#and Aethelwold respectively

[justasightseer]

Do you ever think about how the best nicknames in TLK were given by Finan, or are you, like, normal??

[snowblack-charcoalwhite]

For character ask game:

2, 4, 6, 7, 15, 16, 19 and 24 for Aegon and Aemond.

Sorry if it's too many questions, I really like your takes on them:)

Hi! Nothing to apologize for really:) If anything, I'm really grateful to you for the opportunity to talk about my beloved Green boys💚

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

Aegon: Him not wanting the crown (at least initially) but still accepting it, along with the burden of being the King and a huge target on his back (bigger than it had been before, that is) to protect his family. It's about book!Aegon, yes, and I will never forgive the HotD writers for taking this away from Aegon and from us.

Aemond: Him training incessantly to become a great swordsman in spite of his injury. And the fact that he did not assume the KIng's title, remaining the Prince Regent after Rook's Rest (if the show changes that as well, I'll be royally mad).

4. If you could put this character in any other media, be it a book, a movie, anything, what would you put them in?

Aegon: Two options come to mind: either some DC universe movie, dark and dramatic, or a Regency era novel. The difference is wild but I feel like Aegon`s flawed, tormented but very nuanced character would fit nicely in both worlds.

Aemond: A dark fantasy novel (which later gets an amazing movie adaptation) where he'd be a some kind of mystical being somehow thrown into our world with his universe and ours starting to blend because of it. Enchanting atmosphere, cool character arcs and lots of dark humour.

6. What's something you have in common with this character?

Aegon: I can relate to Aegon being pressured by expectations of his elders - and having to assume the role he did not want (in my case it was way less dramatic, of course, and lower stakes were involved).

Aemond: Linking the answer here

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

Aegon: Showing him both compassion and respect, as he deserves both.

Aemond: Acknowledging both the fact that he is capable of great cruelty and that it doesn't make him incapable of experiencing human emotions.

15. What's your favorite ship for this character? (Doesn't matter if it's canon or not.)

Aegon and Aemond: The answer is the same for both because it's Aegond all the way. They might not understand each other at times, they might quarrel and hiss at one another; there is a place for envy and bitterness in their relationship because they are so unlike each other - by nature and, in a way, by destiny that dealt each of them their lot (elder and younger, king and prince, ruler and his fiercest warrior). But at the end of the day their place is by each other's side. Aegon has Aemond's back and vice versa because this is what they do - they defend their own.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

First things first, no hate to the supporters of any pairing mentioned further. I live by SALS principle, never tried to make anyone's life harder because of shipping reasons and hope for the same favor in return.

Aegon: Rhaegon and Aligon.

Aemond: Lucemond and Helaemond.

19. How about a relationship they have in canon that you don't like?

Aegon and Aemond: Again, the answer is the same for both, and it's their relationship with Viserys. Neglect and complete detachment coming from the father; hurt, rage and contempt coming from both sons, but processed and expressed differently. A stuff of depression-inducing nightmares.

24. What other character from another fandom of yours that reminds you of them?

Just to clarify: i don't mean that the characters I will mention there are just like Aegon and Aemond. They just remind me of them, in one way or another:)

Aegon: Aethelwold from The Last Kingdom. A member of a royal family, one of the candidates for the throne, who is deemed unworthy but has a lot more to him than one might see: intelligence, cunning, sharp wit and no less sharp tongue.

Also sometimes I get from Aegon just a tiny bit of Terry Pratchett's Rincewind vibes. Might be that both go through a lot but manage to survive. And Rincewind is often underestimated by those around him as well.

Aemond: Achilles, with his desire for glory and renown - and with his fighting skills (I'm not saying Aemond is as good as Achillles was, just that he was very good, excellent even). And Azazello from The Master and Margarita for Aemond's dark side - with the coldness, harshness and severity (which in Aemond's case are at least half-artificial but still).

Thanks again for the ask!

[anoncat6]

PETRICHOR | sihtric x oc | part two

part one

2. 3 years later

“I love her! I swear, I love her!” Sihtric was indignant, traipsing behind Uhtred and Finan in the night.

“We know, Sihtric- for Christ’s sake, we knew before you did. Just marry the girl already!” Finan teased him.

“Sihtric, she’s Gisela’s sister, and a warrior,” Uhtred interrupted, “The only reason she is not with us tonight is because she wanted to hunt that stag of hers! If you love her, do not change her.”

Sihtric pushed himself forward, rushing to walk beside Uhtred now: “But that’s just it- I won’t. What I’m asking of you is a promise that if I make Lena my wife, then she can still be with us, fighting with us. Nothing has to change. I simply wish to marry her, to fight alongside her as her husband.”

Uhtred simply shook his head, “And I wish you to kill Danes and survive the night. We’re the only chance the villagers have. I will talk with Gisela when we return to Coccham.”

Satisfied with Uhtred’s answer, and childishly giddy at the idea of marrying Ghylena, Sihtric wore a smile on his face for the rest of the night.

