#i am so sad about gisela :(

[lady-wyrd]

The Last Kingdom 3x01

[scorpionrising]

there is love that doesn't have a place to rest — ch. 1

pairing: finan x fem!oc word count: 2395 content warning: this fic deals explicitly with the trauma of sexual assault. while there are no drawn out, graphic scenes, it is made explicitly clear what is going on. for context: oc is uhtred's daughter and was captive in dunholm for all her childhood. proceed with caution. additionally, expect canon typical attitudes, behaviors, violence, etc.

read on ao3

“no words appear before me in the aftermath salt streams out my eyes and into my ears every single thing i touch becomes sick with sadness 'cause it's all over now, all out to sea” –taylor swift, bigger than the whole sky

Ravna awoke in a blind panic, scrambling about her bed and gasping for air. The scent of smoke was heavy in her lungs, vision going hazy. She screamed up a storm, wailing as loud as she could. Surely someone would be able to hear and help. Something was keeping her trapped, holding her arms down. But the room was on fire. She knew it was. She screamed louder, head flinging back into her pillows. 

The door opened with such force that it flew from the hinges. Hazy as the smoke, her father stood in front of her. Her screams stopped as he came into focus, turning into gasping hiccups. 

“Oh, igða,” he whispered, sitting down beside her with a frown. He ran a hand down the back of her head and pulled her into an embrace as she began to sob against him. He shushed her gently, rocking both their bodies. “What is it? What do you dream of?”

“Fire,” she gasped, curling her fingers into the soft material of his shirt. 

He made a small noise, but did not stop rubbing her back. He hummed quietly to calm her, but it did not stop her racing heart. 

“Breathe,” he instructed. “You need to breathe.” 

“I cannot,” she said. 

“You must.” 

She tried, she really tried. She listened to the steady thrumming of his heart and his own quiet breathing. He brought his hand up and down along her spine, continuing his humming. He did this until the sun began to rise and filter the room with golden light and her eyes began to drift shut. He did this until long after her eyes drifted shut and his followed. 

It was Gisela who woke them hours later, Ravna’s little sister in her arms. Stiorra lept from her mother’s grip and onto the bed. The toddler giggled, smacking her meaty fists into Ravna’s face as her feet dug into their father’s stomach. 

“Devil child,” Ravna groaned, rolling away, hardly able to remember the dream from the night before. 

Stiorra giggled even more shrilly as their father grabbed her by the legs and tickled her viciously. Gisela smiled and looked to Ravna. She held out her hand and beckoned Ravna away from her father and sister. 

“You frightened me last night,” Gisela whispered, looping her hands around Ravna’s upper arm. “Will you tell me what ails you?” 

“I apologize,” Ravna said, bowing her head. “I hope I did not wake Stiorra or Feilan.” 

She thought of her little brother and his quiet, watchful disposition. He shared a name with their father, but she felt it too strange to call the little boy Uhtred. That was a man’s name, and Feilan was her little wolf. 

“It is no matter,” Gisela said. “It is you I worry about.”

Ravna glanced down, embarrassed. Gisela, seeming to notice this, tutted quietly and patted Ravna’s arm. 

“Do not fret,” Gisela said. “I am concerned. You have been plagued by these nightmares for a fortnight.” 

Ravna shook her head. “It is nothing. Merely dreams.” 

“Dreams have meaning,” Gisela said. “There is something haunting you.” 

Ravna frowned, uncomfortable with the attention given. She much preferred when everyone was fixated on Feilan or Stiorra, rather than her. She found it difficult when eyes were on her, reminding her all too well of how it felt to be caged.

“I know how to make a tea so that when you sleep, it is dreamless,” Gisela said. “Would you like me to brew it for you?”

“It works?” Ravna asked. 

“It does. I have used it many times.”

Ravna wondered what it was that haunted Gisela, who was a seemingly perfect woman. In the year since Ravna came to live with her father and his new wife, Ravna had not once heard Gisela even begin to raise her voice, and she was always kind to everyone. Whatever it was that tormented her, Ravna’s heart ached. 

“Thank you,” Ravna said. She tucked her hair behind her ears and looked around. “I will go down to the river later, I think.”

Gisela smiled at her. “More drawing?”

Ravna nodded, unable to meet the woman’s eye. Another thing that made Gisela so delightful was how she did not push conversation. She allowed it to ebb and flow, like water, and never grew upset when Ravna was no longer interested in keeping up with talking halfway through it. 

After eating—one whole egg and half an apple under her father’s careful supervision—and dressing in proper clothes, Ravna slipped from the hall and found her path through the woods. With expert feet, she made her way to the spot she found with Sihtric the summer she first came to live with her father and he was the only face she knew. It was at the widest part of the river that ran through Coccham’s wood, with weathered boulders large enough to sprawl on without fear of rolling off. 

In her eight years imprisoned at Dunholm, she rarely ever was allowed outdoors. No longer a slave, she could be free in the fresh air and sunlight. She would even take a miserable rainstorm over being inside all day. She needed to be far away from walls and locked doors. Even now, having been free from her dark prison for as long as she had been kept there, this was the only place she truly never felt caged. 

So, she sat on the rocks, lifted her face to the sun, and hummed quietly to herself as she drew. She listened to the world all around her; the rushing water, the birdsong, the rustle of leaves, the whistle of wind, the twigs snapping. She opened her eyes and sighed.

“I know you’re there, Finan.” 

His bearded face emerged from the brush.

“How in God’s name did ya’ know it was me?” 

She grinned. “Who else would my father send after me?”

“He is worried about ya’, ceann beag.” 

“He does not need to be. They are merely dreams.”

“Night terrors of the very thing that stole your family,” he corrected, maneuvering over the rocks and coming to sit down beside her. “Is his concern not so understandable?”

“No,” Ravna sighed, flopping backwards. “I still wish he would not.”

“Now, now. Worrying about you is something he will do until he stops breathing.”

Ravna rolled her eyes, knowing the warrior so often delegated to looking after her was right in his words. 

“I’ve been asked to bring you back for lunch,” Finan said.

Ravna nodded, expecting this. “Has the whole morning really gone by?”

“Yes,” Finan said, standing up and beginning his descent down the rocks. “And you might want to prepare yourself. The king is here.”

“What?” Ravna nearly slipped in her shock, but Finan swiftly steadied her. “Why?”

“I assume that is what we will come to learn.”

Ravna moaned miserably and took hold of his arm as she clambered down. She liked Finan for a great many reasons, but namely because he often understood her in a greater sense than her father did. Uhtred had been barely more than a child himself when Ravna came along, and then she had been so young when Kjartan took her. He never got to truly be her father and still struggled to see her as someone other than the five year old girl he watched get ripped from the flames of their burning hall. Finan, however, had been a slave for a great while when he met Uhtred on that slave ship, and he understood captivity in a more intimate sense than her father did. 

In all her grief, she was still a woman grown. 

“Must I really join them?” Ravna asked. “I’d much rather find wherever Osferth has skulked off to.”

“The King likes you for some reason only God, Himself, knows, lady,” Finan said. “He’ll be in a better mood if you’re there.” 

“Is that all I’m good for? Placating kings?”

Finan shot her a look. “Ya’ know that’s not what I meant.” 

She snorted and marched on. Whenever the king came to visit, he always brought with him a horde of guards and even more priests. They milled about the village, looking out of place in the casual comfort of Coccham. Finan was behind her with every step she took as though he were a shadow, as though he thought she were going to make a run for it. In all fairness, she was considering it. There were several other places she would have rather gone than the hall. But, she did as she was bid and walked inside. 

Sihtric was seated at the table a little ways down, which took Ravna by surprise. His wife had given birth to a son barely a week before and Sihtric had seldom left her side since then. She held in a sigh. This was surely important, then. She went to take a seat by him, but Finan held his arm out to stop her. He shook his head and gestured towards the head of the table where her father was sat. She bit the inside of her cheek and, again, did as she was bid. 

“Lord King,” she said, bowing her head in deference. 

He looked thinner, more gray, than he had when she saw him last during his daughter’s wedding. His health had been failing him for years, and Ravna could not help but wonder when his god would finally come for him. 

“Ravna, my dear,” he said, “you look well.” 

“Thank you, Lord,” she said, sitting down beside her father. 

Uhtred pushed a bowl filled with stew in front of her, and then placed a large bread roll in her hands. She ripped a small piece off the bread and dunked it into the stew. She hated eating like this, when so many eyes could fall on her. 

“I hear you have taken an interest in the Holy Book,” Alfred said.

Ravna looked down. She could hardly say she had taken an interest in Christianity, just that she was trying to understand more about the world. She did not understand the notion of something being both all good and all powerful. At least her father’s religion acknowledged that the gods were cruel and petty. She swallowed down the rising ball in her throat and forced a smile. 

“Yes, Lord,” she said.

What she did not say was that most of her lessons on Christianity were had with Osferth. She was confident the king would not like that, nor would his many priests. She glanced up to where Father Beocca was sat, across from her father and next to Finan. 

An old and trusted friend of her father’s from his childhood in Bebbanburg, Father Beocca had always been kind. When she lived with Thyra in the aftermath of Dunholm while her father still searched for a place to call his own, Father Beocca would visit often. She wondered where Thyra was—if she had joined the king’s party in their visit, or if she stayed in Winchester. Ravna had to assume the latter, if her aunt was not here at the table. 

“That is very good to hear,” Alfred said, an approving smile on his face. 

Her father nudged her shoulder with his, a twinkle in his eyes telling her that she was doing well. Warm in the face, Ravna looked down at her bowl and mushed the spoon around. Idle talk was made, and Ravna almost would have believed this to be a purely social visit. It was not until the bowls were cleared away and Alfred clasped his hands together atop the table that Ravna knew something dark awaited them on the horizon. 

“You are needed, Uhtred, at the northern border of Wealas,” Alfred said. “The Britons and Danes alike have been tormenting and raiding several villages and they must be beaten back.” 

Her father sighed heavily, as though he had been expecting this. Ravna frowned as well. She knew what this meant. Her father would ride off, perhaps to his death, and she would not see him for months. She would stay, without him once more, and Stiorra and Feilan would grow. Unable to bear it any longer, she excused herself at the earliest pause in conversation with the lie of having promised to help Gisela with the children. 

Her stepmother was outside behind the hall, sat on a large blanket with her two children sprawled beside her.

“What now?” Gisela asked with a sigh, noticing Ravna’s face. 

“Raiders from Wealas,” Ravna mumbled.

Gisela hummed, running a hand through Stiorra’s fine hair. “It never ends,” she said in a falsely happy tone, as if to not alert the children. 

Ravna pressed her lips together and sat down with her crossed over each other. Feilan’s head was at her knee, his eyes barely open. He had a sweet face and soft features, while Stiorra was far more severe—even at merely three years old. 

“Hello, my sweet,” she mumbled to her little brother. 

He wrinkled his nose and shifted so that he could use her thigh as a pillow. Stiorra, noticing her big brother, sat up from her position on her mother’s lap and crawled over to join Ravna and Feilan. Ravna smiled and began to mimic the motion Gisela had been making. 

“They love you very much,” Gisela said quietly.

Despite her ire at her father’s impending departure, Ravna preened a bit at the compliment. She loved her siblings fiercely, even if she had been fifteen when Feilan was born and eighteen when Stiorra came about. There were years and years of difference between them, but when they looked at her, they did not see the ghosts of Kjartan’s abuse. How could she not adore them? 

“And so do I, you know,” Gisela continued. She reached out and grabbed Ravna’s hand. “I know I am perhaps too young for you to ever view me as a mother, but please know I love you just as much as I do your siblings.” 

Ravna blinked, stunned. It was a precarious situation; her father being six years Gisela’s elder, and Gisela being only nine years Ravna’s elder. In another life, Gisela might have been a more sisterly figure. However, Ravna’s life was what it was, and Gisela was the closest she would ever come to a true mother.

“Thank you,” Ravna whispered, unable to say much more. 

[gudvina]

SEVEN KINGS MUST DIE OPINIONS

This post is a series of various ramblings about the movie!!! please do not read the extended version of this post if you want to avoid spoilers! last warning: THIS POST IS BASICALLY ONE SPOILER AFTER THE OTHER!!!!

I had an inkling this movie wasn't going to be incredibly thorough as the series was (and even the series was often a little rushed), but i feel it maintained a strong tie to the series, and while a little rushed it managed to give us some kind of closure.

OPINIONS:

the opening was amazing, loved how it took scenes from the movie and rendered it in the usual opening

Ingrith and Finan were so sweet, i was incredibly saddened that they didn't show them having kids or having more happy moments. Finan's reaction at her death was very sad, and i think it was unfair that we didn't get to know anything about his life post the events of the movie. Good though that it is implied at the end that Finan survives Uhtred.

what about Sihtric's wife/children???? again, we were left wondering about them but not only didn't she appear, his children weren't even in the picture. We are left wondering about them, unfortunately. Good thing though that he survived!!!

We knew baby Uhtred is in Rome; again, where is Stiorra????

Eadgifu's character was put to test this season but i am glad she was consistent with her s5 characterization. she is truly an amazing woman!

Eadgifu and the subtext with Uhtred was something i did not expect but liked! She matched Uhtred's maturity, and I liked the way they supported each other for their children.

Athelstan!!!! okay, while i am disappointed it wasn't Osbert the one to be coupled up with him, i really liked his arc. I love how they explored his feelings over his homosexuality, his guilt and how it tied directly to the story. He acted out of desperation at first, but then came around to his duty and a newfound purpose that wasn't anymore a means to get away from his sins, but something he truly wanted for himself and his people. His complex relationship with Uhtred was shown in a way that for once didn't involve Uhtred behaving stupidly, showing he's definitely grown from the man he once was.

No Hild disappointed me but good for her for getting away from these problems once again!!!

Aldhelm's death:((((

Astrid & Arnalf: now i think this is where the movie threw away its chances of developing a bit more the Dane antagonists! In this season particularly Astrid didn't have any other purpose other than to be the cause of Aldhelm's death, and serve as a plot device to further the story. Arnalf's motivation could have been better explored too.

Osbert's character wasn't very fleshed out, and i disliked that it wasn't even mentioned a conflict between him and Uhtred for the abandonment. Not an explanation, nothing. I do like him though, he reminds me of a younger Uhtred, and I find heartwarming his friendship with Edmund (though even that one is briefly shown).

The end of the movie wasn't bad, though it was interesting. in a way i felt like it was incredibly satisfying, since it didn't show us exactly what happened to Uhtred in the end, though it implied him entering in Valhalla. We don't know what happens after to him, but we know he was loved and he existed, and this series + the movie gives us a glimpse to a secret only we know. Despite it being a rushed ending, i will say that it was a good and satisfying one, and seeing Brida and Ragnar the Fearless truly warmed me. I wished we could have gotten a glimpse of Gisela but oh well, i understand Peri Baumeister was probably busy.

In the end I feel like the main problem of the movie was how rushed it was, and how poorly fleshed out were the characters we were following. That didn't hinder my enjoyment of it, though, and as i said it was very satisfying and in a way i love that we are left filling the gaps they left open.

Is it the best closure to TLK? maybe not, but unfortunately a 2 hour movie would never be able to give all we needed as fans of the serie, so what we got in comparison to many bad movies/sequels out there was a very well made final product.

I feel like upon rewatching both the serie and the movie i will come to love it fully! I have other thoughts, but for now these are my face value disconnected opinions.

