theladygisela

[theladygisela]

“… and I you,” Gisela whispers, kissing him over and over. She can’t help the thoughts that go through her head, the feelings he invokes in her. He had been her protector these past several weeks, never leaving her side, and one of his greatest qualities was his ability to make her laugh.

As time passes, she knows that soon they will need to find another place to share their time together. Everything had been set in place for Bebbanburg— but now, where did they belong? She was just as nomadic as Björn was now.

Would they end up in Ulaid under Finan’s sponsorship? Or would they end up in Kattegat? There were so many questions… and Gisela had felt it best to bury them in her heart. To live each moment with him, and even Lagertha, who she had grown especially fond of.

“Björn, you have saved me. I owe you my life… you and your mother. I can see why Finan loves you both so,” Gisela says softly.

“… perhaps we should make a plan. I will not be welcome here much longer.”

@bjornironsideviking

Several weeks later

Gisela stirs from her sleep, the Northman’s arm draped over her and his hand quickly responding to her movements as she wakes. For weeks, he’d stayed at her side, and their bodies had healed together tenderly, one day at a time.

Finan had assured her that he would sponsor her for land given his Kingship if needed, to assure her that she would not be banished from Dunholm without a place to live. But for now Uhtred had not forced her to leave, and she was safe to figure out what was next, wherever destiny led her.

Gisela turns in Björn’s arms, nuzzling into his chest and kissing his neck. She lets out a little whimper as she feels his hands trail against her and tighten against her skin, pulling her closer to him. Her hand drifts to his cheek as her kisses come up to his jaw, the warmth of his body against her bare chest sending a tingle down her spine.

@theladygisela

Björn smiles in his sleep as he feels Gisela shift against him. Having her in his arms, lying next to him every night for the past few weeks has been a dream come true for him. The contentment he feels unlike anything he has felt in the past.

Hearing Gisela’s little whimpers as she rolls over and starts nuzzling into him sends a flutter to Björn’s heart. He pulls her even tighter against him. The warmth of her chest pressed firmly against his causes a stirring in his groin that he tries to ignore, unsure yet if she has completely healed. Her kisses along his neck and jaw brings goosebumps to his arms as he tries to keep himself in check.

“Morning, little vixen…” He softly murmurs as his hand trails down her back to her bottom. Tangling his legs with hers, he pulls her even closer, unable to hide the effect she has on him.

Björn lets out a soft growl as he tilts her face to his, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

“Surrender yourself to me”…

With a desperate cry, Gisela’s legs tremble against him, her hips seizing in their fervent motions as her peak overwhelms her and milks his cock. She can feel it twitch inside her as she throbs against him, and it’s so strong that she stifles her own moan with a fur on their bed over her lips.

“Björn…” she whispers his name with ragged breaths as her mind comes back to her, capturing his lips in a deep kiss as he lingers inside her.

“I love you,” she whispers fervently against his lips.

@bjornironsideviking

Several weeks later

Gisela stirs from her sleep, the Northman’s arm draped over her and his hand quickly responding to her movements as she wakes. For weeks, he’d stayed at her side, and their bodies had healed together tenderly, one day at a time.

Finan had assured her that he would sponsor her for land given his Kingship if needed, to assure her that she would not be banished from Dunholm without a place to live. But for now Uhtred had not forced her to leave, and she was safe to figure out what was next, wherever destiny led her.

Gisela turns in Björn’s arms, nuzzling into his chest and kissing his neck. She lets out a little whimper as she feels his hands trail against her and tighten against her skin, pulling her closer to him. Her hand drifts to his cheek as her kisses come up to his jaw, the warmth of his body against her bare chest sending a tingle down her spine.

@theladygisela

Björn smiles in his sleep as he feels Gisela shift against him. Having her in his arms, lying next to him every night for the past few weeks has been a dream come true for him. The contentment he feels unlike anything he has felt in the past.

Hearing Gisela’s little whimpers as she rolls over and starts nuzzling into him sends a flutter to Björn’s heart. He pulls her even tighter against him. The warmth of her chest pressed firmly against his causes a stirring in his groin that he tries to ignore, unsure yet if she has completely healed. Her kisses along his neck and jaw brings goosebumps to his arms as he tries to keep himself in check.