<>

Sihtric was starting to worry. 

Ghylena had never been gone for so long on a hunt; 2 days or 3, maybe- but 4? It was unsettling to say the least.

Finan was beside him, sharpening Uhtred’s sword with a frown whilst Sihtric worked on Lena’s. 

“Tomorrow, Sihtric. If she’s not back by tonight, we leave tomorrow morning to find her.”

Clenching his jaw, Sihtric only nodded.

What if something had happened to her? Raiders, or an accident? What if she had fallen from Shaeda and been inj-

“OPEN THE GATES!” 

Sihtric jumped up, hope sparking in him as he ran towards the gates, Finan following close behind.

He had never been more relieved to see Ghylena’s mighty mount, Shaeda.

The woman herself was a sight to behold, walking alongside her horse as she guided him by the reins. Her bow was strung tight across her back, a deadly axe tucked in her belt, and her face and furs covered in a spray of blood.

Atop Shaeda was yet another anomaly- the strange sight of a huge wild boar secured tight with rope to the saddle, and with yet more wrappings from the saddle secured to the stag Shaeda was dragging behind him.

“Ghylena!” Sihtric shouted, gleefully sprinting to her, “Lena, what on earth took you so long!?”

She turned to him, clearly so exhausted that she had not heard his approach, only to be wrapped up in his arms and spun straight up off the ground. Laughing, she drew her arms around his neck, drawing her fingers through his hair when they pulled apart- his arms still around her waist holding her upright. 

Shaeda, and the boar and stag were taken away, to be stabled and butchered respectively.

“Did I have you worried, my love?” Lena teased with an arched eyebrow.

“Near killed the little runt with the stress, huntress.” Finan smiled, rubbing Ghylena on the shoulder before pulling her into a hug as well.

“I take it you were totally fine then, Finan,” she patted his back.

“Only too happy to be rid of you.”

Ghylena smacked his chest, then let them guide her to the burh to be fed and washed.

Sihtric’s arm never left her shoulders.

“You missed the King’s visit, you know?” Finan spoke, the sun blinding his eyes.

“Oh? Is that all?” 

Sihtric shook his head in mirth, “No, the Lord Aethelwold was also here.”

Disgust marred Lena’s face at the thought of the man she disliked, “Well I’ll thank the gods for sparing me his presence. What did he want?”

“He spoke of a dead man rising, and prophecies of kings.” Finan said.

“So the usual nonsense.” Sihtric kissed her temple, “Yes, Lena, the usual nonsense. Erik also came, smuggled himself through the river on a trading boat. Apparently he was also visiting the dead man.”

Ghylena frowned, “Still, nonsense. Unless I see it for myself, I won’t trust the word of a man who’s only desire is power.”

Finan shrugged, “If Uhtred listens to Aethelwold, we may just see it ourselves.”

<>

“The stag took me 2 days to track, elusive little bastard. I was on my way home by the 3rd day when that smelly hog attacked me in my camp. Managed to stab its guts before Shaeda kicked it in the head, thank god- the beast seemed intent on skewering me with its tusks.” Ghylena was clean now, enjoying her usual nightly drink with Gisela and her family.

“And the wolf?” Gisela inquired, taking Young Uhtred by the hand to be put to bed, “Did you see it again?”

Lena shook her head, “No, but I travelled east, and I think that particular creature lives west of here.”

Uhtred, who held baby Stiorra in his arms, spoke softly, “Perhaps it is a sign from the gods, proof you are on the right path now. You have come a long way since Cumbraland, sister.”

The thought was sweet, and too tired to fight against it, she simply allowed herself to enjoy the sentiment, a small smile gracing her lips, “Perhaps, yes. Whatever the wolf means, I need sleep. Goodnight sweet Stiorra, don’t keep your father up too late.”

“Stiorra makes no promises.” Uhtred watched Ghylena leave for her bed.

After Young Uhtred was in bed, fast asleep with his baby sister in her slumber opposite him, Gisela and Uhtred sat in their bed together, holding each other close as they spoke.

“Has he asked yet?” Gisela looked up at her husband.

Uhtred smirked, “He has. Even asked for my promise that she could keep fighting for me after the wedding, said he didn’t want to change her in order to love her.”

“He knows her well then, it’s good that he respects her, no?”

“Ghylena could find no better man to marry, Gisela.”

“Then why the hesitation?” She pushed herself onto her elbows now.

Uhtred caressed his wife’s hair, brown like her sister’s, their features so alike and yet their spirits so different, “What if I do? What if they marry and she keeps fighting, what if she pups and something happens to the babe because I allowed her to fight, all for a promise I made to Sihtric?"

“Uhtred, you cannot allow your fear of what may happen to stop what should happen. With or without your blessing, I don’t think there’s anything in this life that could stop Sihtric from loving my sister, and Lena will follow her heart no matter what. If the time comes where she is with child, then it will be dealt with in that moment.”

