#uhtred ragnarson

[zhansww]

This oath, I shall swear.    Then we submit to you as our King.

[dailytlk]

UHTRED OF BEBBANBURG / THE LAST KINGDOM 4x06

[moonlight-rider25]

Spill the Beans

Summary: Your time on the road together is gradually coming to an end and you have to come up with a way to stop that, and fast!

Warnings: PG13+, fluff, angst,

Word count: 3700

You lay awake in your tent. Eadith steadily snoozes beside you, and the only other noise besides your constant stirring is the slight crackle from the fire outside. You sit up listening intently to the noises around you. Surely the other men are asleep by now from the amount of ale they drank earlier in the evening. No you can’t, it's a stupid idea… you remind yourself rubbing at your face. You sigh and lay back down trying to get comfortable again…

You toss around again sighing heavily as you stare at the blank canvas ceiling before you.  Your body is still, completely still.  You hold in a sharp breath and finally snap your eyes open, sit up and quietly remove yourself from the tent. 

The summer night air feels ravenous against your sensitive skin as you wrap your fur around yourself tighter. You dismiss the signals going off in your head that you're making a very bad decision and hold your breath as you crouch low along the tent lines. You walk slowly and carefully over to where you saw Uhtred make his tent earlier that night. You reach out and gently peel back the canvas flap, slowly exposing the fire light into the tent. 

A few furs cover his tall body, and you see at the top sticking out; is his carved and shirtless sculpted stomach. You bite back your bottom lip and slowly emerge through the canvass flap. Crawling towards him in his furs, he wakes with a jolt.  You freeze in panic, not knowing how he will respond, or fully thinking this part through. He sits up abruptly rubbing at his eyes and stares towards you. After a moment he sighs and pulls his furs away from his body, inviting you in, under them, next to him. You hum gleefully and crawl towards him gently placing yourself beside him.  The heat from his body radiates to you and you clasp your cold hands against his chest.  He sucks a quick breath in through his teeth.

“Your hands are ice!” He says in a whisper.

“I’m sorry!” You smile up at him and press your face against his firm bare chest.

He hums a low chuckle; wrapping his huge muscular arms around your body, pulling you closer and pecks a gentle kiss on the top of your head.  You snuggle against him, his body warming you and his sweet safe familiar scent lulls you to sleep within moments. 

All too soon you awaken; Uhtred stirring beside you. Still snuggled up next to him, he tries to remove his arm without waking you.  Your eyes blink open and you see it's still very dark.

“Where are you going?” You ask him in a sleep ridden whisper.

He smiles before pecking a warm kiss on your forehead. 

“It’s morning.” He tells you quietly. 

You peer around in the tent looking outside at the very very faint glimpse of light rising from the ground.

You look back up towards his smiling face and bury your head into his chest.

“No it can't be...” you whine quietly against him. “...Not yet at least!” 

He rubs your back apologetically and you hear a low hum of laughter escape him.  You grip him tighter and begin peppering his warm chiseled chest in soft wet kisses. He groans happily pulling you closer. You playfully push him over to his back and straddle him, still peppering him in wet kisses. You slide your hands up his thick warm neck and capture his lips in yours. He sighs heavily before indulging himself in your sweet flavor, and you let out a quiet moan into him. His hands slide up over your barely covered ass and squeeze at the perky mounds sitting on top of him.  You giggle against him and he pulls you up off his chest. His eyes glimmer as you watch him eyeing your barely concealed body on top of his. 

“Don’t make me go,” you tell him in a whisper. 

He pulls you back down and your lips meet his once again, hungry and eager.

“You know I don’t want to..” He tells you in a low groan.  “...but how will we explain ourselves?..”

You lean your head down into the crook of his broad neck and shoulder, and allow a long disappointed exhale to escape you. You sit back up, allowing him to take in the view of your faintly covered breasts as you wrap your fur around your shoulders and press your core down into his toned bare abbs. His hands slide up your thighs as he smiles through his gritted teeth while watching you. You crawl towards the tent opening; stopping when his huge hand catches your fur and you spin back around facing him.

“Will I see you tonight?” he asks with a wicked smile on his face.

You giggle softly to yourself.

“Perhaps…If I can't sleep again…” You tell him playfully in a whisper.

“You come back… I don't think either of us will have much sleep..” he replies through his wide smile.

You snicker, trying to cover your mouth, careful not to wake the others.  You both freeze, hearing another stir within their tent. You shoot him a final lustful promising look and scurry away back to yours and Eadiths tent. 

The ground is cold, cruel, and unwelcoming, compared to the warm inviting safe arms of Uhtred, but you bury your face deep within the furs and try your best to calm yourself so as to not wake Eadith. You hear another stir coming from one of the other tents. You pull your fur up into your face smelling Uhtred on it; you smile to yourself. Your heart beats steadily in your chest as you happily imagen him there with you, as you were moments ago. Only wishing you had indulged yourself more, than what time had allowed. 

~~~~~

The morning passes in a wave of usual chaos, men packing their belongings and scarfing their porridge down in a few bites while you and Eadith try to clean the cooking utensils as best you can.  Everyone packs up their tents from the night before and secures it tightly back onto their horses; who have also been fed and watered their morning share. Osferth, Sihtric, and Finan, mount their horses ready for the day's journey, Eadith and yourself; normally struggling in the back of the pack, but today they're waiting for Uhtred who waltzes over and assists you with your bags. He says nothing, as the others are far too close to hear, but he eyes you devilishly pulling firmly at the mare's straps and fastening them in place. He pats the mare kindly on the neck and begins to turn away from you, when you clear your throat.  He pauses in place for a moment, then spins back around with a smirk on his face. You extend your hand out towards him and he instinctively, he helps you up onto your horse.  You squeeze his hand a bit before letting go of his grip and try to swallow back the grin growing on your face. The others watch as Uhtred strides away from you and mounts his own horse at the head of the group.

He eyes you again before calling out to the men, and you nod slightly with a thick grin towards him. Eadiths shoots you a look from her mare, who prances eagerly in place beside you. Avoiding her look, you slap the reins setting in motion with the others. 

“What was that?” She asks finally once the group has gotten into configuration and you know they’re mostly out of earshot. 

“What?” You ask her with a giggle, avoiding her look as best you can.

“Oh no, don’t you ‘what’ me..” She tells you through her own snicker. “You’re playing a very dangerous game here girl,” She tells you through a smile.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” You cackle in response still not meeting her eye.

You slap the reins again and your horse marches off ahead of Eadith leaving her behind. You hear her cackle as she tries to join you, the two of you edgeing off the trail a bit playfully trying to beat one another. 

~~~~~

Hours pass before you stop to relieve yourself and allow the horses a quick drink of water, the summer air is still and uncomfortable as you drop down from your horse.  You hand Osferth the reins to your horse and scamper away from the edge of the woodline to relieve yourself. 

“Good God, I’m going to burst!” You tell Eadith, squatting down near a tall prickly bush.

She giggles to herself beside you as she adjusts her skirts and squats down. You both exhale a sigh of relief and gather yourselves before returning back to the horses to begrudgingly continue on your way. 

