#Wessex has.1

[usafphantom2]

Buccaneer S.2 XV863 R-036 809 Sqn Ark Royal 1978. Wessex HAS.1 XP151 R-047 on planeguard.

Photo by Steve Shirley.

@CcibChris🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿via X

[happilyhertale]

Destiny is all - Osferth x female!reader, Part 1

Summary: You are Finan's sister. You live in a village in Scotland, near the border with Northumbria. You lead a quiet life until your brother decides to visit you with his boys and your life changes completely.

Pairing: Osferth x fem!reader

Author’s note: Hey you (:

Now I am finally sharing my little Osferth story with you. The events are a little different from the story in the series. (No, Osferth will not die either). I hope you will enjoy it! English is my second language, please forgive me if I made any mistakes (:

Word count: 2.2 k

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Other stories of mine

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The sun, which has been high in the sky all day, is slowly tilting towards the earth. Four men ride silently side by side. Every now and then an exhausted grunt can be heard. As soon as the grunt is silenced, it is usually answered with another grunt. They have been riding like this for days now. Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric and Osferth are on their way from the northernmost point in Scotland back to Wessex.

The men are exhausted by the long distance they have already covered on horseback. The not very restful nights they have already spent in various forests do not diminish their exhaustion.

"Lord. We could spend the night in a village today," Finan says after another grunt.

Uhtred turns slightly in Finan's direction, "If we ride through the night, we should be in Northumbria by tomorrow"

"But Lord… We should stop and rest. I'm tired of the sight of my horse's head... his ears in particular," Osferth chimes in.

Sihtric turns to Uhtred as well, "I wouldn't say no either"

Osferth continues to nod in agreement.

Uhtred sighs, "Very well… The next village is headed for"

"We would have a place to sleep there for sure too," Finan says to Uhtred with a grin. Uhtred sees Finan's grin and becomes curious.

"Do you have a sweetheart up here?" asks Uhtred with raised eyebrows.

"Not exactly. My family lives there and we could sleep and eat there"

"What? I thought you were from Ireland," Osferth looks at him questioningly.

Finan nods, "We're originally from Ireland. But my parents moved over with me and my sister"

Uhtred just shakes his head with a smile.

The men rode on again in silence. Every now and then a grunt can be heard. But it was a done deal, they were on their way to Finan's family.

You stand in front of your little house. The evening sun shines on your face and you enjoy it. You close your eyes for a moment. Your little house is located on the edge of a village, near the forest. You enjoy the peace and quiet that the location offers you, and that you can let your gaze wander into the forest at any time as soon as the hustle and bustle of the village becomes too much for you. Slowly you open your eyes again and take a deep breath. You still want to water the flower bed before you retire for the evening. As you put the bucket down, you hear noises in the forest behind you. You turn around, but in the twilight you can't really see if anyone is there. Out of habit, you reach for the dagger tucked under the skirt of your dress.

"Who is there?" you ask in a firm voice.

But instead of an answer, you only hear the rustling of the bushes at the edge of the forest.

Suddenly a Dane steps out of the forest and you instinctively hold up your dagger. You are ready to defend yourself. Your breath catches in your throat, but the Dane just grins at you. "Finan! I didn't know that your parents can also produce something beautiful", the Dane says.

Finan? How does he know your brother...?

"Aye! Lord! Shut up!", Finan suddenly stands next to the Dane. Your lungs fill with air again as you see your brother smiling at you from a short distance away.

You don't hesitate for long. "Finan!" you shout and run towards him. You throw your arms around his neck. He wraps his arms tightly around you.

"Heey... my little one," he says softly and presses you closer to him.

You sob a little. He loosens the embrace and takes your face in his hands, "Ey... y/n.... If I had known ya missed me so much, I would have stopped by sooner," he smiles at you. You wipe tears from your face and have to laugh for a moment.

"What are ya doing here?" you finally ask your brother.

"We're just passing through and I thought we were due for a visit"

Only now do you become aware and remember the Dane. But when you look behind Finan, you see two other men standing there. But your gaze immediately falls on the blond monk. However, he immediately averts his gaze from you when he realises that he has been caught staring. Now you notice another Dane. Somehow you seem to like this mixture of the troupe. Finan turns around as well, "Sorry y/n. This is Uhtred, Sihtric and our baby Monk, Osferth"

You notice the monk giving Finan a warning look. The Danes, on the other hand, give you a friendly nod. Finan turns back to you, "Where are mother and father? Are they in the house? We are starving!" Finan is all euphoric.

You gently touch his forearm, "Finan...", you speak softly. He looks at you, but you only shake your head slightly.

"What...?" he whispers, sadness crossing his face.

"The fever took them last winter... First mother, then father..." you whisper.

He shakes his head slightly now too and you wrap your arms around him. After a short silence, you hear Finan murmur into your hair, "You're here all alone?"

You nod, "That must be enough for you now"

He just nods slowly and you can still see the sadness in his face.

You smile up at him, "Come, let's go into the house... I've put on some soup"

Together you go into the house. The men sit down at the table and you serve them the soup. There is not much talking at first, as they simply enjoy the warm meal. When they have finished, you prepare ale for everyone. Light conversation now fills the room. Osferth tries to comfort Finan, to say something nice about your parents. But Finan doesn't want to hear about it at the moment. After a while you take the dagger, which is again under your skirt and presses uncomfortably against your thigh, and put it on the table.

"Feisty... You always carry a dagger with you?", the Dane, Uhtred asks you. You look at him a little amused, "Men sometimes don't understand what 'no' means. So it can't hurt to have something with you to back up your opinion"

Uhtred grins and raises his cup "I'm afraid that's true"

You grin at him and join him in a toast.

When there is a knock at the door, you get up and go over. You open the door and your good mood is immediately dampened.

"Edward... what do ya want here?" you ask, a little annoyed. Alarmed by your tone, Finan looks at the door. From the door, there is no view of the table and so Edward does not notice that he is now being overheard by four guys.

"Y/n... I thought... maybe you'd like some company tonight...?"

He is visibly drunk and grinning at you.

"No, Edward. I told you the other day that it wasn't going to happen again"

Finan's expression darkens.

"Oh come on... Don't you miss it...?" he winks at you.

"What would she miss?"

You startle a little as Finan suddenly stands behind you. Edward looks startled too and just stammers around. Words like "nothing" and "just making sure everything is okay" leave his mouth.

"Good. And do not worry, everything is fine here," Finan lets Edward know as he closes the door.

You look at him indignantly, "Finan! I can handle it myself!"

He just walks back to the table and takes a big gulp of ale. You stand in the room a little speechless. You look at Finan and shoot daggers at him. But Finan continues to stand with his back to you and does not look at you.

Sihtric and Uhtred just grin and look at each other. But you notice Osferth looking at you again. He is probably shocked that a woman would seek the company of a man even though she is not married. You sigh softly and go back to the table. You sit down and shake your head slightly.

Finan looks at you again, "What...? You're my sister. I'll always look out for ya. And... the last time I was here, ya liked Edward, didn't ya?"

"I did," you emphasise, "Until I found him between another woman's thighs"

Osferth chokes on his ale and you look at him somewhat amused. He has to grin now, too, and he wipes the ale running down his chin with his hand. You have to chuckle a little, but somehow you like the sight.

But Finan turns your attention back to himself, "He did what? That bastard... Let me go to him..." Finan is about to get up, but you pull him down by his arm.

"No... There's no need for that. That's done and in the past. Really," you smile at him, but Finan doesn't really look convinced.

He just grumbles something to himself and drinks from his ale. You stroke his arm gently.

The later the hour gets, the louder the conversations become. You laugh a lot and talk to each other across the table. You enjoy having your brother and his friends with you. At some point, Uhtred has persuaded you to show him how you can defend yourself against men with your hands if you don't have your dagger with you. But it always ends up with Uhtred putting his arm around your neck from behind or you just giggle and somehow try to bring Uhtred down.

Eventually you sit down at the table again. You are still a little out of breath when Osferth, who is now sitting next to you, addresses you directly, "Lady... isn't it dangerous for a woman to live here alone?"

Uhtred interjects, "Well... if the possible attacker just stands still and doesn't fight back, then y/n has a chance to defend herself," Uhtred grins at you.

But you do not answer Uhtred, instead you kick him under the table.

Uhtred laughs as you turn back to Osferth, smiling.

You look at him curiously now, "Would it be safer for a woman somewhere else?"

He scratches the back of his neck, "Well... if you were at least in company... and there was no Edward lurking outside your door"

You have to chuckle a little and notice a smile forming around his lips too as it dawns on you. "Ooh yes! I'll come with ya"

Now Finan chokes on his ale and Uhtred grins again. As he calms down, he looks at you, "No way. You're safer here than being out with us"

"Finan!" you utter indignantly, but he just shakes his head.

When Sihtric speaks up, "Honestly, she's probably safer with the four of us. There's no one here to look after her"

Uhtred nods slowly in conviction.

"And if we go into battle?", Finan looks slightly overwhelmed.

"Then of course I won't be there. Then I'll cook you dinner in the meantime... Or keep the bed warm," you answer with a grin. As a sister, you know what drives Finan up the wall.

He gives you a warning look and continues to shake his head, "That's not funny... and that's out of the question"

He stands up and goes outside to pee.

Now you shake your head and stand up.

"Guys... It's late... I'm going to sleep now. This will not end well here otherwise"

Sihtric and Uhtred nod at you. Osferth smiles slightly at you, "Good night lady y/n" and you return his smile.

When Finan returns, he sees that you have gone to bed. He sighs and sits back down at the table with the boys. Uhtred's gaze is on Finan, "You know it would be the right decision. She's here all alone, and I'm sure Edward's not the only one knocking on her door"

Finan gives him a warning look.