I will miss these characters so much, they accompanied me all these years and brought me close to so many people! Hoping to continue enjoying them through the amazing fanwork this fandom continues to create!!!

[squish36-writes-and-draws]

23 November: Unraveling

Word Count: 733

TW: 1 fairly mild swear, unreality cameras

General Taglist (lmk if you want to be added/removed!): @stellar-lune @faggot-friday @kamikothe1and0nly @nyxpixels @florida-preposterously

@poppinspop @uni-seahorse-572 @solreefs @corruption-exe @rusted-phone-calls

@when-wax-wings-melt @good-old-fashioned-lover-boy7 @dexter-dizzknees @abubble125 @hi-imgrapes

@callum-hunt-is-bisexual @callas-pancake-tree @hi-my-name-is-awesome @katniss-elizabeth-chase @sillyguy-supreme

@void-kill @thefoxysnake @the-pre-quiz

Unraveling Project Specific Taglist (lmk if you want to be added/removed/upgraded): @cutebisexualmess @crippling-pages @daizythegreat @sophiefostersno1stan @iggydancebreak

@theleopardstalker @you-will-meet-your-downfall @multi-fandom-lunatic

On Ao3 or below the cut!

First (3 November) / Previous / Next

Another Keefe Transcript

    This time, Keefe is frolicking through the streets of Florence. Which is to say, he’s sat on a street corner the entire time looking sad. He hasn’t even gone exploring the tourist traps, and it’s not like those are difficult to find. He’s literally two blocks away from some big giant dome building that probably has a horribly fancy name based on the sheer vibes it gives off. 

    He just sits there. It is difficult to know how to feel about this development as it is of his own doing, but it is understandable why he came to the conclusion he did. It is an incorrect conclusion, but still a reasonable one. Gisela has this whole shadowflux magic thing to keep tabs on him, but the delay is still a bit annoying. There is a nonzero chance that he chooses to leap to a new icty and throw himself in front of a bus before the alarm goes off, and he is increasingly looking like that may occur. 

    This would be a tad bit unfortunate for scientific research purposes. Rerunning the experiment would be quite a hassle. Then again, a sample size of one is almost worthless in the larger picture. 

    Enough waxing poetic about the pointlessness of even bothering to write down these records. It is not as though it will be useful at any future point in time, and yet it is still a task to be completed. And, as such, it shall be completed. 

    It seems as though yet another human has taken an interest in Keefe. What reason she may have is as of yet unknown, but considering how this has played out twice in the last three weeks, it is not difficult to see how it might go. That, of course, is presuming that Keefe and Florent’s dynamic was of a romantic nature, which is currently still up for debate. It would, however, not be particularly surprising if it were, given the available evidence and Keefe’s marked tendency to disregard elvin cultural norms when it is convenient for him. 

    This new human has not revealed her name quite yet, which makes transcription more difficult, but anyone who is willing to walk up to Keefe and nearly get into a fistfight is worthy of a modicum of respect. Unfortunately, the speakers are not of the greatest quality, and the topic of the argument currently remains undetermined, but knowing Keefe, it was probably something incredibly inconsequential. 

    The only audio that was able to be parsed was the human, after roundly winning the fight, asking Keefe if, “You want to go get some coffee?” 

    Keefe refused this offer. It is unclear whether this is to avoid personal attachments or because he was trying to protect his own ego. Both may have played a role in his decision. It is quite likely that Keefe will be filling out a diary entry directly based on this event, which may have more information to provide further insight into these events, as soon as it is within the field of view. 

Keefe Sencen's Journal

    It is quite often that I am taken aback by beautiful people and, in doing so, I start the stupidest arguments to ever occur. Case in point: I had a fun time trying to defend my opinion that Stracciatella is the only gelato flavour to exist. I no longer acknowledge the existence of any others. 

    Anyway it’s my luck that I managed to find Lodo, who is apparently just as determined as I am to cause problems on purpose. 

    And, to top it all off, they asked me out afterwards. Like I have the emotional bandwidth for that. I really did want to accept their proposal though. It would’ve been absolutely lovely. We would’ve gotten into so many pointless fights. 

    They’re also just unfairly pretty. I do level that criticism against most everyone, but that does mean it still applies. I hope I never see them again. I may be a stubborn bastard, but I am also so bad at sticking to decisions I've made when the other option would be far stupider and far, far more entertaining. 

    I’ll be fine. I’ll figure it out. 

    I think I just want to make myself feel something again, even if that something is hopeless longing for a relationship I’ll never be able to attain in the way I want it. It’s been a long few days.

[foreverinthepagesofhistory]

Hii bestie! Hope you are feeling a bit better :)

I wanted to ask about archduke rudolf of austria. I find it so sad why was he treated so terribly that it drove him to suicide ( i believe the theories which suggests childhood trauma contributed to his suicidal thoughts) he was the prized male heir and instead of being doted on the poor boy was made to go through inhumane training and was punnished ( ABUSED) by his tutors while his father was not only aware but also asked the tutors to "beat cowardice out of the boy" why do you think franz joseph was so cruel with him while its said that he had good relations with his other children. I get it he has expectations from his heir but rudolf was suffering didn't he feel sorry. What do you feel

Hi bestie! Thank you for this deep question!

I honestly feel like both Rudolf and his older sister Gisela deserved better. I’m not an expert on these two but I still know how they were treated horribly by their parents and tutors. I think that this hatred really stemmed from Sisi and Franz, but also Sophie for kind of controlling them and “taking” them away from Sisi which resulted in a cold relationship. Sisi and Franz did love them in a way, it just wasn’t the same love that they had for Marie Valerie.

There we’re probably a lot of other things contributing to Rudolf’s suicide like an unhappy marriage and depression and also the things you said like childhood trauma and pressures of being the heir and stuff like that. I feel like he felt so unloved that he just didn’t think there was a solution to his unhappiness. That’s also why he did it with his lover I think.

Keep in mind here that I am not the expert on this subject, just another opinion. @archduchessofnowhere is a much better source for this subject because it’s the subject of her blog so definitely relay this question to her. Also I’m still constantly learning about this subject so if you have a different opinion please share! Thank you for asking!

[famousinfamous]

They took him. 

I’m not sad.

They took him. So I scream and I scream and I scream until my throat gets ragged and my head hurts and I can’t scream any longer.

I’m not sad.

I look around expecting to see Trix or Gisela or Ruy or SOMEONEpleasehelp. But they’re gone. They retreated long ago. And they left us behind. And now my brother is gone to and I’m all alone, so alone, why am I alone again?

I’m not sad.

They promised to protect us. With their powers and shields and schemes, all we had to do was play our part when the time came. But they broke their promise. ‘Family’. But now Fintan is captured Gethen Umber and Brant are all dead and Alvar was betrayed by me and them. Not ‘us’ not ‘we’ not anymore. Because fintan is captured and Gethen Umber and Brant are all dead and nobody else cares so Alvar and fintan are probably dead to and soon my brother will join them and my family is leaving faster than I can say my goodbyes and-

I’m not sad.

‘I’m not sad’

‘Again’

‘I am NOT sad’

‘More confidence that time, good.’

Pause. The start of a smile.

‘Don’t get to cocky now child’

The start of a smile is beautiful but not nearly as important as the end of one. Just like-

‘Sadness is important but not nearly as useful as anger. Anger can be utilised in ways sadness cannot, if you truly wish to impress then remember that ok?’

I’m not sad. Simply angry.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I used to find it hard to nod. Just like I used to find it hard to agree when my father said

‘Of course it’s better to simply turn off your emotions whenever needed, but you aren’t nearly old or talented enough to master such great control over yourself’

I’m still not sure what I didn’t like about his statement. Maybe I had no problem with it and was simply too scared to move. It was so rare that things such as this happened I didn’t want to make a mess of it. So he makes a mess of it for me. My brother runs into the room yelling and shouting while my father simply turns away and I’m not sad. 

Simply happy. 

Simply angry because now my brother is gone and my fathers back is still turned along with

Every

One

Else

I pull out my dagger. It’s long pointed  and sleek. Beautiful, really. So uselessly sad that I’m about to taint it with something so ugly. 

Maybe turning of my feelings isn’t as disagreeable as I’d once imagined.

[nocompromise-noregrets]

wheee, thank you so much! *cracks knuckles*

3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written? Oh god, I am terrible at answering this question, partly because I have nearly 300 fics now (HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN) (actually it's closer to nearly 400 if you count the other account from the fandom that apparently dare not speak its name XD) and partly because I am constitutionally incapable of picking one single favourite anything. Although I am irrationally fond of everything the Twins turn up in, particularly See This Storm Through and There Is No Substitute For Love (customary warning that the Twins are the pairing in that one, and the rest of the fics they turn up in make more sense if you've read that one, although I tend not to mention That Part Of Their Relationship in the stuff where they're not the central characters), and I am also very fond of The Last Watch and Never Forgotten, which lead into See This Storm Through and are Very Sad Indeed.

6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time? Not at the moment, I haven't the spoons, but I am hoping that once I'm properly medicated I'll be able to get back to reading fic again, and I have a few on my list, particularly show a little faith, there's magic in the night by @scary-grace :D

9. Do you write every day? If you wrote today, share a sentence of what you’ve written! I'd love to, but am currently lacking in the necessary spoons. I did write a little bit yesterday and Friday though, so here's my original character Jack discovering that actually he has a bit of a community around him these days, via a conversation at Pride with his boyfriend Hal's bandmate Andy, her girlfriend and another friend named Tillie:

“It’s fun, though,” says Tillie, her soft voice kind of easing my nerves a little bit. “I’ve never been to Pride before. Never thought I belonged, but Andy and Gisela persuaded me otherwise.” I blink, that’s exactly how I felt last year, and how does Tillie fit in or not fit in? I know enough to know it’s none of my business, but Andy just barrels right on in like the slightly-pissed cannonball she is. “Aces belong at Pride just the same as everyone else,” she declares, and I’m parsing that in my head, aces, ace, a - asexual? I give Tillie a look, trying not to be nosy, but she just smiles at me. “That’s about the size of it,” she says. “We’re not all giant lesbians, even if we are hanging around with the gayest band in the North.” I can’t help a snort of laughter at that, Hal’s band is definitely the gayest band in the North, if not the whole country. “I’m giant lesbians,” Andy declares. “Me and Gis are giant lesbians enough for all three of us. Four. Whatever.” “Yes we are,” says her girlfriend - Gisela, I guess - and she pats Andy’s thigh.

19. Give us a small teaser from one of your WIPs. Here's another little snippet from Break You But You'll Mend, just because I need to get on with it:

“I think it’s not something you just get better from, just like that,” Tilda said thoughtfully. “I think it’s something you have to work on for a long time, and sometimes you feel all right and sometimes you feel terrible. You just have to ride out the terrible days - and we’re all here to help you do that - and enjoy the good days, and try not to worry about it all. Easier said than done, I know, but still.” She took a sip of her wine. “And I can probably brew you up a tincture I used to make back in Dale, thinking about it - mostly it was for the women who struggled a bit, after their babies were born, but it’s really just for those days when you’re just feeling terrible about everything, it helps to take the edge off a bit. Like wine does, but without the terrible existential dread afterwards.” She laughed a little ruefully, and Thranduil could not help a smile. “That was not an effect that wine ever had upon me, pen-neth, but it seems I am afflicted with it anyway, so if this tincture of yours will help, then I will accept it gladly.” “There,” Tilda said, “that wasn’t so hard, was it? Any of it.” “You grow no less insolent with age, pen-neth,” said Thranduil, but he was smiling, and Tilda grinned cheekily up at him. “It’s one of the many and varied reasons why you love me, Ada,” she said, and Thranduil could not disagree with that at all.

wheee, thank you so much for asking! <333333 anyone else fancy asking me some questions about fic? *points upwards* :D :D :D

I’m Bored and Anxious So I Slapped Together a List of Fan Fic Writer Asks

1. Share a song that makes you think of [fic title] 2. Do you read/reread your own fics? 3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written? 4. How many WIPs do you have right now? 5. What’s a fic idea you’ve had that you will never write? 6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time? 7. How many ideas for fics do you have right now? 8. What project(s) are you currently working on? 9. Do you write every day? If you wrote today, share a sentence of what you’ve written! 10. Is there a fic that got a different response than you were expecting? 11. Do you have specific playlists for writing fics? 12. Do you have a playlist for your current WIP(s)? Share it! 13. How much planning do you do before writing? 14. If you could see one of your fics adapted into a visual medium, such as comic or film, which fan fic would you pick? 15. How do you come up with titles for your fics/chapters? 16. At what point in the process do you come up with titles? 17. What’s something you’ve learned about while doing research for a fic? 18. What’s one of your favorite lines you’ve written in a fic? 19. Give us a small teaser from one of your WIPs. 20. What’s a favorite title for a fic you’ve written? 21. Have you ever deleted an entire scene after spending hours laboring over it? If so, why? 22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing? 23. How do you choose where to end a chapter (if you have multi-chapter works)? 24. Share a moodboard for (one of) your current WIP(s). 25. Have you ever upset yourself with your own writing? 26. Is there something you’ve written that you would never want your family to see? 27. Is there a fic you were nervous to post/share? Why? 28. Have you ever tagged a fic “Dead Dove: Do Not Eat”? 29. Share a bit from a fic you’ll never post OR from a scene that was cut from an already posted fic. (If you don’t have either, just share a random fic idea you have that you don’t plan on getting to.) 30. Ask anything!

[targaryen-realness]

Witching chapter 4

Title: Witchling

Pairing: Osferth x Druidess!Reader

Warnings: Canon depiction of violence, mention of slavery, wounds and scars, magic, historical innacuracy (sorry medieval Scotland is not my specialty), talk about faith and christianity. The reader is fem but there is no physical description except for the fact she is a scot from the Highlands. Spoilers for season 3 of the Last Kingdom. 

for this chapter: suicidal thoughts, strong use of magic, not very christian friendly (sorry), slight nsfw 

Summary: As they are riding away from Winchester, Osferth and Lord Uhtred’s group come across a mysterious woman. She needs help but the power within her is obvious. Captivated, Osferth hopes she will stay, but as Uhtred asks her to travel with them, he cannot help but wonder what is going on in his lord’s head.

Notes: Thank you for the love on the previous chapters! Sorry for the delay on this one but I’ve been writing the Aemond fic too haha Hope you will like it!

Tags: @lugiastark @afro-hispwriter @aphroditesmoon @carlottalhn @dothrckis @mynameisbaby9

“We are leaving for Coccham”

You were already preparing your horse when Osferth told you you were all leaving soon. You knew Uthred would not want to stay any longer in Winchester, only wanting to return to his home. You were happy to leave, the charm of Winchester having worn off very fast after your night here. 

“I know. Do you need help to pack things for the children?”

You had returned late into the night, and had gone to sleep almost immediately. You were drained from your energy and you slept without a dream. You had woken up with a very curious Stiorra watching you, waiting for you to say something. 

He had not said a thing about yesterday, and had not asked you any question. You could see the sadness on his face and you felt helpless. 

“Were you close? With lady Gisela?”

“Were you close? With lady Gisela?”

He seemed surprised but nodded, handing you a bag at the same time. 

“When I left the monastery, I did not know where to go. She was always good to me, she cared for me and allowed me to stay in her home. I liked her a lot” 

He was such a good soul, you thought. Then you realised he probably never had a mother and it suddenly made sense. She was the first woman to ever open her arms to him in a motherly way. Your heart broke for him as you remembered the feeling of your mom’s arms around you, the gentle way she would caress your head, kiss your cheeks. 

