#the way Aethelred looks at Aldhelm

[whitedarkmoonflower]

Mercian Monday // Aldhelm & Aethelred // The Last Kingdom S3E5

[fan-fantasies]

Lady in Waiting

A/N: first off I’d like to offer a disclaimer- there are some time jumps and I altered the storyline a bit just to save myself time. We’ve all watched the series and know what really happened so this is just me taking creative liberties. This is one of the longest fics I’ve written and I’m so happy it’s for our sweet boy, Osferth ❤️

Summary: you are Aethelflaed’s lady-in-waiting and are offered protection by Uhtred and his men, specifically Osferth. You’ve fallen for the man but you cannot give yourself to him fully until marriage. However, marrying the man you love is not going to be as easy as you hoped.

Warnings: a shit ton- dry humping, fingering, oral (f receiving, m receiving mentioned), unprotected p in v, violence, swearing

“Thyra!! Thyra!!”

“Lady Aethelflaed!! Find her!”

The screams of the men were what drew you from the safety of the woods. Finan was the first to spot you as you stumbled your way back into camp.

“Lord, it is y/n,” Finan said. Osferth’s head snapped in your direction and his feet were immediately moving. Before he could reach you, however, Aethelred had his hands on you.

“Where is she? Where is the princess?” He didn’t give you a moment to answer before he was shaking you, asking you again.

Behind you, Thrya was in Beocca’s arms sobbing. She explained that you had all split up in the woods and that Aethelflaed was gone.

“She saved me,” you whispered. All eyes turned to you. “She hid me while the Danes, they…they took her.”

“She gave herself up for the likes of you? It should have been the other way around, should it not?” Aethelred was angry as his grip on your tightened.

“You will unhand her, lord,” Osferth snapped at him.

“I would listen to him,” Finan growled. Though you had not known the men all that well, you were Aethelflaed’s lady-in-waiting so you were familiar with them. You enjoyed their company and how respectful they were. The same could not be said for your lady’s new husband who had already made passes at you.

Aethelred let you go and you fell back against Osferth. He steadied you on your feet while staring down the lord of Mercia.

“We must head back to Wessex,” Uhtred said, looking around the destroyed camp. He watched as Aldhelm whispered to Aethelred who glared at you. “Osferth, you will bring lady y/n back to Winchester and keep an eye on things there for me. We will return to Cookham where Alfred wishes me to stay until we have news to share.”

“I will not be returning to Mercia, lord?” You asked softly.

“No, lady. I do not trust that turd to treat you kindly. Osferth here will protect you,” he said with a kind smile.

“I will take care of you,” Osferth said confidently.

“I know you will.” Finan and Sihtric exchanged a knowing glance when the young monk’s face tinged pink.

Once the camp was salvaged as much as possible, everyone hit the road. Uhtred made sure to keep you close to him and his men.

“I do not understand why I am being protected as if I am treasure,” you chuckled sadly.

“You are as good as gold, lady,” Finan told you.

“Better than,” Osferth added. You ducked your head to hide your smile at their flattery.

You could see Aldhelm and Aethelred scheming ahead of you but Uhtred assured you that all would be fine.

Once Uhtred and his men split off from the group, your nerves began to build. You trusted Osferth but you knew he was no match for the conniving lord of Mercia.

Osferth escorted you to the inn where you were informed that there was only one room available. Osferth paid for it and you brought your things to the room.

“I can find somewhere else to stay, lady,” he offered.

“Nonsense. You paid for the room, you should at least use it,” you told him. “We will be fine and now I know I will be safe.”

Osferth nodded and unpacked his bag. He allowed you to freshen up first before escorting you to dinner. The conversation flowed easily and you found yourself at ease for the first time since the camp was raided. You still worried about Aethelflaed but you knew Uhtred would do everything in his power to retrieve her safely.

“I wonder if they have made it to Cookham already. I am sure Lady Gisela will be happy her husband has returned. They are truly blessed,” you said.

“Gisela is a wonderful lady and they are both happy. That is all any could wish for,” he smiled in agreement.

“Yes that is true. It breaks my heart that not all get to marry for love. Should I ever be lucky enough to secure a husband, I hope he is kind.”