"I'm just saying. Your parents aren't here anymore, she has no one here to look after her. And with us, she'd have four men by her side looking after her", Uhtred continues

Silence now reigns at the table as the boys continue to drink their ale. Until Finan just nods and gets up from the table again. "Okay... But if even one of ya tries to hit on my sister..." he adds warningly before disappearing into an adjacent room.

The next morning you come out of your chamber. Three men lie on furs on the floor. Light snoring fills the room. You leave the house and go into the garden behind it. Everything is still quiet, a few birds are chirping. You watch as the sun slowly rises and makes the shadows of the forest look less threatening.

Suddenly Finan is standing next to you. You are startled and flinch briefly.

"Holy Lord! Finan!", you lightly punch his arm. He says nothing, but smiles slightly. He also looks in the direction of the sunrise.

"Ya can come with us. Although I know it's dangerous for ya to accompany us... But I also have to admit that it's probably more dangerous for ya to stay here alone..."

You smile at him.

Slowly he looks in your direction, "Ya have to listen to me though"

You grin at him, "I never have Finan"

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Tag list

@aemonds-wifey @hoshi-miharu-blog @arryn-nyx @aemond-targaryenx @praline357 @chainsawsangel

@targaryen-dynasty

[aziraphales-library]

Wondering if you have any fics that are the ineffable husbands kissing through history! Mostly looking for kissing and fluff, but I’m not opposed to mature or explicit fics! I’ve already read “The road to rapture has a lot of pit stops” and “heaven is not fit to house a love like you and I”

Thank you!!

Here are some kissing through the ages....

The kiss sinks deep and should suffice for love by KannaOphelia (M)

The first time they kiss, it's in the middle of the fourteenth bloody century, and Aziraphale is the one who kisses Crowley. Kissing him abruptly, against the wall of the tavern, in a stinking alleyway, all seeking lips and eager hands pulling his shoulders close even while a thick warm body is pushing him backwards, as if Aziraphale doesn't know which direction to steer him. Crowley, boneless, tries to be and do all things at once, whatever the angel needs of him, snaking his arms around Aziraphale's neck and crowding forwards even as he's pulling him back. It's clumsy and desperate and their lips crush and teeth clash, Crowley's sensitive nostrils are full of beer and stinking water and rotting food and sweet, sweet angel, and it's like nothing Crowley has ever imagined.

The Taste Of You by teardrops_on_ghostly_wings (T)

5 times Crowley kissed Aziraphale and 1 time he got a kiss back

Only For You by EdosianOrchids901 (T)

Aziraphale has never quite understood what humans see in kissing, but a dramatic rescue from Crowley awakens new desires. Over the years, he and Crowley care for each other and grow closer.

But What If There Was A Kiss by SeedsOfWinter (Series) (G-T)

What if Aziraphale and Crowley throughout the ages, but a first kiss of some kind always happens? Currently Available: Eden, Mesopotamia, Golgotha, Rome, Wessex

Fifty Ways to Kiss Your Partner by ICarryDeathOnMyWings (T)

Alternate Title: 'Fifty Times The Boys Were Soft As Hell' Based off a tumblr post: 50 different situations of kissing between Aziraphale and Crowley. Fluffy as heck, y'all.

And I found one of the fics you mentioned, but there are at least 15 Good Omens fics titled 'heaven is not fit to house a love like you and I'. Once again, please include the author and/or link!

The road to rapture has a lot of pit stops by emmagrant01 (E)

Five times they kissed over four thousand years, and one time they actually meant it.

- Mod D

[cobragardens]

I've seen some discussion of how Good Omens is an end-of-the-Cold-War novel, and I've done some Holding Forth myself on how and on what level Show Omens is a queer story and a satire/excoriation of Christianity's central values of authoritarianism and unquestioning obedience, but there's an aspect of of Good Omens that I haven't seen mentioned among the Ineffables yet, which is that Good Omens is a story about two characters coded as English men. It is, to some degree, a story about English masculinity.

We can say this with confidence because 1) the place Aziraphale and Crowley have been quietly going native for the last 1,500 years or so is England (Wessex and later London); and 2) Michael Sheen is audibly Welsh and David Tennant is audibly Scottish, and they have both adopted English accents for their roles.

There's some Word of God on this, too:

and

The accents are a choice. That means the Englishness is deliberate.

Obviously the masculinity is as well, in that Sheen and Tennant are both male and Aziraphale and Crowley default to male-coded for most of the story. And it's English masculinity, English Christianity, and the Cold War spy novel in combination that create the inescapable silence and terrible fear in which Crowley and Aziraphale must exist.

It's not just the eternal warmongering police state and bureaucracy, it's not just that God's left her angels to go feral like pigeons, it's also that Crowley and Aziraphale are coded as English men, and that combination means 1) they do not talk about feelings, ever

My man(-shaped entity) physically cannot say feelings words

David Tennant literally gives Crowley that English stiff upper lip.

and 2) They are a nationality and gender of people who touch and are touched among the least in the world. Like there is research on this, and I read that research in the 90s in a book first published in the 70s, I mean it is not news.

It took 6,000 years and one Armageddon for our beloved, mostly male-coded entities to get to this point--

--and they're both still clearly having a moment about it.

An essay exploring the different English masculinities presented and alluded to in Good Omens--and especially how English masculinity has always had space in it for same-sex love amongst the upper and artistic classes--would be super interesting, but I am not qualified to write it either in terms of depth and specificity of historical knowledge or in terms of my position in the human diversity/power dynamics web (cis bi woman).

[icarusignite]

Master Post

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Hey, Ace here, hope you have a good time on my page!

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ (she/her), Ravenclaw, INTJ, fanfic writer of many fandoms, self-taught artist, kpop/anime enthusiast, feminist, procrastinator extraordinaire.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Tiktok/wattpad/AO3/instagram: ace_asterisk

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House of the Dragon

Series

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ An Eye for an Eye Masterlist (Aemond Targaryen x OC)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Before the Sky Falls Masterlist (Aemond Targaryen x OC)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ For Whom the Bell Tolls | HOTD World War 2 AU

(Soldier! Aemond Targaryen x Nurse! Reader)

Oneshots

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ I hate you I love you (Cregan Stark x Fem! Reader)

The five times you told Cregan Stark you hated him, and the one time you actually meant it.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ I want to fly with you on dragonback (and eat only cake) (Alicent x Rhaenyra)

Basically the title. Rhaenyra finally gets to take Alicent on that dragon ride and eat cake....and maybe kiss the girl she loves.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Like an old melody, my heart resumes (Daeron x Fem! Reader)

Parts: 1 / 2  / 3

After years apart and with several misunderstandings between them, you meet Prince Daeron at what is meant to be his betrothal feast. When secrets and unspoken desires come to light, you and Daeron are faced with a choice: to let go of the past and embrace a love that has always burned between them or allow your tumultuous history to keep you apart.

The Last Kingdom

Oneshots

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ The only heaven I'll be sent to is when I'm alone with you

(King Alfred x POC! Fem! Reader)

Parts: 1 / 2

You are a prominent scholar from Baghdad, visiting Wessex to learn more about English culture and try to help its ailing monarch with your medical expertise. However, conflict arises when you find yourself falling for the Catholic king, knowing he cannot give you what you deserve.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Valhalla Bound  (Finan x GN! Reader)

During the ransacking of Rumcofa, you save Osferth thus exchanging his fate for yours. aka you die and Finan's reaction to that

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Night Terrors (Sihtric x GN! Reader) 

Sihtric has a nightmare, and he accidentally snaps at you. What comes after is the most awkward confession of his life and you are oblivious af.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Praying's just a poor man's way of begging 

(Sihtric x Fem! Reader) 

You are Earl Ragnar's youngest daughter and the boy you've spent many pleasant afternoons with as a child was none other than Sihtric Kjartansson. Reunited after years apart, will the two of you be able to face the truth of your feelings or will it all end in heartache?

In this labyrinth of time, our souls entwined

(Modern AU Finan x Fem! Reader)

Finan and his friends witness a bar fight during their night out and Finan feels a magnetic connection to the hero of the fight. This can be read on its own but it can also be seen as a continuation of my earlier fic Valhalla Bound where you died and now your reincarnation meets Finan's in another world and that's why you seem so familiar.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Go ahead and cry, little girl (Aethelstan x Fem! Reader)

You are Sihtric’s daughter from his first wife. Your mother dies after he leaves her for his current wife and you blame him for his death. Aethelstan is yoiur dearest childhood friend.

Ateez

Series

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Danse Macabre Masterlist (Jeong Yunho x OC)

Oneshots

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Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Oneshots

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(Luke Castellan x GN! Child of Hypnos Reader)

Terribly injured after returning from his quest to the Garden of Hesperides, Luke Castellan turns to the only person who can help him sleep.

Criminal Minds

Oneshots

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Steady Your Heart in Mine (Spencer Reid x GN! Reader)

Exam season brings you a lot of stress and Spencer Reid is there to walk you through it. Established relationship, descriptions of anxiety and panic attacks.

Lockwood & Co.

Oneshots

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ I thought I dreamed her (Lucy x Lockkwood)

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes:

Series

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ These Violent Delights Masterlist

[whitedarkmoonflower]

Kidnapped Part 3

Sihtric x reader

Authors note: third and final part of the requested fic about Sihtric’s wife being kidnapped by Heasten while expecting a child. My warmest thanks for requesting this. I genuinely enjoyed writing it and I hope very much that you will like it.