“She sounds like a great person. 

-She truly was. People were not kind to her here, because she was not a christian, but at heart she was kinder than most christians I’ve met.”

The words resonated in the room and you looked at him shocked. 

“You do not mind? Your friends being heathens? 

-Absolutely not. As long as they are good people, and they are, I do not care for their faith.”

He licked his lips finally looking at you. 

“I thought that if you did not like me, it was because of this. Of the fact I am a druidess.”

He seemed taken aback by your statement, his mouth closing and opening but no words seemed to come out. 

“I do not hate you Y/n”

You released the breath you did not know you were holding. 

“I never said you hated me, I said dislike.

-Well I do not dislike you. Quite the opposite”

It was your turn to look like a fish out of the water. He chuckled when he saw your expression but did not say a thing. 

“Thank you” you blurted out without thinking. 

“For what? 

-Since I’ve been with you all, I feel like I can be myself again. After what happened, I thought I would stay sad all my life, that I would never move on. I don’t think that anymore. So thank you, for not letting me die on the side of the road, and for caring for me. I care for you too”

You had said way more than you wanted to, but it felt good, for it to finally come out. He smiled at you and you felt your cheeks getting warm. He was so pretty. More than any man should be allowed to be. His smile lit up his face and it did not help you could see the slight blush on his cheeks. 

“We should keep packing. Lord Uhtred will be back soon”

And you did, in silence mostly, trying not to act too awkwardly. You could not help the smile that was stretching your lips. It was Finan that disrupted that blissful moment with his loud voice:

“We have a problem, everyone in the house now”. 

“You killed him? How did you even do that?”

You were speechless as you were walking back and forth in the living room under the gaze of Osferth and Uhtred. 

“I told you what he said. 

-I do not blame you for hitting him. I do not blame you at all actually. It’s just, you are a very unlucky man”

He looked at you, a look of desperation mixed with anger that made you lift your hands in sign of surrender.

“I made this for you today. Maybe it will help a little. It won’t fix your predicament but it’s supposed to protect you.”

You approached him and put the necklace around his neck. It was similar to your own, but it was a different Ogham that ornate the front of the wood pendant. You kept the piece of wood in your hand for a second before saying a word under your breath. You let it fall back on his chest and he looked at it uncertainly. 

“Have a little faith, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, you are starting to make me question myself. 

-I would not dare” he answered, taking Stiorra in his arms. You pinched her cheek playfully as she smiled at you. 

“Maybe I should make you one too, would you like that?”

She nodded sweetly and you smiled back. Uhtred’s children were courageous, for sure. The chaos in their life did not seem to phase them as much as you would have thought. For that, you only had admiration for them. 

“Sister Hild!”,Uhtred, the oldest son of Uhtred, shouted. 

You turned around to see the abbess enter the house. She simply chuckled and led the boy toward his bed. 

“Lord, there can be no bloodshed. They are throwing insults out there, but they will soon tire of that.”

She smiled at Stiorra and called for her, the little girl hopping off of her father’s lap toward the abbess. 

“There will not be bloodshed” he answered and you looked at Osferth, worried for the lord. 

The sadness and tiredness in his voice was obvious. In a matter of days he had endured more than a lot of men could have put up with. 

“You should say that to Steapa. His head is hurting from thinking.”, Abbess Hild said. She looked as lost as the rest of you. 

“Is there a solution? 

-I did nothing wrong. 

-Uhtred”, she sounded exasperated. 

“You killed a monk. A holy man, and not for the first time”

You wanted to ask if that horrible man being a monk was really that important. He was still a horrible man, cruel and vile. He had said things about Gisela, and you apparently that were so degrading, Uhtred had not even repeated them to you when he came back. It was still funny to see how christians were able to categorise the importance of life. Being a holy man could be a cover for being the most atrocious monster that earth has ever borne. The reality was that now everyone in Winchester knew you were no christian, and that everyone had lied for you. You were not safe here. 

“The real question is why in god's name, is she still here? And her too? Two witches inside your house, really. 

-I am not your concern, witch”, answered Skade, and you almost laughed. 

“I did not intend to kill the monk, nor do I regret it. 

-It was fate”, finished Skade. You doubted it was fate. Everything happened for a reason, that was what you had been told since you were a child, but it did not mean you could not question it. 

“Fetch Beocca. Ask him to bring the demands of the King.

-I will tell Beocca that you are ready to talk and to listen. Be sure that you do.” 

She turned her head toward Skade and said: “It would help if you cut her throat”

Abbess Hild did not look at you, but you still felt the pressure of the blade on your throat. 

“He cannot.” she marked a pause, her next words resonating in a sinister manner, “He dare not”. 

The silence was heavy once sister Hild was out. You could feel the eyes of Skade, not looking away from Uhtred. She was plunging her claws deeper in his flesh each passing days. You were scared you were not acting fast enough. 

“Tonight Lord… You will break your oath to Alfred. You will have-

-Quiet. I have enough of your voice”

The words came out of your mouth before you could stop them. 

“It is a new beginning. 

-We do not care about what you have to say. 

-You do not? I am sure the lord will be happy to know you knew about his wife’s death but did not say anything”

The silence that followed her statement almost crushed you. You did not let your eyes leave her face, you did not dare to look at Uhtred or worse, Osferth. 

“I did not know she was gonna die. 

-You did. You told the other dane on our way to Winchester.” she smiled at you. 

“There is a difference between smelling death and knowing something will happen” you turned toward Uhtred who was looking at you, lost. 

“I did not know exactly. I could not have told you even if I wanted to. And when I understood, it did not matter anymore”

He did not say anything, but Skade had succeeded. Osferth had turned around on his chair, avoiding you, and Uhtred was doing everything in his power to avoid your mere presence. You found yourself in another room, Stiorra sleeping near you as you were munching on a piece of meat. You heard father Beocca enter the house but did not care to listen. The only thing you could tell was that as the voice increased in volume, the tears rolling down your cheeks also did. The little girl looked at you, probably awakened by the screams.

“Why are you crying?” she asked, her sweet voice making you smile and whip your cheeks. 

“Sorry, I’m just a bit sad. That happens sometimes.

-I’m sad too. Everyone is sad lately. 

-I know. I am sorry about your mom.”

You were expecting cries but no, she looked at you and in her eyes you saw the deep sadness she was hiding so well. 

“I didn’t want her to die. It’s unfair”

You sat on her bed, not knowing if it was appropriate for you to do. You took the little girl in your arms, doing your best to comfort her. She hugged you back, and the little sobs that you could hear from her almost broke your heart. 

“I know. But your mom would be very proud of you. You are being very brave”

You caressed her hair gently, soothing her the best you could. You did not know how much time had passed while you hugged the little girl but you finally heard the door open and turned around to see Finan. 

“We need to go”

His eyes lingered on you and the little girl before he closed the door. You put Stiorra back to bed, caressed her hair one last time and closed the door gently. Sihtric, Finan and Osferth were looking at you, Uhtred was gone. 

“Uhtred is gone, he will come back with a new agreement or we will have to flee. 

-Are we going to leave the children there ? 

-They are not at risk. We are, especially you, now that everyone knows you are no christian.”

Finan had said this in a tone he has never used to address you before. It was harcher and colder. You gulped, trying to find the comforting eyes of Osferth or Sihtric. 

“You think I have something to do with Gisela’s death? That I saw it? Could have prevented it maybe?”

They did not answer. 

“There is nothing I could have done to save her because I was on the other side of the kingdom. I knew she was dead, that’s all I saw. I did not ask for this. 

-All you have to do is break this curse! Then you will be free to go wherever you want!

-How can I do that inside a christian fortress! All I’m asking is a couple of hours in a forest! Then I’ll get the answers you want and will disappear from your life forever. You will not need to worry about me anymore.”

Your words seemed to take Finan and Osferth by surprise as Sihtric stayed impassive. You turned around and left, seeking your bag with the little belongings that you had left. You returned to the main room and heard a commotion outside. Uhtred stumbled inside and you saw the blood dripping down of him. 

“We need to leave right now.

-You’re hurt”

He took your wrist and dragged you outside. 

“Wait Uhtred!” 

You were pushed against your horse and without a word you mounted it. You could not think about anything, the only thing you remembered from this moment was the loud noise of the horses hooves and the screams of the men that were hunting you down. You had no idea how many hours you raced through Wessex like this. You had no idea where you were supposed to go. You were lost, amongst men that you once thought could be your friends, but that now seemed to be so far away from you. You were riding at the back, between two men you did not know the name of. You were lost in thought, sadness and loneliness were plagging you. You had almost forgotten the feeling. Now, on top of this you were scared for your life. You were not afraid that Uhtred would kill you, you know he would not. He was leading you to your certain death though. You were making your way to the danes. To Gorn probably. You knew that the moment he saw you he would kill you. You were contemplating slitting your own throat before he could get to you. You prayed for the entire ride. Lugh, the god you worshipped and to whom you had dedicated your life, stayed silent. So far away from your sacred land, could he even hear you? You had felt him there in Wessex, during Gisela’s funeral. You knew it. You thought of the pendant around the lord’s neck. Maybe you should not have given such an artefact to a man you barely knew. Maybe putting your life on the line for men who were using you wasn’t the best idea. For a moment you contemplated running away. Where would you go? With what silver? In what direction? The reality was that you were the safest here. It was a terrifying thought. And what about your promise? You were not the kind to break your engagements. You were a woman of your words, you had been raised with honour, and you will not break it. Even if it meant you were going to die. You were distracted by the conversation between Skade and Uhtred, and the piercing voice of the witch. 

“Then you will remain cursed!”

No one said anything but you saw Uhtred tense. The Lord was going to die if it kept going. Your bad feeling kept getting worse as you saw his state deteriorating with the hours that passed. You were seated around a fire, not with Uhtred and the others but with Skade. They were talking, and with the weak light of the fire you were able to see Uhtred’s ashy face. 

“Did they already get bored of you?”

You ignored her. Getting closer from the fire, seeking its warmth. 

“You are powerful, I will give you that.” you told her finally.

“My gods are not to mess with.”

In your head you were chanting the name of Eochu Ollathir, god of the sciences and protector of the druids and druidesses, and his daughter Brigid, guardian of the purifier fire. The fire became increasingly warmer, almost too much, and when you plunged your hand into it, owning a gasp from the men that were seated nearby, you did not feel the heat, or even the pain that you should have felt. Everyone was silent, even Uhtred and his circle, when you said: 

“Mine are not either”. 

You stood up and left for the forest that was all around you. You needed to be alone with your thoughts. You walked in the same direction far enough that you could still see the weak light of the fires, but enough so that they could not see you. Your goal was not to get lost. You sat on a rock and contemplated your surroundings. The cold wind was caressing your face, as you lifted your head you admired the night sky. The stars were shining like you had rarely seen them. For a second you felt yourself transported back to the Highlands, to the mountains of your childhood, to the orange and yellow forests that you loved so dearly. To the lake that reflected that very same sky you were looking at. You felt the tears slide down your cheeks but you could not stop staring. You smiled at the fond memories as the feeling of homesickness settled in. 

“Are you okay Y/n?”

It was the sweet voice of Osferth that got you out of your reverie. You turned around, whipping out your tears as fast as you could. 

“Are you crying?”

He seemed so sad for you. You could hear it in his tone, see it on his face, in the way he walked toward you to sit on the same rock as you. 

“You should not have come here ? What will the others think ?”

Your voice was trembling and you did not dare to look him in the eyes. 

“They won’t think anything. I think you scared them all to death.”

You laughed at that, trying to make it sound as sincere as possible. 

“Did I scare you too?”

You turned around and smiled at him, and you saw in his eyes he did not believe that fake smile for a second. His hands were fidgeting on his lap the last time you had looked at them, so you could not have helped the little move of surprise that you had when one of his knuckles gently caressed your cheek. You realised you were still crying. The feeling of his skin against yours was something you could not describe, but you were hypnotised. You did not realise you were so close to him, the heat of his body burning you more than the fire you had put your hand into a few moments ago. His eyes, blue like the most beautiful spring sky, were reflecting the same intensity as yours. 

“I am not scared of you Y/n. I think you are a gift from god. This is the only explanation. An angel.”

He almost whispered it. You were coming closer, eyes still not leaving his, but you were now feeling his hot breath against your cold skin. 

“If the church says otherwise, I will tell them they are wrong. If you are a demon, then maybe I am not worshipping the right god”

The weight of his words was heavy on your shoulder except the guilt of deflecting an honest man from his faith would be a thing you will have to deal with later. Because right now you wanted to kiss him. You wanted to kiss this man until he was tired of you because you were not sure you would be able to one day be tired of him. So you did. You pressed your lips against his. He did not push you away but he froze against your body. 

“I’m sorry I-

-No! Please”

It had come out in a pleading tone, and the red on his cheeks was a good indicator of his desperation. So you kissed him again, and again. His lips were surprisingly soft, and you loved every second of those kisses. You felt yourself get more heated, that familiar pressure in the pit of your stomach slowly settling in. 

“Y/n” he whimpered against your lips. 

You loved it when he said your name. When he said it, screamed it, whispered it, and even more when he was saying it as if you were some sort of deity he was devoting himself to. 

“We should go back” you said. If you kept going, you knew it would be more and more difficult to back down. 

“Give me a minute.” he said averting your gaze. “Just to catch my breath”

You raised an eyebrow in question, but you understood. 

“Oh”

You chuckled and he looked at you offended. You caressed his right cheek gently, trying to contain your laughter. 

“Do you want me to stay or do you need some alone time?”

He looked exasperated, but you could see the hint of a smile on his lips. 

“Go away from me temptress.”

You laughed again before kissing him one last time. He looked dumbfounded and you were delighted by his expression. 

“You are not helping me. 

-Maybe I don’t want to”

You walked away, your heart feeling lighter than it had when you made the same path before. When you stepped back into the camp, all eyes were on you, especially Finan’s. 

“Where is Osferth?

-He is coming back soon, don't worry.”

He looked at you suspiciously. 

“I did not kill him and bury his corpse in the forest Finan, you can sleep soundly.”

Sihtric laughed at that and you could see the corner of Finan’s mouth lifting.

“I’m sorry. To be honest I don’t really know why I am even apologising. But if you had the impression I broke your trust, I didn't mean to.” 

They looked at you surprised. 

“If I had the ability to help Gisela, I would have done so. But I couldn’t.”

You did not wait for an answer and left them to think. You did not see Uthred on your way to the fire where you were sitting previously. Skade was not there either and for some reason, it made the absence of the lord even more worrisome. 

[mystic-shadows42]

Marriage of Convenience

Word Count: 2,664

Warnings: Language and sexual talk (brief)

Summary: A marriage of convenience isn’t what Uhtred looked forward to right after the love of his life’s death. Uhtred is filled with sadness and anger and often directs it at you. He doesn’t expect you to put him back in his place or challenge him like you so often do. You love to hate your husband Uhtred. After all, it is a means to an end, right?

Mere hours after the legendary Uhtred of Bebbanburg’s wife died, there was talk. Alfred wanted to ensure Uhtred would be in his good faith by marrying a Saxon woman.

You were one name among four others. It was sickening. Being pawned off so his favorite warrior could be more indebted. No wonder why he challenged Alfred so much.

Uhtred hadn’t even come home yet to discover he was a widow, yet the kingdom was bustling with people and gossip.

