#Alfred The Great Moodboard

[sunfilledfish]

Intro, DNI, all you need to know!

Hello there, I’m Kody. This is my agere side blog! I used to have another one that was quite popular but after a nasty comment I deleted it. Can’t even remember the blog name ;P. So here’s my intro for this blog!

-I’m a minor

-Im not looking for a little or a cg, I’m not using this account to make new agere friends I’m just here to ramble, please don’t ask me to babysit, be a cg or anything like that!

-I am agere, agedre, and petdre

-My punctuation on this blog might sound weird, if it feels like I have a negative tone in a post I probably don’t mean it

-I can’t promise they’ll be great but I will do moodboard, headcannons, etc request for most fandoms (Besides aph, hazbin hotel and helluva boss(nothing against the last two they’re just not my thing)

DNI

Fujoshis and all things similar, shota/lolicon, pro/dark/comshippers, Alfred playhouse fans, explicit nsfw accounts, age players, pro-ana/thinspo, shedtwt, basic dni

If you don’t see a group you’re in on here but you’re still worried you might count, feel free to send an ask

[elvisabutler]

quiet on the set ( part one )

summary: once upon a time there was a female director who happened to be a bit of a nepotism baby despite her father's known distaste for them. once upon a time there was a singer turned singing actor who just wanted to be a serious actor. this is the story of how those two people meet, kind of hate each other, make two award winning films together and fall in love along the way somehow. fandom: elvis presley | elvis ( 2022 ) rating: t, this part at least pairing: elvis presley x original female character word count: 3159 warnings: negative self talk. the colonel. talk of nepo babies. anxiousness. mild period typical misogyny. a whole thing about how transatlantic accents are the worst. playing a bit loose and fast with history. a use of the nickname princess that will exist this entire fic. author’s note: i have had this brewing since december. i've been trying to just straight up finish it before posting but i am truly at this point the most impatient and want to share it with everyone. it's based on a post by @steph-speaks who mentioned a female director and elvis winning awards and then @headfullofpresley and @burninlovebutler got at it and then oops angst. not spoiling it but this doesn't go exactly like the post i promise. i also can't find the post but steph has known about this for a long time. beyond that, so, few things of note, alfred hitchcock's actual daughter had said that he didn't believe in nepotism but i am deciding that in the case of a daughter who wanted to follow in his footsteps, well he could make an exception. in addition, transatlantic pictures shut down after three films but for the sake of this story, i do what i want and no it didn't. beyond that, picture elvis or austin elvis, works well either way i like to think. and special thanks to christi, bee, birdie and marina. i'd tag all of y'all but you're in the taglist so it seems silly. but those four have kept this chugging along more than i'm willing to admit. also credit to marina for the moodboard.

"That's the director?" Elvis asks a bit incredulously, narrowing his eyes at his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. "The one whose daddy gets her all the movies n' scripts she'd like and they turn out kind of good? That's who they've got directing this picture?"

Wasn't that just great, he's got one last shot to make a good- an honest to God good film and he's stuck being a part of the little Princess's latest vanity film. Well, he's hopefully stuck doing it, because while the Colonel assures him that he's going to be in it, that they'll have the contract whipped up in a jiffy but- she's insisting on an audition. Imagine that, him having to audition for a film, it's mildly embarrassing is what it is. He knows- god he knows his career isn't hot, knows that even with the special he's whipping up with Binder and Bones that his career's in the toilet like Binder said. But to have him have to audition for a picture that was a remake of Brando picture? It's an insult and an embarrassment to both him and her even if he figures this is the one time he can fully guarantee he won't have to croon some set of songs that the Colonel insisted get shoehorned in.

"My boy, they asked for you specifically, something about how they wanted a true Southern man in the role this time." The Colonel tries to explain before Elvis runs his tongue over the front of his teeth in frustration.

"Ain't from New Orleans, Colonel. Hell ain't even from Louisiana. Won't sound like Stanley's supposed ta-"

"Nonsense, you don't need to be exact. Just good enough. I've got you another picture! And they're paying you more than than the others." Elvis wishes that hearing that they're willing to pay him more didn't make his ears perk up but it does. It reminds him of how his daddy was mentioning they could use a bit more cash unless he wanted to get rid of some things or some workers.

"'nough to keep everyone happy?" Elvis asks gently, worried the answer is one he's not going to want to hear. He just needs to know his- needs to know his daddy isn't going to remind him of the cash flow problems.

"And more, my boy. It'll put you back on track, hm? I'll have to talk them into some songs but her producers and Miss Hitchcock herself know my demands." A beat. "Our demands."

Elvis can feel the migraine already starting to form behind- or maybe it's around- his eyes and finds himself leaning back against the chair looking up at the sky. It's almost as if he wants to ask his mama if it's the right thing to do. This- He remembers Streetcar, remembers his Mama thinking that Brando was good- great in it but telling him it was a shame a real Southern boy didn't get the part. Now that he's been in the movie business he understands why, understands that making a man from Nebraska talk like it is easier than letting a Southern man do it but find himself without a job because he can't shake how he sounds in a way that makes people- all those who like that accent they call Transatlantic- uncomfortable. Like sounding faintly hoity toity didn't make most people feel dumb as a bag of rocks and feel like Hollywood might be making fun of them. He might have lost his accent a little- consequence of being in California, he figures, he still knows he sounds a hell of a lot closer to Stanley than Brando did.

"Ya- Ya know I don't gotta record anythin' for this. This- this ain't a film that you can put 'em in. People- People won't be expecting that with me playin' him." He manages to avoid the natural infection he wants to add to the end of that sentence. Manages to avoid turning it into a question because he's not entirely sure. His pictures aren't doing as well and he's bored out of his goddamn mind with them, but is it because of the songs or is it because of him?

"That's what will make it different." The Colonel says with a smile that makes Elvis bite the inside of his mouth just a little in frustration. He wants to fight, to argue right now but it's not worth it to even try so he nods slowly earning an even larger smile. "I'll iron out the details. You just- knock her socks off, hm?"

A sigh leaves Elvis's mouth as he nods. He can feel the dreams he had for this film starting to crumble in his mind. The vision's already there, instead of screaming- shouting- bellowing Stella's name, he'll be singing it. Singing about how he needs her and how he's a fool. The same old song and goddamn dance for him to do so people can maybe buy tickets. Maybe see him in something they'll think is a departure from everything but is just more of the same bullshit masquerading as fun entertainment. Mr. Williams- Tennessee's gonna be mortified he let the Princess touch his film and cast him, gonna be mortified a fellow Southern man did his work so dirty. He can faintly hear The Colonel talking but the words honestly don't matter to him any more, washing over him like as if they're nonsense or a different language. Elvis stops nodding and giving appropriate hums after a while and finally was left in blissful silence to contemplate what exactly he had agreed to.

The day of the audition it's raining which Elvis thinks he should have taken as a sign from God that something was going to happen. What that particular thing would be he couldn't know but rain like this when the day before it had been sunny and bright? Hell, when earlier in the day it had been. The umbrella he had kept most of the water from drenching him but it was a near miss as he entered the building. Now, he knows very well where he's supposed to be, he had been told the room, had it written down on a piece of paper, everything, but here he was with a brain feeling half waterlogged and a piece of paper with smudged ink he couldn't read any more.

Well, he could read part of it. Something with the number eight in it assuming that wasn't just the ink smudging to make a zero turn into the eight. It shouldn't be that much of a problem, he doesn't know Warner Bros lots and buildings as well as he should but it's not like there should be that much of a difference between places- between studios. It should be easy enough to find, just look for all the places that had an eight attached to them and he's got to find her in one of them. He just hoped she wasn't a stickler for being on time given the circumstances. Hell, it's not as if this sort of thing was something he prepared for and planned to get caught having a problem with. Then again, maybe he'd get lucky, have a nice third time's the charm moment with rooms he tries.

Eighth time was the charm is what it was beginning to look like. How one place could have so many things that had things involving the number eight he has no idea. He looks at his watch and frowns, he's now almost thirty minutes late and what does he have to show for it? He still hasn't found her or anyone who's been able to even direct him to her. There's a part of him that's about to throw in the towel in sheer aggravation when he opens the door to reveal a woman just a few years younger than him looking so composed and polite he'd have thought he was looking at Princess Grace Kelly herself. Her brunette hair was pulled into a tight bun that somehow didn't make her look too harsh and instead seemed more practical than anything else. His eyes scanned her form starting with heels that he imagined gave her height but also served to lengthen her legs, not that he thinks she needed it, not that much at least. The longer he stares the more he swears she seems familiar but perhaps that feeling is just from the fact that she's another human being who looks like she just might be able to tell him what he needs to know. That she looks- reasonably attractive and has his eyes settling on her ample hips for just a hair longer than he should doesn't mean anything. Elvis manages to take a deep breathe before strolling in like he owns the place and stopping right in front of the woman in the room, completely ignoring the camera that is in the room.