Warnings: angst, despair and losing hope mixed with a great portion of heart-warming fluff

Word Count: 4,119

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Tags: @namelesslosers

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“Heastens camp is located at Beamfleot, near the river. He has amassed some ten ships there, and they are preparing to march," Rypere continued his account once the commotions after the fuss regarding Sihtric’s family news and him being a father of two children had calmed down. Sihtric sat at the table, his face wearing a dreamy expression as he got lost in his thoughts.

“Our plan remains unchanged, but we must act swiftly. I expect all of you to gather in the tavern for the next three days, pretending to be drunk and spreading the word to anyone who will listen that Edward, under pressure from his mother and the bishop, has once again banished me. Spread the news that I have grown weary of the Wessex kings' ingratitude, and we are setting off for Northumbria to reclaim Bebbanburg," Uhtred responded.

"Sihtric! Hey, Sihtric! Are you listening to me?" Uhtred's voice jolted Sihtric from his reverie, and he looked up in surprise at his Lord.

“Yes, Lord! No, Lord! What did you say?” Sihtric stammered.

"You will be pretending to be drunk," Uhtred emphasized the word 'pretending' unmistakably. "Is that clear? Finan, Osferth, keep a close eye on our newmade father." Sihtric blushed in embarrassment but did not protest.

Everybody stood up and started leaving the hall.

“Sihtric,” Uhtred called his friend to stay behind, “Your mind is filled with myriad thoughts, I can see it. Sihtric, no reckless rescue ideas on your own. If I were you, the first thing I would want to do after leaving this room is to run to the horses and ride to her. Don’t do that! Stick to the plan!”

Sihtric looked up at Uhtred surprise evident in his eyes at how well he understood the wild turmoil of emotions consuming him, and simply nodded in agreement.

The next two days were an agonizing torment, the hardest Sihtric had ever faced. The weight of uncertainty had already been unbearable while waiting in Winchester, but now, knowing your location and that you had given birth to his children only to be left alone in a Danish camp, it was as if his heart had been torn apart, leaving him on the brink of losing all composure. He tried to hold on, to stay strong for the plan they had painstakingly crafted and discussed with Uhtred countless times, but the agony of fear of what might be happening to you were almost overwhelming.

The nights were the cruellest as he lay in bed, restlessly tossing and turning, dreading to fall asleep. While awake, he managed, with enormous effort of will, to keep his emotions and anxiety under control, but he couldn't control his dreams. Each time he closed his eyes and sleep finally overtook him, he was haunted by the same dreadful dream. In the dream, he was always searching for you amidst the ruins of a devastated and half-burned camp. Torn tents and overthrown wagons surrounded him. Among the debris and lifeless bodies, he called out your name in despair, but there was no answer—only silence and the suffocating realization that he had come too late, that he had failed to reach you in time. The weight of his failure and helplessness consumed him, and he would wake up a scream clawing its way from his throat, his heart pounding in his chest, and his forehead drenched in sweat.

Sihtric was a warrior and no stranger to death. He had faced it time and again on the battlefield. He had killed men, seen the life drain from their eyes, and heard the chilling sounds of war echoing in his mind. He had endured nightmares, especially after the battles, when the sounds of swords and axes clashing, the battering of shields, and the cries of the wounded still echoed in his mind. Yet, nothing had ever filled him with such deep fear and despair as this. The pain of not knowing your fate, the torment of feeling powerless to protect you, this was an anguish unlike any other. It filled him with a sense of angst and despair that cut deeper than any blade ever could.

Finally, the day of departure came. Uhtred had gathered all his men in the bustling marketplace, strategically choosing this location so that as many people as possible could witness them leaving. He hoped that among the curious crowd there might be spies from Heasten’s camp who would deliver a message confirming that they were leaving Winchester and Wessex. Uhtred casted a worried glance at Sihtric, who sat in the saddle with a pale and tense face, dark rings around his eyes. He knew Sihtric was keeping himself up in the saddle with the last remnants of his strength. Finan and Osfert had positioned their horses on both sides of their friend ready to offer support and keep their fiend steady. And so, they set off.

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

The camp had suddenly erupted into a state of frenzy, resembling a startled anthill. There was a palpable anxiety in the air, but no one bothered to inform you of what was happening. Preoccupied with your two babies, you had resigned yourself to the fate of being a prisoner. Escape had never been an option, not when you were pregnant, and certainly not now with two infants in your arms. You had your children; they were healthy and strong, and this was all that mattered at the moment. There was nothing more important than to take care of them and wait for Sihtric to find you. That was something you never once doubted. You firmly believed that nothing in the world could prevent your husband from finding you. So, you waited.

“There she is. Not the youngest anymore, but still pretty. She was a whore. Must have been a damn good one, as one of her clients married her,” the tent flaps were suddenly thrust open, and there stood Heasten, accompanied by another man.

“I don’t want money for the pups, consider them as a bonus. You can never know whether they will survive,” he continued, and your eyes grew wide as you suddenly understood what was going on.

“You, heartless bastard! You are not selling me!” you shouted at him, your voice filled with a potent mix of fury and fear.

“Of course, I am. What did you think?” Heasten callously replied, “We are marching to battle, and you are nothing but a burden. I would have sold you before, but no one is willing to pay for a slave who might die in childbirth within a couple of weeks,” Heasten’s narrow eyes gleamed with malicious light while his words only fuelled your desperation, and in a moment of rage, you lunged at him, attempting to scratch out his eyes with your nails. However, Heasten effortlessly overpowered you, seizing both your hands and ruthlessly throwing you to the ground.

“Look at the little bitch, how strong and fierce she is. She will last long,” he taunted, addressing the other man and pointing his finger at you, lying on the ground, suffocating with tears.

“Please don’t do it!” you begged, tiers rolling down your cheeks. “I am begging you, please have mercy. You don’t have to take us with you. Just leave us here in the woods.”

“And lose silver this man is ready to pay for you?” Heasten smirked, turning away. Both men left your tent, leaving you crying on the ground. A suffocating mix of helplessness, anger and fear overwhelmed you, curling in your stomach and spreading throughout your body. Your hands trembled as you pulled your hair and screamed, releasing all your despair. “Sihtric,” you whimpered through your sobs, “Where are you? Why haven’t you found us?”

A terrifying thought washed over you instantly. “Is he still alive?” You had never doubted it for a single moment before. You were so certain that nothing would prevent your husband from finding and rescuing you, whatever the cost, except for one single thing - his own death. The horrifying feeling that had found its way into your heart grew stronger with each moment you dwelled on it. More than half a year had passed since you last heard from Sihtric before you left to visit your sister, and another two months had gone by in Heasten's camp. What if you were never to see him again? What if the only person in this lonely world whom you loved more than your own life was gone?

It felt as if the light had been withdrawn from the world around you, leaving you in a cold, dark, eternal night. Shadows crept from the corners of the tent, enveloping you, embracing you, and swallowing you from all sides.

"No!" you screamed, tears streaming down your face. "It is not true! I would have felt it! The bond between us is too strong; if he were to die, I would have felt it," you shouted at yourself, refusing to believe the horrifying thought that had taken hold of you, but shadows seemed to tighten their grip, making it hard for you to shake off the dreadful fear that had engulfed your heart. You remained crouched on the ground, crying out your helplessness.

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

They had ridden the whole night and the following day with maddening speed, pushing both horses and riders to the verge of exhaustion. The previous day, one of the boys spying in Heasten's camp had brought the devastating news that Heasten was almost ready to march and that a message had been sent to Beamfleot, inviting slavers to the camp. As the grim reality settled upon them, the men gathered around the flickering flames exchanged worried glances, their eyes eventually turning to Sihtric. Without a word spoken, he rose to his feet with a resolute look in his eyes and began packing his belongings. In that moment, there was no chaos or panic, not even a haste or commotion in his actions, only a steeliness and a firm determination.

The mere thought that his wife and children were about to be sold as slaves sent a sharp, physical pain coursing through Sihtric's body. It was unbearable. You had already endured enough suffering before he took you away from your life as a whore in a tavern. All Sihtric had ever wanted was to cherish and protect you, to surround you with a shield of his love and care like a soft, comforting blanket, helping you forget your painful past. To him, you were his missing piece, the one who completed him and gave a new purpose to his life. Thoughts of you, your image in his mind, were what fuelled him to survive battle after battle, fighting like a madman, all driven by the one single desire – to return home to you and sink into your arms, knowing that you loved and accepted him unconditionally, just as he loved and accepted you.

He had promised you that he would never let you suffer again, and yet he found himself unable to keep that promise. The weight of this failure, shame and embarrassment had consumed Sihtric’s mind all this time, but now in this very moment there was no room for such emotions, neither for the anxiety nor the fear that had haunted him in the past days. They were all gone, replaced by pure, seething anger that coursed through his vanes, bringing a frightening calmness and composure to him. It was a feeling he knew so well, one that came to him so often amid a battle, when chaos engulfed everything around him. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only one singular purpose in his mind—to fight, to survive. Only this time, there was another driving force propelling him, yet the empowering sensation of being capable of anything, of being unstoppable, remained unchanged.

No one attempted to speak to him or dissuade him. Words were unnecessary; everyone understood that if the captives at Heasten's camp were to be sold as slaves, the chances of ever finding them again would be close to non-existent. Determination etched on his face, Sihtric mounted his horse and cast one last look at the camp, searching for Uhtred with his eyes He didn't want a permission to leave; nothing Uhtred could say or do would stop him. He only hoped for a reassuring glance or nod from his Lord, signalling that the rest of the men would follow the plan as intended. To his astonishment, he saw ten mounted warriors ready to depart, their expressions mirroring his own stern determination.

“Lord?” Sihtric’s voice was hoarse as he looked at Uhtred, the unspoken question hanging in the air.

“Did you really think we’d let you leave without us?” Uhtred responded with a smirk, spurring his horse.