“Perhaps you should be lord of this estate, my love, you seem far better than me at preparing for the future.” Gisela smiled, tucking herself back to his chest, “You simply need to learn to not stand in the way of the heart. And don’t torture the poor boy, tell him soon that he may marry her.”

“Alright, I will.” Uhtred laughed.

-> up next: '2 weddings and a proposal'...

[breanime]

14, 21 and 22

14. Save Aethelwold or Aethelred

Oof... save Aethelwold, but only so Uhtred or Brida can kill him. I would stand there and watch Aethelred die while eating an apple if I could.

21. Break Finan's heart or break your loyalty to Sigtryggr

FRIEND, THIS WAS CRUEL. Goddddd, um... FUCK, this is so hard. Cause the thought of breaking Finan's heart breaks MY heart. Like, I'm just picturing the face he made and the way he stared at Eadith when she said everyone who cared for her is gone, and I can't do that to him. But THEN I think of Siggy's face when his brother betrayed him and that hurts toooooo 😭 FUCKKK. Um, ummm... Betray Sigtryggr's loyalty, but If try to get back into his good graces afterwards 😭😭😭

22. Save Eric or save Ragnar

My heart says Ragnar due to my love for Uhtred and Brida, but I would have LOVED for Eric to live and see what becomes of the plot. Also, I love the idea of someone honorable owing Uhtred a debt, because unlike a lot of the Saxons (aka Alfred and his line), I feel like Eric has always respected and honored his word when it comes to Uhtred, and I think he would have been a fantastic ally. Also imagine Eric being able to raise his daughter as a Dane. Imagine him not being satisfied until he sees Aethelred dead for abusing Aethelflead. Imagine Eric and Aethelflead on the battlefield together, fighting alongside the Coccham Squad! Eric being fond of Sihtric from his time as a spy in Eric and Sigefrid's camp, GAWD!

So in short, Eric.

@songtoyou What about you? Same questions, what are your thoughts?

[ivarthebadbitch]

Alfred's strength, I believe, comes from his faith. From God.

Do you believe in this God?

I believe in myself.

[elocinmaen]

TLK Season 1 - It’s Good

(Spoilers ahead!)

My mum introduced me to The Last Kingdom in 2021. I was late to the club, but I fell in love quickly. Season 1 was an awesome introduction to my now favourite series out there. Let me explain why.

The first two episodes of this season had me hooked. It was a questionable choice to rush through Uhtred’s childhood with the Danes (which was a rather large section in the first book of the TLK series). I still fell in love with the family though. I can’t picture anyone else as Uhtred, nor Brida. Emily Cox and Alexander Dreymon have undeniably chemistry, although I definitely would say they make better friends than lovers. 

Alfred is probably one of the things that I was most pleasantly surprised by. David Dawson is... incredible. He brings such a quiet intensity to the character. I will have more to say about him when I talk about later seasons. Only good things. 

The story of season 1 flows well. It is well paced, mostly. It’s bingeworthy, yet every episode can be enjoyed as a single one. Travels to Cornwalum and Cynuit felt more like side quests than actual plot drivers. Perhaps that’s just me.

There are some characters which feel unnecessary (*cough* Wulfhere *cough*), some which I think deserve more screen time. Aethelwold is a slimy piece of shit but his character is so well done. It’s made clear he’s not meant to be liked, and it works. I don’t like his character, but I do enjoy his character.

I don’t want to say this is a huge downfall of the season, because it is truly fantastic. However, I feel like Iseult’s storyline was kind of rushed. Of course, they have to have limitations on screen compared to the pages of a book. I just didn’t connect that well with her character. 

I hate to say it but I didn’t really like Hild either. In later seasons, I grow to like her, but in season 1 she is just kind of useless? Save for the scene where she comforts Lady Aelswith, she just kind of is there without doing anything of value. 

Leofric, however... Man did his death hit me hard. Leofric was a character that is a great right hand man to Uhtred, while also being a warrior in his own right. He doesn’t blindly follow him, and doesn’t treat him with immediate respect. Uhtred is not his lord he is his friend. We don’t learn much about him, yet he is so likeable. I loved him, and it was a shame to see him go. 

What a good opener this season is to the series. As a huge history nerd, I find it difficult to watch a lot of historic dramas (for a lot of reasons), but TLK is one of the few that I an enjoy unconditionally. 

[lannisterdaddyissues]

Tlk & alfred for the ask meme👀😁

aaaaa sorry i took so long to answer this lmaoo!!! i forgot it was in my inbox but i LOOOOOOOVE YOU!!!! @stellar-voyager​ you give me all the fun validation

001 | THE LAST KINGDOM

favorite character: Literally everyone who’s ever met me knows this lol but Alfred hands down. He’s brilliant. I love the brainy ones who play puppeteer with everyone else, it just really turns the cogs in my mind. I also love Uhtred and Aldhelm though, they’re probably tied for next in line :)

least favorite character: Cn*t 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢 I can’t stand him. But Aethelwold comes in a close second because ew.

