulders. Perhaps now you could find your happiness or perhaps you had just left it behind.

[silens-oro]

My Heart

Aldhelm x afab!reader

Masterlist

Synopsis: The gods have brought you and Aldhelm together and now you must make a difficult decision.

Word Count: 2,057

Content Warning: 18+. This is smut (p in v, cockwarming) and light angst. Also soft.

AN: This is a lil worm I've had in my brain since I first encountered this weenie. I love Aldhelm so much. Also, I am VERY rusty with writing the spice. I gave it a once over, but that's as far as the editing goes. We die like men.

The Last Kingdom requests are OPEN

Saltwic, Mercia

“You do not have to leave.” Aldhelm murmured into your hair. You were tangled together in a twist of limbs, trying to catch your breath. 

“Please…do not spoil what precious time we have together, Aldhelm.” You buried your face into his chest, refusing to open your eyes. His hand ran up your bare thigh, getting dangerously close to the apex of your legs before returning back down. He let out a heavy sigh.

“Stay.” He pushed. This was not a new topic of conversation, though it was tiring to hear it over and over again. There was a time where you would’ve sooner than a blade through Aldhelm than lay with him, but something changed during your rather tenuous relationship where your hearts had opened for each other. You did not know when it happened, but here you were nonetheless.

“You know I cannot. I have an oath and you have a Lady to oversee. Lady Aethelflaed needs you just as Uhtred needs me.”

“These things are not mutually exclusive.” Aldhelm reasoned. “You will not even think on it?” You sighed and sat up, Aldhelm’s arm sliding from your waist as you rolled to your side of the bed. The sheets pooled at your waist as you sat on the edge of the mattress, rubbing your hands over your face. “Do you believe Uhtred would say no if you asked him to release you of your oath? Honestly?”

“Do you think I haven’t thought on this?” You glanced at Aldhelm from over your bare shoulder. “My heart rips in two every time I part from you.”

“Then stay.” He said firmly. “With me. Stay here and I will marry you, if you will have me.” 

“You would marry me?” The idea seemed preposterous to you. Not the idea of marrying Aldhelm, but of the idea that Aldhelm wanted to marry you. Every emotion began to bubble in your chest and tears sprung to your eyes. Why couldn’t he just keep his mouth shut? You thought ruefully. It seems he had done some thinking in your time apart and it absolutely terrified you.

“Without question.” The softness of his voice, the honesty his words held -it was all too much. Your eyelids clenched shut, trying to stop the onslaught of tears that would surely break their way out regardless. You shook your head.

“This life -the blood, battles, and exhaustion; the loss and misery. It is all I know, all I’ve ever known. I have been surviving this way since I was three and ten, Aldhelm. Since then I have never called one place home.”

“Coccham is not your home?” He questioned. You shook your head.

“It is a place to rest my head, but I am never there long.” You sniffed, quickly wiping your cheeks. “To be bound one place…I cannot live this way. I must keep moving or I lose my purpose.” 

“That is what you think of yourself? That if you have nowhere to swing your sword, you have nothing to offer?” Aldhelm’s voice held a sadness to it and you couldn’t dare yourself to look at him, much less into his eyes. You felt the bed shift behind you.

“It is who I am, Aldhelm…” The man’s long legs came into view as he moved to kneel before you. He had the mind to slip on his braies in his travels from his side of the bed, leaving you barely covered by the sheet in your lap. You were not shy. Aldhelm had seen you fully, and modesty had never been a worry of yours to begin with. 

One of his large hands clasped over yours on your lap, while the other held your cheek, tilting your head to look at him and wiping tears with a swipe of his thumb. Never had you looked into a man’s eyes and saw what he so freely gave to you. Genuine kindness and adoration seeped from every pore. The love that he expressed made a heavy guilt settle in your stomach. Your hands clasped his in return. Your name was a whisper on his lips as he held your full attention.

“You are so much more than your sword, and it pains me that I even have to say that. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever had the blessing of laying my eyes on, in every way imaginable. I shall never, for the rest of my life, look upon another as I look upon you. Never. It is your heart that drew me in,” The hand on your cheek slid down your neck affectionately and rested flat against your chest, just over your heart. One of your hands rested over his. “The fierceness you exude -your loyalty. The fire that burns within you eternally. I consider myself the luckiest man alive that you’ve returned my affections wholeheartedly, though I will not lie and tell you that you did not absolutely terrify me when we met. You truly did.” He chuckled, bringing his hand back up from your chest so he could run his thumb over the small symbol tattooed on the highest point of your cheek just under your eye, trying to lighten the serious conversation. It brought a timid smile to your lips and his eyes brightened at the sight. 

“Saxon men fear strong women.” You teased him, your hand coming up to rest upon his cheek. His short beard tickled your palm as you rubbed it.   

“This Saxon does not.” He whispered earnestly. “Not anymore.” Your eyes closed, trying to savor the feeling of his skin on yours. “I do not wish to tie you down, to tame you of your ways.” He shook his head. “I just ask that you make Mercia your home, that you allow me to lay nestled within your heart as you lay within mine.” Your eyes opened, your lips trembling. 

“There is a place for you here. I’ve already spoken to Lady Aethelflaed. You know she has a softness for you in her heart, especially after all you’ve done for her -for Mercia. Instead of fighting for Uhtred, you could fight for her. I’m sure Uhtred would be more than happy to relinquish you to have one of his own here to guard her. I know I could not keep you from who you are; I would not dare entertain the mere idea. I want you as you are before me now, wholly, if you would allow me to have you -to cherish and adore you- with every fiber of my being.” Aldhelm brought your hand to his chest and held it firmly. “My heart, and every beat it makes, is for you until it beats no more.”  

“This is what you want?” Your voice was such a light whisper, it was nearly non-existent. “Truly?” You started to scoot back onto the bed, pulling Aldhelm with you. His lips met yours hungrily.

“I have never wanted for anything more in my life.” He confessed between kisses. Your hands were quick to push his braies down and he kicked them off across the room. Your knee over his hip gave you the leverage you needed to flip Aldhelm over onto his back, with you straddling his hips. His hands ran over your thighs, and slid over your hips to hold you at your waist. 

Bending forward, you captured his sweet lips into a kiss once more. Your forehead rested on Aldhelm’s, breathing heavily as you felt him prod eagerly at your entrance. 

“I do not know what I’ve done in my life to deserve you, Aldhelm.” Your confession quickened his heart, so much so he thought it would beat out of his chest. With a tilt of your hips, you felt him enter you. You bit your lower lip as a groan left him, and he tightened his grip on your waist, cracking his eyes open when you did not move. You sat up straight and Aldhelm’s lips parted at the constriction he felt. Grabbing his hands from your waist, you brought his left hand to your breast. He latched on out of instinct, kneading it and gently tweaking your nipple. The other was brought to your heart. You gently raised and lowered yourself on Aldhelm’s cock, feeling you’ve tortured the poor man enough. His head fell back against the pillows, a breathy moan left his lips. 

“I am yours.” You moaned out, picking up your pace. “Forever, I am yours.” Aldhelm was quick to sit up after hearing your words, pulling you with him as he supported his back against the headboard of the bed. Your knees rested on the bed as he pistoned into you, holding your chest tightly to his as you moaned without caution. 

“Again!” He growled into your ear. His face pressed into your shoulder, his hands slid down your back to grasp onto the strong muscles of your ass. He guided you down to meet his thrusts and the pure pleasure was overwhelming. Your back arched and you nearly shrieked when you felt Aldhelm’s lips attach to your nipple. Your hands immediately wrapped themselves in the hair on the back of his head to hold him to you. “Say it again!” He demanded with his mouth full. 

“I am yours!” The fire in your belly burned white hot, and when his lithe thumb sneakily rubbed against your clit, you fell apart instantly. A hoarse moan broke from your lips as the wave crashed over you. Your thighs began to shake, unable to hold yourself up any longer. Aldhelm’s lips freed your breast with a pop as you fell against him, but he was quick to move his mouth up the column of your neck as he chased his own release. Your hands cradled his face, making him look up at you as his hips continued to thrust himself within you. Aldhelm’s eyes held wonder, as if you hung every star in the sky. You brought your lips down to his and he kissed you greedily.   

“My heart is yours, Aldhelm.” You breathed into his open, panting mouth. You brought his head back down to your chest and held him there. His hot breath against your damp skin was erotic, enthralling. The scratch of his short beard made your cunt clench around his length as his hips stuttered in their thrusts. He was blissfully close. “I will love you until my last breath.” You spoke into the open air, letting your breathy moans fill the room. Aldhelm’s arms tightened around your waist, bordering on the cusp of painful as he released into you with a heady groan into your chest. Aldhelm rode out his high with a few weak thrusts until he could exert himself no longer. He slid his body down the sheets to lay flat on his back, pulling you down to lay flat upon him. He pulled the blankets over the both of you and allowed himself to stay buried within your heat for as long as you’d allow him to be. 

You kissed lightly along his neck, running your fingers over his chest as he ran his finger tips over your back softly. The silence that fell over the dimly lit room was comfortable. 

“I meant what I said.” You broke the silence with delicate words, looking up at Aldhelm from your spot on his chest. He pushed his head back just enough to see your eyes looking up at his. 

“You will stay?” His words held disbelief, as did the furrow of his brow. Your hand came up to caress his cheek once more. You felt him twitch within you. His hand clasped your left, intertwining your fingers with his. 

“Should Uhtred allow it, I will stay and take you as my husband.” To speak the words aloud was akin to lifting a boulder off of your chest. It was instant relief of the anxieties that filled you. “I will allow myself to selfishly have the one thing that has brought me happiness in this life.” The look of adoration was back in his eyes and you never wanted it to leave.     

“You do not understand what a relief it is to hear, my Heart.” Aldhelm craned his neck down to kiss your forehead tenderly, continuing to rub along your back and shoulders.

[persephones-journey]

It was Rare, I was There

Just a one shot about Uhtred and an OC ... and knifeplay....

Listen... I am not an Uhtred girlie but... Man, can get it... Sometimes lol

Eadburg sat in her dining room eyeing the empty chair at the head of the table.

It was where her husband use to sit.

He did not dine anymore.

No, he laid in a wooden casket outside of the walls of the estate, dead, his body rotting away.

Eadburg ran the estate now, for her son was much too young and she refused to allow her daughter to be bethrothed, even if every single man who rode through said at eight, she needed to think of these things.

“Lady,” her head house guard said as he walked into the room. He bowed. “Riders headed our way.”

She sighed. She rubbed her brow and nodded. “Can you tell who it is?” she asked. He eyed her. “Edmund?” she asked.

He nodded. “I believe it is Uhtred, the Dane-Slayer,” he said.

Eadburg's heart pounded in her chest. Memories broke forth from the dam she had built around them in her mind.

“You taste like sunshine,” Uhtred whispered as his tongue licked her inner thigh, cleaning her wetness away. “I will need to bury my head in you more often,” he looked up at her, his ice blue eyes filled with desire.

Eadburg knew she should not be here. She was meant to be in the palace, serving Alfred's widow and Edward's new wife.

Not servicing Uhtred, the Dane-Slayer.

“Please,” she whispered as he stood. She saw his cock out of his trousers, ready for her. She had already had it in her mouth, in her hand, but it would seem Uhtred was finally ready to complete her ruination and take her virginity as well.

“Shh,” he whispered as he kissed her. “I swear, I will not hurt you.”

And he thrusted deep into her...

“YOU SWORE NEVER TO HURT ME!” Eadburg screamed as she shoved Uhtred.

He grabbed her wrists and yanked her close to him. His ice blue eyes cold as they looked at her. “And I didn't.”

“You liar,” she spat at him. “You have hurt me here, right now. Telling me you have moved on.”

“I have,” he insisted. “It is not my fault that you let yourself believe we could be more.”

Eadburg looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks. The pain tore at her heart. She swallowed it, deep within her. Along with any words she had planned to tell him about the babe she carried.

His babe.

“Lady Eadburg,” Edmund's voice pulled her out of her memories. “Do you wish to let them in?”

She nodded. “I do, Edmund,” she answered. She stood. “Allow them to enter the courtyard. I will go and tell the children to stay in their rooms,” she said.

“Do you not trust them, lady?” Edmund asked.

Eadburg looked at him. She shook her head. “Some of the men, yes, but others,” she thought of Uhtred, “no, I do not trust them at all.”

Edmund nodded and she turned and left the room. She walked down the halls towards the nursery where her two children, Edla, her daughter and, Cenhelm, her son. They were all she had left in the world. Her husband had been killed in Aegelesburg along with his eldest son, which left little Cenhelm as the heir and lord of the estate. Aethelflaed, the new Lady of Mercia, had granted Eadburg custody of her son and daughter and a parchment allowing her to run the estate until her son became of age.

Eadburg was under no illusions though, she knew she was not really safe. A piece of paper would not stop men for taking her son or daughter, kidnapping them away in the hopes and stealing her land, her home.

She would keep them safe.

Even from warriors she had known for years.

“Momma, shouldn't you be eating?” Edla asked as Eadburg leaned in the doorway of the rooms.

She took in her daughter's ice blue eyes and dark hair. She was almost a perfect picture of Uhtred. It hurt at times to look at her but Eadburg would never let her daughter know it.

“I ate already, love,” she said smiling. She walked into the room and stood behind Cenhelm, as the young boy ate his meal. She stroked his dark hair, the only thing he shared with his sister and her. She leaned down and kissed his head. “Visitors have arrived and I-.”

“You want us to stay here,” Edla sighed. She got up and walked over to Eadburg and wrapped her arms around her waist. She was tall for her age; something else she got from Uhtred. “You wish to protect us,” she muttered.

Eadburg nodded. “I do,” she answered. She leaned down and kissed Edla on the forehead. “I do not trust these men.”

“Everyone you trust already lives here,” Cenhelm said as he hung his head upside down to look at them. Eadburg saw his dark brown eyes looking at her. She sighed and patted the four year old on the cheek.

“Yes, Cen, everyone I trust already lives here,” she answered. “Now sit probably before you hurt yourself.”

“Yes, Momma,” he answered.