"Thank God, someone who might be able to help- 'm supposed to be goin' to an audition. I know, having me audition for somethin', right? But I'm supposed to be auditionin' for Ms. Hitchcock and I can't find the room she wanted me t'have me do it in. And now I'm runnin' just a bit late and I figure she's gonna have a fit 'bout it." Elvis realizes he's mildly rambling and finds himself pretty thankful that by the grace of God he isn't stuttering from the nerves he feels in relation to this audition. The more he looked into it the more he realized she's a tough sell and is known for- bringing things out of her performers that make him excited- even if he's still so apprehensive- to maybe work with her. His eyes fllt to the camera, finally deciding to take his eyes off of her and her disapproving gaze. "Why are you in here with a camera by yourself?"

Her lips curl into a wry smile before she purses her lips and just lets out a slow exhale. "Imagine Mr. Presley having to audition for Ms. Hitchcock. I know who you are, Mr. Presley. But I take it you have no idea who I am. After all, I don't appear to be having- oh how did you put it- a fit about you being late. I did see the weather outside. Nasty bit for California if I'm being honest." She pauses and looks at him like she's peering into his soul before standing up and walking to him, holding out her hand when she finally reaches him. "Catherine Hitchcock, the reason you're having to audition."

Elvis is entirely aware that if he had a mirror in front of him he would get to witness his life flashing before his eyes and see the color drain from his face. He had just- She had just let him go on and embarrass himself. Formality or not, this was not how he needed to have things start out with him and her, especially since he's been practicing over and over and he wants this to work, wants to earn his place in this film. The Colonel may think it's a done deal but he doesn't think so and the more he looks at Catherine the more he thinks he's right. This would be the perfect excuse to keep him away from this film. He's not punctual, he's insulting, he's-

"Why, so you can tell me I'm too Southern for a picture that takes place in New Orleans?" The words slip out before he has a chance to stop them, his brain deciding he needs to defend himself from what slight it feels she committed against him. "Been told it's a formality, Ms. Hitchcock. They tell me wrong?"

Catherine tilts her head just so in a way that's infuriating to Elvis. She's studying him like he's beneath her, like he's some bug she's found in the dirt and is inspecting to see if she wants to keep. "I don't need a singing actor. They told you wrong, this is a serious audition and one I'm beginning to doubt you-"

"Prepared for?" He finishes her sentence with a huff of a laugh, shaking his head as he backs up a little. "Nice to know you're every bit the princess I figured ya were. Can't handle other people gettin' in on-"

"Mr. Presley." She warns as she moves back to her table and shuffles some papers before sitting back down. "I don't- you are thirty minutes late, we don't have time to- I need you to focus. We're busy people, are we not?"

His eyes slide down her form once more, noting how her relatively ample chest is heaving just slightly in frustration as she looks at him and he wrenches his eyes from the view as he nods. "Considerin' I gotta head to talk t'some more people, I'd say yeah. From the top, then?"

Catherine nods, moving to fiddle with the camera in order to attempt to tape this audition. "Yes, Mr. Presley, from the top."

What transpires next is the longest three hours of Elvis's life. He's heard about English women, sophisticated women being hard to crack, heard about them being hard to get a read on but if there's one thing he knows, it's how to read someone- how to read women specifically. Even though he had been such a nervous boy and young man, he knew how to charm them nowadays. Knows the ins and outs of their faces and how he knows that he's pleased 'em. But Catherine is blank, she's blank and silent. All the other directors had mentioned things he might need to change when between takes or between different lines. Yet here she was leaving him to drown in uncertainty. Leaving him to drown without offering a life preserver to tell him he's doing good, to tell him she likes how he's approaching things. He's pretty sure he'd take her telling him he's atrocious versus this silence. Is this how people feel working with her father? Is this why- no Elvis can't dwell on it, can't dwell on the possibility that Little Miss Princess Hitchcock is going to be cruel enough to tease him with a part only to deny him it. Elvis starts to open his mouth to begin again before Catherine holds up her hand and shakes her head.

"I've seen enough, Mr. Presley. Heard enough of your voice for today, I'm afraid." Her tone sounds bored, he thinks, but maybe that's just how she sounds in general, maybe that's not a true sign of her dislike or enjoyment of his performance. He wishes he was able to read off of whoever's playing Blanche, oh he knows he could have shined better. Shown off how good he is playing off of other humans and not a wall of silence other than required lines. He runs his tongue across the front of teeth before his lips twist into a frown of sorts.

"That it then? Ya done wit' me?" Elvis asks and there's a small part of him that knows he means it a multitude of ways and not just if she's done with him today. Catherine's response startles him when she nods with a certainty that has his stomach dropping to the floor.

"I'll be in touch if you got it, Mr. Presley. After all, I never did say it was a guarantee. To you or to Colonel Parker. If he told you any different, that is entirely his fault." Her body easily moves to stand up and starts to grab the roll of film. "Your voice suits him well enough, though, I suppose. If you can shake any lingering California traces."

"I don't have any-" Elvis starts before he hears the tap-tap-tap of her heels against the floor and feels her finger on his lips.

"You do. Now, if you excuse me, do go and handle your business that I've kept you from, I'd hate to be known as someone who caused you problems like that." She pauses, and turns around, leaving Elvis to stare at her backside and the way her high waisted pants are somehow perfectly tailored to her body and- he was not going to dwell on that.

Words and defenses that are on his lips died as soon as he felt her finger against his lip so he nods and gives her the largest and most sincere smile he can manage. "'Course. Have a good day, Ms. Hitchcock. Lookin' forward t'workin' wit' ya. If ya go with me."

There, that's what he needed to do, to plant a seed so she'd know he was serious about this job, that he was serious about wanting this for so long and no one wants to give him a chance to prove himself. This time he could do it though, this time he wanted to do it and this time he wants to hear some form of praise coming from her mouth. He leaves the room as he hears her sigh and hears a small creaking noise from the chair.

Waiting for Catherine to call him involves days that feel like blurs and yet feel like they never end at the same time. Nothing to the Colonel, nothing to him, not even her calling to tell him that he was the worst actor she had ever come in contact with. Two whole weeks of being on edge waiting for some knowledge only to be let down every single day. It's the 8th of the month now and he hears the phone ring and Elvis swears he's never moved so fast as he has from the front door of his house to the nearest phone. Catherine's voice rings out through the phone and Elvis finds that he's holding his breath.

"Stanley Kowalski?" She asks and Elvis feels the breath he was holding rushes out of his mouth in a flash. "I'm teasing, Mr. Presley. But, I'm formerly telling you that you've- With you I do believe I found my Stanley. If you're willing to-"

"Ms. Hitchcock I'm willin' t'do anythin' to do him justice. Know I'm not Brando- but- you won't regret this and I'll- I'll rein in the Colonel, won't have him addin' songs." Elvis cuts her off and he hears what he swears is a small smile in her voice before she shushes him.

"I'll believe it when I see it, Mr. Presley. Don't be late for the first day of shooting, hm. Come rain or shine." Catherine's voice almost sounds like she's teasing but Elvis can't tell. It's probably what influences his response more than anything else.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Princess." He responds before hanging up the phone.

It's only afterward when he's laying in bed that he realizes that quick hang up might have been a mistake. Even if she is a little princess, he probably shouldn't have called her that like he did.

"Shit."

taglist: @blurredcolour, @ab4eva, @precious-little-scoundrel, @butlersxbirdy, @thatbanditqueen, @eliseinmemphis, @powerofelvis, @prompted-wordsmith, @mooodyblue, whoever wants to be tagged for this fic, just leave a comment, alright?

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

For the aesthetics meme game, can I see Dottie? I love her, she's a great character

Hi Nonnie! thank you for your ask!

Sure thing, let me share with you about Dottie! <3

✨DOROTHEA MARIANNE STARRICK🌙

MOODBOARD:

PLAYLIST:

"Shadow of the Moon" - Blackmore's Night

"Beauty of the Beast" - Nightwish

"Carol of the Bells" - Hayley Westenra

"The Heart Asks for Pleasure First" - Nightwish

STEAL HER LOOK:

QUOTES:

“The red rose cries, "She is near, she is near;" And the white rose weeps, "She is late;" The larkspur listens, "I hear, I hear;" And the lily whispers, "I wait.” - Alfred, Lord Tennyson

“There are human beings in this world who are soft enough to feel every terrible thing that happens so deeply. And are still brave enough to remain constant and suffer for those who need them the most. Even the stars blink in awe of the gleam of their souls.” - Nikita Gill

"Now the bright morning-star, Day's harbinger, Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her The flowery May, who from her green lap throws The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose." - John Milton

“He was part of my dream, of course -- but then I was part of his dream, too.” - Lewis Carroll

HER AESTHETIC:

Candles blinking on a wintery night in the comforting darkness of the night; a music box playing a long lost lullaby of yore; soft snow falling outside in the quiet of the countryside; the sound of a violin playing a romantic tune; a piano accompanying the violin in a duet; skating on a frozen lake; a robin redbreast landing on the windowsill, its chirp filling the room; a violin laying in its proper case; music sheets with a freshly inked melody; a library filled with old books; dancing alone in one's room at the sound of a ghostly melody; nights spent reading ghost tales and dark stories of the North; a dark hall filled with mirrors and candles; the feeling of smooth silk against one's skin; a garden of lilies and roses; a stash of love letters, meticulously tied with a burgundy silk ribbon;

[buttercupagere]

EEP indigo requests again! Feel free to not do this if it's too difficult, but I have to request an Alfred Pennyworth cg moodboard if you can! Have a great day <3

HIII!! sorry for the wait!! i posted it :3 i've never seen batman so i tried my best!! you have a great day too <3

[hecohansen31]

Hello love! I’d love to request prompt 19 “Please don’t say you love me.” with Alfred from The Last Kingdom, please! 😊 I hope you have fun writing and thank you so much! 💕

WARNINGS: Mention of Inefedelity, Light Depression, Modern AU (but the biggest warnings should be Alfred being the true hoe of the show).