Osferth paused for a moment and looked deep in thought, conflicted almost.

“Any man would be lucky to have you and if anyone treats you with anything less than kindness, I will be sure to handle it myself,” he said. His words surprised you but also made your stomach flip.

You were fond of Osferth and knew he was a good man. But he was a warrior and you were not sure where he stood on the matter of taking a wife.

You finished your supper in silence before returning to your room. The two of you stood awkwardly, looking at the one bed.

“I will sleep on the floor.”

“No, we can share. It is big enough for two,” you said quietly.

“Lady, I’m not sure if that is a good idea,” he said. You feared you had offended him in some manner but waited for him to explain. “It’s just… you are… beautiful. And- it would not be appropriate for me to lie with you- sleep with you- sleep next to you!” He stuttered. You tried your best to hold back a laugh.

“So you cannot sleep in the bed because I’m…beautiful?” You tried your best to stay composed as the reddening monk but a small smile slipped through.

“For my own sanity, lady, I think it is best if I sleep on the floor,” he said rather embarrassed.

“As you wish,” you said. The two of you turned around so you could undress. He made a small spot on the floor for himself while you crawled into the bed.

Every time you would fall asleep, you were startled awake by Osferth tossing and turning, groaning in discomfort.

“Please, for my sanity and my sleep, get in the bed!”

“But-“

“Now!” You shrieked. You tended to get cranky when you were tired and you were exhausted.

“Yes, lady,” he mumbled. He laid as far as possible away from you, stiff as a board.

“I will not try and steal your virtue, Osferth. You may relax.”

“It is not you I am worried about stealing virtue, but myself,” he whispered. You turned toward him with wide eyes. He turned toward you as well and you just stared at one another for a moment.

“I must admit, since I met you my thoughts have been at war in my head. I wish my thoughts to remain pure, but- I do enjoy the impure ones as well.”

“And what is the subject of these impure thoughts?” You asked, filled with hope.

“You- Naked usually,” he admitted.

“Just usually?”

“Sometimes there’s not enough time and I just have to lift your skirt and take you right then and there.”

Your breathing was as heavy as the heart beating out of your chest.

“And which do you prefer?” You asked.

“I prefer when I get to have you completely bare before me and I get to take my time worshipping your body.”

Without another word you closed the distance between the two of you and kissed him with such passion you didn’t know you were capable of. He wasted no time allowing his hands to roam your body and claiming your mouth with his tongue. You moved closer to him to allow him on top of you. He was already grinding against your clothed core and you could feel how hard he was.

He began to press kisses down the column of your throat, making you moan in response.

“Osferth, fuck. We can’t,” you whined. As much as you wanted to, and shit did you want to, you couldn’t.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, scrambling off of you.

“No you have nothing to be sorry for! It’s just, I’ve taken a vow of chastity until marriage, which I’m much regretting right now,” you sighed.

“I understand, lady,” he said.

“Please, just call me y/n. And just because we can’t do everything doesn’t mean we can’t do some things,” you hinted. His eyes were as big as saucers when he realized what you meant.

“Are you sure? Because we can stop and that’s completely fine.”

“Always a gentleman,” you chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure. If it is a means to not break my vow completely then I am sure God will overlook.”

He needed no further compelling to resume his position and the heated make out session from before. His hand slid between your legs and cupped your center, making you jolt against him. He continued to rut into your leg as he slipped beneath your night dress and undergarments.

He moaned when he felt how wet you were and all for him. He slid his fingers between your folds and you were already trembling beneath him. He circled your clit slowly, building up the speed until you were moaning loudly.

“Where did you learn to be so good at this?” You asked breathlessly.

“Hanging around Uhtred and the others has its perks,” he smirked. “I hope this will please you without having to even enter you.”

“Oh it is pleasurable, but one finger might not hurt,” you whimpered pathetically. You wanted him so badly you were a hairs-width away from breaking your vow.

“No, y/n, this will have to do for now,” he chuckled.

“Will you make me beg, Osferth?”

“I would, lady, yes. Perhaps another time though.”

He sped up his ministrations on your clit and you threw your head back into the pillow. He took the opportunity to nip at your exposed neck. You encouraged him further and he began to leave love bites along your soft skin.