Even if you or any of the women were chosen he’d never accept you as a wife. So there was nothing to worry about but your stomach still curled in on itself.

There was that bit of nagging in the back of your mind. This was a world of men. They played their hands in public while the women were always the ones behind the scenes.

Hours passed yet you were to remain inside. Word was sent that Uhtred had returned but nothing else beyond that ever came back. He was mourning for sure and your heart ached having lost family of your own but never a lover. No, this was a bit different but a loss all the same. You had never known what love was with another. The touch of a man was familiar and not new unbeknownst to your people who wanted their vessel representing their land to be virtuous.

The long day was now stretching thin as nighttime began to ascend. The murmurs became hushed as people spoke that Uhtred had arrived and wasn’t exactly happy. He had caught wind of what Alfred had planned and was ready to unleash his wrath.

You and the other girls in waiting were held in another room while Uhtred and Alfred had their very loud discussion. Before you knew it you were all being pushed forward into the room like cattle and being lined up for a proper presentation to whom Alfred hoped would be your husband.

You scanned the luxurious room of the king then landed on all the members of King Alfred’s council. That’s when one man, in particular, stood out. You looked at the legendary Uhtred of Bebbanburg seeing how intimidating he was with those piercing blue eyes but besides his lackluster mood, he was actually quite handsome.

The stories had made him sound like a disfigured brute who was all for war but had Alfred there to lead him the right way. Now that you stood here in Wessex, you knew how far from the truth those stories were.

No matter what kind of person Uhtred of Bebbanburg was he was a Dane. Once a Dane always a Dane. He’ll never be seen as anything else for as long as he remains in Wessex. That’s just how it was.

“I’ve narrowed it down for you but the choice of a wife is yours to make.”

Uhtred looked irritated and beyond done with this entire situation but he was still here. He had his hands on his waist looking over the women with disinterest.

“You.” Uhtred pointed to the closest woman who looked undeniably nervous.

“Uhtred, do not be hasty. Marriage is an eternal bond. Do you not wish to ask them some questions? It’ll be in your best interest that you do.”

Uhtred blew out a loud breath of air, no doubt tired of Alfred’s ways.

“My marriage to Gisela was an eternal bond or do you not see that because she’s not Saxon and didn’t worship your god. Does that not matter?”

“Gisela was a good woman but she is no longer in the world of the living. Your heart grieves, I understand that but we must align ourselves to gain allies.” Alfred waited patiently on Uhtred and when he had nothing else to add, he continued. “We have women from each region: Northumbria, East Anglia, Mercia, Wales, and one of our own, Wessex.”

“If I am to choose my bride then I’ll do it my way.” Uhtred turned to Alfred offering only a lift of his brow as if daring the king of Wessex to challenge him and his patience once more.

“If it is under the right circumstances I have no objection.”

Uhtred nodded once and looked towards one of the guards.

“Arm these women with swords.”

“That’s outrageous!” Queen Aelswith objected.

Alfred raised his hand then nodded to Steapa. Each woman was handed a steel sword. Each were heavy and longer than the length of your arm.

You gripped the hilt of the sword not used to Wessex craftsmanship of steel but regarded it to be fit for a man.

You looked down at the others seeing them none too pleased. They didn’t regard it the same as you did. They didn’t even bother to pick it up so neither did you at the moment. You wouldn’t dare show your hand without letting Uhtred show what his intentions were. 

From what you heard Uhtred was a dangerous man but he didn’t seem to be unstable like they had foretold. Stories spoken from across the lands can never be fully trusted. People from all around always seemed to exaggerate stories more than they were.

“I’m looking for a woman who’s capable of defending herself.” Uhtred outstretched his arms. “Anyone?” He looked at all the women even looking into your eyes briefly before looking away.

He pointed at the woman from earlier. “You. Raise your sword.” She lifted it just barely before completely dropping it.

He moved on to the next woman pointing at her. She raised it higher than the other but it shook violently before she gave way and dropped her arms letting the steel hang in her hand.

He pointed at the next one. She looked down at the sword and let it clatter to the floor. “I will not succumb to this for a Dane,” she spat.

Uhtred threw his hands in the air turning his back at you all and looking frustratedly at Alfred. “Is this all you have to offer? Do you really expect me to pick a woman from this lot? My wife just died,” he seethed glaring at Alfred who calmly regarded Uhtred with patience. “None of these women are worthy of her place nor my heart.”

“These women are not here to replace your wife spiritually. Only in the namesake part, that is all.”

“All for an alliance so I won’t drift?”

Your eyes drifted back and forth to Alfred then back at Uhtred. It was indeed a heartless move on Alfred’s end but he was king and no one would dare defy him.

“Alliances are necessary. You will grieve and I shall give you time to do that but only if you accept my terms and choose a woman here.”

“And if I refuse?”

Alfred wrung his hands together finally letting everyone know that his patience was starting to run thin with the only man to have ever tested him despite his title.

“You know the consequences of a refusal. I gave you land and your freedom if you wish to continue to have that then terms must be abided by.”

Uhtred’s jaw clenched visibly. His anger was apparent and the tension seemed more intense than before. He cracked his knuckles before sauntering over to you bringing the tension with him.

You were next. 

Options were laid out before you. Either showcase what you’re capable of and tolerate the Saxon/Dane warrior or fake being a weak woman only to go back home waiting to be married off to an old fat slob.

You didn’t know much about Uhtred besides from what you heard. The tales varied some stretched but from the looks of it, he loved his wife. He cared for his family, saved the people of Wessex many times, and seemed genuinely good beyond what he showed.

Uhtred now stood facing you. He didn’t need to point or say a thing. It was all in his eyes. ‘Show me what you can do and don’t waste my time.’

He undermined every woman here but after this, he won’t undermine you. He would see and understand that you weren’t like these women, yet you won’t yield to his every command. He waited, his temper increasing each second that passed. He exhaled heavily, losing patience.

You stepped forward moving closer to him. He squinted his eyes likely waiting for you to give up but you brought up the heavy sword with both hands. You raised it just inches from his neck.

There were gasps and another sword unsheathed which you assumed was the guard’s Steapa’s. You didn’t bother to look you were far too busy locking eyes with Uhtred.

His eyes grew wide, not in fear, but in surprise. Impressed for a couple of seconds before pushing the tip of the blade away. You moved the sword back and returned to your spot without looking away.

He was still for a moment. He cocked his head at you assessing you in an entirely new light. Then he walked till he was directly in front of you as one regards a soldier.

“Where’d you learn to wield a sword?”

You quirked a smile proud that you had impressed a gifted fighter such as Uhtred. It was then that you felt grateful for the men in your life for training you in secret.

“We’re a little different in Mercia.”

He nodded his head slowly.

“Mercia,” he pondered for a moment. “It seems I’ve found my bride to be.” He stated a matter of factly yet bored. Your heart now began to hammer in your chest. It was truly happening though you couldn’t process it with how quickly it was going.

“Will you not ask the remaining woman of Wessex?” At Alfred’s question, Uhtred flicked his gaze to the last woman standing beside you. He approached her with his piercing blue eyes directed at her.

“Would you want me for a husband?” She looked at Uhtred then shook her head. “Then it’s settled. Gather Beocca and let’s be done with it.” Uhtred flicked his gaze back to you then looked away as he began to leave the room.

You couldn’t blame the man for how he was being. A bride was being thrust upon him just as soon as his wife passes. No one showed their sympathy, only gave their ‘condolences’ that were just empty words. The only people who truly cared how he felt were the close-knit group he was affiliated with.

So much had happened and so sudden. You were escorted into the church without even a change of clothes. Perhaps they thought that since you’d be married to Uhtred the means of a fine dress wasn’t to be wasted on a Dane.

The ceremony was quick and shorter than you’re used to. There was no refinery in it and there would be no celebration. Uhtred looked bothered and showed his displeasure blatantly. He would sigh and roll his eyes. He simply looked tired and angry at the same time. The only physical contact was when father Beocca intertwined your hands together with Uhtred’s with a piece of thread to showcase the bond of the marriage the both of you will have. 

When all was said and done, the vows weren’t sealed with a kiss. Uhtred had unraveled the thread and walked out leaving everyone else to watch in curiousness. There were looks you both were getting. One for Uhtred’s brashness and string of bad luck while you in pitiness.

It wasn’t the best of circumstances but it was the most favorable outcome. There would be no love between you and your new husband and that was fine. He was your ticket to independence while you were his to an alliance. Both worked out in their own ways.

After the ceremony, you were left alone in the church to gather what little belongings you had as Uhtred readied the horses. When you found him he was already stationed on his horse and merely holding the reigns of your horse. He didn’t say where you both were going but you assumed to Coccham where he resided from what you heard.

The journey seemed to drag on as Uhtred was ahead a few yards. He didn’t travel side by side with you and resorted to ignoring you and his companions who remained in the back. He had yet to have a full conversation with you since your marriage became official and as much as you wanted him to have his space, you needed to know what kind of a marriage this would entail so you had your horse gallop next to his.

“Are we to consummate this marriage?” You tried to ask it as casually as you could but once it was spoken out loud, you winced at how it sounded.

He sharply turned in your direction as if your question was out of sorts, which it was. You hadn’t meant for it to sound so harsh and desperate. It was just that every man expected sex from his wife and you wondered if he’d make you. He held the power and the authority to do so with or without your consent.

“I wouldn’t hump you if you were the last woman on this green earth.”

This time you were the one to turn sharply at him. He aimed low but you wouldn’t let such words go by without a comeback. Uhtred had a reputation. A long one that spread throughout the lands and it was no secret he was a womanizer.

“I seriously doubt that. You are the great Uhtred of bedding girls,” you mocked. He chuckled at your comment and even though he was laughing at your words the sound was comforting to hear in his time of mourning.

“Jealous dear wife?” He spat the word ‘wife’ which held no meaning for him anymore.

“Not in the least.” You allowed a few minutes of utter silence to pass before speaking once more to clear the air. “I merely asked my question to know what’s expected of me. I have terms of my own I want to declare.”

Uhtred held your gaze and shrugged. “Speak your terms.”

“I won’t be used for your pleasure whenever you feel like it, you can find that elsewhere. Secondly, I don’t want to be spoken to as a woman below you as I’ve had to endure my whole life. I want to be treated with respect and as an equal.” You looked at Uhtred just waiting for him to interrupt or refuse your terms but he said nothing of the sort so you continued. “Also, I want more training in fighting. If I am to enhance my skill with the sword I want to learn from the best.”

He remained silent as he listened then nodded once as an unspoken agreement. You had to look away as the emotions started to hit you tenfold. Being a woman was hard. Men were always first and put above everyone else. Though this time, a man, a Dane no less was listening and agreeing to everything you said.

“Now for my terms. I have three children that just lost their mother. I need help raising them. I also travel a lot and I don’t want to be questioned where I’m off to each time. If I leave, just know it’s important. Lastly, don’t expect me to act like an honorable husband. This marriage is just to please Alfred. It isn’t meant to last a lifetime.”

He didn’t mince his words. He said it exactly how it was. You took in his terms and thought them all reasonable. You both married for your own reasons to gain something for it and now that you were in understanding perhaps you can live together amicably.

Uhtred watched as you thought over his terms and brought your attention back.

“Are we in agreement then?”

You looked into his blue eyes finally being seen for the first time as a person.

“We are.”

[that-multi-fandom-mess]

!!Stellarlune Spoilers!!

more rambling guys, i have lots of thoughts

i can’t believe that sophie confessed first, like oh my god she has changed so much i’m like a proud parent rn

also, the way sophie kept assuming keefe would be mad about things because fitz was mad about those things (matchmaking, being a leader, etc) is just really sad i had to take a moment

Rayni is actually the most beautiful elf i’ve ever known and i want to know so much more about her

ummmmm why the hell am i suddenly sad about kenric and oralie??? like damn i never cared that much and honestly he’s kinda messed up but the fact that they could’ve been perfect for each other is just so bittersweet

and also edaline offered for keefe to sleep in jolie’s old room, my heart can’t take this, and when he was like, “that’s what a mom’s supposed to sound like” i- i can’t do this. 

GRADY AND KEEFE WORKING TOGETHER YES

ALSO I FUCKING KNEW THAT COMB BIANA DIDN’T WANT WAS GONNA BE IMPORTANT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT

THE WAY THAT DEX GOT MORE PAGE TIME

oh my god i hope jensi doesn’t die, it’s so nice to have him back. it’s horrible how he’s being judged by those stupid ass mfs

stina was kinda being rly annoying tbh like damn i thought she changed a little bit in legacy

fintan is back and insane as always

vespera is dead, i kinda wanted her to stay alive but oh well

okay but gisela being that violent was so..... idk how to say it but it was kinda.... cool? idk

bronte having curly hair was actually the best part of the book for me tbh like, he has curly hair. yes it makes him look soft but i really need him to grow it out again. for science.

the fact that i pictured keefe staying in some rundown motel and he was basically living like royalty most of the time is hilarious

fitz needs therapy is all i’m gonna say, yes it does hurt when your ex moves on so fast but come on man you were such an asshole to her

i can’t remember if alden and della ever made even one single appearance, they got the dex treatment

i fr thought sophie would commit more arson but we can’t have everything and we got sokeefe and gay ass tiergan so

[morosemagick]

What Happens Here | Finan x OC One Shot

Prompt: There's Only One Bed (as joked about with @emilyhufflepufftlk!) Title Inspired by the song "What Happens Here" by Zara Larrson!

Warning: Recreational Drinking & Smut. Lots of Smut

Words: 4318

Tagged:

@solinarimoon @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites @lauwrite1225 @obipoelover @thebohemianpenguin @axe-does-writing @for-bebbanburg

She wasn't sure why she was here. Well, she was, Sigrid's baby brother was getting married this weekend. Her family followed many old norse traditions (never mind the fact that his fiance was Christian) so weddings in their family were a big deal. When her brother, Sihtric, called Sigrid to tell her the news he all but begged her to come home for the wedding.

They were the only family that mattered, In each other's eyes, it was a big deal for her to go home.

So she did.

Sihtrics' fiance made plans for the wedding party to stay in the same house for the whole weekend. The wedding party included all their friends… all of which are either married or dating each other.

One, then, would understand just how awkward it is when Sigrid finds out she'll be sharing a room with the only other single person in the party.

Her brother's best friend, Finan.

She didn't know much about the guy other than the fact that they went to Uni together, and that she just beat him out for best man.

Talk about being set up for disaster.

"Sigrid, I didn't realize you would make it in time," Sihtric tried to apologize privately after his fiance, Ealhswith, broke the news, but Sigrid just wasn't having it, "Maybe we'll ask one of the guys to just.. double up or something."

"Your entire wedding party is couples, Sihtric, you can't just ask them to not share a room with their partner," Sigrid argued as she slumped into a chair in her brothers' suite, "I can go to a hotel, it's fine."

"You're my sister, I want you here," Sihtric told her with a sad look, "Let me talk to Finan when he gets here."

"Tell me the room has a couch, at least?" Sigrid asked him and the look he gave her was not very comforting, "Why are you like this?"

"It's one weekend, Sigrid, please! I get married tomorrow," Sihtric walked over to his sister and got on one knee as he begged her, "all you have to do is play nice-"

"I am always nice!" Sigrid argued with a smirk across her face, but seeing the puppy dog look on her brother's face was enough for her to oblige, "Fine! I'll share the room, but he's sleeping on the floor."