With not enough horses for everyone, the other men would follow on foot, without rest. This was a desperate race against time. They knew they would be tired and hungry when they reached Heasten's camp, likely unfit for battle. The only advantage they could hope for was the element of surprise if the news of Uhtred's pretended departure to Bebbanburg had reached Heasten. Despite the odds stacked against them, not a single man objected to the mad plan.

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

As the evening started approaching, you were packed onto wagons with other women and children, bound for a clearing somewhere between the camp and the next city, rumoured to be Beamfleot, as you had overheard from the conversations of other women in the camp. It took a few hours before reaching the clearing, where you were forced to leave the wagons and herded into a small paddock. In the distance, you could see wagons with metal cages, an ominous sight that sent a chill down your spine.

The captives around you were mostly women and children from nearby villages, taken by the Danes during the latest raids. A kind young woman offered to help you carry one of your children and reluctantly you agreed. Exhausted and emotionally drained, you had no more tears left to cry. You were ready to embrace the unknown fate whatever it will bring with a stern determination not to allow it to break you. You will survive, and you will endure. Your children depended on you, and you were determined to be strong for them. There was no room left for self-pity. As you looked around at the other girls, children and women torn away from their homes and families, your heart ached for them. Some were crying, while others wore a stoic, indifferent expression, concealing their inner terror. The atmosphere was heavy with fear and uncertainty as everyone grappled with the terrifying prospect of what awaited them. And deep inside you knew that you were better prepared for this ordeal than any of them.

You watched as several men arrived with Heasten, engaged in a heated argument. Their wild gestures and animated discussions pointed towards the paddock, and it became clear they were bargaining over the captives. After a short moment Heasten nodded to his warriors, and the wooden gate creaked open. The captives were dragged out one by one, forced before the slavers, and then herded towards the waiting wagons. The scene was a nightmare of angst and desperation, with women and children crying, some attempting to resist, only to be met with merciless force and being knocked to the ground and dragged further, their pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. Tears welled up in your eyes as you felt a mixture of fury and helplessness, witnessing the depths of human cruelty and being unable to do anything about it. You felt sick and dizzy, reduced to a mere commodity, traded and sold as an object.

“Don’t hit them in the face, you idiots!” one of the slavers shouted. “I will not pay for a single bitch with a broken nose!”

The warrior, who had just knocked down a screaming and crying mess of a young woman, casted an annoyed look at the slaver, seized her by her hair and began to drag her along the ground. He managed to do just a few steps before he suddenly froze with a look of complete bewilderment in his eyes that instantly changed to a grimace of pure fear as he released the woman’s hair, fell to his knees, and collapsed face-first into the mud, an axe protruding from his back. The woman sensing the grip on her hair loosen scrambled to her feet, letting out a piercing scream of terror at the sight of the dead warrior behind her.

In that very moment an absolute chaos engulfed the scene. Women and children cried out in fear, slavers run to their wagons and tried to jump onto them, frantic commands filling the air. Heasten and his warriors yelled at each other, attempting to form a makeshift shield wall to protect themselves from the sudden threat that had appeared out of nowhere. Your heart pounded in your chest as you tried to make sense of the unbelievable scene unfolding before your eyes. Who were these attackers? Was it the long-awaited rescue you had desperately hoped for? The thought filled you with a mixture of hope and trepidation. Your gaze darted around, searching for familiar faces in this chaotic turmoil.

Your eyes widened in a mix of hope and disbelief as you recognized Uhtred and Finan charging into the fray. With swords drawn, they, along with a handful of other men, smashed into the small shield wall that Heasten's warriors had desperately attempted to build. They broke through it with little effort. The suddenness of the assault had left Heasten and his men stunned and almost paralyzed, catching them off guard, with waves of fear rippling through their ranks.

As the battle raged around you, your heart pounded in your chest, and your breath came in shallow gasps. You frantically scanned the clearing, desperately searching for the one man you wanted to see most, the man who meant everything to you. Your heart almost froze in your breast as you couldn’t find him and you felt the dark shadows of doubt seizing you with their cold hands, threatening to suffocate you. All those evil whispers that had found their way into your thoughts this morning and that you had tried to ban, were back again, taunting you, telling you that your hopes were in vain, that he was gone, that he couldn't possibly be there to rescue you. The weight of uncertainty threatened to overwhelm you, and you felt your strength faltering. You sank to your knees, holding your child close, feeling the world collapsing around you and then you saw him. You saw Sihtric – your husband, your love – amidst the chaos and the battle. Relief washed over you like a tidal wave, and tears of joy streamed down your cheeks as you realized that he was alive, and he had come for you. In that moment, everything else faded away. The battle still raged around you, but all that mattered was the sight of your husband, the man who had promised to protect you, who had vowed to be by your side always. He was here, and nothing else in the world could compare to the overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude that filled your heart.

Your eyes remained fixed on Sihtric, and what you saw left you breathless. His face contorted with primal fury, he screamed incomprehensibly as he moved with a deadly precision, swinging his battle axe like a force of nature, leaping from one warrior to another. It seemed as if the god of war himself had descended upon that small clearing, delighting in each death he dealt to those who dared to challenge him and threaten what he cherished most.

The efficiency of his movements was awe-inspiring, driven by a mixture of raw power and madness that you had never witnessed before. You had always known that Sihtric was a warrior, that he was killing people if it came to a battle, but this had always been far away from you. It was just a distant knowledge with no real substance. Now, it was all too real, and you couldn't tear your eyes away from the terrifying, yet captivating sight of your husband in his element. His eyes glinted with the thrill of killing, a side of him you had never experienced, that you had never known it even existed.

As the battle gradually subsided, Uhtred's men swiftly seized the few surviving and surrendering warriors, including Heasten himself.

With a loud groan, Sihtric yanked his axe free from the fallen enemy's back. His gaze swept the area, searching for any remaining threat. Sihtric's breath were ragged and uneven, his body tense with adrenaline as he stood amidst the aftermath of the short battle, blood and mud covering his handsome face, his hair matted and dishevelled. His hands, gripping the handle of his war axe, trembled slightly, the knuckles turning white from the strain. In this very moment he was a predator seeking for his next prey, his eyes shining with anticipation and deadly precision, but there was nobody left in the small clearing, so his war axe remained lowered near his side as his eyes finally found you on your knees in the paddock pressing your daughter to your chest, while the woman holding your son stood next to you with absolute terror in her gaze.

As his eyes fell upon you, everything shifted. Sihtric’s face turned pale as he instantly recognised you. The layers of battle-hardened resolve melted away, revealing the raw emotion of a man who had feared the worst and now found the love of his life before him. The mad enraged look in his eyes faded instantly and turned into painful mixture of fear, anxiety, unending love and tenderness, his hands letting loose the handle of his war axe as he run towards you. His eyes never leaving you, he rushed to your side and dropped to his knees, taking hold of your face in his trembling hands and lifting your head to meet his eyes, his dirt-covered hand gently caressing your cheek, wiping away the tears that had mingled with the dirt on your face. Cupping your face gently, he showered you with tender kisses, tracing every inch of your cheeks, nose, and forehead as if reassuring himself that you were real and unharmed.

"I found you, my love, I finally found you," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion, “I am so sorry that you had to endure this. I was so afraid that I have lost you. I …” his voice broke and for a moment he was unable to say anything, emotions overwhelming him and tears welling up in his eyes as he looked down at the small bundle in your hands.

“Gods, … is it true? Is it … ?,” he managed to whisper, “May I? …Would you let me? Please…” his words were a fragile plea, his voice trembling in anticipation and fear you might refuse him, deny him this simple happiness of holding his child. You smiled, your heart swelling with love for the man before you, as you gently extended your arms toward him, giving your silent consent and placing the fragile frame of your daughter into Sihtric’s arms. His eyes lit up with an indescribable happiness, his trembling hands carefully accepting the small bundle, cradling your daughter against his chest as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

“Gods… I don’t deserve this,” he murmured, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“I don’t deserve you,” he breathed barely audible looking into your eyes. There was no need for words, as his eyes were speaking for themselves. The fear of losing you, the happiness of being allowed to hold his new-born child in his arms, the endless love and tenderness, the uncertainly of the future and the silent plea for forgiveness mixed with pure bliss, an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder at this moment all mirrored in his gaze as you leaned in to kiss him, dismissing all his doubts, all his fears and insecurities. Your kiss gently brushed against his lips like a fresh breath of the wind, it conveyed more than words ever could—a profound reassurance that you loved him unconditionally, and that he was deserving of your love and all the happiness in this world.

“I love you so much,” Sihtric whispered, holding your daughter tightly, every breath in his body radiating a promise to protect and cherish you, knowing that he had found his true purpose in life—to love and be loved by you.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

[isabelleneville]

Are there any period dramas you’re looking forward to in 2024?

Hiya,

I will split this into two lists.

Returning Shows:

Being a Penelope girl I am looking forward to Bridgerton Season Three for what I call my soft period drama fix.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Marie Antoinette for what it was so looking forward to the show returning for a second season and how that goes.

Vikings Valhalla season two felt very stale for me apart from Godwin and Emma (oh and Cnut but he needs to be a leading man IMHO), I am waiting with trepidation if it delivers in its final season which I think is a waste because I wanted to see it go to 1066.

The Serpent Queen do I need to say anything more, that show was a f**king hoot and produced by The Hunger Games sequels and prequels director (who also directed Britney's Slave 4 U video btw) it met my expectations.

Being a Tudor girlie I have to obligatory say Wolf Hall but in my honest opinion only for new portrayals of Anne of Cleves and Kathryn Howard (I am not a Thomas Cromwell girlie).