“All right,” Edla said. “We will stay here,” she added.

Eadburg nodded. She stroked her daughter's hair. “Good,” she kissed her cheek. “I love you, my sweet.”

“I love you too, Momma,” Edla answered.

“I luv you too!” Cenhelm exclaimed his mouth filled with bread.

Eadburg chuckled. She pulled away from Edla and turned towards Cenhelm. She kissed him on the cheek as well. He laughed as she tickled and pinched his side. She pulled away and walked to the doorway. She turned back and watched Edla sit beside Cenhelm and the two of them laughing together.

One would never think they had separate fathers.

Eadburg took a slow breath and closed the door. It was time to go face her past.

***

Uhtred dismounted from his horse and walked over to the cart. He looked over the side and saw Athelstan huddled in Finan's cloak and wool blankets. Finan sat beside the boy and Uhtred saw the Irishman stroke Athelstan's dark hair.

“How is he?” Uhtred asked, knowing it would do them no good to have the son of the king die while they were moving him to safety.

“He fell asleep a while ago,” Finan answered. “He said he was not hungry,” he added as he continued to stroke the boy's hair.

Uhtred could see the worry on Finan's face; the Irishman had bonded quite fiercely with the boy. So had Sihtric. Uhtred nodded.

“Well, hopefully, the lord of this estate can offer us shelter here while Athelstan recovers,” Uhtred turned, “Osferth, you have enough herbs or will you-.”

“I may have to make a trip to the local market, depending on what the lord has in their household,” Osferth answered as he dismounted.

“If you wait for the lord to give you permission, you will be waiting a very long time,” a voice echoed in the courtyard.

Uhtred felt a chill roll down his spine. He saw Finan frown, meaning that he had not schooled his features as much as he had hoped. He took a slow breath and turned around.

Walking towards him was a ghost from his past. A love he had pushed aside to have Aethelflaed.

Eadburg, third daughter of an alderman of Mercia. She had been sent to Wessex to serve Aelswith when Alfred grew sicker, and she was also a friend to Aethelflaed when Aethelflaed took refuge in Wessex from Aethelred on occasion.

She had become a friend to Aethelflaed and Uhtred had even seen her laughing in the company of Finan and Osferth at times.

He had been grieving from losing Gisela. So, when she had whispered words of comfort to him, he had turned and kissed her. And a kiss had lead to more.

That more had lead to Uhtred breaking her heart, and lying to himself about his own feelings, while he went off and bedded Aethelflaed.

“Eadburg,” he said.

“That is Lady Eadburg to you, Uhtred,” she stated coldly.

Finan sighed. “Out of all the estates in Mercia,” he muttered.

Uhtred ignored him and turned his attention completely towards Eadburg. She was beautiful, even then; when she was looking at him wishing him dead.

“Lady Eadburg,” he said softly and carefully. “I would ask you give shelter to myself and my men for a few days. We have a boy with us, who is sick and needs time to recover,” he stated.

She frowned. She walked closer and towards the cart. She smiled when she saw Finan. “Finan,” she said, her voice filled with happiness, “you are looking well,” she said.

Uhtred turned and saw Finan nod at her and smirked. “Lady, you are looking ravishing as always,” he said with a wink.

Eadburg snorted. “I see you are still a flirt, Finan,” Finan laughed and Uhtred felt jealousy course through him as Eadburg chuckled as well. She looked into the cart more. “Who is this boy?” she asked.

“Athelstan,” Osferth answered as he walked over to Eadburg. Again, Eadburg had a smile for Osferth. “Lady,” he bowed his head, “he is King Edward's first born son,” he added softly.

Uhtred heard the curses Eadburg muttered. She turned and looked at him. “You brought Edward's bastard to my doorstep?” she demanded.

“In my defence, lady, I did not know it was your doorstep,” he said carefully.

Eadburg eyed him. “Your men and the boy can stay. You, however,” she stepped closer, “I think you should sleep outside the gate. I might provide you a blanket.”

Uhtred stepped closer to her. He saw her hand reached down to her belt but he glanced back up at her face. “Lady Eadburg,” he stepped closer to her, “perhaps you could move on from our past. After all, you are married and I doubt your husband would be happy to see his wife acting like a common whore.”

He heard Finan sigh. “If she kills ya, lord, I am telling Lady Aethelflaed ya deserved it,” he muttered.

Uhtred glanced at Finan and it was his mistake; he underestimated just how angry Eadburg was at him. When he turned back to look at her, he hissed as he felt cold steel against his neck. He looked down and saw that she had a dagger, with a large ruby stone on it's pommel, held up against his neck. He looked at her eyes.

And all he saw was cold rage.

“My husband, lord Uhtred, was recently killed by the Danes. He took his older son with him and I lost both of them. I am holding this estate and running it for my little son, who is four, all the while trying to stop men from suggesting it is time I betrothed my daughter, who is barely older than her brother. So, lord, if you wish to call me names, continue to do so, but know that it is I who run this estate and I have no husband to answer to,” she stated her voice cold as stone.

Silence echoed around them. Uhtred stared into her eyes. He tried to see the girl he had once known; once loved. He couldn't see her anymore.

He wondered if that was his doing. If him breaking her heart had torn away a part of herself; the soft, kind part that he had fallen for.

“Lady,” Osferth said, his voice so soft and gentle as he stepped beside Uhtred, “Lord Uhtred meant no offence. He is worried about Athelstan and we have been travelling and-.”

Uhtred hissed as he felt the dagger press a tad deeper into his neck. “Do you always let your men apologize for you?” she asked.

“Only Osferth,” Uhtred muttered. “He is the only one it seems who would not like to see me gutted like a fish by you.”

He heard Finan chuckle. “Aye, well, baby monk is soft like that.”

“Do you apologize, Lord Uhtred?” Eadburg asked.

Uhtred looked at her, her once welcoming bright grey eyes were now cold and stormy. He swallowed and knew that she would cut him. Finan might not think she would but form where Uhtred stood, he could see that she truly would slit his throat if he said the wrong thing.

“I do, lady,” he whispered. “I apologize for my crude remarks, I meant no harm,” he added.

She snorted. “I doubt that,” she muttered. She pulled her dagger away. “Come, Finan, I will show you where you can bring the boy to stay. You, Osferth, and Sihtric are welcomed to stay in the little cottage I have beside the main manor house as well. It is well maintained.”

“And I?” Uhtred asked.

Eadburg looked at him. “I told you where you were staying, lord. The barn has an extra side room. I am sure you will enjoy it.”

And with that, she turned and walked back towards the main house. Uhtred turned and saw Finan climbing out of the cart. He lifted Athelstan in his arms and held the boy close.

“Uhtred-,” he started.

Uhtred held up his hand and shook his head. “Go, stay in the little cottage. I will give her some time to cool and go plead my case again,” he looked around and saw servants and men watching, “and perhaps when most of her people are asleep. I will have a serious conversation with her.”

Finan snorted. “Ya are going to end up with that dagger in ya chest, lord,” he muttered. “I know what an angry scorned woman looks like, and Eadburg looked scarier,” he added.

Uhtred patted Finan on the shoulder. “I can handle Eadburg.”

Sihtric snorted. “Famous last words,” he muttered as he walked by.

Uhtred watched them go. He turned and saw Osferth watching him. “Please be nice to her,” Osferth whispered. “She is a kind lady and I would not want her to be hurt more when we leave.”

Uhtred grabbed Osferth's shoulder. “I do not wish to hurt her either. I am just trying to make sure that we can all get along while we stay here.”

Osferth gave him a look. “You said that last time right before you broke her heart and Lady Aethelflaed arranged for her to be married off,” he said. He looked down and glanced back up at Uhtred with a sad look on his face. “She was kind before, lord and now,” he shrugged, “I do not see that kindness any longer.”

Uhtred let Osferth walk away. He closed his eyes and cursed. Osferth was right. Eadburg's kindness was gone and Uhtred had a feeling deep down that he was the cause.

He felt the urge to fix it.

***

Eadburg sat in the chair by the fire in the hall. She was in her thin silk nightdress with a knitted shawl draped over her as she sipped her wine and watched the fire.

Her mind wandered to Uhtred and the men. They had been there going on three days. Osferth and her healer had worked together and little Athelstan was getting better. Finan was like a mother hen as she expected watching over the boy. Edla and Cenhelm had heard their was a boy in the estate and wished to befriend him. Eadburg had allowed them to visit with Finan and Osferth keeping watch; if either of them noticed how Edla resembled Uhtred, they said nothing. Sihtric busied himself with helping Edmund do repairs that he had not had the man power to do before, which Eadburg knew he had worried about but did not wish to trouble her with it.

She could not sleep though. Every time she closed her eyes, she fell back into memories of before; of her and Uhtred together humping in dark corners of the palace of Winchester and in the inn. Before he had broken her heart; and in the process broken her.

She had avoided him, and the barn by extension. Finan had tried a few times to get her to speak to Uhtred but she had brushed him off and to his credit, he had smiled bowed his head and muttered a “Trust me, lady, I understand” under his breath.

She stood and her shawl fell to the floor. She hugged herself with one arm as she finished her wine. She heard the doors to the hall open and she closed her eyes and cursed.

“Edmund, whatever it is, it can wait until morning,” she muttered as she opened her eyes and looked at him.

Except it wasn't Edmund, who stood there; it was Uhtred.

She snorted and turned back and placed her empty wine glass on the large wooden mantle her husband had commissioned; one of the last editions to the manor house he had oversaw before he had left for Aegelesburg. She knew she was lucky to live in one of the older Roman villas that was still standing and in excellent shape. It meant that she had gorgeous large fire places that kept the rooms warm even in the coldest of winters.

Beside the wine glass, was her dagger. She picked it up and turned to look at Uhtred. He saw the dagger in the fire and lantern light of the room and sighed.

“I am not a threat to you, Eadburg,” he whispered as he walked closer to her.

Again, she snorted. “Oh, you are a threat,” she muttered. She walked over and bend down to pick up her shawl. She draped it over her shoulders, trying to cover her breasts; she knew that the thin silk meant if he got close enough, he would be able to see her nipples through it. “A threat I should have recognized earlier.”

Uhtred walked closer to her and stood in front of her. “I have never been a threat to you, ever,” he looked at her. His eyes raking over her from the top of her head down to her feet. His eyes focusing solely on her; it felt she was naked in front of him. He looked back up, his cold ice eyes looking into hers. “You use to know that,” he whispered softly.

He sounds hurt and it caused her anger to rise. She clutched the hilt of her dagger and held it close to her. “I was wrong,” she spat out at him. “I was so very wrong about you,” she added.

His eyes filled with sadness. “What happened to you, min søde?” he whispered using the nickname he had given to her; the one he had whispered in her ear when he had been buried deep inside of her. My sweet one. “Why are so so cold and distant?” he added as he stepped closer to her. He reached up and gently took her hand, the one not holding the dagger. “You use to be so kind and caring. So soft and-.”

She brought the dagger up and pressed it, the blade up against Uhtred's neck again. He stilled and held her hand tighter. She pressed the dagger more and he backup so she pressed it more. On and on it went, him backing up and her pressing the dagger harder into his neck. He backed up to the table, kicking a chair with the back of his foot; he had no where else to go.

“You wish to know what happened to me?” she demanded her voice low but filled with rage. “You, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, you are what happened to me,” she stated coldly.

“Eadburg-,” he started.

“NO!” she said pressed the dagger harder against his neck. Uhtred hissed and she saw blood trickle down from a nick she had caused. Her shawl, once again fell to the floor. She kicked it away. “You happened to me!” she stated again. “I was one of nine children, the third daughter. I knew I was never meant for greatness, I would be lucky if my father did not place me in a convent and forgot I existed,” she stated. “When I was called to serve Lady Aelswith, and later Aethelflaed and Aelflaed, I felt like perhaps I could have a good husband. I could have a good life. And then,” she looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks, “there was you. The Dane-Slayer and the pagan. Everyone whispered how I needed to stay away from you, but you were nothing but kind to me. As were your men. You tried me like I was, some precious jewel,” she laughed coldly, “and I fell for it. I fell for you.”

She felt Uhtred's fingers stroke the back of her hand that he still held. “Do you not think I fell for you as well?” he whispered softly. “That I did not see you and think of how kind and loving you were and wish for-.”

“Wish for what?” she demanded. “Marriage and children?” she asked. “Because that is what I began to wish for. But then you pushed me away so you could bed Alfred's daughter,” she hated how filled with hurt and pain her voice became. She had spent years telling herself she was over it; she was over him. But apparently she had been lying to herself; just as he had lied to her years before. “And I was reminded once again, that I was no one special. Especially not special enough for the Dane-Slayer.”

“Stop,” he ordered as he looked at her. “You were special to me, min søde. Too special,” he whispered. “It was why I let you go.”

She snorted and laughed. “You truly expect me to believe that, Uhtred?” she demanded. She shook her head. “You never called it love,” she whispered to him. “I did. I remember whispering in your ear as you plowed me how much I loved you, how much I loved the feel of you against me, the feel of you in me, but you never said the same. So how was I special exactly? I was not special enough for you to whisper you loved me, no Aethelflaed was the one who no doubt got that as well.”

“I love you,” he told her. She looked in her eyes and wanted to tell him she could see he was lying. But she couldn't; because it appeared that he was telling her the truth. He let go of her hand and pressed his hand at her side. He pulled her closer and she pressed the dagger harder against his neck, the blood still trickling, a few drops at a time, from the cut. Uhtred did not seem to care. “I loved you then as well,” he whispered. “But I knew your father would not let me marry you so I did not even try to ask. That was my mistake, Eadburg, I will admit that. I am sorry I did not tell you that. I should have but I didn't. I am sorry that I didn't and broke your heart instead. If I could go back, I would do it differently. But I cannot go back. I cannot erase your hurt.”

Eadburg felt herself wanting to give in to him. She felt herself leaning in towards him, her face moving closer to his. She saw how sincere he was, how much he hurt that he had done that to her. She closed her eyes when her nose brushed his.

“It is in the past and I do not care any longer about any of it,” she found herself whispered.