“So are you going to spill the beans, or do I have to guess?” Eadith asks quietly as you approach the group.

“Not now!” You snap cautiously.

You both approach the group and begin to mount your horses again. You hear a heavy sigh and look over to Sihtric who seems to be less pleased with the traveling than usual. Finan casts him a knowing look and you peer over to Osferth who is also seemingly upset.  You turn your head over towards Eadith and she shrugs unamused.  You smile coyly at her and begin off, staying close to the men.

“Why are we all in such high spirits?” You ask once in motion. 

The men look at eachother and you can tell an unspoken message is understood between them.

“Please, enlighten me!” You ask more eagerly this time. 

Finan sighs and turns back to you. “Just a long ride my lady.” he tells you with a huff.

“Are they not all long rides?” You ask with a slight giggle in your tone.

“Aye, they can be..” he continues. “But this one in particular is…disappointing.”

You peer over to Eadith who seems to be in agreement. Then back to the men with long faces.

“We’ve traveled three days, on many occasions!” You cry out not understanding their words. “Oftentimes even longer! I don’t understand what the..”

Eadith cuts your words off by handing you the canteen of water.  Sihtric clears his throat and begins to chime in on the others behalf.

“Y/N, you see, on most occasions of three or four days' travel, is followed by a bigger town which results in several days of staying.”

“So, Corfe is also a small town?” You mention trying to grasp their understanding. 

“These small towns scattered together, are just the beginning of a long and treacherous journey back towards Wessex.” Finan adds, his accent thick and charming as he speaks quietly beside you.

“The beginning of a very long end?” you ask almost childishly.

“Yes.” Eadith tells you. 

You let out an all too obvious sigh, your heart collapsing into your lap realizing what their words truly entail. 

“The beginning of the end…” You repeat softly to yourself.