5 favorite ships (canon or non-canon): Again, literally everyone who’s ever met me knows this but Uhtred and Alfred have so much chemistry and such a strong bond that I couldn’t just...not ship them. After that there are some really good canon ships in this show that I just love. Aethelflaed x Aldhelm, Uhtred x Gisela, Finan x Eadith, and Alfred x Aelswith have all my heart eyes 🥺

character I find most attractive: Ugh I can’t believe I have to answer this when the main cast is full of attractive people. If I’m being completely honest I really think Uhtred and Gisela are super attractive.

character I would marry: A̶e̶t̶h̶e̶l̶r̶e̶d̶   I can hardly choose between the entire cast, but if I have to narrow it to one then probably Aldhelm :’) He would be the best husband!!!

character I would be best friends with: Likely Uhtred or Aldhelm again <3

a random thought: Iseult lives rent-free in my brain forever, I know she lasted for like 2 episodes but she had such an impact on Alfred that he attended her pagan funeral and I will just never stop thinking about that.

an unpopular opinion: Finan is overrated. That is all

my canon otp: I mean there aren’t a lot of ships that are canon as of yet so Uhtred x Gisela. I love them, they’re the perfect example of what a marriage should be <3

my non-canon otp: I am once again Thinking about Alfred x Uhtred because they are transcendent

most badass character: Alfred. He wasn’t the protagonist but still stole the spotlight every time he was on screen and was unafraid to call people out on their BS.

most epic villain: I hate just about every antagonist in this show and most of them are kind of lame tbh, but Siegfried (i think that’s how you spell it? the subtitles call him Sigefrid but it didn’t look right) was pretty good. I didn’t like him much but he was probably the least lame.

pairing I am not a fan of: Brida and Cn*t are just...ew. Ugh. No.

character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): I mean the writers did a great job with everyone really but... Brida by the end of s4? I am Not a fan.

favourite friendship: It’s impossible for me to give any answer but Coccham Squad, though Hild and Uhtred are the most wholesome friendship I’ve ever seen between a man and a woman on screen. I love the respect he has for her 💖💖 and she for him!!! Really anyone who’s friends with Uhtred, I love.

character I most identify with: I identify a lot with Aldhelm and, a fact which disgusts me :), Edward. Not that I live in my parents’ shadow but at such a young age he’s striving to do more than he’s capable of and that’s a same. I still hate him though 🥴

character I wish I could be: Aethelflaed is the Woman™️

003 | KING ALFRED (THE GREAT) OF WESSEX

how I feel about this character: HE IS EVERYTHING TO ME AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I would sell my soul to him for a penny and a lock of his soft hair 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

any/all the people I ship romantically with this character: Have I not said Uhtred twice already? I will say it a third time. He deserves it. I also love his relationship with Aelswith. They had a rocky start but there were some scenes in the later seasons that really showed how much they loved and cared for each other 🥺❤️

my favorite non-romantic relationship for this character: He doesn’t really interact with any of the characters except for Uhtred and his family, so I’d have to say Aethelflaed. He’s such an adorable dad with her, I love seeing how much he dotes on her and he was so stricken with grief when she was kidnapped in s2 😭 But for characters who aren’t his family, I’d have to say Hild. She’s easily his favorite nun 🏆😇

my unpopular opinion about this character: A lot of people don’t like him because of his treatment of Uhtred throughout the course of the show which is valid, since he shows a lot of hypocritical behavior and manipulates Uhtred into serving him a lot. But people don’t take into account the fact that Uhtred refused to assimilate with his culture and follow his laws in his own land, instead doing the exact opposite by killing who he pleased and blatantly disrespecting the Christian God. People normally ignore this by saying it was a different time but it’s Alfred’s house and his rules and that is the tea sis.

one thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: The reconciliation with Uhtred and the handhold was really all I could wish for 🥺🥺 and Uhtred’s speech about him!!! The love!!! I’ll always hold their bond so dearly to my heart. But I really wish that we’d gotten to see some grandpa Alfred before he died :((( Grandma Aelswith and Aethelstan were so cute, and the scene where she tells Aethelstan about Alfred’s vision made my heart hurt so much. I wish we’d gotten to see Alfred be a grandpa though 💔 He would have been the best grandfather 😤😤

favorite friendship for this character: haha the implication that alfred has friends is so funny....but no his closest friend is his chronicle (it’s really his diary). To answer this question seriously though, Aelswith may be his wife but she’s also his best friend!! They judge people together just as best friends should. I love them <3

my crossover ship: I’m not really a crossover person so I don’t really have one. Also he’s a real person so that’s just kinda... idk nahhh lol. I guess, off the top of my head, Allura from Voltron???? They’re both...royals...and they’re relatively similar in personality. I don’t even know I’m just throwing stuff into the void 😜 but oh no i’m kind of seeing it now oop- 😖

here’s the link to the ask meme!