New Projects:

Firebrand being the #1 Catherine Parr girlie I cannot wait to see a new production of her and how they handle her story. I am also looking forward to a younger Catherine than what has previously been portrayed.

King and Conqueror, it is a new show with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William the Conqueror and James Norton as Harold, Earl Of Wessex during 1066 (so answering my Vikings: Valhalla wishes) produced by CBS and BBC (CBS owns Showtime). No official release date yet but I am into it. X

My Lady Jane, now Queen Jane Grey has become a fast favourite of mine so anything with her in it I am there.

Dick Turpin with Noel Fielding as Dick, now the Horrible Histories fan in me is squealing (why no Matt Baynton though?).

Mary and George, I feel the Tumblr girlies are going to go miles with this and I just want to see what it is about y'know be part of the fun.

Thanks for the ask!.

[joseopher]

What The Atlas Six characters would be cancelled for

Reina:

For insulting people's plants online (not the caretakers of the plants but the actual plants themselves)

For posting extreme insults about the plants around her

For being Anti-Nature

Parisa:

She's too attractive for any allegations to stick

Nico:

Spam posting every single thought he has

Occasionally posting something violent that he's going to do to try to perform in order to murder Tristan that day

Libby:

Is either woobified by online spaces for seeming shy and anxious or demonized for seeming annoying so much that people make up horrible things to cancel her for

Tristan:

Working from James Wessex

Blowing up people online in random bursts of anger

Callum:

Encouraging people to use illusions to permanently change themselves

Being the 1%

Getting into arguments with people online before bringing up their deepest darkest trauma as if it's a casual thing and ending the tweet with "kys✌️"

Posting a selfie with a police officer his crush took hostage

[unhealthy-reading-habits]

So after many many many meta posts I’ve been reading about Aziraphale and Crowley, one of the big turning points in their relationship I haven’t seen mention much is Aziraphale finally calling Crowley that he “knows where the anti-Christ is”.

We know the events leading up to this moment, and the devastating scene immediately after at the bookshop, but I feel it’s really worth highlighting that this a major change in Aziraphale’s and Crowley’s dynamic, namely this is the first time (that I could find) where Aziraphale went to Crowley after an argument.

For the majority of their relationship, Crowley is the initiator – he is the one that seeks out Aziraphale, for discussions or tries to get Aziraphale on board with his way of thinking (in modern era).

Garden of Eden – Crowley approaches Aziraphale

Mesopotamia – Crowley initiates the conversation

Golgotha – Crowley approaches Aziraphale again

Rome – The first time Aziraphale approaches Crowley

Wessex – Random chance (part of the ineffable plan)

The Globe Theatre – Aziraphale messages Crowley to join him at the the Globe Theatre, since Crowley comments that Aziraphale said “they would be inconspicuous here”

Bastille – Crowley saves Aziraphale

Victorian London – their first big fight, it’s implied Crowley is the one that calls Aziraphale here since he is the one requesting a favour, and ends up them both stating they didn’t need the other (first big fight)

WW2 – Crowley saves Aziraphale, Crowley hasn’t contacted or communicated with Aziraphale about being there since Aziraphale seems genuinely surprised at him appearing, and walking into desecrated ground!

1960s – Aziraphale approaches Crowley with the holy water

So as we see from the above timeline, its is established that Aziraphale CAN and WILL approach Crowley first (Rome, The Global Theatre and 1960s).

However, when they have their big fights, Crowley is the one that has to initiated the next conversation – Aziraphale, either from nervousness or fear from Heaven, does not seem willing to approach Crowley after an argument between them.

This is shown a few times over the course of the tv series as well when they have fights, Crowley is the one that has to restart their communication channels, or redirect so Aziraphale doesn’t leave.

Example 1) Victorian London to WW2 argument and resolution

Example 2) St James park in the first episode, after Crowley first proposes stopping Armageddon, Aziraphale intends to immediately leave

Crowley is the one that has to restart the communication by purposefully choosing something he knows Aziraphale will agree with

Example 3) The band stand break up – Crowley is the one that walks away from the argument but Aziraphale does not contact him again. Crowley has approach him in the Bentley outside the bookshop as a last-ditch effort to convince him to leave with him to Alpha Centauri

Now it is very obvious that Crowley is an impulsive demon. He does not think beyond Step 1.

This is shown so many times from him since the beginning (he didn’t think it was that big a deal tempting Eve - he’s admitting he didn’t think through the full consequences of what he was doing), up to the start of the current story when he is given the anti-Christ. Crowley immediately drops off the anti-Christ at the nun hospital (probably because he was being monitored by lower management) but I also think it’s because he isn’t very capable of thinking more than one step ahead.

The logical thing would be to stop and try and speak to Aziraphale first before progressing the evil plan but he goes immediately to the nuns, and only after contacts Aziraphale, at which point they have to come up with a counter plan.

While Crowley is very good at coming up with plans and ideas in the moment, it’s never with a long term multi-step plan in mind. The only “goal” he has is staying with Aziraphale.

An example of this is like in the previous Band stand -> Alpha Centauri -> Cinema scene -> Last chance to convince Aziraphale (get in the car) sequence

Crowley calls Aziraphale, again initiating the contact. He tells Aziraphale to go to the 3rd meeting point, which Crowley has memorised but Aziraphale flusters which one is correct.

At this point Aziraphale KNOWS where the anti-Christ is but during their band stand break up scene, he explicitly says several things that he knows will hurt Crowley:

There is no “our side” – but Aziraphale slips up and says “not anymore”

They cannot just leave – but Aziraphale never says he doesn’t want to leave, but rather than "there is no where to go"

“A: I don’t even like you” “C: you doooo” – Aziraphale doesn’t deny it at all but deflects that he cannot work with him, not that he doesn’t like Crowley

Now, why is this important? Because Crowley is impatient but pays attention when Aziraphale talks, and in the moment he storms off, most likely because he knows he’s going to lose his temper, but he was listening during the conversation.

It’s shown consistently in their history that when Aziraphale tells him something, Crowley remembers it, no matter how trivial, as well as repeatedly mentioning throughout the story Aziraphale’s favourite things, so specifically he knows his favourite places, specific composers, foods and activities.

I strongly suspect after leaving, and having time to clear his head, Crowley would have noted what Aziraphale did and did not say, which gives him the main thing that keeps him attached to Aziraphale; hope that they could continue to be together.

Aziraphale wants to be with Crowley, but he cannot admit it yet. Normally, Crowley would give him what he needs, time to think which before has always worked with their last big argument in Victorian London. But now they do not have the luxury of waiting for Aziraphale to process things. Armageddon is coming.

Crowley returns to his flat and falls back on his normal habit. Coming up with a last minute, not thought out plan to be with Aziraphale and he comes up with – escape with Aziraphale somewhere else, namely Alpha Centauri.

This hasn’t been mentioned before as an option (at least I don’t remember it being mentioned as a feasible option) until the band stand scene. Why? Because Crowley probably just thought it up on the spot while talking to Aziraphale then (impulsive/not thinking beyond the next step).

And because it is not a thought-out plan, Crowley couldn’t present it to Aziraphale in the correct way which would normally work in getting Aziraphale on his side. Contrast with episode 1 re avert Armageddon, Crowley knew what to say and delay for time so he can work on Aziraphale to get him to agree. But in this instance, they don’t have time, Crowley didn’t know what to say to convince him (and it could be argued that he says the “wrong” thing in this instance by saying they have been “friends” for 6000 years), so Aziraphale dismisses it.

If the escape plan was an option 11 years ago at the start of this crisis, Crowley might have had enough time to convince Aziraphale, but he doesn’t right now, he’s just running on instinct and first thoughts are being acted out rather than thinking it through.

While Aziraphale says he doesn’t know where the anti-Christ is (a lie), Crowley has no reason not to believe him. Crowley could have kept trying to find the anti-Christ after Aziraphale says it is over, but now Crowley has abandoned all the previous plans to avert Armageddon to follow through with the new plan; running away with Aziraphale.

As soon as he found a likely candidate (and a little soul searching chat with God) he then goes… to a movie theatre? Why? The doomsday clock is ticking, and he’s wasting time in a movie theatre, what’s the motivation here?

Because he knows he has to give Aziraphale time to calm down. After every big fight in the past (and from the “you go too fast for me Crowley” comment) Crowley has learnt he has to give Aziraphale time to process his emotions before he approaches him again. He’s very conscious of not upsetting his angel, of not pushing too far as his biggest fear is Aziraphale never talking to him again.

It’s only after the movie scene and Hastur warns Crowley that Hell knows and is coming after him now that he impulsively goes to Aziraphale immediately. This is not following the rulebook the both of them have set over the millennia but Crowley is out of time and out of options, and in his desperation all he can do is follow the plan (the one-sided plan he’s made up on the spot in his head the day before) of get his angel and go to Alpha Centauri.

Aziraphale is most likely still reeling from their previous break up, and all the issues with Heaven’s indifference to the suffering the war will cause and his crisis of faith, when Crowley appears too soon and too forcefully.

Crowley opens with a pet name, apologises (badly) then very badly tries to emotionally manipulate Aziraphale to go with him now “work with me here, I’m apologising here, yes? Good, get in the car”.

The usual suave, manipulative Crowley is completely out of the window because of his distress, the only driving force is “get the angel, then get out”. Aziraphale hasn’t even spoken yet and Crowley has already had the entire conversation of “convincing” Aziraphale to get to his objective with himself.

Aziraphale, rather obviously, refuses but he says something extremely telling which again I think Crowley does not realise at the time since he calls Aziraphale stupid, but after leaving (and dramatic exit monologue because of the stress he is under) he would have realised what Aziraphale was saying.