Not if I have anything to do with it…

~~~~~~

You spend the next few hours pondering in your mind how you will approach Uhtred, without suspicion and ask him to delay your arrivals in the next town….as well as the following and so on. Ideas of how to persuade him pass through your mind like ships in the night… The groups morale, early arrival to other towns and cities allow time to roam, you simply are not ready to return back home yet… but your mind and heart settles on telling Uhtred the real reason you’re not ready for this time to end; because you love him and cannot put words to that …yet. Now all there’s left to do; muster the courage to approach Uhtred, get him alone and confess your feelings, and all within the short ride to the next day break…

Eadith and yourself remain in the back as the group carries on through the hours. The sun is steadily above you, midday and you know Uhtred, though not a creature of habit normally, will be stopping soon.

“I still have such a hard time accepting so many Gods in one religion, I'm not sure how they do it.” Eadith tells you deep in conversation.

You smile coyly, then grip at your stomach slightly.

“How can there be more than one God?” She asks with a cackle.

Your own ideas of religion have never joined up with hers but today is not the day to argue that idea.

“Oh, ow!” You cry out quietly.

“Oh no, what is it?” Eadith asks concerned.

“It’s alright, I’ll be fine.” you try to convince her.

“Are you sure?” she asks, peering over trying to read your face.

“Yes..” you tell her with a sigh.  “I’m fine, it seems to be passing already..”

Eadith keeps her gaze on you cautiously, her brow squinted up as she does looking over a new patient before her. 

“Their many Gods..” you remind her, rubbing at your stomach still.

She hesitates, but begins to delve back into her ideas of the Danes' multiple Gods. 

“It’s just madness, how can more than one God rule? What is the hierarchy of them? How do they keep them..”

“Ahhh, Christ!” You cry out from your seat.

“You’re not alright!” she demands.

This time you have drawn the attention of the others in front of you. Eadith halts her horse and helps you down as you groan in pain. She yells to the others to stop and wait for them as you are ill.  You grip your fists as you sit against the ground against a tall tree, heaving in pain waiting for the others to stop and assist. 

Within moments the group has circled back and gathered around you. Sihtric stands with the horses and gestures for Finan to help lead them to the nearby field of grass to graze and rest in. You notice the urge in Sihtric’s eye and encourage Finan and Osferth off with him as they are no help to you anyhow.  

“I believe it's just something I ate..” you tell Eadith through clenched teeth.  “I’ll be fine I'm sure. Just let me rest for a moment.”

You grasp at your belly, Uhtred stands guard nearby as Eadith kneels down next to you trying to comfort you in your time of need. You gasp again as another wave of pain strikes through you. She holds your hand tenderly and patiently talks you through the fit. 

“It’s alright, it will pass…” She tells you calmly. “You’re stronger than this!” she reminds you brushing her thumb over your knuckles. 

Suddenly… finally, she raises to her feet and stands before you. 

“I know what you need!” She tells you excitedly.  “Remember Madam Elles cure all for food poisoning?!” 

You blink back through squinted eyes up at her, still holding your belly as she gleams with the bright idea.

“Violet and clover!” she shouts out. “I’m sure I can scavenge some up for a hot tea from these woods…” 

Eadith merrily prances around gathering her pouch for collecting herbs. 

“You stay put, I’ll have you back on your feet in no time!” She cries joyfully.

“Eadith, no it's fine!” you cry out grasping at your stomach.

“Nonsense, stay put..Uh…

You cast her a knowing look..

“...Finan and I will scour the woods and I’ll prepare you the Violet and Clover tea. You’ll see! We’ll be on our way in no time.”

You reach out grasping her through her long red hair. 

“You are too kind to me, Eadith.” You tell her graciously. 

She smiles and hugs you warmly before getting back onto her feet and running over to Finan and the others in the field. 

You watch carefully as she paces amongst the trees and through the leaves towards the field; then cast your gaze up at Uhtred who's all too worried about you.

“Get down here!” you tell him in an anxious whisper.

He peers down towards you but kneels graciously beside you.

“Are you alright? What can I do to help?” he asks sweetly.

You roll your eyes in disgust. 

“I’m fine you twit!” you tell him in a ragged hush. 

He looks at you wide eyed.

“I just.. I just needed to speak to you alone..”

His eyes turned softer and a smile curled up on his lips.

“No, not for… I mean perhaps… No!” you cry playfully swatting at him.

He chuckles and sits comfortably down beside you. Palming his face carefully he looks back up to you still humming with laughter. 

“I just wanted to speak to you…without raising suspicion..” You add, trying not to show him your own smirk emerging from your lips.

He reaches out and clasps your hand in his gently. Peering over his shoulder to ensure no one is around. 

“Well… we are indeed alone now…What is it you wanted to speak of?” He asks you, squeezing your hand a bit. 

You peer up into his icy blue orbs and freeze for a moment. The words fleeing your mind as you stare blankly into the little crystal worlds that remind you of all your dreams.

“Hmm…Oh, um.” You take a moment to gather your thoughts and shake your head with a giggle.  “I’m sorry, ..it's just that…” The words are all too eager to jump off your tongue, you swallow them back down your throat and conceal them more than ever before. “...Morall…my lord…” you stumble over the words as they come to you in a panic.

Uhtred looks confused as he tries to decipher through your panicked mess of words.

You reach up, rubbing harshly at your brow.

“Let me start again..” you tell him before clearing your throat and sitting up a little straighter.

He smiles and turns his body towards you, propping his head carefully on his wrist staring deeply at you.  You exhale heavily and watch as his eyes pace back and forth between yours. 

“You know, it's really hard to have a meaningful conversation with you when you look at me like that.” You tell him through a thick grin.

“Like what?” he asks you, sarcastically.

You roll your eyes dramatically and poke him playfully in the chest. 

“With your….look Uhtred..” The words begin to roll easily now. “It has been noticed by the group that we are near ending our…trip around the cities of Wessex…”

He nods, listening eagerly to your words.

“..And they seem to be..down about that…” You add trying to word things carefully but truly. “..and I would be lying if I too, said I was saddened about..this time of ours together…” 

You look down to your lap, awaiting a response of some sort as you feel you have let too much out.

“Our time…?” he asks, raising his brow.

You whip your head up casting him an annoyed look with a smirk.

“Our time…and all of our time..times…” You foolishly try to correct yourself. “You know what I mean!” you add smirking up at him.

You both sit laughing for a moment with each other enjoying the freedom from others for a brief moment. It’s times like these that you know you will miss most of all…

Uhtred sits back against the tree wiping at his forehead with his thumb and avoids your stare for a long moment. You take a sharp inhale in and pat your other hand over top of his, reassuringly. 

“..Our time as well..” You add quietly.

He turns and smiles at you, giving your palm a slight squeeze. 

“Slow down..” He says calmly. “You want me to slow down the traveling?” 

“..Yes? I suppose.” You tell him shyly.

“Arrive back to Wessex later than expected?” He adds submissively. “Even after all I’ve pushed us through on this journey to be early? What a waste..” He says biting back his bottom lip.

“Why look at it as a waste?” You ask graciously. “You’re simply trading being on time for a few more memories, is all.” You stare down at his huge hand between your little ones; afraid of his reply. Your eyes dart back and forth between you and him trying to blink back the wetness growing heavy in your eyes.

He remains silent for a moment. You finally look up and see he is staring out at the field just ahead, where Sihtric and Osferth stand with the horses. You admire his large head; his long hair pulled back behind it, and the faint scars that mark the sides of it. Desperately you swallow the want to reach out and graze them softly.. He looks back to you and then down at your hands again.

“I shall consider it..” he says calmly in a stoic tone. “But only if you can make me an offer, right here right now that only entails us…not the others.”

He stares deeply into your eyes and you feel your insides melt as he studies you.  Your smile turns a few times as the emotions rise and you suppress them.  You sniffle and then laugh abruptly, unsure of what to tell him. For so long the truth has remained locked in your heart for fear of breaking the dynamic of the group, for fear of him turning his back and refusing to show any more interest. Yet here he sits beside you as you’ve faked an ailment and begs for you to make a vow to him, and only him.  A vow that somehow will tie you two together, for better or worse, at least for the remainder of the trip. You blink your eyes hard and a tear emerges from the edges. 

“Uhtred…” You tell him calmly.

 I love you. I love you. I love you!

You Swallow hard and blink again, trying to erase the wetness from your eyes. 