[pokeasleepingsmaug]

More thoughts about The Last Kingdom - I noticed that during the scene of the feast in town after Aethelflaed's wedding, when Uhtred and Aethelwold are outside discussing who should really be king of Wessex and the visions of the dead man, Sihtric's just in the background enjoying a blatant make-out sesh with Eahlswith! HaHa! And I simultaneously really respect and can't stand Alfred. He's a bit of a manipulative weasel, but it kind of makes him a good king? I don't know how to feel about him!

I know, I love his blatant make-out sesh haha, it’s adorable that he just doesn’t give a shit. Fun fact from the books because this is one way it differs from the series. It talks about how Uhtred needs to give his approval for the marriage since Sihtric is one of his household warriors, and therefore Sihtric’s wife will become part of Uhtred’s household. But some shit goes down (you know, like Aethelflaed getting kidnapped) and Uhtred never gives his permission. Sihtric narrows her anyway, and Uhtred forgives him.And Alfred is tough, I feel the same way. But the shit that pisses me off is the same stuff that makes him such a good king. Plus he’s just so smart, and his motivations always seem good to me. It has to be such a hard role to play, and I love that the actor can give us such a nuanced performance of him that we both want him to succeed and want him to crash and burn at the same time.

[kingalfrcd]

he was really going to do that, wasn’t he? this was when alfred found uhtred to be annoyingly childish. alfred rolled his eyes playfully, shaking his head. “alfred is your king,” he replied, looking up at the man and pulling away from his lips. he wouldn’t let uhtred have the satisfaction, no way. but when he whispered in his ear, alfred could feel his legs go weak with desire. “i feel that you are an immature child with no respect,” he whispered back. “you remind me of aethelwold.” now that was an insult. after speaking those words, alfred couldn’t stop a small grin from coming upon his face. “i am joking,” he said softly, although the joke might have gone too far. “you remind me of no one. there is no one like you.”

kingalfrcd​:

oh, alfred despised and loved the way uhtred teased him. he’d never met such an openly childish man before; was it bad that he secretly loved uhtred’s sense of humor? as the man’s hands gently brought his chin upwards, alfred closed his eyes, kissing uhtred back and letting himself relax, pushing himself further into uhtred’s touch. once he spoke the next words, alfred moved his hands from uhtred’s chest to his neck, arms wrapping around it as he pulled the man closer to him. kissing him was a drug. “your king desires you to shut up.” that wasn’t what he really wanted, of course; he wanted to keep kissing uhtred and to keep hearing the man’s sly remarks, to keep seeing his smirk and hear his flirtatious voice whispering in his ear. he would never admit that in a million years.

          His lips greatly enjoyed being with the opposites, that feeling that caused Uhtred to fear in exploring or defining a word he was but he liked it and would not let it go. He felt his hands roam his body though his gaze remained on the contrarians eyes something that made him smile but he shook his head. “But I don’t care what he wants at that moment, I want I want to know what Alfred wants” he whispered against the other’s lips. ❝——Though you can tell the king that if he wants me to shut up, he’ll have to get me to do it❞ he finished challenging him. Bringing his lips to his ear. ❝What is it that you feel for me, Alfred?❞ he spoke playfully in a whisper, as he liked to tease him.

[anoncat6]

PETRICHOR | sihtric x oc | part twelve

part one

12. tidman, thyra, and a fire

They had rowed back to Coccham, retaking Gisela’s hall and home without a shed of blood. The Bishop Erkenwald was now leaving for Winchester, and upon Uhtred’s orders they were to join him, pretending to act as a guard. He and Osferth would follow soon after they killed Skade, and minus one curse. 

Arriving at Winchester, Steappa had allowed them to enter, though not before a tedious delay. Sihtric, Finan and Ghylena now stood at the stables.

“Is that Aethelwold the sword-Dane I see?” Finan mocked, “Looks like you’ve mislaid an eye.”

“I see you perfectly, Finan. Though I do not see your master.” “Unsurprising.” Ghylena muttered. 

“Uhtred. Where is he?” Aethelwold’s face was marred and grisly, but Ghylena thought he looked just as ugly as he always had.

“Standing at your blind-side, perhaps.” Finan threw, and Sihtric huffed a laugh.

Moving on towards the steps to the palace, Ghylena moved to approach the Bishop Erkenwald.

“Bishop!” She put on a sickeningly sweet voice, “Bishop, pardon me, but I heard from the men that there is to be a wedding?” “Edward is to marry, yes. A sweet girl, like yourself.” 

Ghylena smiled wider, hoping to hide the disgust in her eyes, “Yes, of course. Only it is that I love a good wedding— I myself have found great peace in my marriage. I was wondering if it would be acceptable were my friends and I to stay a short while? Just long enough to enjoy the celebrations, Lord, that is all.” 

The Bishop nodded, falling for her supplication, “You are welcome, Lady, I’m sure, as are your people.”

“Many thanks to you, Bishop.” Ghlyena smiled as serenely as she could as the man walked away.

Finan and Sihtric approached behind her then. 

“Laying it on a bit thick, weren’t we?” An Irish accent lilted.