You felt a knot begin to form in your stomach and you began to thrust your hips to meet his fingers where you needed them most. He could tell you were close so he became focused on pushing you over the edge.

He was still humping your thigh and his moans were becoming louder which was enough to ignite the spark that sent your body ablaze. You screaming out his name triggered his own orgasm, which surprised you both but you found it incredibly attractive.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” he groaned.

“Don’t be,” you said before pulling him into a searing kiss.

“Let’s clean up and then we can sleep,” he said softly. You nodded in agreement and made your way to the water basin.

You slept wonderfully that night and that is how the evenings continued for the next week or so.

The first time he used his mouth on you you swore you saw heaven. You returned the favor of course and Osferth decided if it was going to send him to hell then it was worth it.

It wasn’t just sex though, there were feelings there. He was gentle and loving all while making sure to protect you from any angry Mercians.

Aethelred already word that the princess sacrificed herself to save you and that did not sit well with many. Osferth comforted you and told you that not only were you worth saving but that everyone else could be damned for thinking otherwise.

Uhtred and his warriors arrived in Winchester with news of the princess. He went straight to the palace while Finan and Sihtric went to find Osferth.

“Baby monk!!” Finan shouted as soon as he laid eyes on him at the ale house. Osferth immediately stood and welcomed both men with a hug.

“Lady,” Sihtric said, bowing his head.

“Oh come here!” Finan yelled as he pulled you into his arms. “Thank ya for keeping my baby monk safe in our absence.”

“It was no trouble at all,” you laughed. “I will go get you both some ale.”

“So is she your wife yet?” Finan asked. Osferth choked on his spit at his friends words.

“No! Why would you ask that?”

“We know how ya feel for her,” he chuckled.

“It does look like he has some repenting to do though.” Sihtric smirked as he pulled down the collar of his robe, exposing the marks you had left on him the night previous.

Sihtric and Finan howled as Osferth glowed red. You came back over with a jug of ale and two cups, a smile gracing your face.

“What’s so funny?” You asked.

“I see it’ll be a confessional for two,” Finan added, pointing to your neck. Instead of hiding from the teasing, you placed a kiss on Osferth’s cheek.

“We will confess when we’re done doing all that needs repenting,” you told them. Their eyes all went wide and it was your turn to smirk. You sauntered off to your room and left the men to catch up.

“Good thing ya left her in one piece- I don’t think that’s what Uhtred had in mind when he said protect her,” Finan chuckled.

“It’s not what you think,” Osferth rolled his eyes.

“So make her your wife and make it what we think,” Sihtric told him.

“Uhtred would not permit me to marry.”

“Why not? She is a nice girl and we like her. She’s good for ya,” Finan replied.

Osferth considered his friends’ words. He cared for you, loved you even, but would you feel the same?

Uhtred eventually joined and filled them in on the plan. They were to travel north to negotiate for Aethelflaed’s safe return.

“How is your lady holding up?” Uhtred asked Osferth.

“M-my lady, lord?” Uhtred and the others chuckled.

“He wants permission to marry her, lord,” Finan said. Osferth could not believe the audacity of his friend, well, maybe he could.

“So she is well then?” Uhtred laughed.

“She is, lord. And I would like permission for when the time comes.”

“Permission granted, Osferth.”

He couldn’t help the giddy feeling that bubbled up inside of him, but also the nerves.

“Come, let us drink our fill. The ale in the north isn’t nearly as good,” Sihtric said.

The men were fairly drunk by the time Osferth found his way to your room. You had fallen asleep but woke up when you heard him stumble into the room. You watched in amusement as he stumbled around trying to undress himself.

“Well hello there,” he said when he finally laid eyes on you.

“Hello, Osferth,” you replied. You pulled back the sheets for him so he could come to bed.

“Don’t mind if I do.”

He flopped onto the bed and it took some adjusting to try and get him comfortable.

“You will not have a good day tomorrow,” you said.

“Yes I will, because I get to marry you,” he said before drifting off into a heavy slumber. You, however, could not find sleep over the words he just said.

What did he mean he gets to marry you? You never agreed to such a union, although you would not protest. You would also both need your lord and lady’s permission before anything moved forward and your lady was a bit preoccupied at the moment.