“...Will you please delay our arrival back to Wessex, so we can have more time together?”

…

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

[angelofdestiny]

[lostsolace]

Soon, all of the kings in England shall be kings of nothing. Northumbria is ours. Mercia will soon be ours. Then East Anglia, Cornwallum, and then the greatest prize is the last kingdom... Wessex.

THE LAST KINGDOM — 1.01

[dontforgetoctober3rd]

I love how they showed how much Æthelstan still needed Uhtred, even though Æthelstan is literally The King™️. He still needed guidance from his Dane dad. And I love how Uhtred clearly tries to drill into Æthelstan that his greatest strengths would be in how he treats and respects others instead of grand accomplishments that will be chronicled or whatever. I love them

[magravenwrites]

In the stars by Benson Boone

Click on the images for better quality

Tags:

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

[morosemagick]

Children of The Unbroken | Chapter 3

Since her mother gifted her first runes, Imogene Finansdottir has been connected to the Gods. Seeing what they see.

She cannot change destiny, but she can see it coming... and Imogene can be ready for it.

TAGGED:

@solinarimoon ​ @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites ​ @lauwrite1225 @93xdiagonxalley @trenko-heart @illjustgositinthecorner @blah-blah-blah-bla @lizblogging @saint-helga @amuddleofnervouswords @medievalfangirl @persephones-journey @writingafterdeath

[persephones-journey]

Dane: Cnut will pay us for his head, it’s weight in silver.

Uhtred: I have a very small head.

Me: Someone has been hanging around a certain smartass Irishman for too long….

[jediknightx]

I started to watch The Last Kingdom a few days ago

and yes, i know my baby monk Osferth's fate, i'm already mourning

[halfmylife]

Meet Me in the Woods

Pairing Sihtric x reader

Summary You and Sihtric were young when you met, just children in the forest. Now you’ve grown up and gone your separate ways, only to be reunited.

Warnings none, mentions of violence if you squint real hard

A/N this was based on this lovely request and yes this will be a mini series hopefully but I’m not sure how many parts it will be just yet! Hope you all enjoy!

The man that stood before you was not the boy you once knew.

The boy that skulked through the forest was scrawny and always stuck to the shadows, never dancing with the sunlight that peeped through the trees. He always remained in the corner of your eye never to be caught.

No one else paid him much mind. The other children would often play amongst themselves, scurrying through the woods like rabbits chasing one another. You always remained by the small stream. It was peaceful there, quiet.

The boy would keep his distance but you could always feel his eyes on you, watching, observing your every move. Sometimes you would do the same. Every so often your eyes would meet. It took a while for you to finally speak.

But now it was you who stood observing his every move. The way his hand flexed around the hilt of the blade. How his eyes seared into Uhtred’s yet had an undercurrent of a plea.

This was that boy there was no doubt in your mind. This was your Sihtric.

He never looked your way.

Perhaps he didn’t notice you at first, shrinking behind your brother, watching the scene play out in front of you. Perhaps he was more focused on keeping Halig in place. Perhaps he didn’t even recognise you.

You couldn’t place the last time you saw him or the last time you spoke. You hated yourself for not being able to remember the last words you said to each other. All because they were never supposed to be your last words together.

The gods had pulled you away from one another only to reunite you once more. The only cost of all this was that he wouldn’t look your way.

“You are Kjartan’s man.” Uhtred barely looked taunted by this small display. You both knew he wouldn’t do anything.

“No, I’m Kjartan’s bastard son.” He spat back. His eyes were wild as he watched your brother carefully. “You are Uhtred Ragnarson and I wish to serve a warrior and a lord. A true lord.”

“If you believe me to be these things then put down your sword.” Uhtred spoke nonchalantly, challenging the man before you. He hesitated.

“You guarantee my life?” His voice became shaky as he started to look around. Swords were already drawn, yours included.

“Put down your sword.” Uhtred urged, stepping a little closing keep his gaze set on the shaking boy in front of him. You were sure he met your eyes if only for a second.

“Kill him.” The priest beside you shouted. You had half the thought to put your blade to him but knew Uhtred wouldn’t be happy if you did.

“No!” Uhtred snapped back, barely casting him a glance, still focused on Sihtric. He lowered his voice again. “Put down your sword.”

He did. Sihtric dropped the sword and stepped back. Halig darted from him, watching carefully for a moment to strike. Not that it would ever come. If Sihtric had bested two of them whilst tied up you doubt Halig would get the upper hand now.

“I can be of use to you lord.” His eyes were wide and he was barely holding himself up.

“He’s nothing but a heathen kill him!” The priest was shouting again. Once more and you were certain you would step in.

“No one is to move.” Uhtred ordered, casting a look directly at the man who continued to protest.

“Kill him now!” He shouted. Uhtred turned on him before you had the chance.

“I said no one is to move and no one is to speak but me! No one.” Uhtred’s voice matched the priests but was far more commanding. The forest was silent as everyone looked on. “What’s your name?” Uhtred stepped forward and you were certain your heart stopped beating as if anticipating the one name you were hoping for.

“I am called Sihtric, lord.” It was him. You were right, that nagging in your stomach had been right. It was your Sihtric. “Please, I’m not loyal to Kjartan and never can be.”

Uhtred paused for a moment, considering everything he’d just heard, studying the boy in front of him. You had once trusted a boy in the woods. Now here stood a man in the woods, asking to swear fealty to your brother. Could you trust him like you used to?

“You swear your sword is mine?” Uhtred asked quietly.

“On Thor’s hammer.” He gripped his pendant with shaky hands as he swore an oath. “I do lord, I swear.”

“Then you have my protection.” He nodded. With a breath of relief, Sihtric sank to his knees, bowing his head.

“Lord, thank you.” He muttered so quietly it was barely audible. You heard him. You heard every word. “Thank you.”

“Sihtric is with us now, he serves in King Gutred’s army.” Uhtred turned his back, leaving Sihtric on his knees and the rest of the crowd quietly confused.

Everyone dispersed, barely glancing at the kneeling Dane. Not you. You remained, still clutching your sword, watching him carefully. You wondered if everyone left, how long would he stay there before asking for someone to untie him or to give him food.

You wouldn’t do that. You couldn’t do that to the boy you once knew.

“Do you intend on kneeling all day?” You asked as you approached him. Sihtric’s eyes snapped to yours in an instant.

There was a wave washing over you, dragging you down beneath its depths as you looked at him but you could tell that he was only floating at the surface.

“Give me your hands.” You spoke quietly, sheathing your sword and opting for a dagger instead. He finally stood up holding out his bound hands to you as if begging to be freed without saying a word.

“Thank you, lady.” His voice shook less as he spoke and you could feel relief washing over him as he visibly relaxed. You tried to hide the pain of him calling you lady. He had never called you that, not once. It was clear he no longer recognised you.

“I am no lady.” You mumbled u see your breath, slicing through the ropes that bound him. Taking a step back, you let your eyes run over him. He was still scrawny perhaps but he also carried muscle, especially in his arms. You shook the thought off. “I hope you intend to keep your word Kjartanson.”

“My sword is his, I will serve him.” He argued, gaze intense as he watched you back.

“Good.” You closed the gap between you, standing inches from him, looking nowhere else but his eyes. “My brother will not hesitate to kill you if you betray him.” You watched as the words settled over him. The ways his features softened as he realised what you’d said. Not the threat, no he finally realised who you were.

No longer the lonely girl in the woods. No longer the girl who picked flowers in the fields and brought them to him. No longer the girl who would stay until dark talking to him. Now you were a shield maiden. Now you were a warrior.

“Neither will I.”

[dailytlk]

THE LAST KINGDOM 3x05

[moonlight-rider25]

Saint among Sinners

Chapter 7, in the Eadiths lady series.

Word count:  3344

Warnings: Your guess is as good as mine

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

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

“Please?” You ask again.

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

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

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

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

You exhale heavily and laugh wholeheartedly at his remark. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“As long as it takes.” you tell him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No Eadith!” You tell her more eagerly.

She stops and looks confused at you.

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

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