Uhtred, chuckled a bit at that. “You have a dagger at my throat, Eadburg, I do believe you care about it still.”

She opened her eyes and looked into his deep ones. “I am no longer that girl and I do not believe in love and happy endings any longer.”

She saw Uhtred's eyes fill with sadness. “Pity,” he whispered. “I was about to show you how much I still ache for you,” he added.

Silence echoed around them as did the tension; this time not angry tension, no sexual tension. Eadburg's eyes looked down to his lips and she was lost. She found herself leaning forward and pressing her lips against his, still holding the dagger against his neck. He kissed her back, not caring about the dagger any longer. She felt both of his hands grip her hips and he pulled her forward.

“Uhtred-,” she started.

“Shh,” he whispered as his lips kissed her harder. His hands grabbed her thin nightdress and pulled it up. He slotted a leg between her thighs and she whimpered as she felt him press it up against her wet cunt. He pulled her down and moved her back and forth on his thigh. His finger dug into her hips as he held her. “It does not matter. Let us just have tonight,” he added.

Eadburg kissed him harder at that. That was her agreement to it all. She began to move her hips, causing friction that she ached for. She ran her other hand down his chest to his trousers. She grabbed the ties and pulled on the ties, needing to feel him inside of her once again. She moaned as his hands grabbed her bare ass cheeks.

She kept the dagger at his neck as he moved his lips to her neck. His teeth nipped her skin there as she snaked her into his trousers and stroked his cock. He lifted her, holding her against him. She stroked his cock as she nipped at his ear, her dagger still against his neck. She was not going to move it.

She still did not trust him.

But this time, she was using him as much as he was using her.

He sat on the chair and placed her on his lap. She moaned as one of his hands slipped between them, stroking her cunt, rubbing his hand against her pleasure nub. Pleasure flooded through her and she grinded down on his hand. She reached down and pulled his trousers open more and he helped her with his free hand. Once his cock was free he grabbed her wrist and held it.

She rested her forehead against his and looked in his eyes.

“Tell me you need my cock,” he ordered.

She raised an eyebrow. “I do not need to tell you anything,” she whispered as she gently pressed the dagger against his neck more, “this makes sure of it,” she added with a smile.

He smirked. “You are going to keep that at my neck the entire time?” he asked.

She nodded. “I am,” she whispered. She leaned in and kissed him. “And to remind you that this time, I am using you for pleasure, not the other way around,” she added. “So, Uhtred of Bebbanburg,” she breathed out. “Tell me you need my cunt.”

She felt him move his hand from between her folds and gripped her hips with both his hands. He leaned in closer, his lips almost touching hers.

“And if I don't?” he asked softly.

She leaned forward and bit his bottom lip. She smiled and tugged on it. “I will nick you a tad more and call Edmund in here to have you thrown back in the barn,” she whispered. She grabbed his tunic with her hand and moved her hips so her wet folds brushed his hard cock. “It's one little sentence, Uhtred.”

She felt his hands move down to her thighs. He lifted her and she felt the tip of his cock press against her entrance. “I need,” he whispered as he pulled her down so his cock slid into her, “your cunt,” he finished as he thrusted up into her, filling her completely.

She moaned and kissed him hard as she began to move against him and he thrusted up into her. She kept the dagger at his neck as she rode him and rode him hard. Uhtred knew her body better than her husband ever did. He knew exactly how fast and hard to thrust up into her, where to press his hands on her body to stroke the fire that was building inside of her. And his cock, it filled her in a way her husband's never had.

“More,” she breathed into his mouth.

He understood. He reached between them and his nimble fingers, calloused from years of fighting and carrying a sword, but also so skilled and rubbing her pleasure nub. His other hand cupped her breast and squeezed it. She shoved him with her hand on his chest back against the chair back. He, in turn pulled her closer to him and she kissed him deeply.

She rode the wave of pleasure and the fire that was building and building inside of her. She pressed her face into Uhtred's and felt his cock pulsate and twitch inside of her; she knew he was close as well. She began to move faster moaning loudly into Uhtred's face. He thrusted up into her harder, reaching behind him with one hand and grabbing the back of the chair for leverage, leaving her breast missing and aching for his touch again.

Her legs began to tingle and shake. Uhtred rubbed her nub faster and she finally moved the dagger so she could grab his shoulders with both hands. She griped them tight as she moved up and down on his cock, feeling it press hard into that spot inside of her that only Uhtred had ever been able to find.

“Yes,” she moaned as Uhtred's cock pressed hard into that spot one more time and her world shattered into pleasure.

She closed her eyes as she saw a bright white light. Her whole body shook. She slowed in her pace of moving up and down on his cock. She felt Uhtred's body begin to tremble as well. A moment later, he filled her with his seed; the warmth spreading in her womb. She slumped against his body as he sat down in the chair holding her tight.

They breathing echoed in the now silent room. Huffs and puffs. Eadburg blinked and felt her body beginning to stop trembling. She moved, lifting herself off of his cock and pressing her bare feet on the cold stone floor. She moved off of Uhtred, feeling his seed and her wetness drip down and smear on her inner thighs. Uhtred stood and grabbed her. She pressed her dagger to his chest and he leaned down and kissed her. She kissed him back and smiled as he hissed when she dragged the dagger up and down his tunic, scraping the skin where he had left it open and untied at the neck and chest.

“Can I stay in the little cottage now?” he whispered against her lips.

She shrugged. “I do not care where you sleep,” she nipped his bottom lip, “just know it will not be with me.”

She pushed him away and turned and left the room. She smiled as she walked away.

She had what she wanted, she didn't need anything else.

***

Uhtred walked into the small cottage. He smiled when Finan glanced up at him from his spot by the fireplace. Uhtred saw Athelstan's tunic in Finan's hands along with a needle a thread.

“Mother Finan mending her little chick's tunic?” he teased as he tossed his bags of belongings in the corner.

Finan snorted and shook his head. “I would ask ya how ya got Eadburg to agree to allow ya out of the barn, but I don't think I wanna know,” he muttered as he went back to mending.

Uhtred shrugged as he walked closer to the fire. He rubbed his hands together and held them out. “What can I say, Finan, I have a way with women.”

Finan chuckled. He stood from the chair. He patted Uhtred on the shoulder. “Lord, ya seem to have cut yourself,” he added as he pressed his finger against Uhtred's neck when Eadburg's dagger had cut him a couple of times. “And ya have bled on ya last clean tunic,” he leaned in closer, “next time tell Lady Eadburg to hold her dagger at ya cock. Ya might learn ya lesson better and it will be less washing for Osferth.”

Uhtred shoved Finan but Finan laughed more. Finan turned and left him standing there as he walked into the back of the cottage. Uhtred reached up and pressed his own fingers to the cuts. He pulled his fingers away and looked at them and looked at the blood. He rubbed his thumb in it.

“If there is a next time,” he whispered to himself.

But oh if there was...

He smirked.

He might like being stationed in Mercia after all.

[illtakeyoutowonderland]

The One (Part 7)

The one were she choose

Sihtric x Reader

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

Y/N couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by Aethelflaed. Still, she tried to let things go as she sat between Osferth and Finan. Like her friend had said, there were more important things at the moment to worry about. They would talk later.

She didn't know why Sihtric was the only one who sat at another table with other men and didn't join the conversation. She looked over at him and he smiled at her, raising his cup as if to say cheers and turned to his own conversation. Oh, how she wished he kept smiling at her

Edward suddenly appear with two other men who introduced themselves as Father Beocca and Father Pyrlig "I came to sit with my sister for a while" Said the prince "My sister the outlaw"

"You grow by the day, Edward" Aethelflaed smiled at him

"He grows wiser" Said Beocca with a proud smile

"If you would excuse me" Osferth abruptly left the table and Beocca took his place as he sat next to Y/N. Her heart ache for his friend as she saw him sat at another table alone. She decided to give him some space and she'll check on him later as if it couldn't be easy to see his hafl brother the future king

"I was sorry to hear of Ragnar's death" Beocca said to Uhtred "He was a heathen, but a good man. I shall pray for him"

"He would not thank you for your prayers, father" Uhtred said rolling his eyes at little

"Well, they are his all the same" Beocca replied with a smile "I pray for you too, Uhtred. And I will not stop, is spite of your pigheadedness" 

"And me, father?" Finan asked. You could see they all had a long and really nice relationship with each other. It was sweet.

"Oh, I am afraid you belong to the devil already" 

"I've been telling him that, father, but he does not listen" Y/N said faking exasperation and Beocca laughed with her

"Should we get on with the matter, father Beocca?" Father Pyrlig looked a little unsetle "Sooner we get back to the hall, the better"

"Edward is here because he has something to say, to ask. For the sake of appearances, you should all try to behave as if you're completely disinterested" Beocca said smiling as if it was a normal conversation

"That warning is for you" Finan whispered to Y/N and she punched him in the arm as a response, which only made him laugh

"How many men does Haesten have?" Edward hesitantly asked. He seemed anxious

"Maybe as many as 1000 and Beamfleot" Uhtred said plainly

"I wish to understand why you believe you can defeat him when it appears impossible" 

Uhtred explained his plan. How he would draw Haesten out of the fortress and defeat him in battle with an army. How all of this would prevent a greater war. 

Edward seemed hesitant at first. It was obvious he was new at all of this, but seemed eager to learn at the same time "Then you should have them" He said promising an army to Uhtred

"Is that a promise you can keep, Lord?" Beocca asked

"It is, or I can never be called king" Edawrd replied and then continue "Set a day for the attack and I will be there. You shall have the men. Draw Haesten out of the fort. Our army will be hidding in the woods, waiting. You have my word" He looked at everyone at the table, then at Uhtred again "I swear"

No one could see but Y/N could definitly feel how the mood changed on the group and how the hopes were up again. They all set up a plan to finish with this as soon as possible, giving Uhtred the revenge and peace he needed for his brother. Still they needed to keep appareances, so they couldn't rush their departure. Finan asked for another round of ale when Y/N excused herself planning on cheking on Osferth

"Lady Y/N" Edward voice stopped her before she could reach her friend and she turned to find him walking to her

"Hey" She kindly said "Lord. Sorry, I'm not used to this titles yet" 

"No worries, Lady" He smiled genuinely at her and looked around himself as if checking who was listening "I trust they are treating  you well. I can ask for more warm clothes if the cold turns into a problem" She was still wearing the green dress Aethelflaed gave her a few days ago and her long coat was extremly warm she couldn't complain, really

Y/N laughed a little to herself and smiled at him. Was he flirting with her? "I am well, Lord. There is no need for you to worry. I actually enjoy the cold" She wasn't lying, but she did miss being able to wrap herself in a blanket and drink some tea at her house. He nodded at her and a few awkward seconds passed before she spoke again "Uuhm, about earlier, what your sister told you and your father about..."

"It would be our secret" He nodded at her and she thanked him as Aethelflaed joined them "Lady" He said as to say goodbye and then left with both father Beocca and Pyrlig back to the hall

"You already having secrets with my brother?" Aethelflaed joked but Y/N was having none of it

"I merely asked him to keep my secret from others. We shall see if he can keep his word." Y/N said as she started her way to Osferth once again, and once again she was stopped

"I'm sorry" Aethelflaed said and Y/N turned to look at her "I have no excuse other than being exited for my father to know all his work will pay off, his dream coming true" Y/N could see she was being honest "And you were right. It wasn't my decision to make, so I'm truly sorry Y/N"

Y/N stood there in silence for a few seconds fighting her own pride and forgiving her friend "Thank you" She said and walked closer to Aethelflaed "But please next time let us talk about this things and come with a solution together"

"Does this mean you forgive me?"

"Of course I forgive you, you are my friend" Y/N said and hugged her. Aethelflaed seemed surprise for a moment, probably since people didn't show this much affection in public, but after a second she hugged her back

"Nice to see you two are friends again" Said Finan from behind them as both women separated from each other smiling

"We should be leaving in a few hours" Uhtred announced as he call Sihtric and Osferth to join 

"Where to, Lord?" Osferth asked

"We are going to Beamfleot" 

As the men started to prepare their things and horses to leave, Y/N couldn't help but feel conflicted. She knew they were heading to battle, something she never did nor wanted to experience, and still something pulled her towards Uhtred and his journey.

She was playing with her cup of ale, standing against a post looking at Aethelflaed talking with Uhtred when father Pyrlig notice her anxious state "Are you ok, Lady Y/N?"

"Yeah, yes" She smiled at him but he didn't buy it, giving her a knowing look "I just... It feels wrong for me to stay here"

Uhtred and his men approached the pair with Aethelflaed to say their goodbyes as Pyrlig continued "I don't think you would enjoy Uhtred destination, trust me Lady"

"You thinking on joining?" Uhtred said as he heard father Pyrlig's comment

"Is this because of what happened earlier with my father?" Aethelflaed asked with a frown

"No no no. It's not that, I swear" Y/N looked away for a second "It's just... Something is telling me to follow him" She pointed at Uhtred "I don't know how to explain it, it feels like a pull or something, like a..."