The next morning, you waited to see if he would say anything. However, the only sounds emitted from him were groans when the light seeped through the window.

“Good morning, love,” you laughed.

“Is it?” He grumbled.

“Yes, I believe it is.”

“Go on ahead to breakfast, I’ll catch up,” he groaned. You pressed a kiss to his forehead before going to find food.

“Lady! Join us!” Finan smiled as soon as he saw you. You sat at the table happily and picked at some food.

“We leave tomorrow morning for the north,” Uhtred informed you.

“All of you?”

“Yes, all of us,” he said with a sad smile.

“We will all return to you in one piece,” Finan joked.

“You better,” you tried your best to smile.

“You will be going to stay with Thyra until we return. You will be safe with her,” Sihtric said.

“Perhaps you should go spend the day with your man; remind him what he’s fighting to come back to,” Finan said with a smirk.

“I think I’ll do just that,” you sighed, filling a plate to bring back with you.

You spent the day with Osferth, nursing him until the hangover passed.

You wanted to give him all of you, but you simply could not. You wanted to ask what he meant by what he said last night, but could not find the words in case he would regret what he said.

The next morning, you saw him out to the stables where the men were readying their horses.

“Promise you will return to me,” you said softly.

“I swear, my love, if you will make a promise in return.”

“Anything, Osferth.”

“Marry me.”

Your heart was racing as you processed his words.

“I- yes I will marry you,” you said, jumping into his arms. His friends all watched on in amusement and happiness.

“We will discuss it further when I return,” he said, unable to contain his smile. Thyra came and found you to bring you back to her house. You waved the men off and you couldn’t contain your excitement for their return.

All you had to do was get the Lady Aethelflaed’s permission. She was always so kind to you and you cared for her deeply, you were sure she would grant you permission once she was recovered.

The time passed slowly, but you found that Thyra was great company to keep. You waited for word of your lady’s recovery but you could tell there was unrest in the city.

Uhtred had sent a messenger back to the city to explain to Alfred the cost to buy back his daughter.

All of Wessex and Mercia was to help pay the ransom but what they did not know was that the princess had no plans to return south.

Osferth had sent a message of his own, alerting you to your lady’s plan and reassuring you that he was safe. You burned the letter as soon as you read it.

You wanted Aethelflaed to be happy and if this Northman was capable of doing that then blessings to her.

More time passed and men marched from the city. You became anxious and prayed every night that everyone you cared for would be safe.

You found yourself at the secluded lake one day, washing and enjoying the nice weather. You were lost in your thoughts and didn’t hear the person walking along the banking.

“What a sight for sore eyes.”

You whipped around in the water, clutching your chest.

“Osferth!”

You swam to the shore as quick as possible and ran into his arms, not caring you were wet and naked.

“If I’m welcomed back this way every time, perhaps I should leave more often,” he smirked.

“You should not,” you laughed, pulling him in for a kiss.

“As much as I’m enjoying this, perhaps we should get you dressed and back to town.”

“Yes- wait! What of Lady Aethelflaed?”

“She is back safe. The Northman did not make it. I will tell you everything later, I swear.”

He helped you get dressed and you made your way back to town. You greeted your friends who were already drinking the ale house owner out of house and home.

“I’m so glad to see all of you!”

“As we are to see you, lady,” Uhtred smiled.

“Aethelflaed is spending time with her family I’m guessing?”

“She is. I would give her a few days to settle in before going to the palace. Her husband is not in the best mood despite having his wife back,” Uhtred grunted. You rolled your eyes and sighed.

“Yes, he is a bit of an arse,” you mumbled.

“Just a bit?” Sihtric scoffed.

“Perhaps more than,” you laughed.

“Well luckily for you, your husband will be a kind man,” Osferth smiled. You pressed a sweet kiss to his lips while the other men pretended to vomit.

You gave the princess a week to recover with her loved ones before approaching her. She pulled you into a tight embrace and apologized for any terrible things her husband may have said.

“I am used to your husbands sharp tongue, lady. And I’d rather it be directed at me than you,” you said softly.

“You are too kind, y/n,” she replied.