“Morning, little vixen…” He softly murmurs as his hand trails down her back to her bottom. Tangling his legs with hers, he pulls her even closer, unable to hide the effect she has on him.

Björn lets out a soft growl as he tilts her face to his, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

The pressure he places on her low belly takes the breath from her, and Gisela relinquishes herself to him, to his dominating pull and the heaviness of his cock inside her. Desperate, fervent moans fall from her lips that increase in intensity with each pass of him inside her, and her head arches back into the furs as he fucks her into oblivion.

“Oh, Gods… you’re so deep…” she whimpers helplessly, feeling the way her body clenches and throbs around his cock.

“Give it to me… make me yours,” she cries, overwhelmed with the sensations. She was so sensitive, it had been so long…

“Fuck!” She cries out, her legs beginning to tremble as his cock hits that deep spot over and over. It’s so intense that her breaths come out in ragged pants, and she longs for him to keep taking her this way, to have his utter way with her exactly how it pleases him.

@bjornironsideviking

Several weeks later

Gisela stirs from her sleep, the Northman’s arm draped over her and his hand quickly responding to her movements as she wakes. For weeks, he’d stayed at her side, and their bodies had healed together tenderly, one day at a time.

Finan had assured her that he would sponsor her for land given his Kingship if needed, to assure her that she would not be banished from Dunholm without a place to live. But for now Uhtred had not forced her to leave, and she was safe to figure out what was next, wherever destiny led her.

Gisela turns in Björn’s arms, nuzzling into his chest and kissing his neck. She lets out a little whimper as she feels his hands trail against her and tighten against her skin, pulling her closer to him. Her hand drifts to his cheek as her kisses come up to his jaw, the warmth of his body against her bare chest sending a tingle down her spine.

@theladygisela

Björn smiles in his sleep as he feels Gisela shift against him. Having her in his arms, lying next to him every night for the past few weeks has been a dream come true for him. The contentment he feels unlike anything he has felt in the past.

Hearing Gisela’s little whimpers as she rolls over and starts nuzzling into him sends a flutter to Björn’s heart. He pulls her even tighter against him. The warmth of her chest pressed firmly against his causes a stirring in his groin that he tries to ignore, unsure yet if she has completely healed. Her kisses along his neck and jaw brings goosebumps to his arms as he tries to keep himself in check.

“Morning, little vixen…” He softly murmurs as his hand trails down her back to her bottom. Tangling his legs with hers, he pulls her even closer, unable to hide the effect she has on him.

Björn lets out a soft growl as he tilts her face to his, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

“I think I was…” Gisela whispers against his lips, a little shriek falling from her lips as he thrusts up into her.

Yes. Yes yes yes…

“I’ve missed you this way…” she rasps out with a bashful smile, her hands steadying herself as she slowly takes him. His large hands caressing her body and grabbing at her hips has a shudder running down her spine, and she wonders how she even went this long without any passion between them.

She has to still herself another moment against him, his length touching her very core and sending little waves of overwhelming pleasure to her center. It’s almost too much, but it’s everything she needs.

Bending down to give him another rapturous kiss, the Dane trails her tongue past his lips, whimpering as he starts to thrust inside her again.

“Harder,” she whispers breathlessly as she pulls away.

@bjornironsideviking

Several weeks later

Gisela stirs from her sleep, the Northman’s arm draped over her and his hand quickly responding to her movements as she wakes. For weeks, he’d stayed at her side, and their bodies had healed together tenderly, one day at a time.

Finan had assured her that he would sponsor her for land given his Kingship if needed, to assure her that she would not be banished from Dunholm without a place to live. But for now Uhtred had not forced her to leave, and she was safe to figure out what was next, wherever destiny led her.

Gisela turns in Björn’s arms, nuzzling into his chest and kissing his neck. She lets out a little whimper as she feels his hands trail against her and tighten against her skin, pulling her closer to him. Her hand drifts to his cheek as her kisses come up to his jaw, the warmth of his body against her bare chest sending a tingle down her spine.