"Like a bond" Finan said and she nodded. He and Uhtred shared a glance, as if communicating something with each other

"Have you ever even seen a battle, Lady?" Father Pyrlig asked. She couldn't blame the man for thinking she wasn't battle material, because she really wasn't. Also, the dress and the anxiety didn't help

"Do movies count?" She joked, but then again nobody understood her words "No, I haven't"

"Y/N are you sure about this?" Aethelflaed asked her friend with a concern look

"I'm not" She laughed nervously "But I know I can't stay here, I need to find a way back home somehow" 

"Finan" Uhtred called "Get the lady her horse" 

"Yes, Lord"

"You will promise to do as I say and you will not join the battle" Uhtred said looking straight into her eyes. He was being serious "I will not risk this to go wrong for a lost girl" Ok, ouch. But Y/N understood his point

"I promise" She said and then turned to her friend "I'm sorry, I really do not want to leave you alone here with... you know" She said refering to her husband

"I can take care of myself" It as true "Wait here, I have something for you" And with that she left her alone with the men

"I will pray for you, Lady" Father Pyrlig said and she thanked him not knowing what else to say "I will pray for all of you" He said as he too left the group

"Do not worry, Lady" Osferth said standing next to her "We will keep you safe"

"I know"  She smiled at him "I trust you" She then looked at Sihtric, who as always was being quite. But this time he merely nodded at her confirming Osferth's words "Maybe one of you can teach me how to fight" She said jokingly and they all smiled at her. She wasn't entirely serious, she wished she didn't have to get to that but she wasn't oblivious either to the fact that it would probably come to that the longer she stayed here

"We wil see" Uhtred said smiling as he studied her. Finan appeared with her horse and they were all ready to leave 

"Here" Said Aethelflaed as she appeared with Edward next to her and handed Y/N a bag "You will be  more comfortable wearing these"

"I hear you are leaving us, Lady Y/N" Said Edward and she nodded "I hope we will cross paths again, one day"

Aethelflaed looked at his brother with surprise in her face but said nothing "Me too, Lord" Y/N politely said. He was cute, she wasn't going to lie. She then turned to her friend "Thank you, for everything" Y/N once again hugged her friend 

"We will meet again" Aethelflaed said and both women smiled at each other. Uhtred gave the word and everyone got on their horses

"Seems like you catched the princeling's eye" Finan said to Y/N with a smirk on his face

"Shut up, I did not" She said rolling as she shoved him aside to get to her horse

"She totally did" Finan said laughing to Sihtric but he said nothing. He only stared at her as she rolled her eyes at Finan and notice a faint blush on her cheeks

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

[mrsarnasdelicious]

Puppy Boy - Animal Shelter Sihtric Long Fic

Ch 1 - This Fucking Kid

"Heya kiddo." Finan ruffles his young tennant's hair. Sihtric groans, almost spilling his milk. "I am not a kid, I am 21!" He yells. "You're a kid, kid." Finan chuckles, sitting opposite the young Dane. "How was yer day?" He asks. "A lot." Sihtric murmurs. "Oh?" Finan furrows his brow. "Kinda overstimulated right now." Sihtric replies.

Finan owns a construction company, he's well off and unattached. He lives his best life in a house he built himself and works from his home office. He's Irish and does everything his Catholic upbringing forbids.

Sihtric is all but a decate younger and rents Finan's attic. He works at the local animal shelter and could not be more different from Finan even if he tried. He's shy, peculiar and more often than not straight up bad with people. He gets along much better with the animals he takes care of. And he hasn't had a girlfriend since he was sixteen. He is not at all unattractive, though somewhat dorky and clumsy in the way he dresses. Even the glasses he wears are kind of cute.

"Need to leave ya alone for a while?" Finan asks. He knows how Sihtric is by now. Sihtric peers at his watch. The thing looks like he's had it since he was twelve. "When's Uhtred gona be here?" He asks. Finan throws a glance at the digital clock on the oven. "In half an hour or so." He replies. Sihtric groans softly and gets up. "I'll go take a shower and try to decompress a bit." He says. "Just be down by dinner. And it is okay if you go back up when it gets too crowded." Finan assures him.

Sihtric nods and heads upstairs to shower.

He let's the hot water run over him, pictures it washing him clean from all the stimuli of today. He takes Finan's body wash, liking the scent of it, much better than his own. He can't afford the luxurious products Finan has, but he knows Finan doesn't mind if he uses them from time to time.

Once's he's cleaned up, he allows his mind to wander.

At first, they don't go anywhere in particular, meandering to the pretty woman who adopted one of the bunnies today. Sihtric liked the look of her freckles and full, round breasts. His cock swiftly hardens and his hand wanders south. Groans tumble from his mouth as he strokes himself. His imagination runs wild, picturing warm, full breasts, leaking with milk. "Mama, please." He whimpers, tugging firmly on his cock. "G-gods." He sputters.

He cums quickly, painting the tiled wall of the shower generously with his seed.

He comes down for dinner, find Uhtred, Halig and Leofric already there.

"Hello boy." Uhtred purrs, eyeing Sihtric up and down. Sihtric flushes so brightly his glasses almost fog over. He knows Uhtred well, but never really gets used to the covetous way he's being looked at. Especially considering Uhtred has a wife and kids. "Heya nerd." Halig grins at Sihtric as the youth sits down. Sihtric smiles a small smile at him. Leofric just grunts at him. Leofric is in his 40s, he's got nothing in common with Sihtric. But it's fine, Sihtric does not mind.

Over dinner, Uhtred starts whinging about his employer and Leofric, who works for the same firm, assures Finan it is not that bad. Sihtric just sits by, shoving Finan's superior cooking into his face.

After dinner, the others pile in. Aethelwold, Edward, Aethelflaed and Erik, Haesten, Dagfin, Aldhelm and Aethelred, Eadith and Ragnar and Brida. Sihtric is pretty sure Finan wants to shack up with Eadith. The Irishman can barely keep his eyes off of her.

Sihtric joins in for a few round of whatever card game has been brought out, but quickly gets overstimulated, so retires to his bedroom. Only Aethelwold hassles him for it, but Sihtric doesn't care for that guy's opinion.

He puts his headphones on and listens to Valhalla Calling on repeat for half an hour at first.

He touches himself again after that, his jumper between his teeth, abs glistening with a fine sheen of sweat as he strokes his thick, long cock. He doesn't really fantasize about anything. He just focusses on the feeling of fucking his fist. But of course he can't keep his mind on track. He wonders what it would feel to fuck a warm wet pussy, or a tight hot arse. To just slip into another person's body, feel their heat and pressure. "Oh Gods." He groans. He imagines what it would be like to drown in another person's scent. To press his face between two warm breasts or a firm chest and just inhale. He feels his climax building, his mind wandering further to suckling on hardened, sensitive nipples. To feel fingers rake through his hair and be praised.

It is the undoing of him. He spends himself all over his chest and abs.

It isn't that Sihtric is unattractive and he's had a few girlfriends in high school. He's kissed a boy in a club once. It was the only time he'd ever been to a club. And he made out with Uhtred when he got genuinely wine drunk. But all of that has been at least two years ago. He hasn't gone to a club in aaages. He hasn't made out with anyone in what feels like a decade, which it of course is not.

He's not a virgin, but the first time he's had sex, when he was seventeen, was uncomfortable and he just avoids it now. Not because he does not want to fuck. Gods he wants to fuck and be fucked in return. He has desire in spades. But he gets anxious when he thinks of the discomfort. He isn't even sure what the discomfort stemmed from, all he remembers from the entire ordeal was a fierce rash on his cock, but a clean STI test.

He doesn't have to work weekends. But still he spends all his time at the shelter. The animals never judge him for being odd. And the other people working the shelter got used to him being a bit a lot peculiar by now.

So eh heads out to the shelter saturday morning, after his morning work out. He works out twice a day, before work and before dinner. Working out makes his mind calm. He does the hard labour, bringing in heavy bags of kibble, cleaning the kennels and wrangling the big dogs. The weekend volunteers are very grateful that all they have to do now is feed the animals and socialise them.

After lunch he takes the dog for a run, each in turn. Running makes his head empty too. And the dogs love to get out of the kennel and show their best side. He does not draw too much attention, with his thick glasses and oversized hoodie. No one would suspect those hoodies hide rockhard abs and behind those glasses are mischievous eyes.

"Ah, Sihtric, there you are." One of the volunteers calls out, once he comes back from walking Tusker, a young staffie husky mix.

Sihtric quickly puts Tusker back into his kennel and goes up to the volunteer. "What's up?" He asks gently. The volunteer gestures him to follow into the office. Sihtric obliged, following to the elder lady in charge for today. "What can I do, ma'am?" He asks politely. "I need you to take Pretty to the vet, that hairball has been bothering her long enough now." The elder woman says. "Yes ma'am. I'll grab a carrier." Sihtric says diligently. "No need to, we already have her ready to go." The volunteer mixes in.

So he is brought Pretty, in her carried. "Thanks." He mumbles. Pretty hisses, she is uncomfortable. "Yeah yeah, I know." Sihtric cooes soothingly. He takes the carrier to his beat up old ford. Carefully he secures Pretty on the passenger chair and drives to the vet office in town.

You hear the front door bell chime. A walk in!

"Be right with you!" You cry out, making sure the file you were working on is saved. You get up from your desk and head into the waiting room.

You stand eye to eye with possibly the cutest boy you have ever seen. Holding a crate with the angriest cat you have ever heard. "Hi, who's this?" You ask. crouching before the crate. You peer into the crate, facing a moody calico persian. She hisses at you and you cast your eyes up at her person, waiting for an answer. You gaze up into dual coloured eyes, through glasses that magnify his long lashes. He looks so innocent it almost breaks your heart.

"What's her name?" You ask sweetly.

The youth swallows thickly. "P-pre- .. Pretty." He stammers. "And what is going on with Pretty?" You get back up and smile up at the young man. Fluster dusts his cheeks. "She .. she has a hairball stuck in her tract." He stutters. "Oh goodness, that is why she is so crabby, huh?" You cooe. "No... no, she is always like this." The youth shakes his head.

"How about we start with some paperwork, I'll get Pretty comfortable while you fill it out.¨ You cooe. "Yeah.. s-sure." He nods, extending you Pretty's crate. You take the crate and smile sweetly at him. "Come, follow me." You lead him to the treatment room. He eagerly follows after you.

You pull out some papers, handing them to the young man, while you put the crate on the sterilised table.

"Come here, pretty Pretty." You cooe. The persian hisses. "Alright, you take some bribery, I see." You chuckle. You grab a tube of chicken paste from a drawer and open it, holding it for Pretty to smell. Pretty cranes her neck and takes a little taste. "Good Gal." You cooe, slowly pulling your hand back. Pretty follows along to keep licking the chicken paste.

Sihtric feels his ears burn when he hears you praise Pretty. It unlocks something inside him and his jeans tent. He swears under his breath. This is not a bodily reaction he needs right now. He does his best to will his boner down, but you again praise Pretty for being so cooperative in exchange for yummy snacks. His cock throbs eagerly and he pulls his hoody over his crotch.

"I .. erm..." He has no idea what to say anymore, handing you the paperwork. He pointedly avoids looking you in the eye. "Thanks." You cooe, quickly reading through the form. "Sihtric Kjartansen?" You ask, to verify his name. "Yeah, I work for the local shelter." He replies. "So, Pretty is a shelter cat?" You ask. Sihtric nods. "Y-yeah." He stammers. "Why hasn't she been adopted yet?" You asked. "Cuz she is a bitch to everyone." Sihtric replies. You can't help a soft giggle.

"Now what is going on with Pretty?" You. "Hairball, won't pass. We have tried everything." Sihtric replies. He finds that it is easier to talk when he talks about the animals. Though he can't look you in the eye. "Are you giving her baths?" You ask. "N-no.." Sihtric stammers.

[emilyhufflepufftlk]

Ems600 Celebration

To celebrate this blog reaching 600 followers and to motivate me to get back into making edits, I have created this small request challenge. Below is a list of edit ideas I noted down but never got round to making. If you like the sound of any of them, send me an ask or a message with your pick and I'll make it for you! Or if you have any requests for edits, please send them in too!

I vow to thee my country (hymn) - Alfred, Aelswith, Odda the Elder

'Judas betrayed his friend for 30 pieces of silver. The rest of us do it for far less' (quote) - subject undecided (let me know if you have an idea)

'Nothing's sad until it's over, and then everything is' (quote) - Finan x Ingrith for Anon

All you wanna do (song) - Eadith

I don't need your love (song) - Aethelflaed x Uhtred

Do it like a girl (song) - Aethelflaed

Seven devils (song) - Aethelstan x Ingilmundr

'Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone here, and don't give a damn what anyone thinks. You're on your own. Be on your own' (quote) - Brida

'If you love someone, you tell them. Even if you're scared that it's not the right thing. Even if you're scared that it'll cause problems. Even if you're scared that it will burn your life to the ground, you say it, and you say it loud and you go from there' (quote) - Aethelflaed x Aldhelm for @lord-aldhelm

'Friends are the family we choose' (quote) - Coccham squad for @persephones-journey

'It'll hurt every time you think of her. But over time, it will hurt less and less. And eventually you'll remember her and it will only hurt a little' (quote) - Uhtred x Gisela

‘I've seen how much he needs you, how much you need him. You're like two sides of the same coin’ (quote) - Uhtred/Alfred

The Archer (song) - Aethelstan

Afterglow (song) - Uhtred x Alfred

my tears ricochet (song) - Uhtred/Alfred

Pompeii (song) - Brida x Uhtred

This post will double as a master-list for the challenge and I’ll add links to the edits as and when I make them.

Tagging a few mutuals: @morosemagick @lauwrite1225 @solinarimoon @magravenwrites @persephones-journey @medievalfangirl @trenko-heart @93xdiagonxalley @cibs @blah-blah-blah-bla @anotherwinchesterfangirl @muddleofnervouswords @aadmelioraa @aelswiths @bhxrdy @lord-aldhelm @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @tlkvikings @mirandahamilton @timetravelingpenguin1066 @dailytlk @princess--of--the--dragonstone @kingslionheart

[cappymightwrite]

Can you recommend some media with jonsa vibes?

Hmm, the only thing coming to mind is the relationship between Uhtred and Aethelflaed in The Last Kingdom? I know someone made a sort of slideshow comparison between them and Jonsa, though I can't find it at the moment. I'd say there's a closer show-verse parallel than book-verse parallel, but still worth checking out maybe.

Otherwise, I don't really have any other TV or movies... I can give you some music and artwork though:

Silent Noon, John Byam Lison Shaw

Vampyre II, Edvard Munch

I mostly listen to a lot of instrumental stuff when I'm writing my fics, but here's lyric songs I also listen to that give me Jonsa vibes:

Hard Road, Johnny Flynn

This always makes me think of Sansa as 'the girl in grey', making her way towards Jon at the Wall. It comes in with these marching drums in the latter half which just really amps it up in a great way, imo. It feels motivational — yes, it's a hard road, but she keeps going.