“Speaking of husbands…I wanted to ask you something, lady.”

“Of course. You may ask me anything,” she said.

“I have had a marriage proposal and wanted to seek your permission.”

She grabbed your hand in hers with a huge smile on her face.

“Oh that is wonderful news! Who is it?” She asked.

“Osferth. Uhtred has already given his permission.”

Aethelflaed’s smile slowly fell as she considered your words.

“I am afraid I cannot allow that.” She said sternly. Your heart fell into your stomach.

“May I ask why not?”

“He is my father’s bastard and any children you may bare could lay claim to the throne in the future. I cannot permit such a thing to happen,” she said coolly.

“So you would deny me happiness due to the risk to your family? A risk that would not even occur!”

“You could not ensure that,” she snapped.

“But I could! He will have children of his own some day whether it be with me or another. Wouldn’t you rather it be with someone you are close to and would be on your side in the matter?” You tried reasoning.

“I have given my answer. Besides, I need you now more than ever,” she said in hushed tones, cradling her stomach.

“I did not put that babe in you so why should I have to care for it? And I’m guessing it wasn’t your husband who did either,” you said.

You knew your words would cut deep but you did not care. She had just robbed you of your happiness for her own selfish reasons.

“You will go to my chambers and pack my things. We leave first thing tomorrow. I order you to stay away from Osferth and any of Uhtred’s men.”

You said nothing as you turned on your heel and left the room. You could not believe her. You wanted to run to Osferth but you knew she could have you seized for disobeying her.

You rounded the final corner to the chambers and ran into Father Beocca.

“Child, what’s wrong?” He asked, noticing the tears on your cheeks.

“Lady Aethelflaed will not allow Osferth and I to marry for fear of our children trying to stake a claim to the throne,” you sobbed.

“That is absurd! I will speak to Uhtred and she will be reasoned with,” he reassured you.

You packed the princess’s belongings rather quickly in hopes of sneaking out to find Osferth. As if reading your mind, you heard a knock on the chamber door.

“Y/N?”

“Osferth?” You asked quietly. You met him in the hall and found an empty room where you could speak in private.

“You have heard the news?” You asked sadly.

“I have and I have more,” he sighed. “Uhtred went to speak with your lady but she is not having it. I gave her my word that any children we have would not be a threat to the crown but it was not enough.”

“I am so sorry, my love,” you cried. He pulled you into his arms and held you as you cried. He kissed you like it was his dying wish to feel your lips on his one last time.

“Time to retire,” you heard Aethelflaed call from outside the door. “Say your goodbyes.”

“I will see you again, my love,” he whispered.

You could do nothing but nod sadly, parting from him with one last kiss.

The next day you journeyed back to Mercia with the Lady Aethelflaed and her men. You did not speak to her and she did not speak to you other than what was necessary.

That is how it continued for weeks on end. You were miserable and as much as she tried to reason with you, you refused to listen. The weeks turned into months and slowly life returned to as close to normal as it would.

Your lady swelled with the child and when she was born, you were torn between joy and pain. You were happy for her, for her healthy baby made from love, but you resented her from tearing the same opportunity from you.

4 years later…

“Men! There are men in the kitchen!” One of the nuns shrieked.

“Bar the door!” Aethelflaed yelled.

You hid yourself in a corner while everyone was quiet.

“Is it Danes?” Someone asked.

“What if I am Saxon by birth but Dane by heart?” Uhtred called from above.

“Uhtred? You came!” Aethelflaed sighed in relief. “Open the door.”

The nuns opened the door and the rest of Uhtred’s men, including your beloved Osferth. Your heart nearly stopped in your chest when you laid eyes on him for the first time in years. He hadn’t noticed you yet and you let yourself drink him in.

He looked like your same, sweet Osferth, but more of a man. His jaw was sharper and he looked more muscular than you remembered.

As much as you enjoyed admiring him, you couldn’t help but wonder if he had found another to marry. He was handsome and a fierce warrior, you were sure he caught the attention of many ladies.

“Would you please helps the nuns in the kitchen please, y/n?” Aethelflaed asked you. Osferth’s eyes darted to yours and it looked like he had seen a ghost.

“Yes, lady,” you mumbled as you joined the other women in the kitchen.