@theladygisela

Björn smiles in his sleep as he feels Gisela shift against him. Having her in his arms, lying next to him every night for the past few weeks has been a dream come true for him. The contentment he feels unlike anything he has felt in the past.

Hearing Gisela’s little whimpers as she rolls over and starts nuzzling into him sends a flutter to Björn’s heart. He pulls her even tighter against him. The warmth of her chest pressed firmly against his causes a stirring in his groin that he tries to ignore, unsure yet if she has completely healed. Her kisses along his neck and jaw brings goosebumps to his arms as he tries to keep himself in check.

“Morning, little vixen…” He softly murmurs as his hand trails down her back to her bottom. Tangling his legs with hers, he pulls her even closer, unable to hide the effect she has on him.

Björn lets out a soft growl as he tilts her face to his, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

“Very,” Gisela grins, capturing his lips in another kiss. She whimpers against his lips as his hands run over her breasts, and she finds herself blushing, a heat rising to her chest. She quickly lifts herself just slightly, grabbing his cock to position it before sinking down on him slowly. She lets out a little gasp as she takes him in, trying to move slowly despite her desperation to give her body a moment to adjust to his size.

“Gods,” she says breathlessly, her head dropping back for a brief moment before she comes forward to give him another kiss, her hands trailing across his skin again as she looks into his eyes. She bites her bottom lip to stifle a moan as she begins to roll her hips atop of him, each motion driving a pleasure within her that she’d desperately missed from him.

@bjornironsideviking

Several weeks later

Gisela stirs from her sleep, the Northman’s arm draped over her and his hand quickly responding to her movements as she wakes. For weeks, he’d stayed at her side, and their bodies had healed together tenderly, one day at a time.

Finan had assured her that he would sponsor her for land given his Kingship if needed, to assure her that she would not be banished from Dunholm without a place to live. But for now Uhtred had not forced her to leave, and she was safe to figure out what was next, wherever destiny led her.

Gisela turns in Björn’s arms, nuzzling into his chest and kissing his neck. She lets out a little whimper as she feels his hands trail against her and tighten against her skin, pulling her closer to him. Her hand drifts to his cheek as her kisses come up to his jaw, the warmth of his body against her bare chest sending a tingle down her spine.

@theladygisela

Björn smiles in his sleep as he feels Gisela shift against him. Having her in his arms, lying next to him every night for the past few weeks has been a dream come true for him. The contentment he feels unlike anything he has felt in the past.

Hearing Gisela’s little whimpers as she rolls over and starts nuzzling into him sends a flutter to Björn’s heart. He pulls her even tighter against him. The warmth of her chest pressed firmly against his causes a stirring in his groin that he tries to ignore, unsure yet if she has completely healed. Her kisses along his neck and jaw brings goosebumps to his arms as he tries to keep himself in check.

“Morning, little vixen…” He softly murmurs as his hand trails down her back to her bottom. Tangling his legs with hers, he pulls her even closer, unable to hide the effect she has on him.

Björn lets out a soft growl as he tilts her face to his, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

Gisela lets out a soft moan into his deep kiss, her body responding to each touch of his hands. She’d waited weeks to give her body time to heal, but now it was aching for him, all of his tenderness reaching a peak within her that made her desire strong and unyielding. Keeping their lips entangled together, Gisela quickly straddles his hips, grinding herself down against his cock in slow, fervent motions, but not yet allowing him inside her.

“Good morning, my love…” she says softly, her hands tracing up his chest as she achingly rolls her hips against him, biting her bottom lip as she looks into his eyes from above.

@bjornironsideviking

Several weeks later

Gisela stirs from her sleep, the Northman’s arm draped over her and his hand quickly responding to her movements as she wakes. For weeks, he’d stayed at her side, and their bodies had healed together tenderly, one day at a time.

Finan had assured her that he would sponsor her for land given his Kingship if needed, to assure her that she would not be banished from Dunholm without a place to live. But for now Uhtred had not forced her to leave, and she was safe to figure out what was next, wherever destiny led her.