Finishing college was something that you had thought would be truly revelatory for you.

But now with a degree and thousand dollars of debt, you were left to go back to your hometown with nothing to do and no willingness to do anything else than lounge around on the deckchair in the back of your parents’ house.

Where you had first caught glimpse of him-

Your neighbor, Alfred.

He had been trying to get his older child, a pretty blonde girl, inside, meanwhile she insisted on wanting to continue her own camping party in the garden although she had been called to go inside to enjoy lunch with the family.

You had hidden yourself behind your glasses, but you had looked at the slender man, as he skillfully contracted with the girl for a few more minutes, finally getting her to agree to come inside, after her time had run up.

Then his eyes had moved onto the surrounding garden and the fence separating you from his house.

They had lingered on your half-naked body, since you were wearing a biking top and a pair bootie shorts.

His gaze had warmed up your body in a way that made you shiver also in the hot air of the suburban summer.

But then you had simply thought that he was the usual neighborhood pervert.

You had met him the following day at mass, your parents bringing you in hope it’d give you the willingness you had lost after college after you had finished and you had found with nothing else to do and no future in sight.

You had thought it was good to satisfy them, mostly because you didn’t want to make them question any further your behavior, knowing perfectly that they wouldn’t have properly understood what was going through you.

You had endured mass, but as you had been ready to leave, your mother had insisted on letting you meet one of the most influent people in town, and one ‘good Christian man’.

And it had been the fucking neighborhood pervert.

This time unable to spy on your conservative clothes, although his behavior was completely different, something majestically powerful in his gaze, although he looked quite smaller than the guy you were interested in.

But his presence definitely made up for it.

‘Alfred has transferred here a few months ago and he is already a blessing for this community’ commented your father cheerfully, meanwhile Alfred looked at extreme unease, although he tried to keep his gaze tight and set on your family ‘… he took after his brother, Aethelred’.

‘God might bless his soul’ commented tightly your mother as she did the cross sign, and you repeated it to have something to do with your fidgety hands.

Alfred’s gaze was definitely getting to you, although he didn’t seem to consider you in the slightest, till your mother started listing your qualities.

“… it’s good not to be the only new one in town’ tried to comment Alfred, offering you a hand that you accepted only for your father’s harsh glare in your way.

‘I am not a newbie, I was born here’ you shot back, seeing a surprised light appear in his face, although you hadn’t expected the smartass smirk he shot your way, smirking tightly at you, as you felt again that pleasurable shiver go down your spine.

Immediately caught by the mention of Alfred’s wife being brought up in the conversation.

“She hasn’t come in the city, yet, has she?” asked tightly your mother, as if it personally offended her, that the woman hadn’t deigned them worthy of meeting her.

“She hasn’t sadly” Alfred commented, although he didn’t look in the slightest like a sad husband “… the countryside is more her thing and she is trying to get everything ready for her to move in here”.

“We hope to see her soon” cut in your father, making you let out a relieved breath, but your mother tagged back, as she pushed you even more forward “… in the meanwhile if you ever need an help with the children, you might ask my daughter, (Y/N), you know she isn’t doing much these days…”.

“I’ll think about it” his reply was accompanied with a curt nod.

Which you thought was the gentle way of saying ‘mind your own business’.

But you still found yourself pushed inside of his house, after he had been called last minute for one thing at work, and he had been constantly moving around as he tried to tidy up the house, although it wasn’t in the slightest messy, and he kept apologizing to you for the short notice.

‘Don’t worry, Mr. York’ you had simply mumbled ‘… as my mother always has to point out, I don’t have much to do’.

You hadn’t even thought he’d hear you, but he seemed to as he raised his eyes to face you, with an almost incredulous look on his face, before he ducked it lightly.

‘… sorry’.

‘Don’t worry, I am used to it’ you had mumbled back, before moving to present yourself to the children, playing a bit with Aethelflaed and her dolls, as you kept an eye on the sleeping baby Edward, meanwhile Alfred got himself ready.

Eventually Alfred reappeared to give some more instructions, but your eyes immediately linked themselves to the elegant suit he was wearing, highlighting his slim body in a way that made you definitely feel things that you shouldn’t have thought in a child’s room.

So, you tried your best to avoid any dirty thought, meanwhile he told you where you could find some food and what was his number, before saluting his children with such a sweetness that you didn’t think he owned in that thigh-wound body.

The night was uneventful: Alfred’s children were well-behaved, the type that fell asleep naturally at 9 p.m. without any need for threats or praises, although Aethelflaed tried to make you indulge in a few more stories, before she was ready to finally sleep a bit, something that almost made you like the thought of more babysitting.

And Alfred’s eyes did the rest.

Soon you were a constant appearance in the house, not only when Alfred needed you, because he’d have some work things to attent, but also when he was in the house, as an help to him, meanwhile his wife was away, since life with two children could be quite difficult.

Even more when one of the two had severe health issues.

One night, Alfred was unable to sleep because of Edward’s condition, since he hadn’t slept comfortably and his breathing was unstable, although the doctor had said it wasn’t anything to worry about.

But Alfred insisted on checking him constantly.

An on your part, you were supposed to actually leave to go back home, but you didn’t feel like it.

Although you hadn’t had many shared moments, since Alfred was a man of few words, you felt like there was a strange understanding between you two.

Not to talk about a blooming attraction.

And his eyes spoke of needing you right now.

You could see in the way his eyes would follow you around the eyes, although they’d always be off of you before you could catch him, in a cat and mouse game that got you quite hot and heavy.

You knew it was wrong.

He was older.

He was married.

And he had children.

You were his babysitter, for God’s sake!

But at the same time, it just felt like the most fun you had had in years.

You were meant to leave that night, but Alfred had muttered, when he had sensed your indecision.

‘Do you have time for a drink?’.

‘I didn’t think that you had anything remotely alcoholic in this house’ you shot back, unable to stop your big mouth in pushing out a light smirk, as Alfred moved to reprimand you, softly, a light teasing in his eyes.

‘Should I be worried that my babysitter goes around the house, sticking her nose in my business’ he inquired as he got a huge bottle of red wine from a compartment in the kitchen you hadn’t noticed.

‘I don’t’ you lied, because you had actually put your nose in his room, just to understand what kind of heavenly perfume he wore, and yet your hands had found its way in his shirts wardrobe, caressing the softness of the material ‘… but I don’t think that I find anything that is even remotely scandalous in this house’.

‘You are the most scandalous thing’ and that had made you choke on the glass of wine you had been trying to gulp down in the most seductive way you knew ‘… you seriously thought that I wouldn’t have noticed it’.

‘What’ you had tried to assume a straighter pose ‘… what do you mean’.

He had smiled under the glass of wine, an enigmatic minute that had left you breathless.

‘You seriously thought I wouldn’t notice the way you look at me and rub your pretty thighs together”.

“You are a fucking pervert” you had replied tightly, trying to move away, but he gently grabbed your hand, enough to make you stop in your track.

“I might be one but believe me…” and he suddenly had been right in front of you “… you won’t stop this ‘fucking pervert’ from kissing you”.

And you hadn’t,

You hadn’t stopped him, neither, when he had undressed you, as he lowered between your legs, giving you what many fellow agemates had never given to you.

Pure ecstasy.

And from there it went downward.

You stayed over at Alfred’s, under the lie that Alfred had asked you to help him care for his children.

Your parents were unassuming of what was truly going on, they were just happy that you were finally able to smile again so brightly and had a purpose.

Nobody thought that after the children were asleep, you’d share a bed with Alfred.

And much more.

You were starting to develop feelings for Alfred.

He listened to you, without assuming that you were a simply lazy girl.

He understood your fears for your future, and he pushed you to give your best, suggesting a few solutions, even suggesting on him saying ‘a little prayer for you’.

‘… oh Gosh, aren’t you cheesy?’ you always teased him, just to see him blush, as you sneaked a soft kiss on his neck.

You shared the fact that you had always lived a life that you hadn’t wanted to live.

And it brought you closer.

Enough that to you, you were together, almost as a couple.

And the day Aelswith came back…

… it was a shock.

You waltzed inside, having a copy of the key, ready to play a bit with Aethelflaed, but there was a ‘stranger’ in the kitchen.

The woman who stood next to Alfred in the photo on his bedside table.

His wife.

Although she tried her best to appear as if she wasn’t surprised by your presence, she still shot you a harsh glare as you were simply able to mutter ‘I am the babysitter’.