"Thank you, Sigrid!" Sihtric smiles as he jumps to hug her, making the chair fall over.

Sigrid laughed as they fell, hugging him back, "Alright, alright! Let's get going, I need a drink!"

"I'm sure Ealhswith has started the party without us," Her brother laughs as they both get up, and fix the chair before heading down to the main living space of the house

————————————<3—————————————

Finan gets to the house last and everyone is starting to drink without him. Since everyone is drinking, no one sees him sneak in, finding Uhtred in the kitchen.

Uhtred was another groomsman, as well as Sihtric's cousin.

"Uhtred?" Finan questions as he finds his friend, who smiles at the sight of him, "Good lord, what have you done to your hair?"

The last he saw his friend, Uhtred had long hair with the sides shaved and the rest shoved in a high ponytail. Now that was gone too and the long hair cut short.

"Ah, Gisela did not want me to look like a heathen for my cousin's wedding," Uhtred chuckles as he greets his friend with a handshake, "How was the drive?"

"Long," Finan huffs with a smile, "Where's my room? I need to change."

"Your room," Uhtred snickered as he pulled out a bunch of shot glasses from a cabinet, "Someone should have been here earlier.. you would have had a better pick."

Finan scrunches his brows, "Why- where am I?"

Uhtred glances his way and shrugs, turning back to what he was doing, "You should be asking who you are with."

"Seriously? Sihtric wants me to share a room?" Finan questioned Uhtred, who snickers his breath as he found a bottle and started to pour them shots, "With who? No one else is staying here."

"The best man," Uhtred explained with a smirk on his lips, "You'll be fine."

Finan took one of the shots and downed it quickly, Uhtred already filling his glass, "I thought Sihtrics' best man wasn't coming tonight?"

"Apparently they made the flight," Uhtred tells him as he puts the rest of the shots on a tray to carry to the other room.

Finan didn't know much about the man who managed to upstage him as best man for his best friend's wedding, other than they were siblings. One he hadn't seen in a long time. It's hard to be mad at being picked over family, except for when you've known the guy for 5 years, and not once has he mentioned having a brother.

But it was not Finan's wedding, it was Sihtrics'.

Uhtred and Finan make their way into the main living room just as Sihtric and a woman Finan has never seen before enters the room. Sihtric drags her closer to the group of couples who make up the rest of the wedding party, and points to the woman, "Everyone, you remember my sister? Sigrid, this is the rest of the wedding party."

A sister?

Finan only learned about a brother… but a sister? He had no idea.

"It's nice to see everyone, again," Sigrid says with a chuckle and a slight wave, looking around at everyone in the room.

As her eyes meet Finan's, he can feel his heart drop to his feet. She's fucking gorgeous.

Uhtred puts the tray of shots down on the coffee table in the middle of the room, and everyone else reaches over to grab a shot.

"Wait!" Uhtred shots before anyone has a chance to take their shot, "Perhaps the maid of honor and best man should say a few words?"

Gisela; Uhtred's wife and Ealhswith's maid of honor, is first to stand, "To Sihtric and Ealsie! We all wish you many happy years together!"

Gisela then glances at Sigrid, and for a moment Finan is really confused.

That is... until she starts to speak.

"To my baby brother and his wife to be," Sigrid adds as she raises her shot glass, "Anyone who can put up with Sihtric is a saint, we are happy to have you become one of us, Ealhswith." Ealhswith wipes a tear from her face as Sigrid tips her glass just slightly, "Cheers!"

The rest of the party yells cheers, except for Finan, who's frozen in place looking mighty confused.

"You alright there, Finan?" Asks Osferth, Sihtrics' childhood friend and another groomsman, as he walks over and nudges his arm.

"I am… lost," Finan explains as he raises the shot glass to his lips.

"Oh, I should've told you," Uhtred puts his hand on Finan's shoulder and smirks, "Sihtrics' sister is his best man."

The words come out of Uhtred's mouth just as Finan takes his shot, causing the Irishman to choke on his liquor.

"She's what?!"

————————————<3—————————————

"He's handsome isn't he?" Gisela whispers to Sigrid as she lifts the cocktail to her mouth.

"Who?"

"Finan, Sigrid, are you not listening!" Ealhswith tries to whisper but she's a bit tipsy so it's not really as quiet as she intends.

Sigrid glances over her future sister-in-law's shoulder at the men, who are currently in the middle of a drinking contest. From the looks of it, Sihtric is not winning.

Next to her brother, cheering him on is Finan. There's a big, cheeky, smile on the Irishman's face as he encourages Sihtric to keep drinking and for just a moment, she can see his eyes glance her way.

Okay, maybe they are onto something.

Finan is tall with longish hair and a thick beard. Sigrid guesses he must work out with just how his broad his shoulders are, and his even broader chest… and those arms-

Okay, fine. He's gorgeous. They win.

But she won't tell them that, "Yeah. He's alright."

"Oh come on," Eadith chuckles, playfully shoving Sigrid's side, "Most of us would like a piece of that Irish-"

"Eadith!" Gisela gasps with a smile.

"What," Eadith shrugs, "I have eyes, I can use them."

"Osferth doesn't satisfy enough, Eadith?" Sigrid smirks, leaning back on the couch. They were an odd couple, Eadith and Osferth, but the two of them seemed to really work in sync.

"Oh he satisfies just fine," Eadith raises a brow as she takes a sip of her drink, "There is nothing I would change about how that man performs in bed."

"Alright- I've heard enough," Sigrid raises her hand as she leans forward to put her drink down and the other girls boo her and laugh at her embarrassment, "I need to piss, and you ladies need water."

"Ah, come on, Sigrid, don't be a prude!" Ealhswith whines as Sigrid starts to rise from her seat.

"I draw the line on sharing sex life secrets of men I've known since I was a child," Sigrid laughs as she gets to her feet and heads for the bathroom.

When she gets to the bathroom, she wets her face a bit to cool herself down, grateful she isn't wearing much makeup. After a deep breath, she starts to open the door to leave, and on the other side waiting is Finan.

"Oh, I didn't realize-"

"No it's fine," Sigrid tells him as she tries to go around him awkwardly. He doesn't move much, so they are pretty close to each other as Sigrid tries to go around but instead of moving they both find themselves stuck chest to chest in the doorway.

She's never been a shy woman, but she usually isn't the one to make the first move. So tonight, she's lucky she's tipsy because now she has all the confidence she needs to do whatever stupid thing she wishes.

Include flirting with this man.

"So you're the man I'm supposed to share a bed with," Sigrid smirks as her chest rises and falls with every deep breath she takes.

Finan raises a brow, "I thought it was just a room."

"I don't know if you've been in there yet," Sigrid glances down the hall to make sure no one is coming, and then looks back at Finan, "But there's only one bed."

"What a shame," Finan tells her as he leans forward, stopping right as he hovers her lips, "Looks like you'll be on the couch."

Sigrid doesn't break eye contact as she takes a deep breath and then smirks, "What couch?"

He leans back with eyebrows scrunched and a semi smile on his face, and Sigrid takes that moment to wink and walk away.

She has no idea how she's expected to spend the night alone with this man.

————————————<3—————————————

Finan is fucked.

More than fucked.

He's been trying to fight the urge to flirt with his best friend's sister all night, because… you know... best friend's sister.. and then he runs into her by the bathroom. It was so painfully tempting to pull her into the room, lock the door, and do whatever he can to please her but he contains himself.

Because that's his best friend's sister, and he really shouldn't fuck her.

But he really wants to.

And it's not just because she's gorgeous. It's her light smile, the way she laughs, and her eyes… Sigrid has the bluest ocean eyes Finan just wants to get lost in.

He's trying not to focus on the fact that they've basically set him up. Giving Finan the room with a single bed and single women.

At least… he thought she was?

"Osferth," Finan leans over the kitchen island so he can quietly ask his questions to his friend, "Sigrid isn't… taken, is she?"

"Why? Sharing a room seeming less terrifying and more interesting?" Osferth questions with a smirk of his own and Finan snacks the side of his head.

"I'm just asking, I don't want to make her uncomfortable," Finan tells him, hoping his excuse doesn't make him seem too pathetic.

"Just keep your pants on and you shouldn't have a problem," Uhtred laughs as he enters the kitchen with two empty cups in his hand.

"Where's Sihtric?" Osferth asks as Uhtred joins them at the island.

"I think he's gone to consummate his wedding a touch early," Uhtred laughs and the other two men roll their eyes.

"How are the women?" Finan asks, more curious about Sigrid than the rest of them...

"Gisela is tired, and Eadith may need help getting to her bed," Uhtred answers, looking directly at Osferth as he brings up his girlfriend.

"That's my cue then," Osferth chuckles, "Goodnight, gentlemen."

Finan and Uhtred wave goodnight as Osferth walks away, and when Finan looks at Uhtred he has a devious smile on his face, "What?"

"Sigrid has already headed to bed if you wish to join her," Uhtred tells Finan with a raised brow.

Finan rolls his eyes as he wipes his hands across his face, "Uhtred-"

"Your secret is safe with me," Uhtred laughs as he raises his hands in the air.

"And what secret is that?" Gisela questions as she enters the room.

"There is no secret, Gisela, I think your husband is drunk," Finan tells the women and Uhtred laughs again.

"If you want to fuck her just go ahead and do it, no one will tell Sihtric," Uhtred tells him, and Finan groans as Gisela hits her husband.

"Uhtred!"

"She's your cousin…"

"I'm not the one who wants to fuck her," Uhtred tells them in his own defense, "And besides, if you do decide you don't like her then Sigrid goes back to New York and you never see her again."

Gisela sighs heavily, disappointed with her husband, "Uhtred, you are awful."

"I am brutally honest, it's a gift," Uhtred shrugs as he pulls his wife close, "And you married me, remember?"

Gisela rolls her eyes and smirks his way, "Unfortunately, I do, and we should get to bed."

Uhtred raises a brow with interest, and immediately starts to pull his wife away, "Goodnight, Finan."

"Goodnight," Finan tells them as he's left alone in the kitchen. Now that he is alone, he sighs, and then makes his way to the main living room.

The room is empty now, with everyone going to their respective rooms. He can very well go upstairs, grab his things and then sleep on the couch. They look like they'd be unbearable to sleep on, but it would be better than attempting to share a room with Sigrid. It's the smarter choice, he tells himself as he heads upstairs to get his things.

There is no way he'll survive a night alone with that woman.

————————————<3—————————————

Part of Sigrid is grateful she went upstairs first, she was able to change into a comfortable pair of joggers, a baggy shirt, and a sports bra. She thought about forgoing the bra altogether, but she's a bigger chested girl and her back wouldn't be happy with that.

So instead, she chooses to go without her underwear.

But now she's alone for a while now, and part of her wonders if Finan is alone on the couch trying to sleep. She can't imagine they're any more comfortable to sleep on than they were to sit on, and starts to feel bad for claiming the room for herself.

Sigrid even feels bad enough to gather some of the extra blankets and pillows in the room and go to the door and bring them downstairs to Finan, but he's standing right there when she opens the door.

"Oh," Sigrid smiles shyly at the sight of him, "Hey, I was just going to-"

"I- I just came up here for my stuff," He stutters with a smile and after a moment or two they both chuckle.

Sigrid and Finan stare at each other for a few moments before she finally tells him, "Come in, it's your room too after all."

"I shouldn't stay," Finan tells her with a soft voice.

He's sweet and definitely not as forward as most of the men Sigrid has encountered in her life. It's a nice change of pace, to do the chasing instead of being chased.

"What If I want you to stay," Sigrid smiles, throwing the pillow in her hand back into the room, which frees her hand to take Finan's, "There's space in here for the both of us."

————————————<3—————————————

There's space in here for the both of us.

Finan swallows hard as Sigrid takes his hand and pulls him into the room, dropping the spare blankets she once held onto the floor. This must be a dream. Perhaps he's already asleep on the couch because there's no way this woman is leading him across the room towards the bed. She can't possibly be unbuttoning his shirt, agonizingly slow, working each button slowly with soft fingers.

He wants to devour this woman whole.

"Sigrid," He calls her name and she hums in response as she focuses on finishing his shirt, "What are you doing?"

"You can't sleep in this shirt, you'll get it wrinkled," She tells Finan softly, a smile on her face as her eyes keep on the buttons. As she undoes the last one Sigrid finally looks up, her eyes following her fingers up his chest and to his shoulders.

She's feeling him up as she slides the button-up shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, letting it drop to the floor. The shirt hits the floor with a soft thump, and Sigrid looks up, "Is this fine?"

"Is this fine for you?" Finan has to ask because he still isn't sure whether or not this is a dream, "You don't have to do any of this."

Sigrid smirks with her head at a tilt, "So you don't want me?"

"I just… don't usually sleep with strangers," Finan tells her as Sigrid's hands find his chest again, "Especially not my best friend's sisters."

"I hope not," Sigrid tells him as her fingers move down his chest, and he wonders if she can feel how hard his heart is pumping, "Thyra is married."

"You know what I mean, Sigrid," Finan tells her and she looks up again and smiles. One of his hands involuntarily moves up to touch her face, moving from her jaw to the back of her neck, "I just have to make sure you want this."

She nods, her eyes focusing on his lips, "You should've taken me in the bathroom."

"If I'm going to take care of you, it'll be on the bed," Finan tells her as he leans down, pulling her towards him as her eyes start to flutter shut in anticipation of his lips, "And I plan on taking excellent care of you."

First thing Finan notices when he kisses her is that Sigrid tastes like sweet alcohol and fruit. The second thing he notices is that he feels like a starved man getting sustenance for the first time. Her mouth is paradise, and he's only just started to uncover her.

His free hand moves to Sigrid's waist, pulling her closer until they are flushed together and she must feel how hard he is because she's grinding herself against the hardness in his pants.

The kissing gets more frantic, with tongues colliding and at one point Finan can feel Sigrid's teeth scraping against his bottom lip and it's intoxicating.

Both hands find their way down to Sigrid's waist and onto her ass, and with a tight grip, Finan lifts Sigrid into the air and brings her to the bed without once breaking the kiss. Not until he lowers her down, only then does Sigrid break the kiss to speak.

"Clothes… off," She whispers into his mouth as her hands find his waistline, trying to fumble with his belt, "Now."

Finan rises up for a moment to take off his shirt, pulling in up and over his head I'm one motion. Meanwhile, Sigrid has undone his belt and to speed things along Finan manages to take off the rest, leaving him in nothing but his boxers as he returns to however over Sigrid.

His hands move to her waist lifting up the shirt she's wearing up as they ride up her chest. Sigrid helps him lift it off her by raising her hands up as Finan pulls off her shirt. She smiles now as Finan goes for her pants pulling them down slowly to reveal the fact that she's gone without underwear.

Finan groans as the pants go lower, "Good Christ, woman." The pants are off and Sigrid moves quickly to remove her bra and now she's completely naked under him, and it's absolutely breathtaking, "You are goin' to ruin me."

Sigrid is smirking as he lowers himself down her body to get better access to her lower half, lifting her legs over his shoulder, as he mutters her praise's in Irish, and just as his tongue runs against her cunt that smirk fades into a gasp and a moan.

He's grateful Sigrid cannot see the cheeky grin on her face, from where his head is hidden between her legs, working her with his tongue like a man starved. She must like what he's doing because her legs wrap around his head and neck to pull him closer, and he can feel a hand find its way into his hair, pulling hard.