~~~~~

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

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

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

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

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

The others turn their attention to him, including yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~~~~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osferth finishes his cup as Finan eagerly cheers him on. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What game?" The baby monk asks hopefully.

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

"Stones!" Finan pipes in.

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

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

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

"Saint amongst Sinners!" She blurts out finally.

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

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

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

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

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

"Oh… I get it," Sihtric says plainly.

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

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

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

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

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

She looks to Finan whose hand is still open.

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

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

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

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

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

"Dumb bloody game.." Finan spats sarcastically.

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

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

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

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

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

The group roars with laughter, yet again.

~~~~~~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It just so happens…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eadith laughs as you guide her towards the tent flap. 

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

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

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

“Eadith!” You snap coldly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[helreginn]

Hey! I know this seems random, but I’ve been looking for people to rp vikings and I’m Norse, have you found many people? I would make a blog for a Viking character if I knew there were people out there. Let me know, thanks! - ooc.

@mcu-pep

Hope you don't mind me posting this publicly. I myself am in search of people. I even resurrected @theroleplayingedda (a masterlist of rpers) in hopes of finding people with limited success. But I did find as many active (this year, at least) blogs in my followers and in the tags that I could. So I figured I'd put this here in case others were having trouble too.

Really hope you guys do not mind me tagging you like this... If not, lemme know and I'll remove you. :)

@nykrose Nyk, the Näcken.

@valkxrie Brunnhilde, the Valkyrie

@varldsormr Jormungandr, the world serpent

@eddapoetic Havar, a fun fusion of many trickster deities

@starwrittenfates Sigyn, too many monikers. IDK, man.

@astridnorddottir Astrid, a valkyrie

@wildserkr Victor Halvorsen, a berserkr

@gulldrengur Baldr

@brknmnds Ivar, Sigurd and Hvitserk of Vikings as well as Angrboða and Jörmungandr

@arcanigenum Loke and Ull, the gods

@yggdrasilushxrt Dvalinn, one of the four deer of Yggdrasil

@savstaroth Thor, the god and a couple of OCs that might fit the descriptor idk like Ida Fjalarsdóttir, a witch

@mistressesandmastersofmythos Odin, Hel and Freyja, gods

@cryptiique Angrboda, Atreus (loki), Heimdall and Freyr (Of God of War canon sorta)

@storiedhistories SO many God of War muses.

@tessastormrp Baldr, Freyr, Harald Finehair, Loki, Tyr, Ubbe (GETS HIS VERY OWN TRIGGER WARNING!) Ragnarson and Sihtric of TLK

@all-that-is-gold-is-now-gone So many Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla and The Last Kingdom muses!

@entangledmuses Lagertha, Anma and Katia of Vikings. Eadith from TLK and lots of ocs with Viking and TLK verses!

@eclipsecrowned Fenrir, Freyja, Hel (Listen. LISTEN, Kadian's Hel is the BEST Hel. I DO make the rules), Hnoss, Laufey, Odin, Sigyn and Utgard-Loki

@belcvednanna Nanna

@melodicwitchlight Kiwi Hel (XD), Aslaug, Thorunn, Floki, Siggy,

@moonhoundman Hati, son of Fenrir

@berserkerofrealms Garmr, Hel hound

@paracosmms Angrboda, mother of Jormungandr, Hel and Fenrir

@bebbanburged Uhtred of the last kingdom

@sigynthevictorious Sigyn mother of Narfi and Vali

@bruadcr Þrúðr Þórradóttir, Sif, Ullr Lokison, Sigyn & Jormungandr

@runaljod Magni & Móði Þórsson, Fenrisúlfr, Þór, Loki, Frœyjɑ, Angrboða, Óðinn, Jörð and Loki

@mystiokinesis Bergfinnr Thrymrson

@kingoftheravens Loki, Fenrir, Jormungandr, Hel, Angrboda, Hati and Skoll

@deficd Ragnar Lodbrok, Hilda Ragnarsdottir, Gyda Ragnarsdottir, Sindre Ísleifsson, Solveig Ísleifsdottir, Valka

@crowsandmurder Bjorn Ironside, Ragnar Lothbrok

@alldaddy Odin

@kissofthemuses Freyja, Sigyn,

@heartsdefine Sigyn

[osferth]

stand by me

@levithestripper i’m so sorry this took so long but i hope u like it!!

pairing : osferth x m!reader

word count : 5.4k

Sihtric had promised to come back for you when he left Dunholm all those months ago. As time passed, you began to grow less and less sure of the fact, resigning yourself to a life spent fighting for those who had wronged both you and your brother. Training was relentless, the rewards underwhelming, and the taunts from one-eyed Sven merciless.

You hated your life, wondering why the gods had been so cruel as to give you such a fate.

Sihtric was not a blood relative of yours, although you had much in common. You were a small child when you were enslaved alongside your mother, the only reason for your survival being your potential as a warrior in the future. She died of the sickness only two years after, leaving you alone. Being several years older, Sihtric had taken over the responsibility of caring for you and tried many times to protect you from Kjartan, often bearing the brunt of the violence instead.

Despite this, he never once blamed you, never once took his anger out on you. He was the only security you had and you loved him as a brother, so to watch him leave both broke your heart and terrified you.

Now that you were a teenager, you had to fend for yourself.

You were in the hall one morning when Sven stormed in with the news that Uhtred and Ragnar Ragnarson were in Northumbria and would surely attack. Although Kjartan was flippant, you had a feeling things would not go to plan. He ordered Sven to inform Thyra not to feed her wild hounds and, out of curiosity, you slipped out at once, following him down to the cells.

Having never before dared to venture down to where the “wild” daughter of Ragnar was being held, it was only then that you saw for yourself just how terrified Sven was of her - and listening to his voice tremble as he relayed the message made you smirk.

Her hounds barked as she screamed at him to get out, and you pressed your back against the wall as he did just that. As soon as he left, you let yourself become visible. Unsurprisingly, Thyra gave you a suspicious look.

“Are you another son of Kjartan?” she asked.

You shook your head, fidgeting with your sleeve. “No. I am Y/N. The son of a slave.”

“Why are you here?”

You had to be honest. “I heard that Sven was scared of you. I wanted to see if it was true.”

Thyra weakly huffed what you thought could be a laugh, and your shoulders sagged a little in relief.

“I think they’ll be successful, you know,” you continued quietly. “Uhtred and Ragnar. Kjartan says this fortress is impenetrable but I have heard your brothers are wily.”

“I have no brothers,” she repeated in a low voice.

Your hands clasped the bars of her cell. “I’m sorry. I understand.”

She gave you a strange look. “Do you?”

“I miss my brother,” you admitted. “Sihtric.”

At the mention of his name, her face softened. “Oh, yes. I remember him. He is kind.”

You sighed. “He was like a mother and a father to me. He took as many of my beatings as he could.”

“Beatings?”

“We are seen as bastards,” you smiled sadly. “Kjartan does not care for us. Sven tormented us. But when Sihtric left, he said he would be back for me.”

Thyra bitterly laughed. “I have heard that one before.”

At once, you became defensive, although you were unsure how much weight your words carried. “He will, I know he will!”

“Perhaps he will come with Uhtred,” she said in a neutral voice.

“Perhaps,” you nodded, hoping fervently that she was right.

~~