‘Oh yeah’ she mumbled tightly, almost as if the words left a bad taste in her mouth ‘… we won’t need you anymore, sweetheart’.

‘But… but… Alfred’ you tried to blabber, and she simply came closer to you, grabbing the keys in your hands and turning you towards the door.

‘… don’t think that you are anything special or the first one’ she spoke in your ear, before pushing you outside.

It had then taken an entire week for you to bring yourself to meet with Alfred, and by then Aelswith’s words had just hit you too deep.

And you had reasoned with your crazy infatuation with Alfred.

He tried to attack you with the big words, he looked positively sad and when he was about to drop the ‘l-bomb’, you shut him up.

“Please don’t say you love me” it burned on your tongue as everything in you ached to instead let him go on “… it wasn’t my fairytale to start with”.

---

Everything Taglist:

@maggiescarborough

---

Like What You Just Read? Want To Support Me? Buy Me A Ko-FI!

[serasvictoria]

Alfred as Orpheus, a legendary musician, poet and prophet.

All images from Pinterest

Quotes from Metamorphoses by Ovid

Tagging @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @ritual-unions-gotme @vikingstrash @pomegranates-and-blood @quantumlocked310

[goryhorroor]

halloween → psycho 1960 (dir: alfred hitchcock)

we’re always quickest to doubt people who have a reputation for being honest. 

[fangirlings-things]

Sooooooo I had been wanting to give moodboards a try for a really long while now and I figured I would do it while making a little gift for my friend

@maggiescarborough I hope this will cheer you up, love!! You're absolutely amazing and an incredible person, ily 💖

images were all found on pinterest

If you guys think I should do more of these (even accept regular requests for these, let me know)

Alfred approached you from behind silently, his steps were calculated like everything he did and he moved graciously, like a shadow in the dark. One of his hands fell upon yours, that held your favorite book tight against your chest.

"What are you thinking about, my love?" he asked, voice deep, so close to your ear it gave you chills.

A smile instantly curled your lips up as you turned around to face him. He saw your smile and sighted with happiness as you replied. "Now that you are here? Nothing. Everything else... it all escapes my mind when I'm with you"

[ceridwenofwales]

“I had learned to hide my soul, or perhaps I was confused. Northumbrian or Dane? Which was I? What did I want to be?”

Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom

“The gods are not kind to us, any more than children are kind to their toys. We are here to amuse the gods, and at times it amuses them to be unkind.”

― Bernard Cornwell, War of the Wolf

[doctorwhoandfairytaillover]

Replacement (Prologue)

Summary: Alfred and Aethelred always knew that either one of them would marry the older daughter of Duke (L/N), the older sister of their childhood friend. Both had always carried some feelings for their friend, only thing is, neither knew just how deep these feelings were until many years later. Things unfold the night that the announcement is meant to be made, and one question still needs answering, will they ever be able to confess their feelings to the girl they hold dear?

Pairings: Alfred x Reader (romantic), Aethelred x Reader (Romantic)

A/N: Make sure read to read the Replacement on AO3 as all parts have been posted there! The amazing @flowers-in-your-hayr​ made the moodboard, banners, and dividers which were absolutely stunning. 😊 While the fantastic @not-another-viking-fanfic-blog​ made a lovely playlist that y’all can listen to. 

Aethelred and Alfred had been as close as brothers could be when they were much younger. But even as children, both brothers did not have much in common with one another, usually having very different interests. Aethelred adored spending his time playing outside, learning archery and swordsmanship, and following in his father’s footsteps to be a strong warrior. Alfred on the other hand had gentler pursuits; preferring to reside in his quarters reading texts, having discussions with his grandfather, and writing his own thoughts in ink.

Despite these clear differences between the two brothers, the one thing that they seemed to have in common was they enjoyed spending time with their childhood friend. (Y/N)’s father was a valued Duke that provided a great number of resources to the kingdom, and not only that, but he aided in several matters with the Witan.

As long as the trio could remember, whenever she arrived with her parents and older sister, they would give formal greetings before running off to enjoy themselves. The age gaps between them didn’t matter as they always managed to find a happy medium for them to agree with for everyone to be satisfied.

As the years went by, (Y/N) was unaware that the two brothers had slowly begun to feel something toward her. It was gradual and occurred in the little things that they shared with one another.  Whispering and giggling during prayers (although this usually ended with them getting in trouble), hiding and running off to play at feasts, and making witty comments to have the others laugh.

It wasn’t until Aethelred was 15, (Y/N) was 13, and Alfred was 10 years of age did their lives change in a manner that none of them had expected. The happy carefree years of their childhood were coming to an end.  

That evening in particular, the three were doing their best to have their evening meal without any scoldings for misbehavior or any impropriety from their part. It was the first of future meals in which a solemn air fell across the hall.

The young princes’ sat across from (Y/N) and her sister Josephine, while the older of the two seemed to attempt to catch their gaze while twirling her hair and fluttering her eyelashes. Alfred kept his gaze on his meal nervously and Aethelred was concentrating on kicking (Y/N)’s leg underneath the table. Their mother, Judith coughed loudly and stared pointedly at her husband Aethelwulf to speak up.

“Children,” all eyes looked toward him. “There are some pressing matters that need to be addressed with all of you.”

The trio shared looks of confusion with one another, while Josephine beamed in excitement.

“My sons, when both of you are of age, one of you will marry Josephine. We shall prepare you both but only the week of, will we announce who it shall be.”

The news left the trio absolutely stunned, naively all of them thought that despite their position they would be given the chance to marry whomever they chose. The brothers understood the reasoning behind it, Josephine was the eldest daughter of an important Lord of the kingdom, it would ensure a continued flow of coin from their in - laws but it didn’t mean that they liked the situation.

Carefully Alfred asked, “Then what of (Y/N)? Who will she wed or will there be a wait for her betrothal since Josephine will be married first?”

Their parents chuckled in amusement, assuming that Alfred’s question was done out of protectiveness over his friend and not out of the growing fondness that he held for her.

(Y/N)’s mother chirped joyfully, “We have recently received word from the sisters at Beckery chapel and they have agreed to take (Y/N) under their wing for postulancy!”

The betrothal of Josephine was astounding enough news, but this was beyond their comprehension. They had all been together for so many years and the thought of (Y/N) living her years away from them in a nunnery was unbelievable.

Sadly for all of them, their fate, their destiny, was not theirs to decide.

[procrastinatingsoicanreadfanfics]

Vikings + modern!uni students

Summary: Vikings as modern!uni students

Notes: I love this so much, so it’s a bit long, with a bunch of characters. Always included the major/subject I think they’d pick too.

Taglist: @batmandallyboy @bragisrunes @demon-of-the-ancient-world @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @punkrocknpearls @alice-dopey (hmu to be added!)

Masterlist | based on this request | requests are OPEN!

Ragnar

I think Ragnar would be the worst kind of dormmate

He never gives you a heads up when someone is over, he smokes weed in the room and he’s very chaotic

But he’s also smart

Only fails the classes he hates

Wide range of interest, switches majors all the time

Major: Business + International Relations (ends up giving into parent’s pressure, but it works out)

Lagertha

She’s the perfect dormmate

Cooks enough for both of you, very clean, very considerate

I’m not sure what she would enjoy studying, or if she’d even study

I think Lagertha would be a firefighter or so

Major (if she did study): Geology or Norse paganism/history

Aslaug

I think she’d be in a sorority for like two weeks before she moves out

Aslaug is super extravagant

I know for a fact what she would study

And she excels at everything she does

Except cooking

Good dormmate

Major: fashion (obvi?!)

Bjorn

He’s a frat bro, throughout the entirety of uni

Ragnar wants him to study finance, and Bjorn makes that his persona for a while

Is absolutely miserable and fails all his classes

I just don’t think it’s for him

He’d end up opening a construction company or just starting to work for Lothbrok Inc. in a more practical job

Alternatively I think he could be a pro athlete

Ubbe

Works towards a scholarship and gets it

Does all the work too: volunteers, he’s on a sports team (American football, soccer, maybe track or some martial art), excellent grades

I think he’d enjoy uni very much, and like being more independent

Definitely meets his future wife in uni

Major: Business

Hvitserk

I have two careerpaths for Hvitserk

Either he goes to culinary school

Or, and this comes from one of @bragisrune ‘s fics

He wants to do nursing

I think he’d be a fun roommate, but a total slob

Parties hard

Major: medicine/nursing

Sigurd

Goes from theater kid straight to broadway

Or well, tries

Definitely an arts major

Roommate that just. Disappears for weeks at a time

Major: Music/performing arts/theater

Ivar

Snob roomie

Absolutely horrible, until you like, defend him from someone while depressingly drunk

You have to be liked by Hvitserk in order for him to like you

Idk what he’d study, I feel like he has a big range of interests

Major: history or maybe one of the sciences. Also learns a language in uni

Athelstan

He kind of has an Amish experience going to college

Grew up very sheltered in a tiny monastery in Great Britain, goes out into the world

And boom, everything hits at once

Very quiet and pleasant roommate

Major: Theology or history

Floki

The chaotic guy that’s always late to class

Aces tests without studying

Okay roommate, it’s honestly 50/50 every night

Knows every plug around uni

Has these giant barbecues for everyone to attend and talk

Major: theme park engineering (it’s a real thing)

Helga

Also an amazing roommate

She totally brings you treats and bakes you something for your birthday

Helga is another one of those characters where I know for a fact what she would study

If she didn’t want to work in a kindergarten

Major: education (best elementary/middle/high school teacher ever)

Alfred

Another theater kid

However, I think he doesn’t want to be in the center of attention, but more ‘behind the scenes’

Most definitely, 1000% on tumblr, chronically online

He writes fanfiction.