"Fuck, Finan," He hears her moan, trying not to be too loud by the sound of it, "Fuck…" Sigrid cums with a gasp, loosening the grip on his neck with her legs so that Finan can come up to air, returning to mouth so that he can kiss her and hard.

"You taste like heaven," Finan tells her, the words just slipping through his lips like he has no control, "I could spend the rest of my days between your legs and die happy."

"Then how would I know what your cock feels like?" Sigrid questions him with a raised brow as reaches a hand down to grab him through his boxers, "Take these off and fuck me."

Finan does what he's told, using one hand to pull his boxers down his legs and then kicking them the rest of the way off so he can continue to kiss Sigrid. Once they are gone, he goes to align his cock with her folds and remembers something very important, "Shit, condom-"

"UDI," She tells him as she breaks the kiss, "So if you're clean-"

"I am," Finan nods as he kisses her again and starts slowly pushing his way inside Sigrid. Her mouth opens to a gasp as he thrusts his way in, given another inch every time he returns until he's all the way in, "Fuckin' Christ, woman."

Sigrid wraps her legs around his waist as Finan continues to fuck her, his arms secure at either side of her head, as she wraps her fingers around his neck to hold herself steady against him. Foreheads touching because neither of them can seem to concentrate on kissing the other.

It's greater than paradise being tangled like this. With Sigrid.

It's home, and he never wants to leave.

He's getting close, Finan can tell because his breathing has started to shutter and he's groaning, so Sigrid lifts herself up to kiss him again to keep them both silent. A thrust or two more is all it takes and he finishes inside her, continuing to move just a bit more until he's sure he's given her everything he has to give.

Finan's arms collapse and Sigrid brings him down gently so that he's resting in her chest. They are both panting, and he can feel her fingers running through his hair and it feels incredible.

So he has no idea why he says, "I should probably go back downstairs."

"Leave this bed and I'll kick your pretty Irish ass," Sigrid tells him with a calm voice and when he glances up she's smiling.

"You think my ass is pretty?" Finan smirks and Sigrid laughs as he wraps his arms around her body and holds her close.

It looks like Finan isn't going anywhere.

Which is exactly what he wanted.

————————————<3—————————————

Sigrid wants to say she wakes up the morning after the best sex of her life to the face of the extremely attractive Irishman in her bed, but she doesn't.

Instead, she wakes up to Ealhswith looking directly at her with a smile on her face and her hand over Sigrid's mouth.

"Shush, I've come to sneak you out," Ealhswith whispers terribly with a giggle, holding a robe up with her other hand, "Come on, your brother is still sleeping!"

Sigrid takes the robe from her hands and Ealhswith closes her eyes as she covers her naked body, taking a moment to glance back at Finan. He's still fast asleep, and she desperately wishes she can stay in bed with him.

"Come on, Sigrid, you can stare at him later!" Ealhswith yell-whispers again, as she pulls Sigrid out of the room.

Once the door closes behind her, Sigrid glances at Ealhswith who has a big smile on her face, and raises a brow, "Ealhswith?"

"Yes?" She smiles wide, looking up to no good.

Sigrid crosses her arms over her chest and tilts her head, "You did this on purpose, didn't you?"

"I did," Ealhswith chuckles as she pushes her along, "And all I ask for in return is to be the best man at your wedding.'

Sigrid laughs at Ealhswith's request as she gets pushed away.

Yet a year later, when Sigrid finds herself walking down the aisle in a white dress with Finan waiting for her at the other end, waiting next to where she will stand is Ealhswith in her best man's tux and a wide smile on her face.

[solinarimoon]

A Song for the Sea

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pairing: Finan x OFC

Warnings: some violence, held against their will, forced marriage, hints of abusive relationship

~ ~ ~ ~

Her eyes were like the sea before a storm. Blue and green marbling together. They spoke to him. Of depths hidden under their surface. Of secrets and sadness. 

Finan could not keep his eyes from searching for her.  He yearned to fall captive to their stare once more. 

While walking through the street of Coccham, his eyes were roving every face for a glimpse of those startling eyes.  

Osferth at his side, they meandered through the market expecting that they would find them looking to replenish supplies for their journey. 

~~~~~

Muireann and her husband, Cael had docked at Coccham a few days prior. 

Upon their arrival, Cael asked to speak with the Lord Uhtred.  He claimed to be a trader of fur and wished to stay on in the burg a few days while a storm that was following them passed. 

He had a large amount of seal skin pelts he was willing to trade for the lord's permission. 

Uhtred agreed to allow them safe harbor. 

After showing them to the town’s tavern where they could pay for a room for a few nights, Uhtred informed his men that Cael and his wife were to be watched closely. He did not get an honest feeling from them. Sihtric and Osferth both agreed with their lord's appraisal of their new visitors. Finan was glad he was not alone in his judgements either.

Cael had a sly demeanor and Uhtred’s first impression was that he was either a spy (though for whom he did not know) or was looking to cheat the good people of Coccham out of their money. As a young man, Uhtred had experience with men such as these. They were not to be trusted. Several pieces of their story did not sit well with the men. Why was a trader traveling with only himself and his wife?  And by boat? 

Then there was the fact that Muireann kept her head down and was completely subservient to her husband. Finan knew that many marriages worked in such a fashion but it was not something he ever enjoyed witnessing.  He firmly believed marriage should be a partnership.  He saw that exemplified in Uhtred and Gisela’s marriage.  The same could be said for Sihtric and his wife.  

Muireann did not appear to be a threat. Instead, she gave him the feeling that she had something to hide. Some secret kept hidden from the world. This sense became pronounced when Muireann took his outstretched hand to board the dock from their small trading boat. 

She had looked up as her feet hit the boards and their eyes locked. 

And Finan was lost. 

He could become lost in those stormy eyes for eternity and he would not have cared. 

She had taken a sharp inhale of breath when their eyes met. Finan knew that she had felt some connection. Some pull. There was a meaning to their meeting on that dock, suspended above the rising waters and murky depths. 

“Thank you…” she whispered, leaving her words hanging in the air like mist off the sea.

“Finan.  I am called Finan, lady.”

“Finan” She repeated.  And he could have listened to her lovely voice speak his name for 1,000 years.

“Muireann!” Cael spoke her name with a harsh bark.

Instantly, Muireann dropped Finan’s gaze and made a hasty apology.  She practically ran to her husband’s side as Uhtred escorted them to the tavern.

Finan watched her leave and felt his world shift.  He knew something had just changed for him.  And Muireann was the cause of that change.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Back at the market. 

It took several more minutes before Osferth and Finan spied Cael and Muireann at a stall on the far end of the market. Close to the harbor. This was likely so they could keep an eye on their boat and it’s content. Muireann’s gaze was constantly shifting to stare across the water.  As they approached, Finan watched her.  Her eyes continued to return to the water.  Her gaze betrayed a sense of yearning.  

“Our lord would like it if you and your wife could join us in the hall for supper.” Finan said as he approached Cael. “He knows you’ll be departing soon and wishes to send you off with full bellies.” His Irish brogue lilted. 

~~~~~~

The pair had stayed in the village tavern, paying for one of their upstairs rooms. For several nights, a strong storm had indeed blown through the harbor at Coccham.  In that time, one or more of Uhtred’s men had staked a claim drinking and cajoling with the other tavern guests. 

Everyone agreed that the couple gave them the sense of concealed secrets. What the men could not discern was if that secret would be of any importance to them or to Coccham.  

Finan had volunteered to be at the tavern more than the rest of the men. Sihtric had a family and much preferred spending his free time at home when they were not required to be traveling with Uhtred. And Osferth enjoyed the tavern but would have struck everyone as behaving oddly if he had hung around the tavern by himself. He was not one to drink unless with the rest of the men. 

Finan admitted to himself that he was happy to take most of the time at the tavern. The fact was he was desperate to see Muireann again and determine what spark her eyes had ignited in him. He could not shake the feeling that she needed him somehow. And he needed her. 

He felt a sense of urgency where she was concerned.They hadn’t said more than a few pleasantries to each other and yet…

Finan did not believe in destiny like Uhtred. Neither did he NOT believe in it. He had never felt the need to put much stock in it either way. But he found himself thinking about it now. On destiny and Muireann’s eyes. 

~~~~~~

Back at the market

“That is very generous of your lord. My wife and I would be honored to eat at his table. Please give him our regards.” 

“Yes please tell lord Uhtred and the lady Gisela that we look forward to it. Thank you, Finan” Muireann says while meeting his gaze. 

The pull was there once again. Just as strong as before. Finan had to stop himself from reaching out to her. Time had slowed and sounds around them had become muffled. 

Muireann was shaken from their reverie as her husband called her name. 

Cael had shifted to a further stall after giving a farewell to Osferth. Muireann dropped her head and folded her arms across herself as she said goodbye. 

“Coming,” she called to her husband.

She took a final glance at Finan and then shifted her eyes towards the harbor. There, several seals were perched on a rock. 

“That’s an odd sight,” Finan remarked. 

“We don’t usually have seals this far into the harbor. They prefer to stay upstream. Closer to the ocean.”

The seals seemed to be staring at Muireann and Finan. Their dark eyes watching. 

Muireann placed her hand on Finan’s arm, gaining his attention once more. 

“Thank you again for the dinner invitation. If there is ale there that my husband can enjoy then I will appreciate the company.”

“Is your husband not enough company for ya? And what has ale to do with it?” Finan did not know what prompted him to be so forward. But he simply couldn’t shake the feeling she needed help. And she did offer the cryptic information about ale.

“The amount of his company is not to my liking nor is the quality. He… he is not a kind man. In fact he can be cruel. But when he has enough ale, I can” 

But she was unable to finish that thought.  At that instant, Cael’s harsh voice broke through their conversation once more, “Muireann do not linger.” 

“I must go. I do not wish to anger him.” 

With that final comment and all its implications ringing in his head, Finan watched her walk to her husband. 

“So your husband is more tolerable when he’s full of ale.  We will have to ensure that he gets plenty to wet his palette then.” Finan thought to himself.  As he turned to rejoin Osferth and return to the great hall, he did not notice the seal's eyes following Muireann.                             

~~~~

Dinner that evening had gone harmlessly.

Uhtred kept up a lively conversation with Cael throughout the evening. They mainly spoke of travels and common places they had both visited.  The words spoken were amicable enough.  But it did not go unnoticed that Cael stifled any attempt Muireann had at joining in on conversation around the table.  

He would interrupt her or loudly bring the subject back around to himself.  When Gisela and Sihtric both attempted to make conversation with Muireann, Cael answered for her even as she opened her mouth to reply for herself.

The one mistake Cael made was to continue to drink.  Finan made every attempt to casually keep Caels cup full.  And the man did not protest.  As Ceal became inebriated, his controlling demeanor towards Muireann lessened.  He began to lose focus on details of his surroundings, like men do when they drink.  

Muireann, who had noticed what Finan was doing with Cael’s cup, even began to smile at the conversations around her.  Finan saw her shoulders begin to loosen and relax.  

“A song for the sea! That’s what Muireann calls it.  It’s a song sung to bless sea voyages.  She’s the voice of a goddess.”

Somehow the conversation had steered towards superstitions and rituals used in sea voyages.  Uhtred had recounted some of the rituals used by the Danes that were taught to him as a child.  This prompted Cael to drunkenly proclaim that Muireann’s voice would bless all his travels.

“Sing it for everyone, wife.”                      

“They do not wish to hear my song,” Muireann whispered.

“I do,” Finan said, across the table from her.

“Yes, please let us hear this magical song,” Gisela urged, smiling gently at Muireann.

Muireann had looked up to Finan after he spoke.  Their gaze was locked once again.  The edges of their reality began to blur and sounds became muffled once more.     

Cael placed his hand on Muireann’s shoulder, “You will sing it for us, wife.”  His words were a command.

Slowly, Muireann took a breath.  Her eyes were lowered to her lap. As she began to sing, she closed them. A haunting melody that stilled the commotion in the entire hall.  The breezes outside calmed and the waves crashed along the shores.  The seals jumped and danced in the spray.

“I see your face across the sea, 

you're in the waves surrounding me

I hear your voice call on the breeze,

 on the ship out on the ocean”

Slowly Muireann opened her eyes and gazed across the table.

At that moment, Finan knew.  He was captivated by this woman.  He felt it in every sinew of his being. 

She continued to sing closing her eyes or resting their gaze upon Finan.

“Sailing across the sea on a big ship on the ocean

The moon is rising in the East, the stars hang down around her

The bow is arrow to the hearts of the ones we wish to come to home to

But the newly-lit night directs this flight, singing 'The ocean road will guide you.'

I see your face across the sea, you're in the waves surrounding me

I hear your voice call on the breeze, on the ship out on the ocean

When I awake I'll cast my anchor down and dive below

I'll dive into my lover's arms and warm the ocean's cold

Across the sea into our homes, we'll meet again so soon

You'll be with me across the sea on the ship out on the ocean

I see your face across the sea, you're in the waves surrounding me

I hear your voice call on the breeze, on the ship out on the ocean

I see your face across the sea, you're in the waves surrounding me

I hear your voice call on the breeze, on the ship out on the ocean

On the ship out on the ocean, on the ship out on the ocean”                            

As Muireann’s gentle and soothing voice fades, so does the spell that held the hall entranced.  

“Your voice is a gift, Muireann.  Truly. Thank you for singing to us,” Gisela told her.

“Thank you, Lady.  I do not often sing for others.” Muireann replies as she returned her gaze down to her lap.  Throughout her song, if her eyes were not closed, they were connected to Finan’s.

Just then Cael snored.  He had fallen asleep, her song acting as a lullaby.  His head rested on the table while his hand still held his ale cup.