Osferth wanted to follow, but he knew he shouldn’t. He had missed you greatly but he knew if he held you in his arms once more that he wouldn’t be able to let go.

Aethelflaed kept you busy while the men were there to keep you distracted from Osferth. It wasn’t an easy task but you managed to avoid him other than at meal times.

One morning, you were all eating breakfast when you heard a scream outside and nuns came running into the hall.

“Danes! Outside and they have hostages!” The abbess shrieked. “They’ve asked for the Lady Aethelflaed.”

“You must go and speak to them, tell them she is not here,” Uhtred told her.

“I cannot!”

“You must, even if it is only to buy us time to make a plan.”

“I will do it,” you offered.

“No!” Osferth argued.

“I will go,” the abbess said, taking your hand in hers. “It is my responsibility.”

The door was barred shut behind her as Uhtred and Aethelflaed watched from the window. You found yourself mindlessly gravitating toward Osferth until your side was pressed to his.

Finan and Uhtred discussed a plan forward when you heard the abbess scream outside. She was dead. And you feared that you were all next.

“Ladies, to the back. We will handle this,” Finan said, ushering you and the nuns to the back of the hall. Osferth gave you a small nod before readying himself with the other men behind the door.

The action broke out before you could even register it. You did your best to remain calm while you watched the battle in the hall before you. Uhtred seemed to have the advantage but a few Danes managed to slip by them.

“Hello, ladies!” They laughed menacingly.

“Leave them!” You yelled, standing in front of the nuns with your sword drawn.

“I like them feisty,” one chuckled. The other easily knocked your sword from your hand and grabbed you. You thrashed against him but it was no use as he overpowered you.

“Come men! Outside!” Haesten yelled. You were dragged toward the door but before the men could get any further, the one that was holding you suddenly released his grip.

He fell to the floor in pain while the other tried to fight his attacker. You watched Osferth fight the larger man but he eventually bested him and drove his sword through the Dane’s heart.

He swept you into his arms and held you tight.

“No one will take you from me again,” he sighed.

Uhtred drove the remaining Danes from the nunnery but you knew that was not the last you’d be seeing of them.

“We must travel to Aegelesburg, to tell my husband and father of what has happened here,” Aethelflaed informed everyone.

“We will accompany you,” Uhtred said. You glanced at Osferth who offered you a shy smile.

The journey was not too long and it was no surprise you were met with resistance at the gates.

“You are welcome, lady. But the outlaws must remain outside the hall,” Steapa told you all.

“Y/N, please secure food and ale for these men in my absence,” she told you. So off you went in search of provisions for the warriors.

“Lady, wait for me!” Osferth called after you.

“I thought I told you not to call me that,” you joked.

“Well those were different times,” he sighed.

“Yes, I suppose they were. Perhaps you should call me lady out of respect for whoever you’ve chosen to take as your wife.”

You entered a storage shed where you knew they always kept an extra supply of food and ale.

“I have no wife, lady. I could never,” he said quietly. You turned to face him and you could see the sadness in his eyes.

“Surely there have been others?”

“I could never,” he repeated.

Against all reason, you flung yourself into his arms and pulled him into a kiss. You tried to pour every ounce of emotion you had been feeling for the last few years into the kiss so he would understand how much you had missed him.

He had you pinned against the counter as he allowed his hands to re-familiarize themselves with your body. His tongue fought for dominance with yours and you could not control the moans of contentment that were spilling from you. Your body was on fire and you wanted nothing more than for him to take you right there.

“Osferth, my love, please. Please, I need more,” you whined.

“We cannot, not here.”

“Then take me elsewhere, anywhere,” you begged.

“As much as I would love to ravage you right now, you know it would not be right.”

His words caused frustration to bubble up inside of you and for a damn to break.

“I am sick and tired of people telling me what is wrong and what is right! I am tired of people telling me no and controlling my life, denying me happiness and what I want!” You snapped.

Osferth was surprised by your outburst but he understood. He often felt anger whenever he thought on the situation and of how it was unfair.

“It was your wish to remain chaste until marriage and you know we cannot,” he said.

“Well then I take back my oath. I will never marry if it is not to you and therefore give you permission to ravage me,” you said defiantly.