Would make moodboards for @bragisrunes

Major: film/photography/art history

Elsewith

She’s a girly in STEM

On her way to get a PhD, valedictorian, just everything

I think she’d be a good roomie, but she studies a lot and expects a quiet environment for it

Has her standards for everything, very clean

Major: either biology or engineering

[mrsalwayswrite]

Vikings Masterlist

All my reader stories are based on female reader unless otherwise specified.

Any stories labeled with *** contain smut and are 18+ only!

Ivar

-To Call Forth Love series***  in-progress

Kari just wanted to leave. Her friends had dragged her to the club and said she could not leave until she made-out with someone....something she really did NOT want to do. So when she finally finds someone, he turns out to not be who she expected.

Nor would she ever guess how he completely changes her life.

-Bloody Vengeance

Reader wants vengeance and knows what Heathen Prince can help her.

-Fight For You

Ivar finds a woman who he believes is destined for him....the only problem is you are married to an idiot jarl.

-A Ship’s Arrival

Ivar waits on Kattegat’s docks for someone who annoys him, someone who bests him, someone who intrigues him. He stares across the water in hopes of seeing a ship’s arrival. Waiting for the one thing that brings him joy lately. 

He waits for you. 

-Magic and Firelight ***

Based on a tumblr moodboard/prompt with Ivar + MagicAU + Licking

-The Predator

Ivar has always admired you from afar, a true shieldmaiden that would even make the Valkyries jealous of your skills. But when the chance comes for him to speak to you, to finally push past his fears and insecurities….death stalks in the shadows waiting for its moment to attack.

-Fjaka

You dwell on the thought of how sometimes doing nothing with Ivar makes you the happiest. 

Hvitserk

-Lost In You

You have had a crush on Hvitserk since you were children but you know nothing will come of it. So when a dark-haired stranger with a charming smile and bedroom eyes introduces himself to you, will you be able to move past your crush?

Will Hvitserk let you?

-Mine

Hvitserk is on his way to the Great Hall when he sees someone that catches his eye - you. 

-To Be My Night And My Day -- Part 1*** / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 in progress

Hvitserk has been your best friend since childhood, the one you can always rely on. So when you start doubting your current relationship with Sihtric, Hvitserk kindly offers to help you out….but the consequences are never what you expected.

Crossover Fic w/ The Last Kingdom. Hvitserk/Reader/Sihtric

Ubbe

-Hvítr gown, nýr life

Without a better option, Ubbe agrees to King Alfred’s proposition, knowing this will help secure an alliance and hopefully bring peace between the Vikings and Saxons....he agrees to take a Saxon wife. 

Bjorn Ironside

-Lazy Morning

Reader has a task list in her mind for the day, too many things and not enough time. Bjorn has other plans on how they should spend their morning. 

Ragnarssons x Reader

-Singing in the Shower

The Ragnarssons love listening to you sing, even though you are unaware of their eavesdropping. They wonder why you never sing in front of anyone, until one night the truth comes out...and friendships change. 

-A Girl Has Needs

It was just supposed to a fun afternoon out in the summer sun....until a verbal slip-up happens and you are left to deal with the consequences. 

-Whose Turn Is It? -- drabble based on request

Ivar x reader x Hvitserk

-The Arrangement ***

Ivar has a problem, something that has been causing sleepless nights and agony. But he finally has a solution, only it will require trust....a trait he struggles with. He knows there is only one he can trust with this. Only one he could trust with what he hold most precious - you.

Bishop Heahmund

-To Choose The Sword

There is only person that Heahmund cherishes above all, and when she is threatened, he realizes he would do anything to protect her…. even sell his soul to a blue-eyed devil. 

[therealvikingstrash]

In celebration of my newly acquired 333 beautiful heathen souls voluntarily looking at those posts I make, we will have a little fun!

This challenge will be a mix of writing, moodboard or art. Whichever you want to go with. 😊

The prompt's are a collection of sentences I came up with myself or were once said by a book/movie/show character. 

Rules and Prompts are below the cut!

Rules

If you tag correctly and warn about it, anything goes, rating, genre or kink wise!

It's apparent that I like smut and angst, but fluff, romance, comedy and bromance are also very welcome. 

Heavier stuff like violence, gore, dub/non-con are allowed, but need to be tagged! (Please no rape, I cannot always stomach it)

Pairings can be: F/M, F/F, M/M, Multi, Gen

Canon or AU timeline, whichever you like more, I'm game

Reader inserts(just try not to overdo the (Y/N) parts please, my brain can't read them without shutting down like an overused Windows '95 computer on a hot summer day), OC’s, character studies, crack pairings are allowed

Look outside, diversity is a thing and appreciated to be written about too! 

If you write a story, please do it in english, or put translations for the words you use next to them or at the beginning. 

No one likes a wall of text on here, so I'm begging you, use "read more"

You don't need to follow me to take part in this, but it would be cool ;D

Send me an ask, comment, or DM me the prompt(s)/character(s) you’re picking!

Tag the work using #vikingtrash333 and please DM me the link as well, because Dumblr.

You can participate as many times as you want, but each prompt can only be used twice before I cross it over!

"Officially" it will be open until the 3rd March '22, but there's no hard deadline

This post will double as a Masterlist so I’ll update it with your submissions

Vikings Characters to choose from:

Ubbe

Hvitserk

Amma

Gunnhild

Þorunn

Yidu

Aslaug

Helga

Halfdan

Aud

Thora

Alfred

Ivar

Judith

Prompts:

"I don't like your music and your face is weird." - art | fic -

"You bought a gun? What the hell do you need that for?" - art | fic -

"Love is just a myth." - art | fic - @flowers-in-your-hayr / @ritual-unions-gotme

"Would you believe me when I said it isn't what it looks like?" - art | fic - @comicsandcardigans​

"Can you tell me why our kitchen looks like the Winter Wonderland?" - art | fic - @shieldmaidenofingstad

"I don't feel so good." - art | fic - @ritual-unions-gotme

"The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I would hate you forever." - art | fic - @punkrocknpearls​

"You know those tiny night light stars you put on the ceiling over your bed as a child? I think I swallowed one." - art | fic - @serasvictoria

"And then there were two." - art | fic - @losermultifandomidiot

"If only I knew what language you speak." - art | fic - @serasvictoria

"Mother would not approve." - art | fic - @youbloodymadgenius

"Blood is a good color on you" - art | fic - @artemiseamoon​

"I don't drink water. What am I, a tiny fish? Bring me mead!" - art | fic -

"I would love to learn how to do this!" - art | fic -

"I've never smelled this great before." - art | fic -

"Stop following me!" - art | fic - @adrille88​

"Are you threatening me?" - art | fic - @underragingwaves

"I wish I wasn't married." - art | fic part one | fic part two - @underragingwaves

"The sounds you make..." - art | fic - @quantumlocked310​

"I want you." - art | fic - @istorkyou

-

I've never hosted a Follower Challenge, so it'll be a journey 😊 Really interested in what you guys come up with! 💕

Images used are mostly from pinterest, screenshots I took and the Hvitty and Ubbe image is @underragingwaves screencap.

[hecohansen31]

Alfred The Great One Shots:

A True Tale Of Pride And Prejudice (Boy Next Door! Alfred+Punkster! Reader) (Modern AU)

SUMMARY: Forced to take part in the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ production, you are suddenly pushed together with Alfred York, your complete and utter opposite.

WARNINGS. High School Prejudices, Mention fo Stage Fright.

Meeting the Family (Escort! Reader+Client! Alfred) (Escort AU)

SUMMARY: Hired by another high-end client, you are suddenly found with the most difficult task ever: pretend to be his girlfriend.

WARNINGS: Snotty Families, Escort! Reader, Slut-Shaming, Harsh Words, Unprotected Sex (WRAP IT UP, LOVELIES!), Slight Teasing, Dirty Talk.

When The Truth Is Out (Escort! Reader+Client! Alfred) (Escort AU)

SUMMARY: Things with Alfred seem to have gone pretty well, but prejudices and a few noisy journalists are out for you.

WARNINGS: Mention of Oral Sex (Female Receiving), Slight Slut-Shaming, Exposing, General Angst.

What Truly Matters (Escort! Reader+Client! Alfred) (Escort AU)

SUMMARY: With your insecurities slowly getting to you, you have to face Alfred’s family again, but now all the truth is out.