Ghylena’s bare grin dropped, her cheeks aching as she snipped, “Do you want the plan to work or not, Finan?”

Sihtric stood in front of her now, a small bouquet of pleasant flowers in hand. She sent him a questioning look, but his only reply was to reach into her hair and place the delicate flowers throughout her braids. She stared at him in awe.

“Awk, ye wee sap.” Finan feigned disgust, before being jumped by the unforeseen arrival of Osferth.

“Walk with me, Lena. We are not needed for this part.” Sihtric suggested, tucking the last bloom behind her ear.

Still entranced by her thoughtful husband, Ghylena about managed a nod before he smirked— enjoying his effect on her— and dragged her away by the hand.

<>

They had been walking and talking for most of the evening, and now night had come, and still they basked in each other’s presence, content in their brief peace.

Emerging from a side street back into a main line, Sihtric was the first to spot Aethelwold and his men as they strutted towards Beocca’s house.

Turning to look down at her, Sihtric kissed Lena’s forward before ushering her forward, “Go, follow them, go!”

Nodding, Lena dashed after them, throwing a look behind her to see Sihtric running to alert Finan and the rest of their men. Resting her hand lightly at her stomach, Ghylena followed Aethelwold’s band through the roads until they came upon Beocca’s house.

Pyrlig appeared then, standing between the horde and their target.

“If it is not the disgraced, yet forgiven Lord Aethelwold, sword drawn. You have stopped, I see, outside this house. ”

“You should show a little respect, Father Pyrlig.” Aethelwold simpered.

Pushing through the cloaked men, Ghylena stood herself beside Pyrlig.

“I believe it is you who should show some decorum, Lord Aethelwold. Or did Alfred take your manners as well as your eye?”

“You would let a woman stand with you as an equal, Pyrlig?” Aethelwold simpered.

“I would let this woman stand for me any day, which is more than I can say for you, Lord.”

“Father,” Lord Sigebriht spoke now, “There is an outlaw walking free.”

Pyrlig pretended to be afraid, looking from side to side as he replied, “An outlaw? Who?”

“It is not your place to ask.” Aethelwold looked away.

“And it is not your place to raid someone’s home, Lord.” Ghylena declared.

Soon after this, Beocca came out of his home, with Aethelwold surrounding the house with his men before Sihtric arrived with their back up. Thyra exited the home then, settling the dispute by allowing the men to enter and search. 

“Beocca, I have been listening. If these men wish to look inside our home, then we should allow it. We have nothing to hide, nothing at all. Please, come inside, Aethelwold.”

After searching the building and coming up with nothing, the men left; Uhtred hidden under the floorboards in an emergency ditch built by Thyra.

Father Beocca spoke as Aethelwold left, “Where in God’s name is he?” 

<>

A man had harassed Thyra in the streets, she came home crying, and Hild had been the first to notice. Not soon after, Beocca had exploded into the streets, Uhtred and his warriors following close behind.

Beocca was red-faced, enraged and chewing at the bit.

“TIDMAN! I’m looking for a rat named Tidman!” Beocca yelled, “Are you Tidman? I asked, are you Tidman?”

Aethelwold appeared then, always popping up where he’s not wanted.

“Father Beocca, good morning. And Uhtred, free man of Wessex.”

“I’m looking for a man named Tidman. Does the coward belong to you?” 

“He does not.” “I am not a coward,” the lump on the bench spoke then, a great big shit of a man who’s mouth was too big for his jaw, “What is it you want, priest?”

Eyes lit with excitement, Ghylena couldn’t wait to see the priest hit him. 

“What I want, oaf, is for you to heed my warning. Speak to or go near my wife again and I shall beat the shit from you! It is a promise.” “I called your woman a Dane, is that… is that not what she is?”

“Have you not understood me?” Beocca leaned closer, “You don’t appear to be the cleverest of men.” 

“Do you speak to me as a man or a priest?” Tidman’s teeth were yellow, if not brown.

And then Beocca pounced, head butting the man and roaring “Does that answer your question!? DOES IT?!”

Ghylena laughed, wide-mouthed and whole-heartedly giggling with joy at the sigh of Tidman’s comeuppance. She stood behind them all, leaning against the wall now with her hands on her hilts, watching the magic unfold. Since Osferth’s news of Skade’s death, Ghylena felt lighter and more alive, as if the clouds had finally parted on a crisp winter morning.

The men moved to pull Beocca off Tidman, but Ghylena could see Sihtric smiling, unable to hide his mirth at the shock of a priest beating a man.

When Beocca lied and claimed to be calm only to lunge for him again, giving Tidman a bloody nose and straw-covered back, Ghylena felt herself glowing with pride and satisfaction. 

Good, she thought, Show them that Thyra is not unprotected.

<>

Alfred died the next day.

Being that Beocca had to be at the front of the hall, performing the funeral rites, Ghylena had offered to kept Thyra company and as such, was now stood beside her friend, enduring the same intolerable pestering as she from the rat Tidman.