“Are you certain, my love?” He asked.

“Please do not make me beg,” you whined.

“I did tell you perhaps another time,” he chuckled. “Tonight then. Because our first time will not be in a storage shed in the open.”

“Tonight it is.”

You couldn’t help the smile that enveloped your face. The two of you sorted yourselves out and grabbed some food and ale to bring to your friends.

“Jesus! We thought we were gonna starve!” Finan yelled when he finally laid eyes on the two of you.

“Yes, you look as though you’re withering away,” you joked.

“We are!” Sihtric argued.

You set the food down before them and joined them, sitting next to Osferth. He kept a hand on your leg at all times which did not help the growing fire in your belly. Tonight could not come soon enough.

Uhtred was eventually allowed into the hall to speak with Edward and Alfred. The men were finally full and content, allowing you and Osferth time to sneak away.

“You are still certain you wish to do this?” He asked.

“Do you not wish to bed me, Osferth?”

“I do! I do, I just wanted to make sure.”

“Well I am sure, and I thank you for asking,” you said.

You silently led him to your chambers and closed the door securely behind you. Neither of you moved for a moment and all of a sudden you both burst into a fit of giggles.

“It is not like we have not done anything before,” you laughed, finally breaking the tension.

“I know but it has been so long and I get to have all of you now,” he said, stalking toward you.

His nimble fingers unbuttoned your dress, and you allowed him to pull it from your figure. You helped him with your undergarments while he rid himself of his own clothes. You took a moment to drink each other in before your hands were grabbing at anything they could touch, tongues entwined once more.

He guided you to your bed where you landed softly on the furs. Your legs fell open naturally, welcoming him between them. His nose grazed your inner thigh while you waited for him to act.

“I have missed this,” he sighed before diving into your cunt.

He licked a fat strip between your folds before settling on your clit. You had been untouched for so long that every ministration sent shockwaves through your body.

“Fingers, I need your fingers, Osferth,” you moaned.

“No, nothing shall enter you before my cock. After that, my love, I shall give you whatever you want,” he said.

He licked and sucked until you were mere moments away from the edge. You did your best to be quiet but it was difficult with the gorgeous man with his head between your thighs.

“Osferth, I am close!”

He focused on the spot he knew was sure to send you into your bliss. You thought about what was to come next, having him inside of you, and that was enough to throw you over the edge.

Your body writhed on the bed but he held your hips down while he lapped at your soaking cunt.

“I need you, please,” you begged.

He crawled his way up your body and kissed you, allowing you to taste yourself on his tongue. You could feel his cock poking your entrance and it caused your heart to race.

He slid it through your slick folds a few times before slowly sinking into you. He went slowly, trying to allow you time to adjust. He knew he would not last long either so he wanted to savor the feeling for as long as he could.

“You feel amazing,” he grunted, finally fully sheathed inside you.

“I must have died and gone to heaven,” you sighed happily.

He began to pull out gently before rocking back into you. The more you grew accustomed to his size, the faster he began to thrust.

He hid his face in the crook of your neck, trying to hold on as long as possible. Your walls fluttering around him were torture as he didn’t want it to end.

“I am afraid you feel too good wrapped around my cock,” he groaned.

“Cum, Osferth. Let me feel you,” you told him.

A few more thrusts of his hips and he was emptying inside of you. Your name fell from his lips like it was the only prayer he knew.

His hand slid between the two of you and found your clit. He rubbed you slowly, still fully seated within you.

He felt you clench around him and he knew you were close. He sang sweet praises in your ear until your back was arching off the bed and you were cumming for the second time. If he was not already so spent from the first time, he would have begun fucking you again. But to feel your sweet cunt swallowing him up as you came was satisfaction enough for now.

He cleaned you off as best he could before joining you in bed. You pulled the furs over the two of you and laid on his chest.

“What are we to do, Osferth?” You asked sadly.

“Sleep?”

“No, silly. I cannot go years without seeing you again- without touching you.”

“Do you think your lady may be persuaded now that time has passed?”

“I doubt it. Perhaps I could just run off with you…but she would know who to find me with,” you sighed.

“We will find a way. I swear it,” he told you.