Everyone stifled their laughter and then continued to eat and talk. 

~~~~~

Slowly, the dinner began to come to an end.  Muireann kept sending uneasy glances at her husband.  Finally, she stood up and asked to excuse herself.  

“My husband will not move until dawn, I am afraid Lord.  He is a sound sleeper when drunk.  I feel this is a horrible way to ..” but her words had been cut off by Uhtred.

“Think nothing of it, Muireann.  He can sleep it off here.  I have guards positioned and no harm will come to him.”

“Thank you.  If you’ll excuse me then Lord Uhtred.  I will retire to the tavern.  I would like to rest before we depart in the morning.”

“Of course, lady.”

With that Muireann lifted herself from the table and walked towards the door.

Finan was standing by the doorway speaking with Sihtric before he went home to his family.  Sihtric had not missed the intensity between the trader's wife and his friend.  He cautioned his friend against making unnecessary enemies.  

“You don’t understand, Sihtric.  She is in peril.”

“Did she tell you that?  We all see that he is an ass.  She does not seem happy, but many women are unhappy with their marriage.  That does not mean she…”

Sihtric’s words are stopped as Muireann approaches them.  Both men have noticed her change in demeanor.  She breathed heavily and her eyes kept darting back to the still form of her husband.  

“Are you alright, Muireann?” Finan asked, his voice laced with concern.

“Finan, I… No I am…” She took a frantic breath.  “No, this may be my only chance.”  Muireann said.

“Only chance?” Sihtric questioned.

Muireann glanced at him then down to the ground.  

“Cael has something of mine.  Something precious.”  She drew her eyes up to Finan’s and spoke with more conviction.  “He holds it captive.  He has never given me even the slightest chance to retrieve it,” She spoke.  “But tonight, I will,” She finished.

Finan looks to Sihtric and then back to Muireann.  Those eyes like the sea.  He was drowning in them.

“We will do what we can to help you.” Finn did not know what to make of her words.  “We will do what we can to protect you.   Sihtric, keep watch on Cael and I will come with you Muireann.” Sihtric’s mouth had drawn to a tight line. He gave a short nod while looking past Muireann towards her husband. 

“Thank you.” She took Finan’s hand.

“Thank you both,” she gave Sihtric’s arm a squeeze.

Then she was past them and speeding to the tavern.  

Once they were at the tavern, Finan stood outside her door keeping watch.

He could hear her rummaging through their goods, turning over furniture, looking everywhere.  He also heard her speaking to herself frantically, in a language he did not know. After several minutes, she opened the door with tears pooling in her eyes.  

“It is not here.  It isn’t here” Muireann told him.  Her words were distraught.

Finan took her shoulders in his hands.  “Hey, hey.  I will help ya.  I will keep you safe”

Muireann was mumbling to herself.  Some words in English and others in that strange foreign tongue.  She did not hear him.

Finan grasped her chin gently in his hand and tilted her head to look up at him. “Muireann, , it will be alright.  I won’t let him harm you.  We will find it.” Finan shifted his palm to cup Muireaan’s cheek. His thumb made gentle strokes along the curve of her face. 

Muireann’s eyes brim with unshed tears. 

She took a long shaking breath and leaned into Finan’s hand. 

“I would have liked to have met you that day on the beach, instead of my husband. I do not think I would mind you holding me.”

“I do not understand. Muireann… help me understand,” Finan voiced with uncontrolled concern. He touched his forehead to hers. 

The moment was broken when the two heard Cael screaming in a voice hoarse from ale. 

“Muireann...Muireann!”

Muireann took a steadying breath then turned and walked down the stairs and out to meet Cael. He stood outside the tavern, breathing heavy and wavering as if standing on waves.  

Sihtric was running towards them attempting to keep himself between Cael and Muireann. He had a large bruise forming around one eye and a small line of blood mingled in his hair under his nose. 

“Where were you Muireann?” Cael barked at her. He did not attempt to reach her. The two warriors blocked his path. 

When she didn’t answer him, he spoke again. His voice quieter and with more malice. 

“Where were you?”  

Muireann brought her eyes to meet his gaze.  She walked between the warriors and took two more steps towards Cael.  Still silent.

By now, Osferth and Uhtred were standing watching the wordless exchange take place as well.

Muireann kept her eyes locked with Cael.  

Then he understood.  

She was looking for it.

And that was when he made his second mistake that evening.  Upon instinct, Cael’s eye could not help but flit towards his carefully selected hiding place, the stables across the square.  

Muireann didn’t miss his look.  And she remembered him visiting the stables with Uhtred upon their arrival, claiming they may carry on their journey on foot.  He must have hidden it there.

Quick as lightening, Muireann had bolted towards the stables.  Equally as fast, shocking for someone so drunk, Cael lunged forward and grabbed her arm whipping her back.  The back of his hand connected with her cheek with a loud crack.

In the next instant, the men were in action.  

Sihtric and Finan restrained Cael but not before Finan placed a few well aimed blows to his gut.

Osferth ran to Muirann’s side and helped her rise to her feet.  She brought her hand to her temple and gripped Osferth’s arm to steady herself.

“ I will not tolerate someone to strike a woman in my presence,” Uhtred spoke.

“Just let me take my wife and we will leave.  You will need never see us again.”

“I will not leave with you,” Muireann spat.

“You must. I hold you. Your will cannot overcome it” Cael spat back.

“Of what do you speak? You hold her?” Uhtred asked.

“She can never leave me. I …” Cael began.

His words were stopped short as Muireann drew a blade across his throat.

As Uhtred had gathered Cael’s attention from her, Muireann had grabbed the dagger from Finan’s belt.

Sihtric and Finan dropped Cael and the warriors all remained silent.

Muireann panted as she watched Cael’s eyes dull and the life leave his body. She looked up to Finan.  As he took a hesitant step towards her, she dropped his knife.

Then, as if compelled by an unseen force, Muireann streaked towards the stables.  It was as if she ran for her very life.  From the still form of her husband, the warriors.  From Finan.

When Muireann reached the stables, she wrenched open the doors and sank to her knees in the first empty stall.  Buried underneath the rushes, she found it.  A small wooden chest, locked.  

Muireann picked up the chest and with the strength of five men, hurled it at the stable wall.  The chest, weathered and sea worn, cracked into splinters.

Muireann grabbed the contents and ran towards the river.  Her breath was coming in gasps and her motions were frantic.  Once she reached the river, she continued along it until she reached a clearing with a small beach.

Muireann had removed her dress and was stepping out of it as she heard Finan approach her from behind.  Muireann swung around to face him.  He was not alone, but he was the only one her heart could see.  

Uhtred, Sihtric, and Osferth had stopped at the bank on the top of the clearing.  They allowed Finan to walk towards Muireann.  She clutched the contents of the box to her chest.  So hard that her knuckles were white.  Finally, Finan got within arms reach of Muireann.

He stopped and she stared at him with wide, terrified eyes

Finan held up his hands, “We won’t hurt ya, Muireann.  I won’t hurt ya.”

“I know.  I meant it when I said I don’t think I would mind if you had a hold on me.  If you kept me bound to you.”

“What are you talking about, Muireann.  I don’t understand.  What did he do to you?  What did he keep to bind you to him?” Finan’s voice was desperate for answers.  For understanding.

“I will return.  Near midsummer’s eve, look for me from the river,” She whispered.

Slowly, Muireann backed away and careful to never lose grip of her precious bundle from the box, she slipped her shift from her shoulders.  It fell away and lay at her feet.  

She never broke eye contact with Finan. 

They all watched her. 

Transfixed.  

Under her spell.

Muireann walked slowly into the water letting herself glide backwards.  She was going home.  Her head slipped below the surface and they all waited with baited breath.  

A few moments later and slightly closer to shore, a seal broke the surface of the water.  The sleek, beautiful creature stared at them all with human eyes.  Her gaze lingered the longest on Finan.  Then she slipped back under the dark waters and was gone.  The seals from the harbor slipped away into the depths to join her.

“A selkie” Finan whispered.

“Was that..?” Sihtric asked.  The companions had walked up to stand next to Finan on the shore.

“She’s a selkie.”

Osferth stared at Finan questioningly.  

Uhtred answered for his brother.  “She is one of the seal folk.  Shapeshifters.  Seals who can shed their skins to reveal a human form,” he spoke, entranced.  None of them could believe what they had witnessed.  Uhtred continued, “If a man takes a selkie woman’s skin and keeps it from her, she can never leave him.  She can not be without her skin.  That is how Muireann’s husband was holding her captive”

“We will see her again, Finan.  She will return to you.” Sihtric said. “ She looks at you like my Ealswith looks at me. And how Gisela looks to Uhtred.  I noticed it in the hall.  She will return.”

“Aye,” Finan said, with tears in his eyes.  “And when she does, I will not hold her captive. But I will love her.  By the sweet lord, our God, I will love that woman.”

A few notes:

Moodboard is mostly stock photography found on Google/Pinterest.  The top left corner is Woman in Tattered Dress by the Stormy Sea by Jill Battaglia.  The song in the story is Across the Sea by The Wailin’ Jennys.

Muireann - An irish name meaning "sea white, sea fair". Pronunciation is like the surname of the actress Helen Mirren, but with the spin of a w sound after the initial M.

Cael - An irish name meaning “narrow, slender”.  Pronunciation is like kale, the leafy vegetable.

[jazzanddaydreams]

Evidence and reasons to ship Sophiana that literally no one asked for

Disclaimer: I myself am a multi-shipper, so I ship both Sophiana AND Dexiana (and sokeefe of course), but anyway here's my reasoning for Sophiana (no hate to the other ships). This is WAYYYYY overly long and my adhd brain is crying trying to proof-read it so fair warning

1. Representation in this series. Even though I know it probably won't happen with these two, I can still dream. 

2. Both Sophie and Biana are strong independent females who have been sucked (mainly unknowingly) into love triangles in the midst of whatever mess is going on with the Neverseen. 

3. In the beginning of the series, Biana seemed to hate Sophie, but after persuasion from Alden, became friends with Sophie. From there, the two of them have had a couple of rocky moments (Alden's memory break, where she didn't hate Sophie, she just wouldn't talk to her or anyone, which is less harmful of a reaction that Fitz's. Also when Stina reveals that Biana became friends with Sophie initially because of her dad) but overall have been growing into good friends. 

Now for my evidence (be forewarned there's a LOT, but still not all my evidence bc I mainly skimmed through my books I had on hand): 

Book 1: 

Fitz in the first book is shocked when Sophie says she thinks Biana hates her, stating that they're  pretty similar (first book, I don't remember the page number or exact quote). 

 Page 272, in general, when Sophie hands Biana her midterms present, and Biana asks if she's coming over for dinner. After that interaction, both Dex and Maruca (Biana's best friend at the time) are glaring at Sophie. Maruca's reaction can be explained by being best friends and feeling like she's losing Biana (though hmm....), but Dex's reaction is a bit harder to explain, thus my reasoning. Dex at this time has a major crush on Sophie, and yes he hates the Vackers, but that doesn't explain why he's mad at Sophie, unless he feels like he has competition from Biana for Sophie's affections, and is glaring to try and stop her from forgetting he's an option (oh boy my poor child). 

Also just through the rest of this book, when Sophie is having troubles or avoiding her, Biana is actually worried, and cares about her friend, not lashing out at her, just wondering if she's going to come over, and being obviously disappointed when Sophie declines her invitations. "She's right though. Red is definitely your color." 

Book 2: 

Page 567. "'Uh, I've always known that,' Dex said, sitting on her other side. 'But remember? I like weird.' 'Me too,' Biana chimed in." We know later that this statement from Dex was him literally saying that he liked Sophie, but the big thing about this is that Biana agrees immediately after. Before Fitz agrees. This could be read as just friends, but I read it otherwise. 

Book 3: Page 590. Biana is fighting Gisela on Mount Everest, in extreme conditions. Sophie looks at her and is like "Did you know Biana could fight like that?" like she's impressed, and I mean it's very impressive because she's taking down an adult in extreme conditions, but they're in the middle of a fight, and Sophie takes the time to notice and point out Biana's fighting skills. Which seems a little bit ship-y. Later on this page she is written as smiling at imagining Biana fighting Fitz and Keefe and smiling, and then screaming when Biana almost dies, along with Biana's former crush (Keefe) and her brother (Fitz). 

Page 511. Biana literally hides in Magnate Leto's office when Sophie was getting her ability restricting circlet (HIGHLY FORBIDDEN AND DANGEROUS) and watches in silent support. She breaks so many rules doing that, and then to top it off, on this page she says she doesn't "think I could've been that brave." Which is extremely sweet given the circumstances, and knowing just how much she risked going in with Sophie and yet calling Sophie the brave one, it's just very sweet. 

Book 4: 

(Oh boy I love this one there's so much fuel here.) 

 Page 9. "Dex pretended to gag, while Biana stared at Keefe's arm around Sophie." This is generally read as Biana being jealous of Sophie getting Keefe's attention, but it can also be read as Biana being jealous of Keefe being able to get that close to Sophie in that way (and that is how I am choosing to interpret it). 

I would also like to point out that Biana chooses to run away with Sophie to be with the Black Swan. She doesn't have to. She could stay in the Lost Cities and serve her minimal punishment, then get back to her life. But she chooses the dangerous option to BE WITH SOPHIE, which speaks a lot about these two and how their relationship has grown from mutual animosity to ride-or-die friendship. 

Page 31. "'But we're in costume!' Biana argued. 'Yeah, but you guys will stand out. I mean...look at you. You look like models.'" Sophie literally says Biana looks like a model (along with the boys of course, but she's including EVERYONE in her group) (plus she also comments in her head NUMEROUS times that Biana is gorgeous, or pretty, or looks like a princess, and I don't know about you but I don't go around thinking about how gorgeous all my friends look, I mean they're all amazing people but I don't go around thinking "oh wow [friend] looks like a fabulous princess with their on point makeup and effortless looking outfit." It's just a little bit indicative  that Sophie might like Biana as more than just a friend, hidden in the deep reaches of her oblivion at least). 

Also I would just like to point out that on page 38, when the group sees the statue of David, Keefe immediately reacts to it, and Sophie has no immediate gross out factor, she's just like yeah it's art and this dude is naked so what, which I find a bit telling but idk. 

Bonus: Biana finds the fact that the statue is naked a bit disgusting, and is terrified at the thought of running into it, which also seems a bit telling. 

Page 77. aka the page where Biana compliments Sophie's eyes and calls them "striking and unique." 

Page 167, 168, 169. THEY LITERALLY SLEEP IN THE SAME BED TOGETHER TO COMFORT EACH OTHER. BIANA WENT TO SOPHIE'S ROOM FIRST WHEN SHE COULDN'T SLEEP AND IS IN NEED OF COMFORT, EVEN THOUGH HER MOM IS literally within walking distance away. 

Page 168 "The soft sound of Biana's breathing made the room feel warmer"

Page 615 "...especially when she realized Biana was there too. She pulled her soggy hair forward to cover her face. 'It's cold here.' 'It is,' Biana agreed. Sophie couldn't tell if the strain in Biana's voice was exhaustion or something else." This is after Biana and Alvar interrupt Sophie and Keefe basically cuddling in the cold after almost dying. This could be interpreted as Biana being sad that Sophie seems to be choosing Keefe over her, and she's struggling to deal with that. 

*~*

After these moments, Biana kind of fades into the background, along with Dex, until around book 8 (and even then....yes I'm a bit bitter that my girl doesn't get page time), so I'm going to skip ahead. 

Book 8: 

page 135. "...next to her daughter wearing a peacock blue gown with shimmering gold beading that was almost as stunningly beautiful as she was." Reminding you of her constant appeal to Biana's appearance, and also this is after Biana has been MAJORLY scarred, yet Sophie still finds her beautiful and oh look I'm crying now (onto the next!) 

Page 256: "'You okay?' Biana asked, plopping down beside Sophie on the grass and reaching out to brush some of the fallen pinkish, purplish, bluish petals out of Sophie's hair." this kind of thing is generally reserved for Fitz or Keefe, so I was SHOCKED when I read this. She's pulling the 'brushing the person's hair out of their face' ploy and I'm so here for it. 

Also, just Biana's reactions to Sophie dating her brother are a bit odd, as if she is only reluctantly okay with them being together. 

Unlocked (8.5): 