When the attack came, you hid yourself away. Nobody would remember to find and force a green boy to fight, he would only become a human shield. You seized your chance, grabbing the keys to Thyra’s cell and hurtling down to free her as soon as you could.

Thyra gave you a weak smile, although you could tell she had been crying; her hounds gazed up at the two of you, before following you up to the hall with Thyra in front. As she led you in, the door opened and you instantly froze - it was Sven.

But then one of the hounds by your feet growled, and the terrified look on Sven’s face reminded you of how fearful he himself was.

Still, you hung back slightly, watching in silence as Thyra set her hounds upon him. You were stoic as they tore him apart, his screams becoming synonymous with Kjartan’s - who was standing in a shield wall by the window. As Sven finally fell silent, Kjartan’s eyes drifted to you, and you held his gaze, full of hate for the man that had enslaved you and your mother.

There was nothing he could do but keep going, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding.

“We’ll be free,” you murmured, staring at Sven’s mutilated body.

Thyra said nothing.

It soon became clear that you were right. Shouts that Ragnar and Kjartan had made the square quickly reached you, and at once you made to leave.

“You will not watch?” you asked.

Thyra shook her head. “Go, Y/N.”

Swallowing, you doubled back and took her hand. “If he is with Uhtred, then I will go with him. And if you come too, I promise I’ll take care of you.”

Thyra gently cupped your cheek. “You are only a boy, Y/N,” she said.

“I’ll become a man soon enough,” you said at once, eliciting a rare smile from her.

“Find your brother.”

Before you left, she pressed her forehead to yours. It was with a reluctant gait that you walked outside. Hardly anyone noticed you, their eyes glued to the fight taking place. Kjartan hurled insult after insult, so it felt all the more deserving when Ragnar finally got the upper hand and drove a sword through his chest. You watched as he continued to hack at the body, feeling a vicious sort of satisfaction to watch the man that had stripped the dignity and hope from your mother be robbed of Valhalla, his body stripped of its own dignity.

Eventually, Uhtred held him back, and you finally tore your eyes away to search the crowd of warriors for your brother. Then-

“Sihtric,” you whispered, your heart pounding.

Your brother was there, right at the front, his helmet removed to get a proper view of Kjartan’s demise. His face was a blank slate, one he had mastered from years of abuse, but you knew his emotions were in turmoil.

You wove your way through the crowd rather than across the square, not wanting to be noticed by anyone but him.

And notice you he did.

“Y/N,” he murmured, so quietly you could only read your name from his lips. He enveloped you in a tight hug as soon as you reached him, and you held him just as tightly. “I was looking for you. I feared you were dead.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” you grinned despite the tears in your eyes, and Sihtric laughed as he pressed his forehead to yours.

“I promised I’d be back for you.”

“I know. I always believed you would.”

Sihtric fondly ruffled your hair, leading you away from the square towards the horses. “You have grown.”

You beamed, saddling your own horse. “I’ll be taller than you one day.”

“Keep dreaming, brother.”

~~

That evening, Uhtred questioned who you were. Sihtric introduced you to all those present as his younger brother, and it warmed your heart how quickly you were accepted as one of them, despite your youth.

After you reached Coccham, Uhtred briefly pulled you aside.

“Your brother is a loyal warrior, Y/N,” he said.

“I know, Lord,” you replied. “He is a good man. I hope to be like him someday.”

Uhtred ruffled your hair, a habit he had quickly picked up from Sihtric. “That is good. Although I hope that does not extend to his taste in women,” he added with a snort.

You laughed along a little awkwardly, unsure of what he was referring to. If Sihtric had a woman, you were not yet aware of it.

In truth, Uhtred did not have much to fear about your taste in women, because you didn’t have one at all. Your affections lay with men, although they had taken years for you to even recognise, let alone come to terms with.

The only one that knew of this was Sihtric - and he was more than understanding. In the time before his departure from Dunholm, he had been the one to help you come to terms with your feelings, after all.

As long as he was around, you were in good hands.

~~

Three years had passed since you moved to Coccham with Sihtric. You were on the cusp of becoming a man, preparing to swear an oath of loyalty to Uhtred after endless months of gruelling training. You had found many friends from many different backgrounds - Coccham had become your home.

For Thyra’s wedding to Father Beocca, you had travelled to Winchester with Sihtric, Finan, Uhtred and his wife, Gisela. He was a priest who had been present at Dunholm and prevented her from setting her hounds on her brothers out of anger and grief.

Thyra had emerged from her shell completely with the help of your friends, and you were fiercely protective of her. You knew Beocca would be good to her, having seen their love firsthand. It was with a wide smile that you watched Uhtred perform the ceremony. If anyone deserved to be happy and loved, you thought, it was Thyra.

Soon afterwards came the wedding of Princess Aethelflaed to Aethelred of Mercia, a man referred to by Uhtred as a bread-pudding of a boy. Your attention drifted elsewhere several times during the ceremony despite the fact that Father Beocca was presiding - Christian services simply bored you to death.

After the wedding, you sat outside on the steps of the palace, reclining slightly to soak up the rare sun. Sihtric was a little further down, embracing the woman he had told you he would marry someday. Uhtred and Finan dismissively referred to her as a whore, but you liked her. She was called Sigdaflaed, and she was a kind, funny woman who you thought was a perfect match for your brother. It was only the knowledge that Uhtred was also your lord that prevented you from stamping on his foot for saying otherwise.

Finan, however, was not, and so received many a shove for his crass words.

Currently, you were in half a mind to give one to Aethelwold, the insufferable nephew of the king who was lecturing Uhtred about… something or the other.

“All I will say, again, is that the dead man speaks the truth.”

Closing your eyes, you tried to block out the sound of his voice, until it was punctuated by another.

“Lord?”

“Some would say it is treason. No, no, this wedding is treason.”

“Lord?”

“This wedding is a betrayal of Wessex and the men of Wessex!” Aethelwold continued.

“Meaning you,” Finan muttered.

You snorted.

Aethelwold was incensed. “Should the king die, I have a strong and rightful claim!” he snapped. “Now, Alfred is working to make a new line of succession-”

“Excuse me, Lord Uhtred,” the voice shyly interjected again.

“Go away,” Aethelwold snapped.

Whoever the newcomer was, he was certainly persistent. Now curious, you opened your eyes, shielding them from the glare of the sun, and was surprised to see a novice monk no older than you standing nervously near a peeved Aethelwold.

“I am Osferth,” he said.

“You are a monk,” said Finan dismissively. “A baby monk.”

“Go away,” Aethelwold added.

Despite not knowing Osferth, you frowned at their rudeness towards him and gave Finan a shove.

“Oi!”

“Lord, you - you knew my uncle, lord,” Osferth continued regardless, although his eyes momentarily darted towards you and Finan. “His name was Leofric.”

Leofric was a name you recalled; Uhtred had regaled you all with many stories of the warrior, and adopted his favourite nickname - Arseling.

“Leofric was a great man,” Uhtred said.

At once, you noticed Aethelwold grin. “You are Alfred's bastard son!”

You picked up a small pebble from the ground and hurled it at him. It made satisfying contact with the side of his head and he yelped, making you and Finan snicker.

“Ow! Lord Uhtred, control your Dane-!”

Uhtred, naturally, said nothing and you made to stand up, making Aethelwold flinch slightly. It did the trick - he shut his mouth at once. Lowering yourself down, you smiled at Osferth, gesturing for him to continue.

“I wish to join you, lord,” he said. “Be by your side as my uncle was.”

Finan looked disparagingly at him. “No, we have no need of a monk.”

He was about to receive another shove when Osferth spoke again.

“As a warrior, lord,” he said steadily. “I wish to serve you as a warrior.”

You watched as Uhtred regarded him for a moment, hoping he would not turn the young man away. Despite his meek demeanour he remained stubborn, which intrigued you to no end. You began to wonder if Aethelwold’s words were true.

“Uhtred.”

Steapa had emerged from the palace, hovering over Uhtred. “Uhtred, you are wanted.”

Uhtred did not acknowledge him, continuing to observe the earnest monk.