This is my favourite verse:

She knows how and she knows when She's born to die and live and again She goes from moor to build a nest She knows the dance that burns her best From the ashes, fair to share The purest sounds to leaden heads Sung from her breast and bends the old trees Wing-ed wind songs sung so holy

I just feel it speaks to the Sansa-Alayne arc in a really cool way — there's the symbolic 'death' of Sansa, the whole "Sansa Stark went up the mountain, but Alayne Stone is coming down," but then the inevitable 'rebirth' of Sansa. There's some lovely bird imagery here which I strongly associate with Sansa, as well as singing and dancing. Plus there's the mention of burning and ashes, which speaks to Melisandre's prophecy of "a girl as grey as ash." At least I think so!

Black is the Colour, Isobel Anderson & Ruby Colley

Ohhh love this one — it's so haunting! I've been saving this song to include in either the 3rd or final chapter of My Maid of Stone, though with some slightly altered lyrics... mainly switching black for red.

The mention of "the gentlest hands" is very Jonsa to me, considering I think 'gentleness' in a lady is a bit of a romantic ideal for Jon and well, "Sansa silenced the wolf with a gentle hand to the head."

Song to the Siren, Wolf Alice

This is a cover of Tim Buckley's original, but I probably do prefer this version? I suppose this one really speaks to the romantic longing in both Jon and Sansa, which I don't believe can be resolved except with each other. There's something tender, a bit bruised and uncertain, about the speaker in this song, who "shies from the sorrow," who is constantly questioning, "puzzled as the oyster." I think you find this questioning in Sansa and Jon quite a bit, questioning what they want, what they desire, have always desired (LOVE) etc.

I mean, what they both wouldn't give to hear this call:

Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you Here I am, here I am, waiting to hold you

Narratively speaking, we as readers are also waiting, waiting for romantic resolution for these two romantic characters. Because come on, it's got to come to a head somehow! And with each other ;)

Thanks for the ask! I hope this sort of answered it?

[viking-chaos]

My whole trip this week to the North East was wet, to say the least. i swear my feet are still wet. And I'm tired.

Anyway, the highlight of the trip being Bamburgh castle, here are some better pictures:

The Last Kingdom Exhibition itself was a bit.. lacking. Four costumes: two for Uhtred (below), Prylig and Skade (why Skade, I thought to myself, she appears for eight episodes in a single season. Why not Sihtric, or Finan or even Sigtryggr, or Aethelflaed or just anyone!)

(tumblr decided to crop some of these. Click on them to see the full images)

As for props, there was Uhtred's sword (middle above) and shield. A few other weapons as well. Maps and the little wooden things that where moved around the maps:

And that was it.

Not much, but I still think it was worth that trip. If a little windy and wet.

And here might be my best picture of the castle:

[bagheerita]

Okay, s3 has some definite problems, but one thing I do really like is the way that they have so many different female characters. (I guess the show has always had plenty of female characters? But I didn't really notice it until some of the story work the writers are doing in this season.) They all want different things, or they want the same things but in different ways. In a world where men hold all the traditional forms of power, it's really interesting to me to see how the women deal with that, how they try to find their own power and control, and even just how they see the world they live in. (When Brida admits she's going to sleep with Cnut because her men won't keep following a women, my heart breaks for her again. And it's less pronounced here than it was [will be?] in s5, but there are some great parallels and contrasts between Brida and Aelswith and how they deal with loss- as each of their respective "kings" dies in their beds, their work unfinished.)

Maybe I'm starved for female characters at all in my usual fare, but it's just nice to see so many of them that are 1)actual characters with flaws and strengths who are 2)allowed to be a part of the narrative. (And like. This is Uhtred's story, everything comes back to him, with the possible exception of the actual historical events that can't be changed. So yes, Skade and Aethelflaed are written to be representations of Uhtred's two different heritages pulling at him and his destiny, and that is really obvious even before they both kiss him in the stable thereby making it entirely and specifically overt. But they are also each their own characters inside of that, with their own motivations.)

i cannot believe i'm saying nice things about the season where Thyra dies smh

[lord-aldhelm]

Aldhelm | The Last Kingdom 4.05 (Part 1)

Aldhelm, Aethelflaed, and Uhtred return to Aegelesburg to deal with Aethelred and meet with the witan.

Poor guy looks so haggard in the first picture. I really honestly wonder what the hell he is actually doing in this season, and for that matter what he was doing in between this season and the last. It was clear he wasn't working for Aethelred anymore, yet it seems like he was still staying in Aegelesburg, for whatever reason. Aethelred made Eardwulf his replacement, so Aldhelm was no longer captain of the guard nor was he doing errands for him, so what exactly was he doing there?

Another thing that bothers me about this season (just a nitpick, but irks me), which I did not pick up on the first time I viewed it, is Aethelflaed mispronounced Aldhelm's name. She says it like Old-helm. I know nothing of old English pronunciations, but his name was said correctly, even by her, in S2&3 then all of a sudden she says it differently here, but no one else does. Why didn't the director or whoever correct her?

This show is so dark! Like, physically, the video is just so dark and desaturated, and green-tinted, and overly compressed. Once I brightened the caps enough so I can actually see what is going on, a and not just some grey and black blobs, the compression artifacts are just the worst. So I have to strike a fine balance between bright enough and not too much jpeg.

[freddie-foxs]

Of Irland, Chapter 1

Series Masterlist

Instead of being taken captive in Winchester, Stiorra leaves for Irland with a friend of her father’s. There she meets Sigtryggr, a Dane, the grandson of Ivar the Boneless.

Chapter 1: Let Me Go

Chapter warnings: Drinking, Language, Mentions of SA Words: 3977 A/N: This was originally posted on AO3, now being added onto Tumblr. AO3

“Drifa please,” she begged. “Please let me come with you.”

“I cannot,” Drifa sighed. 

They’d been going around in circles for what must have been an hour. Simply put, Stiorra was bored with her life in Coccham. She yearned for adventure and excitement. Things that Coccham did not offer. She’d been surrounded by the same men for years on end, forced to have a Christian education. But she believed in the gods. Stiorra had no intention of remaining in Coccham where, one day, possibly soon, she’d be sold into marriage to a man she despised. It had happened to Aethelflaed. She did not want it to happen to her.

Drifa was leaving for Irland to help the Danes who were in trouble there. She’d once served Young Ragnar there and helped him make a name for himself. Drifa had been at Ethandun and at Dunholm, which was where she met and befriended Uhtred. Then Ragnar was killed, and she’d spent a few years in her home far across the sea in Norway. She held land and was a Jarl there. When she came back, she’d brought some men with her. And now they’d stopped in Coccham on their way out to Irland, to adventure, which was exactly what Stiorra wanted.

“I will not risk your father’s wrath,” Drifa said. She was not afraid of Uhtred, but that did not mean she wanted to lose his friendship. “Irland will be very dangerous. A war zone. It would not be sensible to take you there.”

“I can defend myself,” Stiorra insisted, drawing her knife. “Anywhere is better than here. Please!”

“Stiorra, you are the Dane Slayer’s daughter. I am going into a nest of Danes. If they find out who you are, half would want to hump you, and the other half would want to kill you as vengeance.”

“I can defend myself,” she repeated. 

Drifa sighed, running out of excuses. They had ranged from not enough room on the boat (“I’m small, I won’t take up much room.”) to not having enough horses (“I can ask my father to give me a horse”). 

“Please, Drifa. I want to live amongst my mother’s people, to find the part of myself that died when she was taken from me.”

 Drifa did not have a good counter to that. Gisela had been her friend. 

“Please, Drifa,” Stiorra pleaded. “ Let me go .”

Drifa groaned, turning towards the window, and leaning on the frame. She sighed, conceding. Stiorra would make a good politician. “Fine,” she growled, grudgingly, not happy to be admitting defeat. “You may come.”

Stiorra jumped up in victory. 

“But,” Drifa warned. “But.” 

Stiorra stopped jumping. 

“You will follow my every order. You are one of my people now.” 

Stiorra nodded. 

At that moment, Finan’s voice called up the stairs. “Unless you want us to eat all the food, you two better come down here!”

“Not on your life, Finan,” Drifa joked to the Irishman. “Not on your life.”

“Then hurry up. I’m starving.”

Drifa looked back at Stiorra, who’d been giggling, her face turning serious. “I will tell you all you need to know on the journey. And Stiorra,” she told her. “You had better remember it all.”

“How’s the food, Drifa?” Uhtred asked.

“Delicious as always, Uhtred,” Drifa said. “My compliments to whoever made this.” She was just being polite, as always, Stiorra could tell. The stew was disgusting.

“It was Finan who made it,” she informed. 

“Well, in that case,” Drifa began. She swallowed another spoonful, and grimaced. “You need to find yourself a woman,” she spluttered. 

Everyone began to laugh. 

“I have no idea how you’re even alive if this is what you eat.”

"So, Drifa," Uhtred said, when the laughter had simmered down, "tell us a story from Irland. I'm sure you have one you have not yet told." 

"Oh, always, Uhtred, always," she chuckled.

"Well, then," goaded Finan, "tell us a story from home."

Drifa put her spoon down and thought for a moment. “Which one do you want me to tell?” she questioned.

“Innis dhaibh am fear mu dheidhinn a 'phut,” proposed Asvard, Drifa’s best friend and advisor.

“Chan eil mi cinnteach gur e deagh bheachd a tha sin,” she said, raising her eyebrows in a jokey manner.

“Would it kill either one of you to speak a language we can understand?” Finan said exasperated. 

“Just tell the story!” encouraged Sihtric. 

Drifa nodded. She downed her cup of ale and set it down.

“One night,” she began, “I was walking the streets of Deflyn. The moon was out, the stars were shining. It was peaceful. I was walking to the tavern, in need of ale. And, I hoped, to watch the world go by. I’m almost there, just around the corner, when I hear this noise.” 

At this moment, Asvard let out a large snort. She glared at him murderously and he quickly changed his laugh into a cough. Stiorra began smiling. Drifa’s stories, at least the funny ones, always led somewhere inappropriate. She silently hoped her father would forget she was there and not tell Drifa to stop.

After she was finished glaring, Drifa continued: “Now this noise, it sounded like a dog. And I do not really like dogs, so I went to investigate.” 

Hæfnir had most of his fist stuffed in his mouth, desperate not to laugh. Jomar was staring fixedly at his plate, a smile teasing the corner of his mouth. 

“I drew my knife.” 

Another poorly concealed snort. Stiorra was staring to giggle herself now, in anticipation. 

“I walked to the door. I slowly opened it.” 

A small chorus of snorting. Everyone on the edge of their seats. “And I was confronted by this magnificent, wonderful, beautiful view of a…” she paused for dramatic effect. “A butt.” 

A massive snort came from her men. Asvard had his face in the crook of his elbow. Stiorra choked on her drink.

“WHAT?” Uhtred shouted, perplexed. 

“You heard me!” Drifa said indignantly. “A butt, an arse, a buttocks, bum. Derrière, if you’re a Frank.” She paused for a breath. “A butt!” She took two chicken legs and two bones laying them on her plate like a butt… but with something else. 

Stiorra began to understand.

“You mean to say,” began Sihtric. “That you walked in on someone… um,” he stopped, not wanting to say the word in front of Uhtred and in the presence of his daughter.

“Humping?” Stiorra said, innocently. There was silence. You could have heard a pin drop. 

Uhtred’s eyes widened. “Stiorra!” he admonished. 

The silence began again. Then all hell broke loose.

Hæfnir fell off his chair, taking his wife, who’d been sitting on his lap, with him. Sigbjorn fell face first in his food, prompting Ingemar to laugh at him so he shoved Ingemar’s face into his food. Asvard fell back off his chair. Finan and Sihtric clung to each other. Osferth had stopped with his spoon halfway to his mouth. 

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,” Finan spluttered. “What did you do?”

“Well, what do you think I did? I turned tail and ran.” 

They started to laugh again. 

Drifa held up a hand. She was not finished. “And I spent the rest of the night at the tavern trying to forget what I had just seen.”

“Well, did you know who the arse belonged to?” asked a puzzled Osferth. 

There was a snort from Sihtric.

“I knew exactly who it belonged to. The funny part is that when I woke up, he was coming out of a house. But not the house I’d walked into.”

“So,” Finan sputtered, “are you saying he humped two different women in one night?” 

Everyone looked at her.

“That is precisely what I am saying.” 

Silence followed her words. When the hilarity exploded this time, Stiorra half expected soldiers to come running with how loud they all got.

When everyone had calmed down, Drifa spoke again. “Bear in mind that this happened a few years ago, when he went through a…” she paused, thinking of the right word, “rebellious streak.”

“Must have been one hell of a rebellious streak if he was humping two women in one night,” Finan joked.

“Oh, yes. His brothers gave him hell for that.”

“He reminds me of Hæfnir,” Unn recalled. 

Mutual agreement spread through the table. Hæfnir was still picking himself up off the floor.

Another hour of feasting, laughing and joking flew by. Drifa began ordering her people to bed (“To sleep ,” she emphasised) and Stiorra, exhausted, followed suit. 

She collapsed on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Tomorrow, she would be riding away, far away from here. Riding to Irland.

Stiorra was woken the next morning by someone shaking her. She opened her eyes, finding herself staring back into Drifa’s blue-green ones. Her eyes almost seemed to glow, even in the half-light of dawn. Seeing she was awake, Drifa left the room, her footsteps barely audible. 

Stiorra rubbed her eyes and glanced out the window. There was barely a sliver of sun visible on the horizon. Yawning and stretching, she got up, dressed, and tiptoed downstairs. Drifa’s men also seemed tired but were busily packing a few remaining things. Stiorra followed suit.

They crept out of the house, trying not to wake anyone. Drifa left a note on the table for Uhtred. They mounted their horses and rode off. They rode long and hard. There wasn’t much conversation, the noise of the horses was too loud. The wind whipped through Stiorra’s hair, stinging her eyes, but she kept them open, not wanting to miss one bit of this incredible journey. 

She was leaving home. She was going to Irland. 

She’d be able to live amongst her mother’s people, the people that had raised her father. She was no longer tied down and stuck in Coccham, waiting, and dreading the day she’d be forced to marry someone she despised. 

She was free.