WARNINGS: Unsupportive Family, Slight Slut-Shaming, Reader Used To Be An Escort, Mention About That, Insecurities

[fireandiceland]

-End of the year review-

Thank you for the tag @kitaychan! I was already thinking about making an end of the year/new year post but now this is the perfect opportunity :D

1. What fandoms did you create for?

I only created stuff for Hetalia this year :)

2. How many works did you make this year? Fics (posted on ao3 or tumblr or wherever), edits, gifsets, moodboards, playlists, fanart, vids, meta?

I recently collected all the drabbles from my nsfw account in a google doc and that alone is overwhelming.. I posted 8 fics on ao3, a total of 21 drabbles on tumblr (on this blog and @fireandspiceland), I made 2 playlists on spotify (but didn't make posts for them) and 2 moodboards! Oh and I cosplayed as Norway and Kugelmugel (but I only posted one edit of me as Nor).

3. What are you most proud of?

There's a lot of things I'm proud of! I'll try to name a few:

I actually kept up with writing for more than 6 months now :D I tend to start hobbies but not keep up with them on long term, so this is kinda big for me.

I went out of my comfort zone a LOT this year. Posting the things I write, joining discord servers and actually talking to the people there, and making friends both there and here on tumblr! You might think I'm an outgoing person, but I always put off posting my fics out of fear of critisism and it's not that easy for me to make the first step and ask someone for their discord or message them.

I started creating my own universe with it's own laws for my fic How'd I ever get so lost? It's my first 'big' project with multiple chapters that are telling one connected story and there's some world building involved that I invested a lot of thought into.

4. Any stats you wanna tell us about?

Here's some numbers I guess! I only had this blog for 8 month, I recently reached 200 followers, and my most popular work on ao3 is about to have 500 hits. ^-^

5. What inspired you this year? Any specific works or creators?

Almost everything I created last year was inspired by a song from one of the playlists I made or by other people's art or AUs.. I also had some very inspiring and interesting talks with mutuals and then there's the requests I get! The sheer amount of content that there is in this fandom and that people keep creating is firing my own imagination and without it I wouldn't be able to create the things I did and do. Tagging everone would go beyond the scope, but my biggest inspirations this year were..

@breitzbachbea who is always ready to support my with her historical knowledge and do some brainstorming on discord <3 from our talks I learned a lot about topics I never knew I would be interested in!

@plz-let-me-nap and her SuFin blog! Our talks inspired some great AU's (that I still haven't made posts about) and simping for the nordics is a lot more fun as a group activity <3

@kitaychan with her amazing writing style and stories that leave you begging for the next chapter. Her thoughtful comments had/have a big influence on How'd I ever get so lost? <3

@modernday-jay who introduced me to mint chocolate (my beloved) <3 and is always giving me food for thought with his posts and his characterisation of Allen.

@ironicorange with his stalker Alfred AU and @neon-spirals with his Arthur and his tentacle boyfriend AU. I just had to mention these two because I love these AU's and it's amazing to be able to contribute something to them <3

6. What’s a piece you didn’t expect to make? Why?

Every single drabble on @fireandspiceland! If half a year ago you told me I would be fullfilling requests for nsfw drabbles, I would have thought you were insane.

7. What are you excited to work on next year?

Well it's this year now, but I'm looking forward to continuing the demon Arthur AU! I have lots of ideas for it and can't wait to flesh them out more. What I also want to do is get more into the teenage dirtbag AU and the bible camp AU. I love both of them dearly and I think there's lots of dynamics between the characters to explore in the future.

Tag some people!

Many people are already tagged above, but I also would like to tag @amber-isnt-a-precious-stone @starflight-blog @j-ellyfish @koolkat9 @cocasoula who are very dear mutuals who I love seeing around and interacting with.

[aliceaddellheidde]

His Celtic girl

A/N: This one is for @youbloodymadgenius 1K celebration. It´s first time I´m doing something like that. I lost my grandfather and bunny while writing so I´m sorry if it sucks.

Prompts in bold.

WORDS: 4869

WARNINGS: 18+, angst, smut & violence (graphic), blood, swearing, death

PAIRING: Ivar x OC (Moko)

DISCLAIMERS: I tried to be historically accurate as much as possible. I don’t hate Christians. English isn´t my first language.

Moodboard by me; pics from internet.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

Moko from Mokosh – Slavic goddess of fertility & water.

Ivar awakes from his long sleep. His head is hurting like Thor hit him with his hammer. He remembers fighting. Saxon's soldier with dagger. Hvitserk in tears. Grey sky. And then dark.

When he opens his eyes he sees wooden ceiling and small window on his left. „You are finally up.” says voice from his right with foreign accent and when he turns his head that way he sees young woman sitting on a chair by fire, mixing something in kettle. He tries to sit but agonizing pain stops him. „If I was you I wouldn't move. I bet your body still hurts.” It does but he will not tell it to that girl. With clenched teeth he pushes himself up, leaning against wall. „Who … ?” he tries to say - his throat dry, voice raspy. „Who are you?” he asks after few moments. „Moko.” She smiles a little, handing him cup. He watches it suspiciously before he takes it and drinks small gulps. „You have weird name.” he snorts. „Says nameless man whose I found on battle field almost dead. With no one around. Forgotten.” „I'm the king of the world! You stupid bitch knows      nothing!” he screams, throwing cup her way, his calmness turning into anger in mere seconds. „Don’t look like king to me.” she shrugs and turns to kettle again. He´s fuming, looking for something to throw at her. All he finds is fur over his legs. Fuck. Did she see them? „Why am I here anyway? You said I was dead. How I could be when I'm here, hm?” he asks with scorn. She said nothing. „Answer me! Where am I? Where is my brother!” He punches wooden bed under him. „I don’t know. My dog found you and I took you to my home. Now I think it was a mistake.” She was standing with hands on her hips. „I don’t need your help! I can take care of myself!” „Go then! I don’t give damn if you do!” she screams, stepping closer to him. He sees red. „At least I will not have to take care of crippled idiot!” He throws himself onto her but she just swiftly moves away from him, hand on sword. He almost screams from pain as his body hit the floor. Yet he stops    himself, spitting blood her way. Then he finally looks at her properly.

She is short, long dark hair falling to her waist, dressed in light yellow dress with golden armoured corset, belt around hips with few small pouches and sword scabbard. Her widen eyes watching him like falcon. He moves again and she unsheathes her weapon. ,,You are not gonna kill me.” he smirks. ,,No, but I can still hurt you.” They are watching each other for few more minutes before she puts sword away, takes cloth from table and cautiously sits next to him on the floor. He flinches when her hand moves to his face to wipe blood away. „Look, I took you here to take care of you. Once you are healed, you can leave. But until then it's better for you to stay with me.” She smiles when he lowers his head to avoid her gaze. ,,Ivar.” he whispers. ,,I'm sorry?” „My name is Ivar.” ,,You have weird name.” He only chuckled. ,,How about you take bath and I finish food? Then we can talk.” He looks at his useless legs and back at her. ,,Oh, I will give you some privacy.” She turns away with flushed face but he stops her. ,,Wait. I ... I need your help.” He already hates idea of her touching him or seeing him naked but he has no other choice. ,,So now you need my help?” she teases. ,,Shut up.”

She goes for water while he is looking around her home. There is big fire pit in the middle of room, on right side of room is wooden table with different knives, daggers, food, plates, bowls and cups. Next to it is longer lower table with wooden benches and flowers on it. On left side is his bed and then hutch with different herbs, flowers, books and bottles. Ivar never saw material like that.

„It´s glastos. Or how they call it here in Anglia – glass.” says Moko when she comes back with two buckets of water. „We are still in Wessex?” „Sussex. But I always wanted to travel around the world. Meet new people and try new things.” „So are you Christian then?” „Oh Gods, no!” she laughs. „You are not Viking either. Then what are you?” He watches her as she is moving around house. She takes few herbs and puts them into tub and then fills it with boiling water. „I'm from old Celtic tribe called Anartes. We lived in Europe. But one day my family decided that we should move and so we did. I lived here with my parents and brother. But they are all dead. And now it´s my purpose to keep our legacy alive. And what about you Ivar?” „I'm Viking.” „Rus´ Viking?” „No. I´m from Norway. How do you know about the Rus?” „My people had deals with them. We   exchanged animals, food and other stuff.” „Have you ever been in Kiev or Novgorod?” „No. But my father was there once.” „They are Christians now.” „Poor people. How do you know them?” „I had to r… . I travelled there with my friend. But then my brother came for me to fight king Alfred. We had some unfinished business.” „You were talking about you brothers in your dreams. Asking one of them for forgiveness. His name is Hvitserk. Am I right?” Ivar is quiet. „I don’t know what happened to him. Maybe they imprisoned him or he died.” „My brother is not dead!” he screams and she jumps a bit. „You don’t know that.” „I have to save him. Like he saved me.” „You are so stubborn! When I found you I thought you were dead but you were breathing still. I took care of you for three bloody days and you are still wounded. Yet you want to go to Winchester and be hero for your brother?” she wasn't screaming but she was angry. „That´s exactly what I want to do.” he half-smiled. „And how? You don’t have an army. You will never break through their defence.” His upper lip twitches in indignation because she is right. „I can´t leave him there. What would you do if it was your brother?” „Saved him.” „See?” „But not if I was hurt and with no warriors.” „Then we will find some.” „Ivar, these people are Christians and they love Alfred because he won over The great heathen army. They will never defraud him.” „We will see about it.” „In few days I´m  going to Chichester. I can ask if someone knows what happened to survived Vikings.” „I'll go with you.” She sighted and checked water temperature. „I have few conditions if you want to go with me.” Ivar rolls his eyes. „What do you want from me?” „You will sit on your arse and will not try to investigate on your own or try to kill anybody. Deal?” „Deal.” „Great. Now come and have a bath.”