Shoving into their backs, Tidman kept his voice low, unwilling to create a fuss. It was only for Ghylena’s respect for the dead that she did not turn around to break his nose.

“You Danes should not be here.” He hissed.

Seeing Thyra’s anxiety, and feeling extremely uncomfortable herself, Ghylena took her by the hand and silently led her from the hall.

Once outside the doors, she spoke, “Let’s just take you home, hm?” 

Smiling in thanks, Thyra still seemed unsettled as she replied, “Yes, that sounds like a good idea.”

When they had come within sightline of the home, Tidman made his presence known, throwing rocks and insults at their backs. Unwilling to frighten Thyra more, Ghylena simply grit her teeth and ushered her to the house. 

“Come Thyra, get inside and I will handle him. Bolt the door, hide.” 

Rushing to the house, Ghylena managed to push Thyra through the doorway, right before turning around into the stinking presence of Tidman. She hadn’t realised how close he had been behind them, gasping in shock and instantly regretting it whenever she inhaled a lungful of his sweat and stench.

Schooling her expression, Ghylena turned her head up to look him in the eye, and felt her stomach roll at the hungry look in his eyes.

He was so close to her that if she lifted her arm in front of her it would be touching his chest, and she felt trapped. Having just been at the palace, she was weaponless, forced to leave her daggers outside the hall before entering.

Tidman clearly had secured his own weapons before stalking them.

“Come no closer!” She couldn’t help the waver in her voice, realising that no-one knew where she was and that she might need help. 

“Little Dane wants to play hero, does she?” Tidman snorted.

“Little Dane would drop you to your knees in the square, shit-stain.” His insults had gotten to her, raising a flare of her temper in defiance of her fear.

Suddenly, he shot forward, invading her space and forcing her to back into the door. 

He smirked, and his rotten breath stank. “Not so feisty now, are we?”

Ghylena steeled herself, tilting her head before suddenly punching him in the gut and trying to run under his arm. 

She nearly made it, 2 paces behind him before he reached around and caught hold of her hair, still with Sihtric’s flowers braided through it. 

A yelp of pain shot from her as he yanked her backwards, fisting his fingers against her scalp before throwing her to the ground.

Wincing from pain and gasping for air after being winded, Ghylena took one second too long to recover, and then he was on top of her. A growl of frustration left her as he held her arms down, legs on either side of her waist and pinning her with his weight. 

“Bastard!” She yelled, spitting in his face with precision.

Her saliva dripped from his eye now, and apparently she had finally broken his inflated ego, making him give up on trying to harass her. 

Using his grip on her hair to slam her skull into the floor, he brutally knocked her out before climbing off of her.

Spitting on her unconscious body, he turned to Thyra’s home, and left with one hushed promise. 

“I’ll come back for you after I’ve had the redhead.”

<>

The heat and noise was what roused her.

Ghylena slowly dragged her eyes open, head pounding and confused as to where she was.

Searing flames roared around her, and the yells of desperate men rang into the night. 

Pushing herself up from the ground, Ghylena steadied her feet beneath her before moving away from the burning house as fast as she could.

What in holy hells happened? How did I end up here? She thought.

Fumbling away from the smoke, Ghylena heaved clean air into her lungs as her hand raised to her head, confused by the sticky feeling on her skin.

She winced, pain splicing her head as her fingers came away bloody.

Staring at the red, her memory came rushing back to her in that moment.

Tidman.

Thyra.

Was Thyra alright? Was she still in the house? Ghylena turned to the fire again, face growing in horror as the building was engulfed, and began to crumble.

Still dizzy, and with a thumping headache, Ghylena didn’t hear Sihtric when he first ran to her. Only when he turned her by the shoulder to face him, looking her in the eyes and shaking her from her horrified stupor, did she hear him.

“Lena! Lena, what happened?! You’re bleeding?” He was frantic.

Shaking her head, she could only choke out one word, “Thyra.”

Finan came running then, joining the men who were desperately trying to fight the blaze, but it was hopeless. The thatched roof of the porch dropped to the ground then, as Finan asked for Thyra’s whereabouts. Lena started to cry then, helpless dread eating at her stomach. 

Thyra was still inside, trapped in a death that Ghylena helped create.

The fire only burned hotter.

-> up next: 'ambush in the forest'...

Tags: @travelingmypassion

[breanime]

I feel like we should talk more.

(This is gonna get kind of rambly, but stay with me here)

Inbox is open for fandom chats or whatever else. I respond in one of two ways: immediately like a creeper or it takes a while cause I got trapped by a nap, but either way. I respond!

Come hop into my askbox, especially if you wanna talk The Last Kingdom, Peaky Blinders or any other fandom or topic!

I'll start with some fandom opinions: Eh hem...

Shameless should have been about a Black family on the South Side of Chicago. I would like her (see below) play Fiona

GOOD GIRLS FUMBLED THE BAG!!!! MANNY MONTANA CARRIED THAT SHOW!