They stopped only once, partly to relieve themselves and partly to eat. That was at midday. The next time Drifa called a halt, it was dark. 

Stiorra was exhausted. She almost collapsed getting off the horse. 

Unn cooked a stew for supper. It was eaten in silence, everyone too tired to talk. 

Once all the bowls were clean, Stiorra laid down on her bedroll and slept.

She was awoken the next morning by Drifa. Again. The sun was barely up. Stiorra groaned, leaving the warmth and softness of her bedroll for the cold hardness of the saddle. 

And again, they rode. Long and hard. Onwards and onwards. The trees and grass and hills seemed never-ending. Wessex was so much bigger than she had thought. They rode so fast; Stiorra was surprised that they had barely stopped. Drifa seemed desperate to get to Irland.

By evening, the party came to a stop at a port town called Bristou. Drifa arranged lodgings for the night while everyone else secured their horses. Stiorra was tying her horse in the stables when Thora, Frida and Mœid appeared at her shoulder. 

“We’re going to the market,” Thora informed. “Would you like to come?”

Stiorra eagerly accepted.

The market was bustling, even as the sun went down. There were stalls selling all kinds of things, things Stiorra had never seen before. There was gold jewellery from the Far East, swords and fabric from Frankia, furs and axes from Scandinavia. 

Stiorra was surprised. 

Danes were free to trade here.

She turned her head, left and right, not knowing where to look. 

Frida was looking at the Frankish linen, Thora and Mœid were admiring the jewellery. 

Stiorra could have sworn she saw Hæfnir at one of the stalls, buying something for his wife.

The fun ended too soon. Asvard came and told them that it was time to eat and then to sleep. “There is still another leg of the journey.”

The Innkeeper did not seem particularly happy about so many Danes sat at one of his tables, but Drifa’s silver kept him quiet. She seemed to have an endless supply.

 Stiorra wondered how she got it all. 

Over supper, Drifa finally told Stiorra why they had rushed so quickly to get there. “The Danes in Irland will need help if they do not already. Cnut should be going to help them, but I do not trust him. He is slippery.”

“Who’s in charge in Irland?” Stiorra asked. She was sure Drifa had mentioned it before, but she could not remember.

“Irland was conquered by Ivar the Boneless. It was passed to his son, Ivarr and now it is ruled by his sons: Ivar, Sigtryggr and Rognvaldr.”

“What are they like?”

“Ivar is… stupid, ugly and an arse. Rognvaldr is less ugly, but drunk and an arse. Sigtryggr is…” she paused. “Sigtryggr is smart, like his grandfather.”

“She paused because she thinks Sigtryggr is han-” Drifa’s cousin, Asfrid began.

“You shut your mouth!”

Asvard spat out his drink.

Much later, Stiorra lay on her bed, thinking about Irland. Thoughts were whirling round and round her head. What would Irland be like? What would its rulers be like? She’d said Ivar was stupid. Was he like Cnut? And Rognvaldr, a drunk. A drunk she could imagine. And then there was Sigtryggr. Smart as his grandfather. He had to be a formidable warrior.

Stiorra shook her head, trying to empty her mind of these thoughts. She couldn’t start obsessing over people she had never met. One last leg… That last leg on a boat. She’d never been on a boat.

Only a few more days until she stepped on non-English soil.

Stiorra threw up over the side of the boat. The wind blew some of it back in her face. 

Ingemar laughed. “Still have to find your sea legs!” he jeered. 

She glared at him while the others joined him in laughing. 

Drifa let out a small smile. She stood at the prow of the ship, looking out for Irland. 

Stiorra found that she liked a boat even less than a horse. A horse left pain in your head and your arse. A boat left waves of dizziness, followed by bouts of sickness. If she had to choose, she’d take the horse. When she did not feel sick, she gazed around her. If she squinted, she could see Wealas on one side, and a part of Irland on the other, barely a ghost on the horizon.

The sea churned beneath them again. Another vomiting session. The boat sailed further West. Soon enough, land was properly in sight. They docked on a beach near a village called Trá Mhór. 

“I will go in,” Drifa was saying. “We don’t know what has happened these last few years.”

“So, we stay on the boat?” Stiorra asked Thora.

“We stay on the boat,” she said, “and let Drifa find out what has happened. Then we will sail on to Deflyn.”

Drifa was gone until long after dark. When she came back, she told them that a rebellion had started forming. “They’ve raided a few villages, but apparently nothing serious enough to get Ivar’s attention.”

“Ivar ignores his people being killed?” Stiorra said, confused. What man did not care for his own people.

“Like I said. Stupid. Maybe I should have added another stupid,” Drifa joked.

“Ivar Ivarrsson does not give a shit about his people,” Asvard said. “As long as the Irish are not bothering him, safe in Deflyn, then no, he does not care.”

“Not all men are like your father,” Unn told her.

The boat began to move again. The sickness returned. By the afternoon of the next day, the end of the journey was in sight. 

“Feast your eyes on Deflyn!” Drifa announced. 

Deflyn was a small city, far smaller than Winchester. Its walls were made with wooden logs. Small watchtowers were dotted around the city. A few scouts were visible in the trees, but they did not bother the ship.

The ship was docked, and the group walked into the city of Deflyn. It was messy and crowded. There was a market street, traders shouting, showing off their wares. All kinds of things were sold. The market was almost as busy as Bristou had been, perhaps more so. Taverns were everywhere. Men already deep in their cups. Women sitting on their laps. A few people waved at Drifa. One man stumbled up and cheered, forgetting the woman who was now picking herself up off the floor. She punched the man in the face. The man, drunk as he was, tried to hit her and ended punching someone else. A tavern brawl in earnest.

This was what freedom looked like. What being a Dane looked like. This bustling city, with its wooden houses and noisy people. 

Stiorra loved it.

The party walked on to the Great Hall. It was easily the largest building there. Danish carving decorated the door frames. There were many windows all over. It was like a palace. The inside of it was full of smoke and rather stuffy. 

Stiorra could make out the vague shapes of men sitting at the long tables. Suddenly, the smoke cleared. She glanced at Drifa. Her eyes were closed, her head tilted back. She had used her magic to clear the smoke. Stiorra turned her attention to the raised dais at the back of the hall.

A long table was perched on top. There were many seats, but only three men were actually sat there. The one on the left had long brown hair and a pointed face. A small beard covered his chin. Stiorra suspected that this must be Rognvaldr, particularly as the next thing he did was pick his mug of ale and drink deeply. 

She could not see the one on the right. He was shrouded in shadow. 

The middle one had stood, glaring warningly at the newcomers. He stomped around the table, and towards Drifa. Up close, Stiorra could see that he was large. His hair was red and long. His beard thick and streaked with grey. His eyes were a cold blue.

“Who are you, stranger?” he said, his voice harsh.

“I am many things. If it is my name you want, then ask for it,” Drifa retorted. “Otherwise, I shall go into the long meandering ramble of who I am.”

“Then your name.”

“My name is Jarl Drifa,” she told him. “And what might your name be?” 

He glared at her. 

She glared back. Then she broke into a wide grin and started laughing. 

His harsh expression shattered too, and he joined in. “She’s back!” he called to the Hall. The men too began to laugh. “Come, sit, eat, drink,” he offered, leading Drifa and her people to the table. 

Asvard pulled Stiorra along with him. He dumped her unceremoniously in the seat next to the man in the shadows. She turned to speak to him, but he got up and left. All she saw of him was the back of his head, his long mane of hair.

“So, tell us, Jarl Drifa,” Ivar was saying, “what new stories do you have to entertain us this time?!”

Rognvaldr noisily swallowed his food. “It had better not be another version of the story of my brother’s arse!” 

Asvard snorted into his ale.

“I could tell you of your own arse!” Drifa joked.

“You could tell us of this woman you have brought with you,” Ivar suggested. 

Stiorra did not like the way he was eyeballing her.

“Leave off the eye-fucking,” Jomar told him. 

Ivar raised an eyebrow at his language.

“Jomar,” Drifa sighed, “I swear, that one of these days, I am going to kill you.” She took a deep breath, and then yelled, “SHUT IT WITH THE LANGUAGE!” 

Asvard choked on his ale.

“Like you have any control either,” he spluttered.

“Faodaidh tu do bheul beag inneil a dhùnadh agus a bhith nas lugha de tholl asail,” she jabbered.

“Like I said.”

“What did she say,” asked Ivar.

“I told him to shut up.”

“You do know asail actually means donkey.” 

At this, Drifa splashed her ale in his face, to which he responded by punching her. The men cheered, egging them on. 

Stiorra half expected Ivar to put a stop to the fight, but he too joined in the egging.

Danes, she thought.

The feast lasted for many hours, and there were many more drinks and fights. A man, very drunk, tried to get Drifa to hump him. 

She replied by kicking him in between his legs. At some point, Drifa stumbled over and suggested that she take herself back to the house. 

Drifa had pointed out the street that she and her warriors lived on, and Stiorra was confident that she could make her way there. She lurched up, a little drunk herself, and began to slowly walk.

The night air outside the Hall was cool. Stiorra hadn’t realised how hot it was in there. She took a few deep lungfuls of the soothing air, and began to walk. Well, stumble. She was drunk enough that she did not look where she was going. Then she collided with something hard. 

That something hard turned out to be a Dane. This Dane turned to see what hit him and found himself looking at a small, drunk girl. He sneered. 

Stiorra started to back away. “Where are you going, woman?” he slurred. “Are you lost? I could help you find your way.”

Stiorra kept moving back. “I am going home. I know where I live.”

“It is not safe for a woman to be alone in these parts.” His hand shot out, catching her wrist. 

Stiorra struggled, trying to break free. 

“Stop fighting!” he ordered. “It will do you no good.” The Dane dragged her into an alley. 

She tried screaming, but he blocked her mouth. She wriggled, viciously, trying to dislodge herself. But the Dane was strong and huge. She heard a ripping noise. And she begged the gods to save her.

A whoosh, then a thwack, and the Dane was pushed off her. Stiorra fell face first into the ground. She glanced behind her, wondering who her saviour was. 

The Dane who’d tried to attack her was getting up on his feet, but there was another Dane. Her helper punched the man again. And again. And soon, the Dane who attacked her was no longer moving. 

The other rose, turning his attention to her. He came towards her, and she backed away. But he knelt down, holding his hand up. “ I will not harm you, ” was all he said. 

Stiorra stopped moving. 

She could only see a sliver of his face, an eye. An ice-blue eye. Like Ivar’s. Only this one was warmer. 

He held out his hand to her and she took it. His hand was warm and rough. His eyes (for she assumed there was another) looked her up and down. He released her hand and shrugged out of his tunic. He held it out. 

She took it, pulling it down over her own head. It smelled of leather and iron. A nice smell. 

He offered her his hand again and pulled her up. She stumbled slightly, and strong, muscled arms caught her. He picked her up and carried her. 

She still said nothing, wondering at this handsome stranger who saved her. Her drunkenness was causing her to become dizzy, so she still could not see his face.

He carried her to the houses that Drifa had mentioned. 

Stiorra wondered if this was perhaps one of her other men. The ones who’d been sent before. 

He knocked on a door and it opened to reveal Torgärd. 

She gasped at seeing Stiorra’s beaten and bruised state.

Stiorra faintly heard her thanking the man and began pulling her inside.

“Wait,” Stiorra said. “Who are you?”

She turned around to see him better.

“I am Sigtryggr.”

[unusual-raccoon]

Modern!Osferth Headcanons

(Plus bonus drabble)

Guess who's rewatching The Last Kingdom for the 63rd time? I'll give you a hint - it's me! Guess who also had the brilliant idea at midnight for a modern babysitter!Osferth x Uhtred idea? Also me.

So, without further adieu, here are some modern!Osferth rambles/headcanons:

Osferth is still devout in his faith. It keeps him sane in a way, it's been a touchstone for most of his life. He's in between jobs and living alone.

He doesn't have much in the way of family. His father got his mother knocked up when she was young, and his father was married.

His mother was sickly and died when he was young.

He spent a lot of time in orphanages/churches under the care of nuns (Has been praying the gay away ever since) until he was taken in by his uncle.

His uncle Leofric, worked as a Prison Officer in London, got stabbed in the neck and killed during a riot when Osferth was only fifteen.

He has a sizable chunk of change in his name from a wealthy father he never knew. (He refuses to touch a dime).

Osferth spent a lot time in soup kitchens (eating & volunteering), spent many a year cutting his own hair to save money (forgive his bowl cuts), and just overall scraping by on odd jobs and the like.

He reconnected with his half-siblings as an adult, or tried to. He and Edward don't really get along (he thinks Edward is a terrible father - not that being a bastard gave him much ground to stand on). He and Aethelflaed absolutely clicked right away.

He is the bestest uncle to Aelfwynn!

Very good with kids, he is a big baby himself at heart, but also super independent because he's used to doing things on his own.

Aethelflaed is super supportive of Osferth (she just think's he's neat) and runs the "Osferth needs a DILF" fanclub

Have I mentioned he is very good w kids, loves trashy romance novels, can cook quite well, is modest about it (secretly thinks he'd be a kick ass housewife)

--- (How he's gotten involved with Uhtred)---

he met Gisela at the soup kitchen - it's a hike for him, but nothing compares to the loving atmosphere.

Was secretly intimidated by her.

Accidentally thought he had fallen in love w her when she showed him pictures of her babies and they made meals together and she asked him about his life - then he realized he has not known motherly affection in a long timeeee ;_;

Gisela would tell him about her lovely little family and how Stiorra was a nightmare to potty train in comparison to her brother

Gisela would show him pictures of the family and he would 'ooh' and 'aah' over pictures of the babies - promptly reminded he is gay when he saw a picture of her husband.

He'd been devastated when he discovered she had passed. She had been to the soup kitchen in a few weeks and he'd sent a few texts to see if she was well, but had merely chalked it up to being a mom of two youngsters.

He misses the funeral service, but figures it was private and reserved for family only.

Osferth, himself, imagined he landed somewhere between a work friend and gum stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

Still, he kept her in his prayers every night.

They hold a small gathering in the soup kitchen amongst other volunteers that have heard the news of Gisela's passing.