Gisela turns in Björn’s arms, nuzzling into his chest and kissing his neck. She lets out a little whimper as she feels his hands trail against her and tighten against her skin, pulling her closer to him. Her hand drifts to his cheek as her kisses come up to his jaw, the warmth of his body against her bare chest sending a tingle down her spine.

@theladygisela

Björn smiles in his sleep as he feels Gisela shift against him. Having her in his arms, lying next to him every night for the past few weeks has been a dream come true for him. The contentment he feels unlike anything he has felt in the past.

Hearing Gisela’s little whimpers as she rolls over and starts nuzzling into him sends a flutter to Björn’s heart. He pulls her even tighter against him. The warmth of her chest pressed firmly against his causes a stirring in his groin that he tries to ignore, unsure yet if she has completely healed. Her kisses along his neck and jaw brings goosebumps to his arms as he tries to keep himself in check.

“Morning, little vixen…” He softly murmurs as his hand trails down her back to her bottom. Tangling his legs with hers, he pulls her even closer, unable to hide the effect she has on him.

Björn lets out a soft growl as he tilts her face to his, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

Gisela startles as Uhtred throws open the door, immediately grabbing at a fur to pull over herself as if it would make her invisible. The Irishman catches up and trails behind him, trying to stop him but to no avail. Amidst the pain and fear, she really wasn’t prepared to see him. If anything, she had been preparing her mind to either meet the Gods, or be banished from Dunholm, knowing that with Uhtred leaving her, she had no home and no protection.

“Uhtred, please leave…” Is all she can mutter out, her hands trembling with sadness and anger.

“I don’t need pity, and I surely don’t need your sadness to rival my own despair,” she says in her soft accent.

@askuhtredragnarson

“You would leave her? You… left her?” The Irishman’s voice rings out from a distance, his form approaching quickly.

“Uhtred… this isn’t you,” Finan drawls, his dark eyes gazing intently into his Lord’s, pleading with him.

@askuhtredragnarson

“I have caused her nothing but pain. I don’t deserve her.” Uhtred shakes his head, angry with himself for failing her so grievously. “He will make her happy. Happier then I ever could.”

Tightening the bridle on Tintreg, Uhtred moves to check the straps and cinches on the saddle.

“I fucked things up between us, Finan. I’m afraid there is no coming back from it….” Uhtred sounds resolute, a deep sadness in his eyes.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[theladygisela]

Gisela cries at Lagertha’s words, allowing the Shieldmaiden to cover her in a strong embrace. It was true. The physical pain was one thing… but she had lost everything. Nothing mattered more to her than her children.

Gisela takes a shuddering breath, finally letting Lagertha go after several long minutes. She looks to Björn, reaching her hand for him.

“Please, stay with me. Please…” she pleads with him, and when he takes her hand firmly in his she is finally able to take another breath.

@lagertha-lothbrok @bjornironsideviking

Having eavesdropped Uhtred’s conflict with Gisela, the Irishman rushes to the Northman’s chambers before he himself will make way to the stables. He opens the door quickly, pleased to see Bjorn standing.

“He has left her,” Finan says, sadly and with his own shock evident in his voice. “He has refused to renew their marriage.”

@thedarkprinceofulaid

Björn holds on to the edge of the bed to steady himself as he looks up at the Irishman in shock.

“What do you mean, he’s left her? Why?” Björn feels sick to his stomach, that he may have caused this. That he may have ruined Gisela’s marriage.

“Fuck….” Björn shakes his head. 

“Where is she? Is she okay?” He asks, his concern evident in his voice.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[theladygisela]

Blinking tears from her eyes, Gisela nods as Lagertha rests her hand on her low belly, wincing at the pain. It’s like the pain of a month’s blood, yet more severe.

“It has started, yes…” Gisela answers with a nod. She grabs Lagertha’s arm, her eyes wide with fear.

“Am I going to die?”

@lagertha-lothbrok

Having eavesdropped Uhtred’s conflict with Gisela, the Irishman rushes to the Northman’s chambers before he himself will make way to the stables. He opens the door quickly, pleased to see Bjorn standing.

“He has left her,” Finan says, sadly and with his own shock evident in his voice. “He has refused to renew their marriage.”