„Earlier you said I´m crippled idiot. How did you know?” Ivar asks while he takes his tunic off. „Well, I had to take your braces off of your legs and I saw them.” He frowns at her. „Help me with trousers. But keep your eyes on my face.” he growls. „Is there a problem I saw them?” she asks as her small hands untie strand from around his hips. „They are hideous.” „I don’t really care about it.” Her brown-green eyes bore into his blue ones. „What do you care about then?” „If I and my animals will be healthy and if we will have enough food, water and home. And overall if I will have long, happy life.” „That´s so deep.” Ivar rolls his eyes. „Stop mocking me. I like simple life.” She helps him into tub, avoiding looking at him, gives him cloth and walk back to kettle. „Have you ever been with a man?” he asks suddenly. „Why?” „You are shy. Can´t even look at me when I´m naked. So I assumes you are still virgin.” he has wicked smile on his face. „That´s not something you need to know.” „Hm, maybe.” he smirks. „I also want to know what is all that.” He points on herbal hutch. „That´s my work. I´m making potions, herbal remedies and different things from it for other people.” „Clever girl.” „Yes, I´m.” She straightens her back and he laughs at her. „What did you put in bath?” „Lavender. You can make oil from it and eat it.” Ivar thoughtfully takes herb from water and bits a small bite. And second later she smacks his head. „Not from that dirty water! That´s    disgusting.” „I don’t like the taste anyway.” he frowns. „You didn’t try my lavender cake.” „I need proper food. Meat. Not some stupid cakes.” „It´s almost ready. Better wash your hair and come  eat.” When he goes out of the tub she hands him clean towel and clothes, averting looking at him again. „Virgin.” he murmurs for himself.

Over lunch – deer with plum sauce – they get to know each other. He tells her about his life, family and wars, hiding some details he´s ashamed of, and is pleasantly surprised how excited she is. „My parents taught me and my brother how to fight. My mother was warrior alongside my father.” „I usually had few my the most trustworthy warriors for my protection. I can´t really move on legs but in hand-to-hand combat I´m perfect.” „Maybe we can learn from one another.” „Maybe.”

After food Ivar meets all her animals and she shows him her gardens. Few metres from them is river with small boat. „It´s yours?” „Yes.” „It looks funny. I was on massive ones. My friend Floki built them. This one here is just joke.” „Ivar I swear that if you make any more stupid comments about my things I´ll leave you outside!” „Oh come on darling. You wouldn't do that. Not after your hard work.” He twirls slowly around his stick and bows. „You even put lavender oil into my hair.” He tosses his braids over shoulder. She laughs so much that she misses how he´s looking at her with goofy smile.

*few days later*

Ivar feels movement next to him and sits with dagger in hand. „It´s just me, you idiot.” says Moko, ruffling his hair on way down. „It´s still dark! Can´t we sleep a bit longer?” he shouts after her. „No. Today we´re going to Chichester so you better come for breakfast.”

In those couple of days he lived with Moko he learnt a lot about her, her people and culture. She was teaching him how to speak in her language, she showed him all her herbs and flowers and her knowledge in fighting, manufacture and farming. He wasn´t really fond of all of those things but he liked how excited she was when she was speaking about them or doing them. And if he tries those things too, oh gods, she even hugs him. It felt good.

Ivar is seating in covered carriage, petting her dog and listening to her singing. They travels for hours now with only one break and Ivar needs to sleep but he can´t. He somehow wants to protect her even when he doesn’t know why and how. „We will settle down here. Tomorrow morning we are in Chichester.” Her voice interrupts him from his thoughts. He looks out from carriage into darkening countryside. „Don´t just stare. Bring the chicken and make fire. If your puny regal ass can do that.” she smirks and starts to build a tent. Ivar is used to it by now, nonetheless he is surprised with how much ease she´s talking to him. He did what he could but that damn fire not and not to burst to life. „I thought you Vikings are fearful people and you can´t even make fire. Want some help?” He blames his shaking hands on cold not her presence. She makes fire in mere moments and then put kettle on it. „We will have chicken stew with vegetable and mushrooms. Is it ok?” He nods and watches with dilated pupils when she knocks off the poor bird. „It´s the last time I can have chicken or rabbit before Ostara.” „Then what?” „Bath in spring water, sacrifice hare and chicken but leave eggs for altar. We will have flower crowns and we will sow few seeds.” „Oh no, no. Leave me out of this. I will not have flowers in my hair.” „It will be fun.” „I doubt it.” „Shush and cut this please.”

Ivar sees stone towers and soldiers guarding big gate into Chichester. They are watching them suspiciously until Moko asks them for direction to market. „Don´t forget your name.” she warns him when she´s helping him out of carriage. „Leofric. I know.” he rolls his eyes. „Try to be more nice. Smile.” He turns to her and smile. Then smirks when she blushes. „I will find us room to sleep and you can put things on table. And leave your hood on.” „Gods woman! I´m not a child.” She giggles and walks away.

„We have room for three nights … Leofric, let him go!” Moko rushes to him and tries to separate him from another young man. „He tried to steal!” says Ivar. „I just wanted to see it better.” protests the other man, still with Ivar´s hand around neck. Moko smacks it and he growls at her but let go. „Thank you milady.” The other man tries to kiss her hand but she turns it palm up. „Return that bottle you stole. You may hurt yourself with it.” She waits few seconds and when nothing happens she jumps at poor man, turns his arm behind his back and yanks bottle from his hand. Ivar watches her with awe on his face. „Get off, idiot.” she spat at pathetic man and they both laugh when he runs away.

„That´s not funny Moko.” says Saxon soldier, walking to them. „Osgar, welcome.” „I see you keep up with tradition.” he snickers. „Every year someone tries something. They knows I can protect myself and my stuff but still.” „And you brought some friend.” He looks at Ivar sitting on stool. „That´s Leofric. I´m taking care of him.” „What happened?” „Bear in forest.” Ivar snorts. „I can say God is with him when he found the best healer in whole Anglia.” „Stop it Osgar!” Moko blushes again. „Rather tell me what happened after battle. Last time you didn’t have time.” „There is not much to say. We captured survivors and turned them into Christians. They live in their settlements. Our king trusts them.” „And you don’t?” He smirks. „I kind of envy those whose ran away. You knows my parents were Vikings, right? I live for day I will leave this land and will live like them.” he says quieter and looks around if someone hears him. „Adventurous Osgar. Any news about their kings?” „As far as I know Harald and Ivar are dead. But one son of Ragnar lives with Alfred in Winchester. I don’t know his real name. But his given one is Athelstan.” „Thank you. And what about your family?” „Good. My little girl is fighting with everyone and my wife isn´t very happy about it. My son still has mark on his face. He´s on guard now and I should replace him. See you later.” Day goes well, some of Moko´s customers comes and after sunset they goes to tavern for good night sleep.

„There is only one bed!” Ivar exclaims when they enter the bedroom. „Afraid of sleeping with me?” „What? No!” He puts their belongings on table, trying to calm down his too loud beating heart. „I'm going to have a bath. You will be ok here?” He nods. She disappeared behind the curtain  and he´s listening to her movements and noises she makes when she dives into warm water.

Moko feels water in the tub move. When she opens her eyes she sees Ivar sitting next to it. „What are you doing?” she squeaks. Ivar chuckles. „What does it look like? I have to wash as well. Or you want me dirty in bed?” She sinks more into water, only her head visible. He puts his hands into water again and his fingers brush her calf. She freezes and he smirks. „Your skin is so soft.” And she's blushing again. But both can play this game. „Will you wash my hair, please?” she asks innocently and his hand pauses in the middle of his face, eyes wide, shining. „Are you sure? I never done this.” Moko moves to him. „Please.” She turns her back to him and he clumsily takes her hair in one hand while the other is putting soap on it. Then he moves to her scalp. „That fells nice.” When he's done he smooths it on her back, his fingers lightly touching her skin. „Thank you. Give me a minute and you can go in as well.” She quickly rinses her head. „Close your eyes.” „Why?” „I have to go out and you can´t see me.” „I saw many naked women.” She glares at him over shoulder. „Fine.” But of course he cheated. He watches as she stands up and puts on linen tunic. After that she helps him in tub, she washes his hair and gives him his clothes.

„I said to the owner of this tavern that you are my husband.” says Moko nonchalantly when they are tuck in bed under warm duvet. „What!?” He sits up and frowns. „So we can have same room” ,,You are little minx.” he laughs and move closer to her. ,,What are you doing?” ,,Keeping us warm.” She turns her back to him, hiding her face into pillow. ,,Good night little minx.” he smiles into dark.