Aziraphale was still trying to find solution for them – after saying there is no “our side”, after everything Aziraphale said during the band stand, he was still trying to find a way to avert Armageddon by “talking to the right people” and even trying to find a way to talk to the Almighty herself just to get this Armageddon thing “all straighten out”, showing to Crowley just how much Aziraphale cares about him and wants to be on Earth with him.

I don’t think Crowley realises until after these interactions what Aziraphale is saying, but we know the Crowley takes in pretty much everything Aziraphale says since he can quote their conversations from the past flashbacks, but given the stress Crowley is under and his own impulsive nature, he cannot process the conversations at the time so instead leaves but then takes the information on board when making his next move.

While driving back to his apartment, suddenly the plan has changed again, running away to the stars is out and now it is avert Armageddon again - by full on killing other demons.

Crowley is now throwing his full weight behind Aziraphale and their relationship, no more towing the line between Aziraphale and keeping Hell off his back. While Hell is now aware that Crowley has messed up, and coming for him, Crowley could probably find a way to slither his way out of this situation (No, I’m not apologising for the bad snake joke).

He could also have just left, he had enough time in his flat to set a trap with holy water and the water mister bluff, if he actually wanted to leave to the stars, he could have done.

But he chooses to instead kill (and/or at least hinder) his demon trackers to buy himself and Aziraphale time, all because Aziraphale has told him he is still trying with the original “stop Armageddon” plan. After everything that happened between them and all the hurt comments, Aziraphale is still trying and that is enough to convince Crowley not to run.

And then the big moment, Crowley has killed a demon with holy water, his bluff has been called with Hastur, and Aziraphale calls him “I know where the anti-Christ is”.

Aziraphale is saying he is now fully on “our [Crowley’s] side” – can we interpret it this way? Yes!

Aziraphale explicitly told Crowley that he would never tell him where the anti-Christ is even if he knew, because they are on opposite sides.

And now Aziraphale for the first time is approaching Crowley after (two) big arguments and giving him the single piece of information that shows he is with Crowley.

Crowley seems to have the utmost trust in Aziraphale, since he doesn’t even seem to think to question if Aziraphale is right or not, if the angel says he knows, then he knows!

After trapping Hastur, his first action (again, not thinking anything through) is to go straight to Aziraphale.

Why do I say he is not thinking things through? Because trapping Hastur in an answer machine message is which is literally playing a message showing he has betrayed Hell (rather than losing the anti-Christ being just a “cock up”) is stupid and keeping him alive as a witness means it is problem that Crowley has to sort out later.

But none of that matters, because his angel is on his side and Crowley’s only objective is to be with Aziraphale.

Which makes the bookshop scene even more devastating, can you imagine the joy Crowley must be feeling while driving to the bookshop (despite the circumstances)? Aziraphale has finally moved away from abusive Heaven, shown Crowley that he trusts him and is now firmly on "our side".

Crowley was playing “You're My Best Friend” by Queen which is a love song, probably thinking that Aziraphale and him still have a chance, that hope of averting Armageddon and being together on Earth for the foreseeable future.

But then, Aziraphale isn’t picking up his phone, which makes him on edge again and when he arrives, the bookshop is on FIRE.

He never once seems to think the Aziraphale has betrayed him i.e. returned to heaven to fight or run off himself without Crowley.

Crowley truly believes that someone has killed Aziraphale, as it is the only explanation in that moment, Aziraphale was ready to be with him, them against Heaven and Hell and there was no reason for him to not be in the bookshop and the bookshop not to be on fire unless the angel was dead.

His angel is dead, nothing stings more than having your hopes raised so high and for them to be shattered.

After this harrowing moment, Crowley goes to get drunk and just wait for the end of the world. There’s no more fight, no more plans, not even try and find Aziraphale’s murderer and get revenge – the only plan was to be with Aziraphale and with that gone, he has no interest to do anything else.

I won’t go into the bar drunk scene since that’s a whole analysis on its own, but after Crowley gets hope again, that Aziraphale (even in sceptre form) is still there, or a part of him, his first thought after their chat about the book was to get to him.

Crowley says “wherever you are, I’ll come to you, where are you?”

He doesn’t think beyond the first step, he has no idea where Aziraphale is or how any of it works, but it doesn’t matter to him. Crowley’s only thought is “get to Aziraphale”.

When Aziraphale says about meeting him at the airfield, Aziraphale is noticeably upset at this and questions “why?”, he doesn’t like the idea because it goes against his one plan. But what his angel wants, his angel gets and Crowley will be at that airfield, losing one of his most precious possession in the process as Aziraphale is the number one, and only, plan.

Source of Gifs: fuckyeahgoodomens https://fuckyeahgoodomens.tumblr.com/post/633606041548079104/good-omens-gifs-masterlist

[celticcrossanon]

Celt- so relieved you are back and feeling better! Is there something somewhere be it law or constitution that if a person has major mental health issues although do not know specifics on diagnosis and openly admits regularly partakes in illegal hallucinogenic drugs would be exempt from serving as CoS or have any chance to serve as a regent ? Just wonder why that has not been emphasized if one is not mentally fit or competent or a reliable person not to mention sues the Monarch’s government be removed.  

*

Hi Nonny,

Thank you for the kind words. I am glad to be back as well. :)

I haven’t read the Regency Act/s, but AFAIK there is nothing about mental health in the requirements for either position. Maybe they should amend the Act to make sound mental health a requirement, but then you raise the issue of how do you judge the mental health of a person and people accusing others of being unsound mental health to remove them from being regent or counsellor of state. I don’t know what the answer is. 

From The Regency Act 1937

6 (1) In the event of illness not amounting to such infirmity of mind or body as is mentioned in section two of this Act, or of absence or intended absence from the United Kingdom, the Sovereign may, in order to prevent delay or difficulty in the despatch of public business, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal, delegate, for the period of that illness or absence, to Counsellors of State such of the royal functions as may be specified in the Letters Patent, and may in like manner revoke or vary any such delegation:

Provided that no power to to dissolve Parliament otherwise than on the express instructions of the Sovereign, or to grant any rank, title or dignity of the peerage may be delegated.

6 (2) Subject as hereinafter provided, the Counsellors of State shall be the wife or husband of the Sovereign (if the Sovereign is married), and the four persons who, excluding any persons disqualified under this section, are next in the line of succession to the Crown, or if the number of such persons next in the line of succession is less than four, then all such persons:

Provided that, if it appears to the Sovereign that any person who, in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this subsection, would be required to be included among the Counsellors of State to whom royal functions are to be delegated, is absent from the United Kingdom or intends to be so absent during the whole or any part of the period of such delegation, the Letters Patent may make provision for excepting that person from among the number of Counsellors of State during the period of such absence.

(2A)Any person disqualified under this Act from being Regent shall be disqualified from being a Counsellor of State.

From the same act, the qualifications for being Regent are:

3 (2) A person shall be disqualified from becoming or being Regent, if he is not a British subject of full age and domiciled in some part of the United Kingdom, or is a person who would, under section two of the Act of Settlement, be incapable of inheriting, possessing, and enjoying the Crown or is a person disqualified from succeeding to the Crown by virtue of section 3(3) of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013; and section three of the Act of Settlement shall apply in the case of a Regent as it applies in the case of a Sovereign.

[Note that ‘domiciled’ here has a specific legal meaning and is not the country where you currently live]

From The Counsellors of State Act 2022

(1)Section 6 of the Regency Act 1937 (power to delegate royal functions to Counsellors of State) has effect as if the persons required by subsection (2) of that section to be the Counsellors of State for the purposes of any delegation of royal functions under that section included—

(a)His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, during his lifetime, and

(b)Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, during her lifetime.

(2)Any requirement imposed by subsection (1) is subject to the proviso in subsection (2) of section 6 of that Act and to subsection (2A) of that section (powers to except a person who is absent from the United Kingdom and disqualification from being a Counsellor of State).

[infodumpingaboutnature]

This year has gone by fast! There are only 44 more days left of 2023 so to celebrate I’m gonna make a post about five extinct animals that were described this year!

1. Bos primigenius thrinacius n. ssp.

(Bos primigenius thrinacius n. ssp. Size estimate of a bull, cow, and calf compared to a human and an adult Palaeoloxodon falconeri. Art by Joschua Knüppe)

This new sub species of Aurochs lived on the Greek island of Kythera during the Late Pleistocene. The sub species was probably present on Kythera while it was still part of the mainland, but became trapped when it was separated sometime during the Middle to Late Pleistocene and their small size was a result of insular dwarfism. Insular dwarfism is a common phenomenon in evolution where a population of large animals becomes trapped on an island and slowly evolve to become smaller over time to better adapt to the reduced space and resources. The opposite, insular gigantism, where an island-bound population of small animals grows larger than their mainland counterparts also occurs regularly. During the Pleistocene, the various islands of Greece were full of giant swans and miniature elephants but now we know they had tiny cattle roaming about as well.

2. Garumbatitan morellensis

(Size comparison between Garumbatitan morellensis and a human. Art by cisiopurple on Deviantart)

Meaning “Garumba Giant”, Garumbatitan morellensis was a species of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous period in what is now Spain. Its remains were first discovered in 1998 at the Arcillas de Morella Formation near the city of Morella, however, they would not be excavated until an expedition in 2005. More material would later be discovered in a 2008 expedition and a paper would be published on the findings in 2016, but it wasn’t until this year that the species was officially named and described. Its genus named is a mix of the name for the tallest mountain in the region it was discovered in, Mola de la Garumba, and the Greek word “Titan”.