@thedarkprinceofulaid

Björn holds on to the edge of the bed to steady himself as he looks up at the Irishman in shock.

“What do you mean, he’s left her? Why?” Björn feels sick to his stomach, that he may have caused this. That he may have ruined Gisela’s marriage.

“Fuck….” Björn shakes his head. 

“Where is she? Is she okay?” He asks, his concern evident in his voice.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[theladygisela]

“Lowly in my stomach,” Gisela answers him with a shuddering breath.

“Yes, my love…” she assures Björn, watching as he leaves.

Despite the fear coursing through her body, she already knows what’s happening. At this point, it’s only a matter of time.

She had lost one child at birth, but she had never miscarried. She assumes it’s what’s happening, being only several months along, but she’s unsure what it entails.

Gods, please… I’m going to die.

She frantically sits up from the position Björn had laid her in, pulling her dress back to see the blood she felt running down her leg. She tries to stifle the tears that sting at her eyes, but they flow freely, full of sorrow for the life she’d lost in a matter of hours.

… what did I do wrong? She thinks, taking a steadying breath. She tries to remember what Björn said, that he would bring Revna or his mother, and the thought of it calms her.

@bjornironsideviking

Having eavesdropped Uhtred’s conflict with Gisela, the Irishman rushes to the Northman’s chambers before he himself will make way to the stables. He opens the door quickly, pleased to see Bjorn standing.

“He has left her,” Finan says, sadly and with his own shock evident in his voice. “He has refused to renew their marriage.”

@thedarkprinceofulaid

Björn holds on to the edge of the bed to steady himself as he looks up at the Irishman in shock.

“What do you mean, he’s left her? Why?” Björn feels sick to his stomach, that he may have caused this. That he may have ruined Gisela’s marriage.

“Fuck….” Björn shakes his head. 

“Where is she? Is she okay?” He asks, his concern evident in his voice.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[theladygisela]

Gisela nearly sobs as Björn enters, a flood of relief entering her heart to see him. She was in pain, and she wasn’t sure if it was the stress, the heartbreak, or the pup… or all of it.

“I am, yes…” she says softly, nodding.

“I-I don’t know what’s happening, but it hurts. I’m so relieved that you are here, Björn…” Gisela whispers, using the hand he lends to her to stand. She grips it tightly, feeling dizziness come over her as soon as she stands next to him.

“Please, get me away from this… back to your own chamber,” she pleads.

@bjornironsideviking

Having eavesdropped Uhtred’s conflict with Gisela, the Irishman rushes to the Northman’s chambers before he himself will make way to the stables. He opens the door quickly, pleased to see Bjorn standing.

“He has left her,” Finan says, sadly and with his own shock evident in his voice. “He has refused to renew their marriage.”

@thedarkprinceofulaid

Björn holds on to the edge of the bed to steady himself as he looks up at the Irishman in shock.

“What do you mean, he’s left her? Why?” Björn feels sick to his stomach, that he may have caused this. That he may have ruined Gisela’s marriage.

“Fuck….” Björn shakes his head. 

“Where is she? Is she okay?” He asks, his concern evident in his voice.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[theladygisela]

As Uhtred leaves so easily from her presence, Gisela takes a moment to take in his words, the ones he had let fall from his lips before he so hastily left.

I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused you.

It was not only her, but the life of her unborn child, that she thinks of as she sinks to the floor before her knees can buckle beneath her. It takes the breath from her, his actions leaving her confused, in pain, and mistaken… as if the man who had stood before her wasn’t Uhtred at all.

It’s only a sharp pain in her stomach that stirs her from the numbness of it all, and her worry shifts to something else.

@askuhtredragnarson

Gisela enters their bedchamber later that evening, planning to secure some clothing from their wardrobe. She secured a room just a few doors down, and she is exhausted, knowing that she probably won’t return to the wounded Northman this evening. With her and Uhtred’s conflict, the Dane couldn’t possibly feel more lost or heartbroken. He was her everything.

She steps in quietly, her mind distracted and worn, not paying attention to much else but her mission to acquire a few belongings.