Biana's file: page 76. "Ultimately, though, Biana and Sophie have grown to genuinely respect and admire each other, and are now well and truly friends." This is under the heading explaining that Biana has trouble making friends because of complications with her brother,  and then goes on to mainly explain Biana's friendship with Sophie, which just...points toward the slim possibility of Sophiana. 

I'm not holding out a lot of hope, because I know it's probably not going to become reality, but I do have my reasoning and a decent amount of evidence, and I still can enjoy my ship from afar as the ship wars rage on. Because with these two gals, we could: 

1. Have the possibility of a healthy relationship where neither party is afraid to tell the other something

2. both balance each other out personality-wise

3. they've also gone through some rough spots but in all have retained a steady friendship in which Sophie isn't afraid Biana will betray her or hate her for anything (unlike SOME boys (I'm sorry, I love Keefe it’s just his decisions haven’t been all that great lately)) 

So yeah, tl;dr Biana and Sophie have the possibility of being in a great relationship built on support and trust and I put way too much effort into this

(Part 1 bc I’ll have more evidence eventually)

[elementalguardianofdreams]

Okay so... Kotlc. It is my favourite series in the whole wide world. I LOVE the Neverseen, and I'm so sad S.M never bothered to write from their point of view. So, this is what I think they would be like:

Gisela: Cold-hearted sarcastic asshole who deep down loves her family.

Vespera: Just doesn't give a damn about anyone or anything and will gladly murder everyone. (But I ship her and Fintan so she cares about him to me) Also pretty badass.

Fintan: Is actually really sorry for everything he's done, has severe anxiety, can't sleep, is really sweet and cares a lot about the Neverseen, but don't you dare threaten them or he will burn things.

Ruy: Basically the Dex of the Neverseen, but shy. But when he does something impressive he knows it and everyone around him better know it too.

Gethen: Just stupid. Like, REALLY stupid. But we all love him still because he's funny.

Alvar: Has a hair obsession and always wants to look good, is jealous of Fitz and tries to style everyone's hair.

Trix: Punk sort of prankster dude who is just so chill. (I ship him and Umber, so...)

Umber: FORGET VESPERA I AM YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE BEWARE.

But also likes to do girly things....

[justsmilestuffhappens]

Marry and be merry ³

*n s f w implied but not detailed

@seaofashes @snorlaxishere @memoryofalifetime @cateyesinlove @nilshki

It was only a few days before the wedding. Maddie had to fight with Gisela, Eddie's eldest sister, but they managed to stop butting heads when Isabel asked how things were coming along for her only grandsons second wedding. She hadn't been able to make the first impromptu one before with Shannon and still felt bad about it.

The two women decided then to put aside their differences of what colors were best and food choices that'd agree with everyone.

With that settled all that was left was for a new tux for Eddie since Bobby had already gotten ordained and they started their paperwork.

"Should I be here?" Buck asked while standing next to the mirror.

"You don't want to be?" Eddie asked.

"No. I do. It's just, isn't it bad luck to see you before our wedding day?" Buck asked.

"Buck, that applies to like the day of the wedding and don't you want a say in what I put on and you help me take off?" Eddie raised his eyebrow.

"In that case. No waist thingy those are weird and would grey bring out your eyes or black?" Buck asked while looking at the one Eddie had on.

"I like the grey."

"Good. Do we still do that old new borrowed blue shtick?" Buck thought about what they could use.

"Our rings are already old. Could you swap cufflinks with Bobby or Chim that day?" Eddie asked.

"We've going through with it then?" Buck asked with a smile. "Yeah. I'm sure they won't say no."

"You're eyes are blue. So we just need something new."

"Your suit's still new." Buck looking Eddie up and down. "And it's- good" he gulped as the associate came towards them.

"Are you both okay?"

"We like this one. We're done." Eddie said knowing buck was staring at his ass probably.

-

Buck looked in the mirror as he adjusted his tie. It was already straight but he needed something to do to keep him busy.

"You okay Buck?" Hen asked.

"Buck we know you're nervous but it's going to be fine." Maddie said while buck looked at his shoes.

"What if I mess up my vows?"

"You memorized them. We're all gonna be there, just look at us." Hen soothed him.

"Buck you're gonna-" a phone beeped it was maddie's. "Oh. Umm, aunt debbie was able to get a hold of mom. Buck she's-"

"She's here!?" Buck asked.

A knock on the door drew their eyes.

"Oh evan."

"You came?" Buck's mouth stayed open.

His mother all 5'7 of her stood there in a green dress.

"You look so handsome. Are you ready so I can hand you off?" She smiled.

"We're not doing that. Even if we were it'd be maddie who would. Where's Dave?" Buck corrected her.

"We're on a break again. But you know how those go." She laughed but it was hallow.

"I'm glad you could make it but we just wanted it to be simple and quick. Did you and him keep that letter from Gramm's?"

"What letter?"

"The one about the money she was gonna leave me. That I was never told about. Which I could use right now. That lead me to finally realizing what I had right in front of me."

"Evan. I never got a letter like that. You have to believe me." Ada Buckley said.

"Then it was him. He probably thought it was nothing and trashed it or he knew but either way it was him. Look mom. I'll always love you but maddie was more of a parent to me than you. I'm sorry."

Ada looked hurt but didn't correct buck. They knew what he'd said was true. Even if she'd never meant to hurt her kids like that.

"I'll just. I'll go find, debbie. I hope this wedding is wonderful, like you deserve." With that she left with a sad smile.

Maddie moved to hug him.

"I'll go tell them it'll be a few minutes but your ready. Remember buck, your family's here for you." Hen said patting his arm before going to join the others.

After a few minutes maddie came out with buck drawing everyone's attention.

Christopher was sitting between abuela and pepa at the front as the others sat with their families except Bobby. Maddie joined Chim as buck took to the alter.

Bobby began the ceremony as Eddie quietly mouthed "are you okay."

Buck replied with a nod "I am now."

"Now, Eddie it's your turn." Bobby instructed.

"I promise to love you fully with all my heart for this day and forever, to build a better life together than we've already have been. I trust you completely and know you truly care for me and Christopher. I will always have your back and be in your corner Buck, I love you" Eddie saw tears forming in buck's eyes.

"I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were special. At first I saw it as competition but I was wrong. You were looking for a place to belong just like me. I will always love you and Christopher and look forward to each day we spend together. I will always be by your side both at work and at our home. You two make me happy"

Buck smiled and waved his thumb across Eddie's hand where they were linked.

Chim and maddie were both sharing tissues with Karen as hen was barely holding on.

Only Chim and Karen would hear her whisper "Look at you buckaroo" then sniffle with a smile.

Bobby had to wipe his own eyes. "Sorry boys." He cleared his throat.

"No Bobby-" "It's okay cap."

"Now then, if the ring bearer would please step forward,"

Christopher was already up and coming over on his crutches before Bobby finished his sentence. He handed them over with a smile and since they were almost over with the ceremony stayed up like they'd planned between them both.

"Ok then. Eddie and Buck. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss the groom"

The others cheered and clapped as they kissed before Christopher asked "does everyone have to kiss my dad's?" causing a fit if laughs.

The party hall was already set with the light grey and light blue decorations.

After eating a bit and before they could cut the cake Eddie and buck would have their first dance.

"So, mr. Buckley-Diaz were you as nervous as me during the ceremony?" Buck asked.

"Nope. Mr. Buckley-Diaz I was too busy being excited to call you my husband. But yeah, Chim reminded me to breathe and Bobby said the jitters can come back just like the first time but not to be afraid because my partner will be right there. He was right." Eddie watched as Christopher came over from Eddie's parents table.

"Can we eat the cake now?"

"No Christopher. In a little bit. Wanna dance with me and your dad."

"You mean my dads" he smiled.

"Yeah. I can say that now huh? Do you want to dance with your dad's son? It'll take some getting used to but I like it." Buck knelt down to kiss Christopher's forehead.

-

Christopher was safely at Athena and Bobby's for the night with harry.

"So. If you're into the old tradition, do we carry each other across the threshold of the house?" Eddie joked as they came in both tired walking slowly on sore feet to the bedroom.

"Right now I don't think you could carry me even with our training. I'm beat Eds."

"Christening our bed will have to wait." Eddie said sitting down to take off his shoes before the rest of his clothes as buck did the same.

-

Buck woke to Eddie spooning him in the morning light.

"Morning" Eddie said alerting him to his being awake also.

Buck rubbed himself back against Eddie's morning wood.

"You're up for it?" Eddie asked while buck turned around to kiss him.

"I'm always up for it with you. Last night was extenuating circumstances that's all."

"Good, because I'm already thinking of round two." Eddie moved to hold himself up and over buck as he kissed his way down his body.

"I had a dream like this once" Buck mentioned as Eddie came up and started taking off their boxers.

"Really? Was it good?"

"The best. Until I woke up before the end of it."

"Your dreams were trying to give you blue balls?" Eddie asked.

"Apparently. The best part was you talking sexy to me in Spanish, I understood all of it easier than when I'm awake."

"Oh really? Well that can be arranged mí corazón,"

Buck's smile grew wider.

-

Eddie was getting water and a snack, of the literal kind, when he heard noise at the front door.

He checked the peephole to see the maillady walking away. On a whim he opened the door to quickly grab everything before anyone looked.

The second letter from the top said urgent as they scattered on the table.

Buck came over in only his boxers as well. "You okay?"

"The mail just came in. Something for you." Eddie said handing it over.

"I just changed my mailing address a few days ago, that was quick." Buck ripped it open.

Eddie drank as buck read.

"Holy shit!"

"What's wrong?"

"It's about my medical bills." Buck said reading it more. "They charged me more than they were supposed to and it was shown wrong on the billing. 'As the mistake was at no fault to you we have waved fees for lateness and will take away an additional ten percent for the inconvenience also.' Eddie looked at buck crying.

"Babe?"

"I- this is a big relief. I thought it was too much but medical stuff can be pricey. I didn't want to ask you for anything either, Gramm's money was my last chance but now it's more than enough." Buck smiled at Eddie.

"But I would have helped for the record, marriage or not. So would the others for what cost was left or if the wedding didn't work out for your inheritance thing. On another note I'd say this calls for celebration cariño." Eddie took the letter and put it down before buck pulled him into a kiss.

"I'll get the whipped cream." Buck raised his eyebrow.

"I like the way you're thinking. We should still have time after for food and a shower before we pick up Christopher." Eddie let buck lead him by the hand.

"Good. Because I know Bobby will expect us to be professional at work. We better get as much in, or out, as we can now." Buck winked.

"Like I'd let you talk me into doing anything at work." Eddie sounded offended.

Buck pulled out his pretty blues and pouted.

"Maybe you're right." Eddie laughed.

Buck closed the door with his foot as he and Eddie didn't separate on the way to the bed.

[vermilionskiinmorning]

The Price of Freedom||TLK One Shot

@echo-story​ thanks so much for the request! We can all always do with some Ragnarsson bro love <3 It kind of turned into a feels/angst-fest, but I hope you enjoy it!  

Fandom: The Last Kingdom/The Saxon Stories

Pairing: none

Words: 1060

-----

The Gods love chaos. Men created oaths to fight that chaos and men are ruled by their oaths. Though all who knew the old Gods knew oaths were just the attempts of men to manage that chaos -to break an oath was to invite chaos. At the foot of Yggdrasil, the Norns spun fate and they did not care for the oaths of men.

Uhtred had learned that lesson at a young age. His oath to Ragnar was one of revenge. They would kill Kjartan the man who had betrayed their father. He had sworn it. The Gods must have been laughing. Because the Gods see what men do not.

His oath. It was Alfred’s price for Ragnar’s freedom. Swear to Alfred, become his man, and protect Wessex from the incursion of the Danes. He had balked with indignation. The audacity of Alfred’s claim that Ragnar was to blame for Uhtred’s actions was astonishing.

“My actions are my own!” Uhtred argued.

“None the less, you killed a priest in a house of God…while in Ragnar’s custody.”

They both knew it was a cop out. How could Ragnar have stopped him? Overcome with rage as Uhtred was in that moment; there was no way. Nor would Ragnar have thought to do so. He thought nothing of priests or the Christian God. Alfred was playing him.

But, for his brother’s freedom he would do it. Bind himself again to Wessex…after only just regaining his freedom from slavery. It left him with a bitter taste in his mouth.

Ragnar was gone before he could meet him. Instead he found Brida at the stable readying her horse to depart. Uhtred’s heart clenched with anguish. She was an angry creature. It had always been so. She hated the Christians for their spur of the old Gods, and she hated Wessex for taking him. No solace would be found from her sharp tongue. So, Uhtred returned for Gisela, the love of his life, and the reason for his current predicament. It was his furious love for her that had driven him to kill the priest, but he did not blame her. The blame for the event rested solely on the shoulders of his vile Uncle who sat in his ancestral home and who had tried to steal Gisela away from him.

“Go to him,” Gisela whispered.

She stroked his cheek with slender fingers. A sad smile rested on her lips. As a Dane, she also knew the capriciousness of the Gods and could see her husband’s anguish at this cruel twist.

“Alfred may have your oath, but you are not bound to this city… Your brother can not have passed Wessex’s boarders by now.”

And so, she was right. Women so often are. Men are strong willed and stalwart, but the Gods gave men women to temper them. Gisela was a gift of the Gods. So, he rode.

Half a day’s ride behind Ragnar, Uhtred had to push his horse giving it no rest until the sun began to sink below the horizon. In the distance, he saw the small fire of a camp that caused his heart to leap with joy. Ragnar’s chestnut mare with her distinct saddle stood tied to a tree not far from the camp. And again, he pushed his horse to reach them.

His arrival was met with surprise from the men and a scowl from Brida. She shook her head but did not stop Uhtred from approaching. Leaping from his horse, Uhtred went directly to Ragnar. The blonde Viking was somewhat shocked, but no less pleased to see him.

“Brother!” Ragnar boomed jovially. “You’ve come to join us after all?! Brida said you would not come.”

A look of regret flickered across Uhtred’s face.

“I…have not.”

Ragnar’s brow furrowed –a slight guarded expression appearing on his face. “Then why?”

“To assure you I will stand by our oath,” Uhtred said, his voice tight with emotion. “I will be there to aid in our father’s revenge.”

A scoff came from near the fire causing both brothers to turn. Brida sat sharpening her knife with an unimpressed expression. She already knew of his oath -the one made to Alfred.

“And how will you do that when you are bound to Alfred?” she quipped.

Ragnar looked hurt at Brida’s words. She had apparently not yet told him about the oath -only that Uhtred would not join them. Though, he was looking to Uhtred to deny her accusation.

“I am…bound to Alfred, but he has enemies,” Uhtred said vehemently. “Enemies in the North. And a weak ally in Guthred.”

Ragnar snorted indignantly.

“Guthred? The man who sold you to slavery. You would petition to aid that weasel shit?”

Uhtred’s expression twisted in distaste. “Just send word, brother, when you are ready. I will come.”

Regret curled in his gut at the expression of disbelief on his brother’s face. Of course, Ragnar loved him dearly, but to hear of Uhtred binding himself to Wessex did not promote faith. Wessex and the Saxons were the enemies of the Danes and by blood Uhtred was still a Saxon. For some time, Ragnar had begun to wonder if his brother had lost his love of the Danes.

“Do you love them?” Ragnar asked. “These Saxons…have they turned you against us?”

“I do not.” Was Uhtred’s vehement reply.

“Then why swear an oath?”

Uhtred swallowed hard.

“Leverage, brother, Alfred…he would have kept you prisoner,” he sighed heavily, running a tired hand over his face. “It is his opinion that the death of that priest in Cumberland would be a valid reason to do so.”

“The priest?” Brida spat.

Pained understanding swept across Ragnar’s face.

“And the price of the priest’s life…”

“Is your imprisonment or my oath,” Uhtred answered.

Tears pricked the corner of Ragnar’s coal rimmed eyes as he gave a short nod of comprehension. Alfred had out maneuvered them. He recognized Uhtred for the efficient weapon he was and made his moves to keep that weapon under his control.

“My brother would shackle himself to see me freed.”

Uhtred had no time to respond before Ragnar swept him into a bone crushing hug. Automatically, he hugged back with the same unwillingness to release the embrace. When finally they did part, Ragnar leveled Uhtred with an intense stare.

“I know you will keep your oath,” Ragnar whispered.