I didn't watch the first season of The Last Kingdom, and therefore don't get people's attachments to Aethelwold or Iseult, but I respect it lol

The last season of Mayans was such a collection of High/Low moments, I'm still unsure about watching the final season that's coming out soon

There's too many Marvel shows and movies and spinoffs now. I feel like a fussy old man yelling at a cloud here, but dammit, enough is enough! And if you're gonna do all this Marvel content, then at least let Sam Wilson be the hero and MAIN character he's meant to be!

If I were in True Blood, I would want to be a vampire. But I'd want my maker to be long dead by the time I got to Bon Temps

I can't stand Grace Burgess. Full stop.

Here's a list of Girlboss "Evil" Ladies that I adore: Lucretia and Illythia from Spartacus, Dagmar from Enchantment, Brida from The Last Kingdom, POLLY MFING GRAY from Peaky Blinders, Gemma from Sons of Anarchy, Jinx from Arcane, Me, NAEVIA my angel queen from Spartacus, Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones

Despite loving The Last Kingdom and Peaky Blinders, I normally don't watch shows like those anymore because I get very bored with and feel removed from shows/movies with a majority white only cast. I like to place myself into the story, and the lack of diversity in media really takes me out of the story.

I think more TV shows should have a random musical episode if applicable

[ivarthebadbitch]

I’m curious and would like your own theory. What would happen if Aethelwold did become King?

ok this is sort of funny, because I actually included this exact scenario as part of the s1 iseult lives au I wrote not that long ago so uh...you can check that out, I guess? but here's the thing: in order to really game this out (as opposed to just saying, like, 'oh he'd probably suck at it'), you have to first ask under what set of circumstances would aethelwold become king? did aethelred designate him as his heir instead of alfred? did he kill alfred (or edward)? because those possibilities would lead you in very different directions, you see?

but setting all that aside to just focus on aethelwold's personal qualities: I think the key to understanding his character is that aethelwold does not really believe in anything except that he should be king. he does not want the actual job or responsibilities associated with being king, but he wants the respect and he wants nobody pushing him around; he wants to be king because he's got nothing better to do. he doesn't have a big ideological project like alfred. he's not out to convert the heathens. he's got feelings of shame around not living up to his father's expectations like edward does, but he doesn't have edward's twitchy rage that motivates him to do shit like take over mercia and eoferwic. he wants to be king just because.

in short, what aethelwold would do as king is pretty much what he does the rest of the time when he's not king--being a rich kid with no particular purpose or prospects, party rocking his way to the throne.

[ivarthebadbitch]

How old is Aethelwold in the series? Why does he think he can still be king after all these years? He’s not that stupid.

all right anon...you're getting a couple answers on this one. the first answer is the narrow, straightforward, in-text interpretation of aethelwold's motives from the end of s2 into s3. the second (and more interesting) answer is taking a look at what role aethelwold plays in the narrative and why.

Answer #1: imo the most important scene for understanding aethelwold's motives in s3 takes place at the end of s2, where he discusses the ransom for aethelflaed with alfred. I think the takeaway message from aethelwold's point of view is clear: he understands that to alfred, he is disposable, and he will never be allowed to have anything more than what alfred allows him. so his only chance to have anything beyond that is to try to take the throne for himself at the best possible opportunity--when alfred is dying, and before edward can consolidate support. the thing is, I don't think he even wants the job of being king as much as he wants the respect and authority that comes with the title.

Answer #2: let's zoom out from our narrow, in-text interpretation to look at what role I think aethelwold plays within the story. aethelwold was a real historical figure, but the show diverges in some key ways from what we know about him. for one thing, this includes his age, as it seems he very young when alfred took power after his father died. now in the show, he has been aged up considerably. to answer your first question, I would say that aethelwold and uhtred are about the same age, so probably in his late teens in s1. this is a significant change, and I think it is done this way because the show needs aethelwold to serve the story as a (pathetic, unmanly) foil and ultimately an antagonist. it needs him to look bad so alfred and uhtred and company can look good by comparison, and it needs to flatten out some of the ambiguities of the real life alfred/aethelwold relationship. I think the reason the writers want to give us clear good guys and bad guys is in order to present the audience with a patriotic, feel-good story about the unification of England under alfred (and make it look even cooler by telling us about this forgotten badass who made it all happen, of course). the good guys need not be perfect, but their actions must ultimately be justified by the narrative, with a heavy emphasis on characters' personal qualities. alas, poor aethelwold gets the short end of the stick.

[ivarthebadbitch]

the thing I really do like about aethelwold is that he’s this lone decidedly uncool person absolutely surrounded by badass effortlessly cool people, and he resents it but mostly just rolls with it. We respect short kings in this house.

[ceridwenofwales]

Yes! So true!🤣🤣🤣

I miss the times Aethelwold was this character no one respected but that delivered some truth about the hypocrisy around.

TLK and Aethelred. Uhtred and his mates really didn’t have a good impression on him.