@theladygisela

After picking himself up from the floor in the Hall, Uhtred took a little walk around the grounds trying to clear his head. His earlier exchange with Gisela weighing heavily on his heart. He doesn’t want to lose her, but he also has no idea what he is doing. He has been called a hypocrite for trying to keep her close to him, and when he gives her the space to explore her feelings for the Northman he is accused of not caring, of not being there for her. He just feels lost and unsure of himself.

Feeling heartsick, Uhtred returns to the Hall, intent on going to bed, otherwise he’ll just end up drowning his pain in a pitcher of ale. As he walks into the bedchamber, Uhtred is surprised to see Gisela there, pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. He feels another pang in his chest. She is everything to him and she is leaving him.

“So that’s it? You’re giving up on us?” Uhtred softly chokes out feeling the burning in his throat from the words. 

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

“No…” Gisela shakes her head, another tear falling from her eye.

“It makes you foolish.”

Standing from the edge of the furs, she crosses her arms, her frustration manifesting into several tears.

“I remain, until you have claimed your birthright as you request, an unmarried, unclaimed, pupped woman. You know that this is my greatest fear… to be vulnerable like this as a woman. You have to remember… don’t you?” She shakes her head.

“You do not wish to wed now… that’s all that matters,” She says incredulously, breathlessly.

“You think I cared t-to…” she shakes her head, tears falling.

“You make no fucking sense to me. You wish to wait to be wed in case I become a widow? When has it ever mattered?! You have been a warrior our entire lives together!! You would leave me unsupported regardless!!”

“Whether you fall or not makes no fucking difference in me wanting to be your wife!! I gave you children and you wish to wait to be re- married until you know whether or not you have succeeded or died? You wish to enter Valhalla a free man, yes?” She chokes out.

None of it makes sense to her. None.

If he died, he would be leaving her a widow regardless. She would be free to marry another regardless. Why did the actual act or title of it matter.

“You…” she says, before sobbing into her hand. The stress had been never ending. The heartbreak. Uhtred would never understand. It was hopeless.

“You actively prevent my happiness with Bjorn and you stand here before me telling me that you do not wish to marry me, until after you have succeeded in your plights…”

@askuhtredragnarson

Gisela enters their bedchamber later that evening, planning to secure some clothing from their wardrobe. She secured a room just a few doors down, and she is exhausted, knowing that she probably won’t return to the wounded Northman this evening. With her and Uhtred’s conflict, the Dane couldn’t possibly feel more lost or heartbroken. He was her everything.

She steps in quietly, her mind distracted and worn, not paying attention to much else but her mission to acquire a few belongings.

@theladygisela

After picking himself up from the floor in the Hall, Uhtred took a little walk around the grounds trying to clear his head. His earlier exchange with Gisela weighing heavily on his heart. He doesn’t want to lose her, but he also has no idea what he is doing. He has been called a hypocrite for trying to keep her close to him, and when he gives her the space to explore her feelings for the Northman he is accused of not caring, of not being there for her. He just feels lost and unsure of himself.

Feeling heartsick, Uhtred returns to the Hall, intent on going to bed, otherwise he’ll just end up drowning his pain in a pitcher of ale. As he walks into the bedchamber, Uhtred is surprised to see Gisela there, pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. He feels another pang in his chest. She is everything to him and she is leaving him.

“So that’s it? You’re giving up on us?” Uhtred softly chokes out feeling the burning in his throat from the words. 

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

“Oh! Um… sure,” the Dane smiles brightly, quickly sitting beside you and setting her basket down, still marveling at the sight of you and Tora. You had a glow about you that was evident during your pregnancy, and somehow it was even brighter now.

“Oh, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, truly…” Gisela says softly, giving you another smile as she looks into your eyes. “You were so strong, and I hold so much happiness for the two of you… I knew you would be a natural mother, and as Finan used to tell me, I am always right…” she chuckles.

“I’m so glad to see how good of a husband you have. For him to be at your side for the birth made me very proud…”

She looks away for a moment in solemn thought, almost startled when you take her hand.

“Y-yes, of course… that would be greatly appreciated, Revna…” she nods, smiling. “You are welcome in every aspect of my life you wish to be in…”

At your next question, the Dane stirs, biting her bottom lip. Should she be honest or simply provide pleasantries for your consideration?