They wake up tangled at each other limbs. Moko tries to get up but Ivar´s arms around her are too strong. He nuzzles her hair and murmurs something. ,,Ivar, we have to go and sell otherwise we will have no money.” He groans when he opens his eyes. ,,I'll come later and brings you breakfast.” ,,You better be quick.” She kisses his cheek, throws her clothes on and she's gone. Ivar is still frozen on the bed processing what just happened.

,,I have bread, meat and wine.” ,,Oh, you are saviour! I'm starving.” He gives her plate with a cup on it. ,,Where is your food?” ,,I ate. Have only one hand free.” He waves with his right one and she grins at him. ,,Is it ok if you work until I finish?” ,,Sure.” He sells few pots and potions already when Osgar comes to them. ,,Hello you two.” ,,Good morning. Do you need something?” Moko asks. ,,Just to say you the news.” ,,What news?” ,,King Alfred will come here in five days to deal with Vikings in prison.” Moko sees Ivar stiffs. ,,Thank you. What do you think he will do to them?” ,,Probably gives them an option between conversion or death.” „And do you know if Viking´s prince will come too? I would like to see him.” He shrugs and goes back doing his work. „We need a plan how to get my brother and leave this stupid country.” „You don’t wanna kill       Alfred?” „Of course I want! But as you said, I need an army. I avenged death of my father on his grandfather and now I´ll avenge my own death on him.” „And rule Wessex?” „Maybe?” „Good luck then.” „You will not stay with me?” „I want to explore the world.” „If you will help me with Alfred I´ll give more treasure than you will ever need for fulfil your dream.” She looks at him sceptically. „Really?” „Word of the prince.” „I will think about it.”

„That one next to king on left is my brother Hvitserk.” Ivar whispers into her ear when Alfred comes to Chichester. „You remember our plan?” „Yes.”

They have to wait until next day but when Hvitserk comes to Moko´s stall she's nervous. He's handsome as Ivar but with lighter hair. They talk about different herbs for his problems and then she takes small dagger from her sleeve. „Prince Hvitserk, your brother Ivar wants you to have this.” „My brother is dead. I saw him fall in battle.” „I can assure you he's alive.” „How can I trust you?” „Because she's telling you the truth my brother.” says Ivar from shadow behind her. Hvitserk flinches a bit and can´t believe his eyes. „You are a witch! This is some stupid trick. My brother is dead!” „You see he's not.” Hvitserk slowly walks to Ivar and then he suddenly hugs him with teary eyes. „You fucking idiot! How comes gods saved you?” „They sent Moko. She took care of me.” Hvitserk looks at her and she smiles at him. „Nice to meet you.”

*month later in Winchester*

Ivar is excited all morning as helps Moko with selling. He sees men Hvitserk told him they are their allies when they walks around courtyard. They planned everything carefully. It took some time to collect enough men for attack to Winchester royal villa.

Once the night falls they moves. Quietly under veil of darkness their backups shoots guards on walls and at the gate and they are inside dim corridor. Hvitserk comes out from his hiding spot in kitchen with few warriors and silently they go forward to king´s chambers. His legs hurt and he's cursing on himself because Moko told him to rest during day but he didn’t listen. He sees her in the front of the group with plaited hair, sword ready for fight, serious look on painted face. Beautiful, clever and dangerous. That's what she is. Hvitserk is next to her eating something he stole from   kitchen.

Villa is suspiciously soundless and Ivar is suspicious. He feels it in his bones. It´s several minutes after they killed guards and until now they didn’t meet any more nor there was horn signal. For sure someone found bodies. But they have to do it. Even if it´s trap.

They reach their destination and Osgar goes first. The room is dark, only light from candles elucidate it. Ivar gives signal to his men and they encircle bed. Another signal and they are penetrating it with their swords. At same moment all other three doors of the room open and Alfred runs in with his soldiers, attacking mercilessly. Ivar watches as his warriors die one by one,        outnumbered. „Fight! Fight!” he screams, killing Saxons on his way to Alfred. Then everything freezes as he watches Moko moving between soldiers like air, sword and axe wet from their blood. One of Alfred´s bodyguards cuts her cheek and she stabs him in the neck, decapitating another one with other hand. Now she's face to face with king. What nobody awaits is Elsewith with sword assaulting Moko. English woman cuts her deep into hip when axe, thrown by Ivar, cuts through her back right after. His raging scream encourages his men. He assaults Alfred with blazing fury, maniac urge in the eyes. He effectively disarms young king, cuts his neck, fresh blood splashes him. Ivar throws himself onto Alfred stabbing him with all his power, shouting in old Norse, breathing heavy air with smell of sweat, dead bodies and taste of iron. Surviving Saxons watch in disbelieve and fear before they meet same fate from his fellow Vikings.

Things happens so quickly after that. One moment he is in king´s chamber, then he´s fighting his way from villa and in carriage fleeing into safety. He can feel adrenaline flows through his veins. Hvitserk sits opposite him, covered in blood too. They smile at each other. Moko´s next to him, patching her wound. „We did it.” he says victoriously and suddenly kisses her. She doesn’t protest and he's happy.

Following three months they are travelling and stealing all over Anglia. After that they build boats for way home. Night before their departure Ivar and Hvitserk are sitting by fire, enjoying peaceful quiet. „Will you go back to Norway or you´ll stay with Moko?” asks Hvitserk. „I don’t know what are you talking about brother. Of course I´m going with you!” „Are you sure Ivar? I see how you are looking at her.” Ivar glares at his laughing brother. „She doesn’t want to stay with me. She wants to travel.” „Then I´m gonna tell her i´ll accompanish her.” He turns to leave when a cup hits his head. „Don´t you dare!” Ivar screams. „Why not? She's free woman. Maybe I´ll ask her to marry me.” Hvitserk walks slowly backward with smirk, watching Ivar crawling on the ground as fast as he can to Moko´s tent.  

She walks out of it at same time as they show up. „Hello boys. Can I help you?” „Ivar wants to speak with you.” Hvitserk blurts out and Ivar hits him in the ankle. „Sure. I just need to get some food.” „I will get it. You two have fun.” „Come in then.” Moko smiles at Ivar.

„What you wanna talk about?” she asks, sitting next to him on bed. „Are you really sure you want to leave Anglia? And travel by yourself?” he asks straight away. „We spoke about it. I have small crew, you know.” „I know. It´s just … I don’t trust them that much. I would like to have you next to me more.” „As your friend, bodyguard or …?” „My right hand.” He looks at her. „And as my queen too, maybe?” She´s quietly staring at him and in next moment her lips are on his, her soft body collides with his hard one as they fall on bed.

His hands are on her hips, pushing her more and more against his prick. She takes off his tunic, her fingers grazing his tattoos. „You like them?” She nods and kisses him again. „Have you ever done this?” „No.” „Let me make you feel good then.” He is nervous like never before but also determined to do it right, to show her he really cares about her. His fingers are trembling when he unties her dress and takes it off. She tries to hide from his curious eyes but he catches her hands, kissing them and putting them next to her. „You are beautiful.” He kisses her whole shivering body until he reaches her warm core. When he looks back at her she's watching him already with flushed cheeks. They hold their gaze when his tongue touches her and she lifts a bit from bed. He's not  stopping her, only diving his head deeper. She's making those small noises he knew were good sign. „Ivar.” she moans his name. „I want more.” He hovers over her, kissing her. „If it hurts too much, you have to stop me, ok? I might not be able to control myself.” „Ok.” „Do you trust me?” „Yes.” He pushes slowly in her tight hole and kisses her tears away. „I'm sorry my Queen.” Her nails scratches his back, leaving bloody marks when he bottoms up. He waits few moments, then moves slowly, searching for any clues of her discomfort. None appears. She even smiles at him slightly. „Feels good?” „Yeah, it´s nice.” „Should I move faster, or is this fine?” „I have no idea!” she laughs. „You are the one with experiences.” „Yeah, right.” He nuzzle into her neck, his hips hitting hers as he quickens and she surprisingly pushes against him.

They are lost in their own pleasurable world, they didn’t even notice Hvitserk when he comes with food. He smirks proudly and walks away.

***

„I never thought I will love someone again but it happened.” Ivar smiles in Moko´s hair as they lies under warm furs, her head on his chest. „You love me?” „Yes. You have bewitched me, body and soul. My Celtic girl.” „I love you too Ivar.”

*next day*

A storm comes from nowhere and Moko´s watching as ship with Vikings is burning from     lightning strike. „Can´t we help them somehow?” „I'm sorry my love. They are probably all dead by now.” But much to his own surprise he can see some men jumping into the sea. „If I´ll die saving those idiots, I´m going to annoy you in Valhalla forever.” „And I will enjoy every second of it, my king. Now go and be a hero.” He kisses her briefly and then shuts orders. At the end they saves ten men but loose control over own boat.

***

„Land! Land!” Ivar hears shouting and stands up to see if it´s really true. „Not really how I imagined my travels but it´s still new land to explore.” Moko says next to him, hugging him. „Our new start my Queen.”

She turns in his embrace as they are looking towards their new adventures.