3. Nihohae matakoi

(A pair of Nihohae matakoi hunting some squid. Art by Daniel Verhelst)

Nihohae matakoi was a species of dolphin that belonged to the now extinct Waipatiid family and lived during the Oligocene in the waters surrounding what is now New Zealand. It possessed a bizarre set of tusk-like teeth that protruded from its beak. It is thought that this dolphin used it’s strange teeth much like a sawfish to stun their prey before consuming them. The holotype specimen was discovered all the way back in 1998 in Awamoko Valley on New Zealand’s South Island. The specimen consisted of a nearly complete skull, a single atlas and axis, eight vertebrae, and seven ribs. However, Nihohae matakoi would not be officially described until 2023. Its genus name combines the Māori words “Niho”, meaning “teeth”, and “Hae”, meaning “slashing”. The species name is also derived from Māori and comes from the words “Mata”, meaning “face” or “point”, and “Koi”, meaning “sharp”.

4. Perucetus colossus

(A pair of Perucetus swim together in the shallows. Art by Gabuded on Deviantart)

Another cetacean, Perucetus colossus was a species of early whale that lived during the Bartonian age of the Middle Eocene and was found in Peru (obviously). The remains we have or Perucetus are pretty fragmentary, but it has an estimated length of around 55.8-65.9 ft and was probably just as, if not heavier, than the modern Blue Whale. Due to the density of its bones and its absolute chonkiness, Perucetus likely was not a fast swimmer and likely lived in shallow waters and fed on crustaceans and mollusks. However, this is just speculation as very little about its ecology is known.

5. Vectipelta barretti

(A pair of Vectipelta barretti graze near a stream. Art by Stuart Pond)

Vectipelta barretti was an ankylosaurian dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous in what is now England. It was discovered in the Wessex Formation and it’s genus name means “Isle of Wight shield”. The holotype specimen of Vectipelta was originally discovered in November of 1993, however, at the time it was believed that the specimen belonged to the genus Polacanthus. In May of 2021 it was discovered that the specimen was in fact a new genus and in June of 2023 it was officially named and described. Funnily enough, fossil evidence suggests that Vectipelta might be millions of years older than Polacanthus, the genus it was originally thought to be a member of.

I hope you all enjoyed reading about these recently described prehistoric species! I LOVE dinosaurs and other extinct animals and can’t wait to see what new discoveries 2024 has to offer!

[wessexroyalfamily]

The History of the Succession to the Crown shows the historical succession to the throne of Wessex starting with the 1st monarch to rule from the throne, King Henry I of Wessex, at the top of the chart leading to the current sovereign Queen Anne II of Wessex at “25″ at the bottom. 

The symbol/flower next to an individual is which royal house they belong to. There is also a brief description about each house that has ruled Wessex. 

Note this chart only shows how each monarch is related to each other and their descent from Henry I of Wessex, not necessarily an entire family tree or the current line of succession. 

The First Act of Succession 

The First Act of Succession was established when Henry Carnarvon became the first King of a sovereign Wessex after the fall of the Saxon Empire. HE declared that the throne will pass through his male line, and it successfully passed from father to son until his great-grandson King Edmund I failed to produce a living male heir. When King Edmund I realized that there wouldn’t be any male heirs left, he signed the Enfield Declaration which declared the throne would pass the heirs daughter, Princess Mary Carnarvon of Wessex. 

The Second Act of Succession 

When Mary Carnarvon gave birth to her son, the future King Henry II of Wessex, The Second Act of Succession was officially passed, declaring that all possible claimants to the throne must descend from Princess Mary. Mary and her husband Edward Beaufort, The Duke of Worcester would go on to have five children, but only her youngest daughter Anne who married The Duke of Dorset would have any children to ascend to the throne. 

The throne then passed to Anne’s son King Edmund II and passed neatly from father to son, until the death of Edward IV of Wessex. Edward IV has no male children, but he did have a daughter. Some nobles thought that Princess Joan (Edward IV daughter) was the rightful successor, while others thought that Edward IV’s brother Prince Henry, The Duke of Worcester was the more suitable heir. 

Those who supported Princess Joan of Wessex  argued that the Second Act of Succession referred to “heirs general” and as the senior heir of Princess Mary Carnarvon, and it didn’t matter that she was female. Those for Prince Henry, The Duke of Worcester argued that the Second Act of Succession only referred to heirs male and would only allow for a female succession if the male line of Princess Mary Carnarvon goes extinct. Henry’s supporters won and the throne then passed to Edward IV’s brother, who reigned as King Henry III of Wessex. 

It wasn’t until Princess Anne of Cornwall ascended the throne as Queen Anne I of Wessex that Wessex got its first female consort. 

The Third Act of Succession 

On her accession, Queen Anne I decided to limit the possible heirs to the throne to only her descendants, thus ending any claims of other West-Saxon nobleman who descended from House of Beaumont, and wished to challenge her for the throne. All subsequent monarchs under the Third Act, and later Fourth Act of Succession, must descend from Queen Anne I and her husband Prince George Bagration to be eligible to the throne. 

The Fourth Act of Succession

The Fourth Act of Succession is the current Act governing the succession to the throne. It has three basic rules. 1) an individual must be a descendant of Anne I through one of her five legitimate children, 2) members of the occult  are banned from inheriting the throne, 3) and the line of succession follows male preference primogeniture.

Succession to the Crown Chart | Princess Royal Chart | Counsellors of the State | The Earl of Gloucester |

[familyabolisher]

Historical writing nevertheless continued, taking new forms and developing old ones. Probably the form of written narrative most commonly associated with the period 500–700 is so-called ‘national history’: Jordanes’ Getica (mid-sixth century), Gregory of Tours’ so-called History of the Franks, Isidore of Seville’s History of the Goths, Sueves and Vandals, of the early seventh century, Bede’s early eighth-century Ecclesiastical History of the English People, and Paul the Deacon’s History of the Lombards (late eighth century), to which one should add the anonymous early eighth-century Liber Historiae Francorum, the early ninth-century History of the Britons attributed to Nennius and the late ninth-century Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and other works. Most of these works were written after the close of the time-span covered by this volume but, as they claim to relate the history of our period, they deserve treatment here. These sources were at first considered to be repositories of the age-old traditions of the different peoples of early medieval Europe. Since, in the nineteenth and earlier twentieth century these peoples were regarded as distinct racial units, in line with the ideas of the nation-state developed at that time, such works were seen to represent the foundations of the histories of modern European nations, their authors portrayed as the founders of national historical traditions. The information they contained was held to be reliable, transmitted down the generations, it was assumed, by oral tradition. As attitudes towards the nature of the barbarian ‘peoples’ themselves changed, so the ways in which these sources were viewed changed too. Most have been the subject of intense debate. The nature of Jordanes’ history has come under close scrutiny, and Gregory of Tours’ writing has become the focus of an even larger field of profitable debate, hardly any of which now sees his writings as forming any sort of ‘History of the Franks’ (as discussed above). Meanwhile, controversy has been provoked by the interesting suggestion that Paul the Deacon’s History of the Lombards might have been composed for a Frankish audience. The other sources have also attracted debate and revaluation. Not only are many of these works no longer seen as ‘national histories’, it is also recognised that they may represent instances of other genres entirely: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, obviously enough, takes the form of a set of annals (Isidore’s History is also written to an annalistic structure); Bede’s is an ecclesiastical history; and so on. Gregory’s, as mentioned, was not written as a national history at all, though quite which – if any – genre Gregory was composing in is a matter of debate. At the same time, the purposes to which these sources were put, using the past to serve political needs of later centuries, were also served by works of many other kinds, never viewed as particularly ‘nationalistic’. The lesson of the scholarship of recent decades has essentially been that to understand these sources they have to be replaced in the contexts of their composition. The political motives behind their composition make them far more contingent, and concomitantly far less valuable as treasuries of ancient fact, than hitherto believed. At the same time, however, they become very valuable sources for the examination of the political culture and ideology of the times and places where they were written: mid-sixth-century Constantinople; early seventh-century Spain; late ninth-century Wessex, for example. These lessons apply to most other sources written in our period.

Guy Halsall, ‘The sources and their interpretation’ from The New Cambridge Medieval History, vol. 1: 500-700

[depressedbyseason2]

What the Ineffable Husbands call each other - Season 1 edition

Or, how Sadie wasted her bank holiday

OK. I spent the day rewatching season 1 and I have the following statistics on how many times our ineffable husbands called each other by name or by angel/demon. Do with this info what you will.

Notes: Az never called Crowley "Demon" but often reminded him that he was a demon, so I counted those times as well.

I may have missed one or two.

I added a few bonus things cause they're so adorable.

Episode 1.

Crowley calls Aziraphale:

Aziraphale: 2 (1 indirectly)

Angel: 1

The two Aziraphale calls are when Crowley is calling him on the phone. The Angel call, discussing whether anyone would notice the Hellhound.

Times (Az): 26:03, 26:28 (Angel): 41:19

Aziraphale calls Crowley:

Crowley: 2

Demon: 3

The first Demon reminder was in the garden of Eden. The second was outside the bookshop. The third was when they realise the Hellhound has found Adam

He calls him Crowley once outside the bookshop, and once on the bus.

Times (Crowley): 29:43, 39:14. (Demon): 04:10, 29:51, 48:50

Episode 2

Crowley calls Aziraphale:

Aziraphale: 0

Angel: 1

Crowley calls Az "Angel" after dropping off Anathema back in the village

Times (Angel): 44:27

Aziraphale calls Crowley:

Crowley: 1

Demon: 0

He calls him Crowley at the paintballing

Times (Crowley): 38:24

Bonus, at 38:32 Crowley calls himself a demon.