“I am doing the best that I can,” she says, giving you another reassuring smile.

“… given all the circumstances.”

@revnashieldmaiden

A few weeks later….

After feeding and changing Tora, I put a beautiful little gown on her before I wrap her in a blanket. Each day that passes I feel stronger and the pain from birth lessens. Even the cramps I’ve been feeling when I feed Tora have been getting less and less and my body is slowly returning to normal. I know I still have weeks until other parts of me heal but I’m happy that the worst of it is over and soon I’ll be able to return to wearing trousers instead of a gown.

Gathering up Tora, I head out of the bed chambers and down the stairs to the main hall. I grab an apple from one of the tables before I head outside to get some fresh air. It’s a beautiful morning as I take a little walk around the grounds. Tora sleeps soundly in my arms as I place a little kiss on her cheek. I bite back a chuckle as she scrunches her nose at the tickle on her skin. Softly I hum a little melody from a song my mother once sang to me when I was little and it seems to settle Tora even more.

Finding a nice shady spot under a tree, I carefully lower myself to the ground, trying to not disturb the little one. I rest my back against the tree trunk while I watch other people walk past going about their day, and warriors training in sword craft. I think of my own sword laying untouched in our chambers, feeling that longing to pick it up and train with it again. If nothing else but to strengthen my body and sharpen my skills in case they are ever needed. The desire within me to protect my little one is strong and fierce. 

“Perhaps soon you can watch your mum dance with her sword…” I softly say to Tora even though she is sleeping. “… maybe I can even knock your father on his arse again.” I softly chuckle with a conspiring look on my face.

Criss-crossing my legs, I gently place Tora in the center, while I grab my apple to eat. My fingers softly caress her forehead and cheeks, my lips curling in a smile as she gives soft sucking sounds in her sleep.

@theladygisela @thedarkprinceofulaid @warriorabbesshild

[theladygisela]

As Uhtred kneels before her, Gisela’s gaze falls for a moment before returning up to his. His words meant so much to her, and yet she couldn’t understand why he was delaying. His sentiment for it was so true, and yet he never would have done this a decade earlier.

Why did he want to wait? Why did Bebbanburg take so much precedent?

“I love you deeply, and in my eyes and heart I never stopped being your wife,” she says softly, almost sadly.

“… But why you wait until you siege and claim your ancestral home to commit your vows to me once more escapes me. You made such haste to Beocca to wed us before, to secure my safety and your claim on me, and now you wait weeks, perhaps even months, until we are secure in Bebbanburg?” She says, a tear escaping her eye.

“I fear I still don’t understand you… your words, I feel them in my heart, but your actions do not match them.”

@askuhtredragnarson

Gisela enters their bedchamber later that evening, planning to secure some clothing from their wardrobe. She secured a room just a few doors down, and she is exhausted, knowing that she probably won’t return to the wounded Northman this evening. With her and Uhtred’s conflict, the Dane couldn’t possibly feel more lost or heartbroken. He was her everything.

She steps in quietly, her mind distracted and worn, not paying attention to much else but her mission to acquire a few belongings.

@theladygisela

After picking himself up from the floor in the Hall, Uhtred took a little walk around the grounds trying to clear his head. His earlier exchange with Gisela weighing heavily on his heart. He doesn’t want to lose her, but he also has no idea what he is doing. He has been called a hypocrite for trying to keep her close to him, and when he gives her the space to explore her feelings for the Northman he is accused of not caring, of not being there for her. He just feels lost and unsure of himself.

Feeling heartsick, Uhtred returns to the Hall, intent on going to bed, otherwise he’ll just end up drowning his pain in a pitcher of ale. As he walks into the bedchamber, Uhtred is surprised to see Gisela there, pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. He feels another pang in his chest. She is everything to him and she is leaving him.

“So that’s it? You’re giving up on us?” Uhtred softly chokes out feeling the burning in his throat from the words. 