“The king!” Steapa added impatiently.

“Enjoy the wedding feast,” Aethelwold muttered as he left, sulky at having been largely ignored.

When it became clear that Steapa was moments away from dragging him inside by the scruff of his neck, Uhtred stood up. “You. Find me again. Bring a sword and lose your cross.”

The smile that lit up the monk’s features inadvertently brought one to your own. “Thank you, my lord, I-I will!”

Beside you, Finan shook his head. “I’ll make sure the responsibility of training him falls on you, Y/N,” he said, and you only scoffed in reply.

~~

Evening had fallen and you were on your way home rather than joining Finan, Clapa, and Sihtric at the alehouse, electing not to have a sore head during training the next morning. As you turned a corner, you found yourself nearly bumping into the young monk from earlier.

“You’re a long way from the monastery, Osferth,” you smiled.

Osferth awkwardly laughed. “I’ve just left it, actually… for good. I remember you,” he added quickly, as though wanting to change the subject, “you threw that rock at Aethelwold.”

He seemed to be fighting a smile at the memory, which you found strangely endearing.

You smirked. “I did.”

“I don’t think I got your name…?”

“Y/N,” you answered. “Are you going to find Uhtred?”

Osferth nodded, and you grinned. “Then I’ll come with you.”

You were well aware that he probably already knew the way, but he didn’t exactly turn down your offer, giving you the excuse you wanted to spend a little time with him away from the others.

“Where will you stay?” you asked him.

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “I suppose I’ll need to find a room above the alehouse…”

“Or you could stay with us,” you offered. “Sihtric and I, I mean. We have enough room for the time being, and you won’t have to pay for it.”

He seemed genuinely taken aback by this. “Are you sure, Y/N? I don’t want to intrude-”

“You won’t,” you said automatically, waving him off. “Besides, my brother’s getting married soon, so when he moves out it’ll just be me left. And I wouldn’t mind a roommate,” you added with a smile.

Tentatively, he returned your smile. “Will Sihtric mind?”

You shook your head. “No, he’s not Finan.”

He huffed a laugh at that, making you feel strangely proud that you had elicited it from him. “He doesn’t want me around, does he?”

“He might act like it,” you shrugged, “but he doesn’t usually give nicknames to people he can’t stand. You saw how quickly he’s taken to calling you Baby Monk, no?”

“That’s true,” he smiled. “I think he’s forgotten my name already.”

You laughed. “Maybe.”

~~

It was dark by the time you both reached Uhtred’s home. Being more familiar with it than Osferth was, you guided him down to the dock by the hall, where you knew Uhtred liked to spend quiet time with Gisela.

“I’ll get going, then,” you said. “If I’m asleep by the time you’re back, just let yourself in, alright?”

Osferth nodded. “Alright.”

He waved you off as you left to return to your home, happy to have found a friend.

~~

Sihtric had still not returned from the alehouse by the time the door opened again. You were still awake despite your lethargy, anxious to ensure Osferth reached your home safely.

“How did it go?” you asked at once, jumping up to meet him.

“Good,” he answered vaguely. You cocked an eyebrow and he exhaled. “Well, the only reason Lord Uhtred allowed me to join him was to embarrass Alfred. But I think Gisela likes me.”

“Well, I’d say Gisela’s the smarter of the two,” you said, closing the door behind him. “Don’t tell Uhtred I said that, though.”

Osferth smiled conspiratorially. “I won’t.”

You beamed. “Besides, you’ve got plenty of time to prove yourself. Give him reason to let you stay, you know?”

Osferth was taken aback. “That’s what I said!”

“Really?”

He nodded.

“Then I’ll hold you to that even more,” you grinned. “Right,” you added, looking around. “I’d give you Sihtric’s bed for now but he might still wander in later, so you can take mine.”

At once, he protested. “No, no, it’s fine, I’ll sleep on the floor-”

“What kind of a host lets his guest sleep on the floor?” you countered, already pulling extra furs down. “Go on, take the bed. I really don’t mind.”

For a moment he looked conflicted, but eventually caved in at the stubborn look on your face. “All right. Thank you, Y/N, truly.”

At once you waved him off, but the warmth of his smile did far more to warm your cheeks than the roaring fire, and you knew at once that you were fucked.

~~

Training over the next few months was brutal as usual, but having Osferth at your side meant you actually looked forward to it. As Finan had promised, you were landed with the task of training the young man more often than not. If he ever noticed that you did not mind one bit, he would almost certainly revoke it.

At first, you were easy on Osferth, aware that the mere feeling of a sword in his hand was still largely foreign, but after a week or so you realised that if he was to yield any results, you would have to be tough.

“You’re seriously making me rethink whether I should’ve left that monastery.”

“Am I that bad?” you laughed.

The two of you had retreated to a corner of the alehouse to reward yourselves after a particularly gruelling training session.

“You’re a great friend,” Osferth smiled, “but a cruel mentor.”

You smirked, even if being called his friend didn’t feel nearly as good as it should have. “Well, it’s because I’m such a great friend that I’m so cruel. I’d quite like to see you again after battle, you know.”

“Yeah,” he sighed, “if my legs don’t give out on the battlefield first. What if I’m not meant to be a warrior, Y/N? I feel like an idiot compared to everyone else.”

“Everyone else started learning to fight when they were children,” you countered firmly. “Don’t compare yourself to them. I’m willing to bet you never even so much as picked up a weapon in all the years before you joined us.”

Osferth shrugged. “Even so, I’ll be nothing but a liability at Beamfleot.”

You frowned. “No, you won’t. Uhtred wants you there ‘cause you need the experience, and I want you there ‘cause… well, I’ll feel better with you nearby. Look, I’ll have your back, won’t I? Don’t worry so much,” you added with a grin, poking his furrowed brow, “or else that face will stick.”

He swatted your hand away but he was laughing now, and that was all that mattered to you.

~~

You had spent so long worrying about Osferth that you nearly forgot the fact that this was going to be your first experience of proper battle, too. As you travelled to Beamfleot, both of you were sick with nerves, but you were doing perhaps a slightly better job of concealing that than Osferth.

Instinctively you stayed by his side as much as you could, looking out for him as well as yourself.

Your training served you well - you were more than prepared, fending off every Dane that came your way, until you were forced to deliver a deadly blow to the last one.

The Dane fell to the ground for what felt like hours, and all you could do was watch helplessly as the life drained from his eyes. Time seemed to stop, and all you could hear were your rapidly shaky breaths, one after the other to try and calm yourself down.

“Y/N?” said Sihtric softly, putting a hand on your shoulder.

You jolted suddenly, not realising that your brother had found you. “I killed one of my own,” you whispered.

“No,” he said firmly. “If you hadn’t killed him, he would have killed you first. Never forget it.”

He squeezed your shoulder reassuringly, and you nodded.

“Don’t look at the body,” he added. “Just keep moving-”

“Sihtric, we need to keep moving!” shouted Uhtred, standing a little further down as the other men made their way over.

Sihtric chuckled, and you managed a smile. “Come on, Y/N.”

“Wait,” you said suddenly. “I’ll - I’ll be with you in a minute.”

Your brother nodded, patting your shoulder once more before joining Uhtred. You turned back, your eyes searching for Osferth.

Thankfully he was alive. He was standing over another dead Dane, clutching a bloody sword and in a similar state to you. At once you made your way over, stepping over bodies and trying not to look at their faces.

“Osferth?”

His eyes shot up, and his shoulders sagged in obvious relief. “Y/N.”

“Come on,” you said. “We need to keep going.”

But Osferth was frozen, and you couldn’t blame him for it at all. His strict religious upbringing meant he had probably never even seen death after such violence, let alone been responsible for some of it.

He was staring at the man’s face again, and you knew you needed to distract him.

“Look at me,” you said, gently taking the sword from his shaking hands. He did as you said, and when he did you saw the tears brimming in his eyes.

“I can’t do this,” he murmured, shaking his head.

“You can,” you said, “I swear you can. You’re still alive, aren’t you? That’s a good sign - you proved Finan wrong!”

Osferth ran a hand through his hair, his panic seemingly growing. “No, no, I-I’ve killed a man, Y/N!”