He mourns in his own way, and figures he should be better at it by now.

Still, he manages.

Until he sees Gisela's family walk into the soup kitchen...

Bonus Drabble:

Uhtred is a young, freshly widowed (fuck cancer) single dad to two beautiful children. Young Uhtred (Junior) is four and Stiorra is two. He misses his wife dearly and as a result ends up revisiting many places that remind him of Gisela.

He ends up at a soup kitchen where she often volunteered, the soup kitchen was supported by a local church and while Uhtred had his gripes about Christianity, his wife never did. Gisela loved all people, sometimes with a warm embrace, sometimes with a stern rap of her little knuckles.

The place is small and cramped and he recalls the scent of whatever's being doled into bowls because it used to stick to Gisela's clothes. It's warm in the air and heavy in his lungs, like thyme and bay leaves and sweet carrots and his heart aches.

There's a man - well, a boy who doesn't look older than 17, gangly, awkward, flaxen hair that spirals around his head like a halo, bowed as he chats with an older woman while he pours a heaping ladle's worth of soup into her bowl. The boy's face is familiar, vaguely. There's a spot next to him behind the counter where Gisela should've been.

A woman on line lets him ahead with a sympathetic face - the kids are with him, Stiorra held on his hip, her arms around his neck, and Junior holding his hand. He feels mortified, guilty.

Uhtred tries to back away, feeling terribly out of place and mourning every inch of the woman he loved. When the boy behind the counter spots him, his eyes are blue, startlingly blue - it's like a peek of the sky through a blanket of fog. A soft, angular face like looks like it belongs in a Renaissance painting with high cheeks and sharp cheekbones and pink rips.

Someone else waves them over, Junior gets a bowl, Stiorra does too, the woman that serves them tries to give one to Uhtred but he politely declines.

They sit, they eat. He blows on the little spoon for Stiorra and offers a small smile when she demandingly tugs on his hair, squirming, doughy little fist swinging for the spoon. Junior is able to handle eating on his own, like a big boy, (mostly).

Uhtred is cleaning the kids up and preparing to leave when he noticed someone had come over.

"Um, excuse me, sir," A timid voice begins, high and boyish, pale long fingers wring the sleeves of an aged brown sweatshirt, "I don't mean to - a-are you Uhtred?"

Uhtred stares warily at the boy, at his flaxen hair and ears that have since turned pink.

"Yes," He answers flatly, and he instantly feels cruel for the way the young man winces.

The nuance of conversation bypasses the children and Junior's hand springs up with a wave, as he says, "Me too!"

The boy smiles a timid, growing thing - less afraid.

"You volunteer here?" Uhtred asks though he knows the answer. Gisela had spoken of the friend she had made at the soup kitchen, and realizes why the boy's face seemed familiar. He'd never been bothered by it, his Gisela was a lovely woman and charmed many.

"Um, yes, sir, I...do." The boy answers, he swallows thickly, Adam's apple bobbing along the pale, elegant stretch of his throat.

He casts considerate blue eyes over to the children, to Junior who babbles about wanting to visit Thyra and Beocca, and to Stiorra who is dozing against Uhtred's shoulder...

"I," The boy begins, slim, pale hands listless as he tugs on a loose thread in the sleeve of his sweatshirt, those high sharp cheekbones that appeared chiseled from marble, redden, his lips, his very pink lips twitch with words unspoken, "My deepest condolences."

Gods, how many time had he heard that same sentiment over the weeks since his wife's passing? How many people had meant it? Uhtred's nostrils flare with every breath he struggles to take in and out with the fissure of pain that splits his chest.

He clears his throat roughly. He blinks away tears that makes the earnest blue eyes of the boy standing across from him dance like sapphires.

"Thank you," He says, it's a genuine thing that bubbles up without him meaning for it too. Many people loved Gisela, it was an easy thing to do, but it finally felt as though someone knew. Knew the agony of losing her. Like the sun had been torn from the sky.

His phone buzzes in his pocket, it's Hild. It could be a thousand things, a lapsed permit or zoning issue, the company has had enough hiccups, let alone after the death of his wife.

"I need to-" Uhtred motions to his phone, the boy nods politely.

"Of course," He says instantly in understanding.

He's still holding Stiorra when he stands, it was late and raining and it's too loud inside the hall.

"I can watch them," The boy offers, sort of perking up like a moping flower kissed by sunlight - it only becomes obvious then  how tall he is. Rightfully, he should be distrustful. He struggles, but his phone buzzes in his hand another time and Uhtred reluctantly hands his daughter over. He watches as the boy gingerly supports her weight, Stiorra's open mouth drooling on the boy's shoulder. He sways gently with Stiorra in his arms, bending and shifting like a reed in the wind.

"Uhtred?" He hears the boy call gently, "do you think you could help me keep an eye on your sister?"

"I can!" Junior answers eagerly.

"Clever boy," Uhtred can picture his son's wide smile, "I can be so forgetful - Oh goodness, where has she gone?"

"Right there," Junior begins to giggle, "Where? Uhtred are you trying to trick me?"

"There!" Junior squeals in laughter that Uhtred hadn't heard in weeks. It's a balm for his soul.

Uhtred answers Hild's incoming call, the phone pressed to his ear.

"How are you holding up?" Is her first question, he strives to be noncommittal with just about everyone but Hild. So, when he answers, he does so honestly, openly. He can hear the tightness in her throat.

"Did you want me to order something? I can be over in," there's rustle over the speaker, "twenty."

He smiles, he loves her all the more for the effort.

"Not tonight, but soon," He swears. He knows, despite everything he's going through, there are still people in his corner, his sister, Beocca, Hild: his relentless supporters.

"I know you're going to ignore me because you always do-"

"-I do not"

"But, have you considered hiring a sitter?"

"Hild," He sighs, he'd abhorred the idea for a time. His own fragmented upbringing left a general distrust of strangers that was easy to default to under duress.

They bicker for a bit, back and forth was their way and the normalcy alleviates some of the ache in his chest.

He wants to reject the idea of needing help, of shouldering responsibilities alone, of being anyone's burden. He rubs at his eyes, a cool sheen of rainwater on his skin.

Inside the soup kitchen, the scent of thyme and bay leaves and sweet carrots is in the air, the warmth in the room fells buttery in the comfort it provides. He can hear his son's voice, laughing, can hear other laughter too.

Stiorra's asleep on the stranger's shoulder. Little hands drowsily clinging to the brown fabric of the sweatshirt.

Hild's voice rattles in his head.

The boy's smile is wide, unbidden, so very youthful. He see's Uhtred and his smile dims, a coy curl of his lips lingers, like an echo, throat bobbing, tongue catching on pink lips, eyes like sapphires still dance.

"Papa!" Junior yelps, delighted, clinging to Uhtred's leg in an instant, "I counted more than Oz!"

"He did, I'm afraid - you're too clever for me." The boy answers, a sheepish way about him, he sways like a reed, right on over to Uhtred's side. Stiorra is very carefully handed over.

"Did you?" Uhtred asks, "How high?"

Junior makes a pensive little face, beside him, the boy, Oz, mouthes fifteen exaggeratedly.

"Oh! All the way up to fifteen!"

"Fifteen?" Uhtred gasps, "Auntie Hild isn't going to believe it."

The children had already been ready to leave before Hild had called and it doesn't take much to tug the lapels of his coat around Stiorra and hold out his hand for Junior.

The boy offers a polite smile, pink mouth pressed together, the scent of thyme and bay leaves and sweet carrots hanging on his sweatshirt, a patch of drool on his shoulder where Stiorra had slept.

"Well, um, goodnight." He says eventually, crouches down to bid a separate farewell to Junior. He rummages through the pocket of his sweatshirt, and pulls out a biscuit wrapped in wax paper.

"I nicked this from the kitchens," He admits, Junior looks affronted, scandalized, but the boy laughs, "It was supposed to be my treat for after, but," Junior's eyes go terribly wide, hopeful, "You did count to fifteen - so, I suppose, you've earned it."

"He can't, he's-" Uhtred begins, but that gangly boy looks up at him from the floor with smiling sapphire eyes and pink lips and says "It's gluten-free."

Uhtred feels...odd.

"Are you allergic as well?" He asks as Junior asks endlessly if he can eat his treat now.

The boy flushes, "Er, no, I-" He rises to his full his height smoothly, hands pushed off the faded knees of his jeans, "I grabbed it after I saw you come in, Gis-" His jaw tightened, tendons flutter under the pressure, "Another volunteer mentioned how someone in her family also had Celiac's..."

The odd feeling persists, its pressure, its hands stemming the flow of blood the open wound the passing of wife had left in him.

"Anyway, I-I only wanted to pay my respects," the boy sighs, flaxen head hanging before he offers a small, sad smile.

"Wait." Uhtred calls, his voice carves through the air.

The stranger turns towards him again, fluorescent lights catch on the delicate braid of a golden chain just barely visible around his neck, tendons jump in neck and the chain dances like motes of sunlight.

"What's your name, boy?"

Those pink lips part in a gentle smile.

"Osferth, sir." He answers.

"Osferth," He repeats sagely.

Hild's voice rattles in his head. Uhtred extends his hand and the boy examines it before shaking hands with him. The touch is soft and lingers in his palm like silk.

"Good to finally meet you."

This was just a silly little headcanon/drabble (1.8k still counts as a drabble, right?) idea, but like, idk, i might be tempted to add more?

[persephones-journey]

I'm in Love With the Thought of You

Uhtred/OC, Sihtric /OC, mentions of Sigefrid/OC.

So yeah... there be smut under the cut (ha, that rhymed) so no minors please. Move along. I am hoping this, ah, well lives up to the hype. Enjoy.

Like most things in Mo Dempsie's life, the affair with Uhtred Ragnarson started because she was angry.

No, scratch that, livid at her husband, Sigefrid Thurgilsson.

Sigefrid had taken the fall for his brother, Erik and had been convicted and thrown in prison for theft while Erik ran off with the rich girl, Aethelflaed and lived happily ever after.

Mo knew that Sigefrid, Erik, and said rich girl had all been working together to steal from Aethelflaed's father, Alfred. When they got caught though, Sigefrid had taken the fall.

Leaving Mo alone.

And she did not do well alone.

It was lead her to where she was now, in the back office of the strip club her husband and her owned, bent over her desk with Uhtred pounding into her from behind, her tight black dress bunched up around her waist, her breasts spilling out of the bodice as she crawled on the desk, her moans echoing in the room.

There was no doubt Sigefrid would hear about this.

But she didn't care.

“That's it,” Uhtred groaned as he grabbed her hips with bruising force and thrusted into her harder and faster.

Mo pushed back against his thrusts, feeling how deep he got, how much he filled her in this position. She pressed her hands, palms down on the desk and let her head fall forward as she felt the pleasure cascade over her. She let herself fall into the pleasure, moaning Uhtred's name louder as she trembled and shook. He thrusted into her once than again before she felt his warmth fill her womb. She slumped down on the desk and chuckled as she felt him fall over her.

“You are,” he whispered as he brushed aside her burgundy curls that fell around her shoulders, and kissed her neck, “perfection,” he added as he pressed more kisses into her neck.

She hummed and reached behind her. She took his hand when he grabbed hers and held it. “There is not need to flatter me, Uhtred,” she muttered, “I am already letting you fuck me.”

He chuckled. She sighed as he stood and pulled his limp cock from her. She pushed herself up from the desk and turned around to look at him. He leaned in and kissed her lips, softly and gently. She hummed against them as she felt him pull down her dress, her underwear apparently not leaving his pocket where he had stuffed them. She pulled away and sat on the edge of her desk as she pushed and fixed the bodice of her dress, stuffing her breasts back inside.

“I'll be by tomorrow night,” he whispered as he brushed her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

She looked up, her ice blue eyes meeting his deeper blue ones. She bit her bottom lip. “I don't know,” she whispered. “Maybe you shouldn't come around here anymore,” she stated.

Again.

Every time he came to the club and they ended up fucking, she felt guilty after. She was still so very angry with Sigefrid but... There was a part of her that knew this needed to stop.

Especially at the club.

She didn't want to lose Sigefrid. She just wanted him to feel the same anger and rage she felt; she wanted him to suffer.

“All right,” Uhtred whispered as he nuzzled his face in her neck. She smiled as he felt him place the softest of kisses there as he ran his nose along her jaw, taking in her scent. “I won't come here anymore,” he whispered in her ear. He nipped her ear lobe. “There are other places I have wanted to fuck you anyway.”

Mo laughed and pushed Uhtred away. He went standing up straight. She watched as he pulled his trousers closed and tucked his cock back inside. He smiled as he caught her watching him. He leaned forward and stole a kiss. His lips pressed hard against hers stealing her breath for a moment.

“Go,” she pushed him away in order to breathe again. She hated how she found herself smiling as he turned and walked towards the door.

“Always a pleasure, Mo,” he answered as he opened the door. He turned and winked at her. “I hope to see you again. And make you come several more times.”

Mo grabbed her pen from the table and threw it at him. “Get out!”

He laughed and left the office. Mo pressed her hands on her desk and let her head fall forward, her curls masking her face.

“Fuck,” she muttered.

She was getting in too deep.

Time to pull the rip cord and let Uhtred go.

***

She managed to avoid Uhtred for two weeks.

She hid away in a closet in her office when he came, pretending not to be there, and ignored his calls over and over.

And he had finally stopped calling three days before, so Mo thought he had finally gotten the message.

She was at home in her cozy little cottage, dancing around the kitchen as she did her laundry and folded the clothes. She sang along to her favourite songs dancing like no one was watching.

Cause, really, no one was meant to be watching.

Naturally when laughter echoed in her small kitchen, she startled and let out a very unladylike shriek. Uhtred laughed louder as he leaned in the doorway between the kitchen and living room.

“What the absolute fuck?!” she screamed.

“I knocked,” he said as he waved towards her doorway. “Several times. I heard the music and let myself in.”

She walked over and shut her phone off and the kitchen fell silent. She turned and eyed him. “Get out.”

“No,” he answered as he walked further into the kitchen. “Not until we talk.”