@theladygisela

[theladygisela]

Gisela strides about carrying a basket at her hip, having settled into a pleasant routine within Dunholm as the last few weeks proved to provide more safety now that the men had been made aware of Wihtgar’s threat and secured surrounding areas with Finan’s force of guardsmen. She stayed faithfully at Uhtred’s side to assure him of her loving intentions while also taking time throughout the day to check on the Northman, who’s recovery had been steadily coming day by day with no signs of infections, thank the Gods. Everyone seemed to have been settling into a calmness as the summer solstice approached the lands.

“Hello, Revna…” Gisela says as she strides past, halting at your feet and kneeling down to you to admire Tora.

“Oh, you can see her features so much better now… that dark hair,” she grins. “I knew she’d be beautiful with the beauty of her parents.”

“How are you faring?” She asks, gazing back up into your eyes.

@revnashieldmaiden

A few weeks later….

After feeding and changing Tora, I put a beautiful little gown on her before I wrap her in a blanket. Each day that passes I feel stronger and the pain from birth lessens. Even the cramps I’ve been feeling when I feed Tora have been getting less and less and my body is slowly returning to normal. I know I still have weeks until other parts of me heal but I’m happy that the worst of it is over and soon I’ll be able to return to wearing trousers instead of a gown.

Gathering up Tora, I head out of the bed chambers and down the stairs to the main hall. I grab an apple from one of the tables before I head outside to get some fresh air. It’s a beautiful morning as I take a little walk around the grounds. Tora sleeps soundly in my arms as I place a little kiss on her cheek. I bite back a chuckle as she scrunches her nose at the tickle on her skin. Softly I hum a little melody from a song my mother once sang to me when I was little and it seems to settle Tora even more.

Finding a nice shady spot under a tree, I carefully lower myself to the ground, trying to not disturb the little one. I rest my back against the tree trunk while I watch other people walk past going about their day, and warriors training in sword craft. I think of my own sword laying untouched in our chambers, feeling that longing to pick it up and train with it again. If nothing else but to strengthen my body and sharpen my skills in case they are ever needed. The desire within me to protect my little one is strong and fierce. 

“Perhaps soon you can watch your mum dance with her sword…” I softly say to Tora even though she is sleeping. “… maybe I can even knock your father on his arse again.” I softly chuckle with a conspiring look on my face.

Criss-crossing my legs, I gently place Tora in the center, while I grab my apple to eat. My fingers softly caress her forehead and cheeks, my lips curling in a smile as she gives soft sucking sounds in her sleep.

@theladygisela @thedarkprinceofulaid @warriorabbesshild

[theladygisela]

“Thank you…” Gisela says softly in her accent.

“I accept your apology, Uhtred. I do… if it’s something that you cannot get past… I am prepared to forsake it for you. You are everything to me,” she says, taking his cheeks with her hands and giving him a soft kiss.

“… in return I would ask you to do the same. Either that, or naturally allow it to continue, without overthinking any side of it. What do you think?”

@askuhtredragnarson

Gisela enters their bedchamber later that evening, planning to secure some clothing from their wardrobe. She secured a room just a few doors down, and she is exhausted, knowing that she probably won’t return to the wounded Northman this evening. With her and Uhtred’s conflict, the Dane couldn’t possibly feel more lost or heartbroken. He was her everything.

She steps in quietly, her mind distracted and worn, not paying attention to much else but her mission to acquire a few belongings.

@theladygisela

After picking himself up from the floor in the Hall, Uhtred took a little walk around the grounds trying to clear his head. His earlier exchange with Gisela weighing heavily on his heart. He doesn’t want to lose her, but he also has no idea what he is doing. He has been called a hypocrite for trying to keep her close to him, and when he gives her the space to explore her feelings for the Northman he is accused of not caring, of not being there for her. He just feels lost and unsure of himself.

Feeling heartsick, Uhtred returns to the Hall, intent on going to bed, otherwise he’ll just end up drowning his pain in a pitcher of ale. As he walks into the bedchamber, Uhtred is surprised to see Gisela there, pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. He feels another pang in his chest. She is everything to him and she is leaving him.

“So that’s it? You’re giving up on us?” Uhtred softly chokes out feeling the burning in his throat from the words. 

@theladygisela