Episode 3

Note: the first half was them through the ages so things are a bit skew-wiff here, but, stick with it. Maybe look at this as evidence of their evolving relationship :3

Crowley calls Aziraphale:

Aziraphale: 1

Angel: 2

He calls him Aziraphale in Mesapotamia. And Angel when he appears in Paris, and when they're arguing in St. James Park and Crowley says "I've got lots of other people to fraternise with". This one seems out of anger rather than a pet name.

Times (Aziraphale): 01:02 (Angel): 17:15 (St James Park only, didn't catch the Paris time, will edit later)

Aziraphale calls Crowley:

Crowley: 14 or 15, see Golgotha note in italics

Demon: 3

Oh boy. Called Crawly/Crowley twice in Mesapotamia, twice in Golgotha (one letting Az know his real name so that might have been Crowley not Az. Bad notes, sorry), once in Rome, once in Wessex, once in Paris, 3 times in St James park, twice in 1970 wassit, and 3 times at the bandstand.

He reminds him that he's a demon or fallen once in Rome, once at St James Park, and once at the bandstand.

Times (Crowley): 01:04, 02:20, 03:08, 03:24, 04:48, 06:33, 13:37, 16:14, 16:49, 16:56, 27:16, 28:27, 51:09, 52:10, 52:47 (Demon): 04:55, 16:04, 51:42

Episode 4

Crowley calls Aziraphale:

Aziraphale: 0

Angel: 2

He calls him Angel when he comes back, and again when he leaves. Both out of desperation I believe. First was out of apology and the second desperate frustration.

Times (Angel): 33:37, 34:22

Aziraphale calls Crowley:

Crowley: 0

Demon: 0

Episode 5

Crowley calls Aziraphale:

Aziraphale: 5

Angel: 0

Best friend (indirectish): 2

3 of the Aziraphale calls were when he was calling for him in the fire in the bookshop, one was when Aziraphale apparited in front of him, and the other was when he stepped out of the burning Bentley. He called Az his best friend during the fire in the bookshop, and one when he was talking to the Az apparition.

Times (Aziraphale): 00:45, 00:48, 00:52, 11:41, 48:57 (best friend): 01:11, 12:01/02

Aziraphale calls Crowley:

Crowley: 1

Demon: 0

Az calls him Crowley when C steps out of the burning Bentley at the airfield.

Times (Crowley): ~48:56

Episode 6

Crowley calls Aziraphale:

Aziraphale: 2

Angel: 1

Both the aziraphale calls were at the airfield. One when he was telling him that its "kick butt, not lick butt" and the other when he was telling him to shoot Adam. The Angel call was when he questioned if this is what the Almoghty planned.

Times (Aziraphale): 04:34, 09:06. (Angel): 25:04

Aziraphale called Crowley:

Crowley: 3

Demon: 0

The first two Crowley calls were to get his attention away from the Bentley and get him to do something. The third was after failed Armageddon (still at the airfield).

Times (Crowley): 03:17, 03:27, 14:56

Observations:

Just some pretty mild observations. Aziraphale didn't call him or remind him that's he's a demon after episode 3. After the Bandstand argument he doesn't do that again in Season 1.

Crowley only calls Aziraphale "Angel" 7 times over the season. He mostly calls him Aziraphale. There's two bonus "best friend"'s as well. It's striking because we hold on to that so much, to the point I feel like it's very much switched in season 2 when he mostly calls him Angel. I think. Season 2 "What the husbands call each other" will take place this week so will be able to determine it then.

He also only calls Aziraphale "Aziraphale" 10 times. 1 indirectly, 3 when he's trying to call him in the fire, and 1 when he's calling him after passing over the Antichrist. So that leaves 5 neutral times he calls him Aziraphale. Which is almost equal with Angel. Except two angels were when he came back to apologise and when he left again. So it seems to be random when he'll call him Angel and when he'll call him Aziraphale, whether there's desperation or emotion behind it or its neutral.

Over to you. Again, use this info as you see fit and draw your own conclusions.

[westeroswisdom]

Previously we featured a post about Nikolaj Coster-Waldau having a leading role in the upcoming historical series King and Conqueror.

Now comes news that Nikolaj won't be the only Game of Thrones alum in that series about William of Normandy's big move in 1066.

CBS Studios and the BBC’s period drama series “King & Conqueror” has revealed additional cast members, including “The Crown’s” Luther Ford and “Game of Thrones” actor Joseph Mawle, as it begins production in Iceland. [ ... ] They join the previously announced James Norton as Harold, Earl of Wessex; Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy; Emily Beecham as Edith Swan-neck, Harold of Wessex’s wife; and Clémence Poésy as Matilda, William of Normandy’s wife. [ ... ] Mawle, who also has a role in “The Rings of Power,” will play Fitzosbern, William’s protector since he was a boy and the closest thing he has to a friend. A grounded and straightforward soldier who has stood beside William his whole life. 

Joseph Mawle portrayed Benjen Stark who disappeared during Season 1 but returned in later seasons to come to the rescue of kin.

Benjen Stark and Jaime Lannister may have rubbed elbows when King Robert Baratheon visited Winterfell with his large entourage. But I can't recall, offhand, any interactions between the two.

This is not the first time that two GoT alums will appear together in another series. For example: Kristian Nairn (Hodor) and Joel Fry (Hizdahr zo Loraq) both appeared in Our Flag Means Death.

[ohmygodshesinsane]

Winter Sun and Lantern Light

For @thegobletofweasleys Jily Week, August 1st - “In any universe I’d fight evil with you” AU.

Also for @jilymicrofics August Prompt 1 - Block.

Available on Ao3 or under the cut.

“No.” Lily gripped his arm, green eyes ablaze like Greek fire. “You halfwit fool! Do you long so for the block?” They crouched in the shadow of a fearsome holly bush, Lily with her hand bandaged and a sword on her belt, and James with a jagged tear through his jerkin, revealing his mauled shoulder. The weak winter sun faded quickly, but their pursuers’ lanterns glowed amongst the trees, bobbing as they searched.

James rubbed his neck. “I think you’ll find them hesitant to waste a perfectly good axe on a rabble-rouser.” Lily’s gaze sharpened.

“You think they won’t recognise the heir to Wessex? James.”

“Lily,” he said, taking her uninjured hand. “They seek rebels. If they have one in their grasp, they won’t think to look for a woman. Keep west to the Hog’s Head and speak to Aberforth. That was the plan.”

Lily folded her arms across her chest. “How is it fair that I should escape on account of my sex? Do you truly expect me to leave you for dead?” A lump welled in James’ throat. Every moment more he spent looking at her made the inevitable only more difficult.

“They will treat you abominably on account of your sex,” James said. “I forbid it.” In the distance, the pack of dogs barked furiously. Their master whistled. “Lily -”

“I won’t leave you,” she said, the rims of her eyes reddening. Her auburn hair shone like copper, vibrant against the waxen pallor of her face and the hollows in her cheeks. They had been running for three weeks since the rest of their Order had been devastated outside York. James laid a hand against her forehead.

“You need to get to Aberforth, and Pomfrey,” he urged. Lily laughed wetly.

“You say to me.” She pointed to his shoulder.

“I’ve not an infection,” he said bluntly.

The dogs’ barks drew nearer, and shouts drifted on the wind. Each blow of breeze made Lily shiver. It was imperative she escaped before nightfall. If he could delay them, she could be at the next village by dark and lodge for the night. James was prize enough, by birth and blood, and he would ensure they forgot all about the woman-knight they had thought sighted.

“Don’t,” Lily said. “Damn you, Potter, don’t. We go together or naught.”

“You must go west,” he said, bringing his hand to cup her cheek. Her flush of life was hot against him, her heartbeat jumping under her skin. He could not feel his own vitality. There was only a twist of grey slush where his breath ought to be. “You must go west and tell Aberforth of what has happened. You need your wounds seen to. For Harry.” With great pain, James moved his shoulder so that he could feel the swell of her stomach.  Their baby. Their boy, the witch had said. Their son. James’ bottom lip trembled. He fought it furiously.

“I hate you,” Lily said, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I loathe you, Potter.”

“Good,” he said, kissing her forehead. “Hate me forevermore. Run from me.”

“James,” she whimpered. The waters burst from his eyes.

“Go,” he said. “Lily, I have loved none other as you and I know in any life God would give me I could never conceive of another. You are my spirit. Let it live on. To Aberforth, and to Pomfrey, for Harry. That you and he may continue our work against the evils of this world.”

“I hate you,” she repeated, lifting her lips to his. Her kiss was slow and feverish. James tasted her for one last time, ignoring his every instinct. How could he have loved her so long and only had her so little in the end?

But there were greater things than his desires now.

They had their babe.

“Be good and steadfast,” he whispered. “Love well, Lily, and love again if that is where you are led. Tell him of me someday, when it will not endanger you both, if that day does come. Pray for my soul.”

“If I should lay eyes upon that bastard again,” Lily said, “I will kill him. I will not need a sword to do it.”

“If I should entrust anyone with regicide, it would be you, my love.” And James took in her face. He had not known when he had first looked upon it what would come. He could not bring himself to regret a moment of it. “Go.”

Lily sobbed and gave him a furious glare. “Go and die, then, you bastard wretch.”

James smiled. “I always intended on it, at some time or another.” Lily shut her eyes as she gathered up her skirts. Beneath the lanterns came the shadowed shapes of men. James had imagined some sense of preservation would fill him about now, that the force of his life would rush through him and send him running. “Go.”

“Try not to, next time,” she said, pulling in a deep breath.

“Not to die?”

“Just try,” she insisted. “Meet Harry.”

“If God so wills it,” James said. “In the next life, Lily. But fight for this one.”

“They’ve got the scent!” one hunter shouted. “Here!”

Lily’s lips tightened, and she crept around the bush of holly and ran for her life and out of his.

I love you.

He had not thought to say it.