Mo felt her anger peak to a rage. She crossed her arms on her chest, wishing she had worn more than just a pair of boycut panties and one of Sigefrid's old zip up hoodies. She could feel Uhtred's eyes undressing her and wanted to slap him across the face.

“We have absolutely nothing to talk about,” she stated coldly.

“We have everything to talk about,” he countered.

She snorted. “Do not use that tone with me!” she huffed. “You are nothing to me!”

“You are everything to me!” he yelled.

Silence. Mo looked at him. She saw everything that had attracted her to him. His blue eyes, his smile, his strength; and perhaps most importantly, his wedding band. He was married. To a woman, Eadith, who was unknown to her, but still. He should not want more than just a few fleeting moments.

Once again, it seemed, Mo had managed to turn a mistake into a giant fuck up.

“I don't want to be your everything,” she spat out. She walked over to him and shoved him. “Now, get the fuck out of my house. We are done.”

“We are not done,” he spat back as he leaned forward and got into her face.

She shoved him again. He grabbed her wrists in his hands and shoved his body at her. She turned and he pinned her against the wall. She hated how wet she got as he pinned his hands above her head with one hand while the other grabbed the zipper of the hoodie and pulled it down slowly.

“I do not want to do this with you anymore,” she hissed as he slotted his leg between hers. She opened her legs wider and he pressed his knee up against her core. Her body betrayed her as her hips began to move, rocking up and down his thigh.

He smiled as he leaned in and kissed her. She bit his bottom lip hard enough she tasted blood. He pulled away and smiled at her, his bloody lip turning her on even more. “Your mouth says no, but your body,” he pulled the zipper completely open and reached in with his hand. She moaned as his hand cupped and squeezed one of her breasts, “your body wants me to fuck it nice and hard.”

Mo tore her hands from his hold. He let them go and she ripped at his clothing. He ripped at hers. Their lips and teeth bit each other as much as they kissed. Clothing ended up thrown every which way and Mo got her wish, she slapped Uhtred across the face. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist and pinned her back to the wall. A moment later, she was impaled on his cock and moaning loudly as he pounded into her.

“This is the last time,” she moaned as her shoulders hit the wall and she raked her nails down his shoulders and chest loving how he hissed in pain.

His fingers dug deeper into her hips and she knew she would have bruises in the shape of fingers in the morning. He leaned in and kissed her; the kiss hard and full of desire and desperate need.

“We're not done,” he hissed as thrusted hard into her. “You know it and I know it. What we have is too good to just throw away.”

“It's just sex, Uhtred,” she stated, rather coldly.

His blue eyes looked into hers. He kissed her again; this time it was softer. His lips brushing hers and sucking on her bottom lip as he slowed his thrusts. He began to thrust into her gently, and slowly. “No,” he said his lips brushing hers, “I'm in love with you, Mo,” he whispered before he claimed her lips again.

Mo didn't say anything. She did not know what to say. So, she continued to say nothing as Uhtred continued to fuck her. She nuzzled her face in his neck and bit his neck as she held on to him.

Her mind began to form a plan. A way to get Uhtred to see the errors of his way.

Because there was no fucking way she was in love him. And there was no fucking way she was leaving Sigefrid for him.

Not happening.

***

Mo's father always told her, when she put her mind to something, she was unstoppable; and downright terrifying.

So when she put her mind to getting rid of Uhtred (not that way), her mind carefully came up with a plan that was fool proof.

Fuck someone else.

Well, not just some random someone; someone close to Uhtred.

She first eyed Finan, but sadly he actually seemed happily married and even ignored most of the strippers when he came to the club with Uhtred's other friends, Sihtric and Osferth. Instead he spent most of his time paying for lap dances for Osferth.

So, she crossed him off the list.

Osferth, sweet innocent Osferth, never truly made the list. She feared if she even flirted with the poor guy, he would turn into a puddle of goo and blush. He seemed much too innocent and genuinely too kind for her to play with.

She moved on to Sihtric and she smiled when she realized she had found the perfect target.

He was gorgeous, seemingly unattached, and more importantly, his eyes already followed her around the club and never left her.

It did not take much convincing from her or flirting to get him up into her office. A few kisses later, her panties were in his back pocket and his cock was out of his pants.

And what a cock is was. Thick and long, uncut and just begging to be sucked.

Mo had originally planned on just that; giving Sihtric a blow job he would never forget. But at the sight of his cock, and the feel of it in her hand as she stroked it, she decided she needed to ride it. She did taste it, taking the tip in her mouth and sucking on it. Her blue eyes looked up and watched as Sihtric's mismatched eyes, one brown and one blue, watched her, his head falling back in her chair as she let her tongue lap and swirl around his tip.

She got wetter when he began to let out soft whimpers. Whimpers. Sigefrid and Uhtred never whimpered.

She pulled her mouth from his cock, pulled up her dress, and climbed on his lap, wasting no time in taking all of him inside of her. And fuck, was it a feat. He filled her, stretched her in a way she had not felt for a very long time. His hands grabbed her waist as she moved herself up and down on his cock, enjoying herself far more than she thought she would.

“Shit, Sihtric,” she moaned as she grabbed his face and pulled it closer to hers so she could kiss him, “where have you been hiding this perfect cock?” she asked as she felt him move his hands from her waist to her breasts. He pulled down her bodice and cupped her breasts in his hands.

“In my pants,” came his response before he moaned as she sped up her movements.

She smirked and kissed him again, raking her fingers through his curls.

She got so caught up in riding Sihtric, she barely heard the door to her office open. She pulled away from Sihtric's lips when she heard Uhtred curse. She pushed against her desk, turning the office chair so she could see Uhtred as he stood in the doorway.

She did not stop riding Sihtric.

“What the fuck is this?” Uhtred demanded as he waved his arms at them.

Mo looked at him and leaned back feeling Sihtric's hands squeeze her breasts harder. “I have moved on to a nicer, longer, harder cock,” she said simply. “You and I are done.”

Uhtred opened his mouth. He shook his head and looked at Sihtric. “Have fun while you can,” he told his friend. “Her mouth ruins it most of the time.”

Mo laughed. “You enjoyed my mouth,” she grabbed her pen and tossed it at him. “Now, get the fuck out.”

Uhtred looked at Sihtric. “You coming?” he asked.

“Not yet he isn't,” Mo added as she grinded down on Sihtric's hard cock.

She saw the indecision in Sihtric's eyes. Uhtred muttered another curse and turned and left the office slamming the door behind him. Mo leaned in and kissed Sihtric deeply as she continued to ride him. She grabbed one of his hands from her breast and pressed it to her clit. She felt his fingers begin to rub her clit, pleasure seemingly flowing through her and washing over her again and again dragging her down until she felt like she could not breath.

Her whole body trembled and soon it was Sihtric who was thrusting up into her more than it was her lowering herself down and riding him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as he thrusted into her harder and faster. She came, clenching around his cock so hard she felt him spill into her a moment later.

Mo slumped against Sihtric, liking the feel of his muscular body against her leaner one. She pulled her head away and saw him eye her. He stood with her in his arms, his limp cock slipping from her making her feel far more empty than she wanted to. He placed her in the chair and pulled away from her, tucking his cock back in his pants and fixing his shirt.

“You used me,” he said simply.

She eyed him, his seed dripping from her. “I did,” she answered. No sense in lying.

Sihtric looked at her and nodded. “If you want to do this again, at least try to be honest with me,” was all he said.

She watched as he turned and left her office. He too slammed the door behind him.

Mo cursed and pulled her bodice back up over her breasts. She was tugging her dress down looking around for the facial tissue she usually kept on her desk when her phone rang. She grabbed it and answered it.

“Hello,” she said.

“This is a call from Sigefrid Thurgilsson, inmate at Wessex State Prison. Press one to accept the call,” a voice on the other end said.

Mo closed her eyes. She reached out with her hand.

It hovered over the number pad of her office phone.

[destinyisall-tlk]

seven kings must die (personal thoughts/opinions)

i finally watched the movie and here are some of the thoughts i had about it. this will not be spoiler free. so if you haven't watched the movie and plan to, then read this after if you wish:

first and foremost, it wasn't a bad movie. i would give it an average rating of C+. there were a few things that could have been done better, and some of the pacing throughout the movie felt a bit off. i did find the first half of the movie a bit slow, but during the last part it did pick up and find its footing. that said, there are still a few questions i have, and a few things i wish weren't either rushed or explained more.

firstly, i am confused about the timeline and what the gap is between S5 and seven kings because i don't recall them mentioning how many years had passed. quite a few must have because osbert looked older. and i remember aethelstan saying he was sorry for his behaviour the past year, but surely it hadn't only been a year since the end of S5 to the start of the movie?

now onto aethelstan. obviously, he was being emotionally manipulated by ingilmundr and that was made clear. there are a few questions i had, like how long was the manipulation going on for? when did aethelstan leave bebbanbuurg and how did ingilmundr end up in his service (it could have been mentioned and i missed it). i feel like the most simple questions help paint a clearer picture, and those questions may not matter to other people, but i would of liked to have known more. and because some things weren't explained, it made the movie feel rushed. but i did like in the end how aethelstan realized he was wrong (although he could of done so earlier and not had aldhelm killed...), and went to correct his mistakes, and showed guilt for his actions.

onto the dane villain/leader - anlaf - he felt very lackluster to me. but then again, being another dane from iralnd coming to conquer is a hard path to follow after sigtryggr (just saying). i just didn't find him as a convincing threat. and felt he could have been stronger in terms of portrayal and character depth. which is why it probably would have been better as a season format than a movie.

moving to the character deaths. the saddest one by far was aldhelm. he truly did not deserve a death like that. and i felt it was more for shock value then to further the story, because afterwards nothing really happened. uhtred, finan and sihtric were shocked, but that's it. i'm not even sure if father pyrlig knew of his death, there was no mention of it. i just hated how he died and the reason why he did, but at least his with aethelflaed. ingirth's death, again, felt meh. i wasn't sad that she died, i had no emotional connection towards her character, so it wasn't upsetting for me. but i was sad for finan that he lost his wife, the part where he screamed out was heartbreaking. overall, her death felt like they needed to fill the movie death quota so they just picked ingirth.

the decision to have finan narrate was interesting, i enjoyed it. whether you think uhtred went to valhalla or he stayed and died years later at bebbanburg is something for the fans to decide, and adding the small touch of finan narrating aligns well with how the movie ended. speaking of the ending, it was bittersweet. i wasn't expecting them to show valhalla. what would have made it even better is if we saw more of the characters that had died throughout the show, that would have been such a special moment. to see young ragnar, sigtryggr, bloodhair, etc. the emotional impact could have been bigger if there were more characters. but i understand if scheduling was an issue and they couldn't get them. speaking of scheduling, i assume that is the reason why they changed the character who played edgaiu in season 5? it took me half of the movie to realize it was her and edward didn't re-marry...it's a shame because i did like the actress who played her in S5, but what can you do.

out of all the new characters, osbert was my favourite one. his screen time was here and there, but i loved him. clearly, him and uhtred get along well. but the inner part of me that loves to know more details wonders if they ever talked about how uhtred basically abandoned him in S3. and i was waiting for someone to mention hild, i would have thought either uhtred or osbert would have, purely because hild was the one who looked after osbert when he was young, or at least checked in on him from time to time. but no mention of hild which is incredibly disappointing.

which leads me to talk about the absence of some other characters - eadith, stiorra and aelswith (i know with eliza it was scheduling issues). regardless, if you think they would have contributed much to the movie in terms of story, it still would have been nice to get a mention. especially, stiorra. clearly she isn't bebbanburg, so where did she go? is she with another dane clan? is she with her brother? did she go to irland?. same with eadith and aelswith, where did they go?. eadith could have gone back to frankia. aelswith at the end of S5 said she wanted to stay at bebbanburg. but because there isn't any confirmation it leaves a bad taste for me. because you want to know (or at least, i do) where these characters are. it didn't even have to be a whole speech, just a sentence or two about where they are. it leaves blanks, and i don't like blanks that could have been easily explained.

overall, it is sad that we aren't getting any more new last kingdom content (unless there are spin-offs). it was a good movie to end an amazing show. do i think a season 6 would have been better, yes. but at the end of the day, i am just super glad they didn't ruin the show with this movie (looking at you teen wolf).

all i can say is goodbye to the last kingdom. i am so glad i found this little gem of a show on netflix. it has become one of my favourites. so thank you for delivering iconic characters, beautiful storylines/scenery and epic battle scenes.

destiny is all. ⚔️

[aelswiths]

HERE YOU GOOOO

10. Most disliked arc? Why? 12. Is there an unpopular arc that you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? 26. Most shippable character? 27. Least shippable character?

10. This is so hard because there are so many arcs I dislike, but I think Aelswith’s and Aelfwynn’s whole s5 arc is my most hated. They completely destroyed Aelswith’s character to make her the stupid silly old woman who’s now an uhtred stan and I think it’s ridiculous.

I dislike Aelfwynn’s character arc because it was literally a parallel to Edwards but instead of her getting an interesting storyline where she struggles with it they decided to frame the entire thing as her be a silly girl who’s incapable. It would’ve been far more interesting if she’d been elected ruler, like she was in real life, and struggled than what actually happened. But TLK likes to do this with the women, trash their character arcs in favor of men.

12. Hmmm, my tastes are so not aligned with the fandom that I think the arcs I enjoy are less disliked and more not even thought of that much. I would have to say the aelswith alfred marshes storyline, aelswith alfred struggling with aethelflaed being kidnapped, and aelswith alfred struggling with alfred being sick and dying in s3. These are not necessarily character arcs, but they are some of the compelling arcs to me in the show. And I know the fandom doesn’t focus on those that much.

26. This one’s hard. I don’t really ship anything, other than aelswith x alfred, I just find certain situations and the relationships that could form from those very fascinating. I guess I’d have to go with Aelswith because she’s the only one I really put in relationships with other characters but again it’s not really shipping it’s more “hmm how would this work out? What would cause this to happen? And what would be the fallout?”

27. Any of the men. None of the men are shippable nor do I put them in situations. They are simply not compelling.