“That’s what warriors do!” you insisted, when Sihtric’s words sprung to mind. “Christian warriors don’t go to hell, do they? And besides, if you hadn’t killed him, he would have killed you first-”

“Y/N!” bellowed Uhtred. “Grab the monk and move! We need to keep going!”

“Come with me,” you urged, handing him the axe from your belt instead. “Just stick with me and don’t look at their faces.”

You needed that advice just as much as he did, but he was so clearly disturbed that you felt compelled to hide your own distress from him for the time being. You needed him to feel secure with you.

Osferth was gripping the axe so tightly his knuckles were white. “Alright,” he whispered, letting you take his arm and lead him to rejoin the others.

~~

Even while Lady Aethelflaed was being freed, you weren’t able to fully focus. Despite wanting to stay close to one another, you were somewhat constrained by the orders you were given, and so could not follow him to the stables where he was to send the decoy away on a horse.

That meant the next time you’d see him would be on the battlefield.

After what felt like hours of knowing nothing, the relief that overwhelmed you upon finally seeing him again was short-lived as Sigefrid and his men charged at you. You took your place between Osferth and your brother, taking deep breaths to prepare yourself.

“Stand by me,” you murmured, seeing the fear in his eyes, “and no harm will come to you. I swear.”

He didn’t say a word as he stared at the Northmen, only nodding his reply.

In spite of their small number, Sigefrid’s men fought hard. You knew that after losing Erik, Aethelflaed, and the fortress, they were prepared to go to Valhalla that day - but you were not.

Sihtric’s words repeated themselves in your head as you fought. You lost sight of him after a moment and panic momentarily seized you until you realised Osferth was still beside you, holding your bloodless axe in both hands. You knew then that you couldn’t fail him, not when you had sworn to keep him safe.

So you swallowed your panic and continued to fight with all you had, the heat of battle consuming you as you slashed and parried and stood between Osferth and the enemy, until it suddenly dulled.

Aethelflaed had killed Sigefrid. It was all over.

You lowered your sword, breathing heavily as the adrenaline of battle seeped away. Beside you remained Osferth, and you smiled in unbridled relief.

“Come on,” you said quietly, putting an arm around his shoulder. “Let’s go home, yeah?”

“Yeah,” he said, finally meeting your eye and returning your smile, albeit a little shakily.

~~

Although the two of you were already close, Beamfleot bonded you together in a way that only your first taste of true battle could. You were inseparable after that, with Finan deciding he wanted to give you a nickname to match Baby Monk until you threatened to inform the fisherman’s daughter of his feelings for her.

A period of peace followed Aethelflaed’s return to Mercia, which allowed for Osferth’s training to continue - until the peace was disrupted once again. He was becoming more proficient with a weapon, almost ready for battle, as you cheerfully informed him after the battle against Bloodhair at Fearnham.

“You’ll be fighting in the next one, won’t you?” you said.

“Yes,” he smiled, “although I was quite content as a spectator, too.”

~~

Much had occurred between Fearnham and now, as you stood in the fields outside Beamfleot… again. So much that you could hardly wrap your head around half of it.

But you could not think about that now. You were outnumbered and surrounded by Danes on all sides, trapping you and the few men around you - including Osferth. You knew Edward had promised the men of Wessex as reinforcements, but so far they had not shown themselves. There were only so many Danes you could fight at once, as each time you felled one another took his place almost immediately.

“Where is Alfred’s army?” you heard Sihtric shout. “Why are they waiting?”

That same desperate thought filled your mind as you tried to fend them off. Your eyes shifted to the right, and you saw with a jolt of panic that Osferth had just attacked a Dane and caused him to fall from his horse, and another was heading his way.

Without thinking twice, you ran to him first and pushed him out of the way - but you couldn’t avoid the sword of the Dane whose warpath you were now standing squarely in. He slashed at you and you stumbled backwards, dropping your sword to clutch the gash in your abdomen as blood seeped through your fingers.

The pain was blinding. Soon you soon found yourself on the ground, your senses weakening with every second that passed. The voices around you grew quieter even as you strained to listen, to stay awake.

“Y/N, no!”

“It’s Alfred! Alfred’s army is here!”

“Stay with me, please - Sihtric, help me!”

You dimly saw the terrified faces of both Osferth and your brother before everything faded to black.

~~

You were unsure of how much time had passed when you finally stirred. At your bedside sat the one person you were most grateful to see.

“Osferth.”

“Oh, thank God. You’re awake.”

Your response was groggy. “Yeah.”

“You gave us a fright, Y/N,” he continued, breathing a sigh of relief.

Your hand moved to the aching spot on your abdomen where your injury lay, now cleaned and wrapped, and you winced. “How long you been here?” you murmured.

He exhaled. “All night. I couldn’t leave you, Y/N.”

You studied his face intently as he stared at his tightly-clasped hands. Dark circles had formed under his eyes from lack of sleep, and your tired heart swelled. “You been praying for me?”

His downcast eyes finally met your own. “Yes. I was… I was scared you wouldn’t wake up again.”

Smiling, you put a hand on his arm. “I couldn’t leave you either, Osferth. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

Osferth returned your smile and sat a little closer, taking your hand in both of his. “I wanted to thank you, Y/N. I won’t ever forget what you did for me.”

“Huh?”

“You - you took the blow meant for me,” he explained patiently, despite sounding extremely shaken.

At once, the memories came flooding back in a torrent, of you shielding him whenever you could, fighting off Danes headed your way, pushing him out of the warpath of an attacker - but not fast enough to avoid the man’s sword. The pain had been excruciating.

“An’ I’d do it again,” you smiled weakly.

You were met with a look of confusion.

“Why?” Osferth asked, his voice hardly a whisper.

Reaching up with your other hand, you gave his furrowed brow a feeble poke. “That face’ll stick, you know.”

He laughed softly, gently pushing your hand back down. “Why would you want to put yourself through that again?”

“‘Cause I care about you,” you answered honestly. “I’d put myself through that a million more times if it meant you’d be safe.”

“Truly?”

You nodded, your eyes never leaving his face for even a moment. Osferth gave you a smile then, its familiar warmth so different from his usual smirk that your stomach flipped at the sight.

Before you knew it, that smile was a hair’s breadth from your own, silently asking permission to continue. In response, you leaned up a little to close the gap between you. Your hand dropped from his grasp as he moved to cup the side of your face, deepening the kiss.

“D’you fancy me, Osferth?” you asked afterwards, grinning weakly at him.

“I might do,” he replied with a smirk.

“You sure?”

He answered that with another kiss.

~~

For a while you lay there contentedly, closing your eyes while his hand absentmindedly played with your hair.

“I killed him, you know.”

“Hm?”

“The man that did this to you.”

Your eyes opened abruptly and you turned to him. “You did?”

He nodded with a frown. “I didn’t go in wanting to kill any man. But something in me snapped when I saw you lying there like that, and I… I wouldn’t let him get away with it.”

You smiled fondly at him. “I wish I’d seen that. I’m sure you fought well.”

He returned your smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Thank you.”

“It weighs on you, doesn’t it?”

He sighed and nodded. “I have killed only once before. And you know what I was like after that.”

You knew, and you understood. You had been the same. “You will feel less guilt with time, I promise.”

“You know what’s strange?” he said. “I feel guilty for taking the life of another man, and yet I would do the same again and again if it meant you would be avenged.”

His words stole your heart. Taking his hand, you brought it to your lips and pressed a soft kiss there. “I love you, you know.”

He looked taken aback by this for a moment, before his features softened into a smile. “I love you too, Y/N. More than anything.”

[magravenwrites]

Funeral Blues by W. H. Auden

For the @tlkafterparty celebration

Prompt - inspired by poetry

Click on the images for better quality

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@tlkafterparty @axe-does-writing @emilyhufflepufftlk @madrielite @morosemagick @solinarimoon @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @lauwrite1225