Days had passed and the leaders prepared their armies for battle. You did not want to let Osferth go but you knew he would be returned to you safely. Victory always favored Uhtred and his men.

A year or so later…

“Beg me, my love. Beg me to fill you with my seed and you will have it,” Osferth whispered into your ear. He pounded into you as you could barely register what he was saying.

“Please! Please, fill me. I need you, my love,” you cried.

Your vision went white as your orgasm crashed over you, his hips still slamming into you. Your nails dragged down his back, causing him to lose his rhythm and spill into you.

The two of you had spent the better part of the last year speaking behind Aethelflaed’s back. You considered getting married in secret but Osferth said you deserved better than that.

Change was coming, you could feel it. So you tried to enjoy your lover for as long as you could.

“Aye! If you two are done in there, we need to get going!” Finan yelled.

“Be there in a minute!” Osferth yelled, rolling his eyes. “My apologies, my love.”

“I understand you must go. Battle awaits,” you sighed.

The Danes had sacked Mercia while Aethelred played king in East Anglia. The hope was to best them in Tettenhall, luring C’nut there through his sons, who he thought to be slaughtered.

“I will return to you, as I always do,” he smiled.

Waiting to hear word of either victory or defeat was always a challenge. Losing Osferth before you even really had the chance to live a life with him would surely be your undoing.

A weeks time had passed while you busied yourself around Aegelsburg. Your heart dropped into your stomach when you heard the call for the gate to be opened. Men rushed in with a body on a cart. It was not your Osferth, but Aethelred.

The lord had been injured in battle and you wished you could say you felt sorry for him. His treatment of his wife, and any other woman really, did not allow for such kindness.

Aethelflaed and Edward began preparation for a new lord to be chosen should her husband perish.

Aelfywnn was an obvious path but that was not suitable for she was just a child. Many of the young men of prominence in Mercia had been slaughtered by the Danes.

Unbeknownst to Aethelflaed, Edward went behind her back and sought out Uhtred. Uhtred was popular with the people and Edward felt he could be inclined to follow Wessex.

Aethelflaed objected, of course. Her love for Uhtred did not outweigh her duty to her country. He was not the right choice, she felt, but then men could not be dissuaded. Uhtred’s men were over the moon, thankful to finally have some wealth and power.

“Uhtred, do you swear to lead Mercia on a path that is righteous and beneficial to all Mercians?” Ludeca asked.

“I swear.”

“Does the wittan agree to appoint Uhtred the next Lord of Mercia?”

“Aye! Aye! Aye!”

Aethelflaed watched on in discontent.

“Then Uhtred, we hereby proclaim you Lord of Mercia! You may take your throne!”

Uhtred stood before the Wittan with a sly smile on his face.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to rule over Mercia. However, I do not feel like I am the best choice. There is someone who will put this land above all else and that is the leader Mercia deserves! So my first act as Lord of Mercia is to relinquish the throne in favor of the Lady Aethelflaed.”

Gasps erupted around the room and Edward was furious. The princess was as shocked as anyone else.

“A woman cannot sit on the throne! What if she chooses to remarry? That man would be the new lord therefore bypassing the Wittan,” someone argued.

“If it pleases the Wittan, I will swear an oath to remain chaste so long as I sit on the Mercian throne.” Aethelflaed offered.

“You will also swear one thing to me,” Uhtred said.

“What is it?” She asked.

“I will relinquish the throne to you if you swear to allow y/n to marry Osferth. End their suffering and allow them to be wed. There will be no threat,” he whispered.

“That is what you require? Not land nor silver?”

“Everyone deserves happiness and they have been denied long enough. Plus I am tired of them sneaking around,” he chuckled.

“Fine. I swear to you, Uhtred, I shall allow them to marry. And I swear before the Wittan that I will remain chaste as Lady of Mercia!”

“Then it is settled. Lady Aethelflaed, take your throne!”

Meanwhile, the men were celebrating in the ale house unaware of what was occurring. You took the time enjoy everyone’s company, certain you would have to leave with the princess some time soon. You doubted she would stay in Aegelesburg and were certain she would take you with her.

“Men, lady,” Uhtred said as he walked through the door.

“The Lord of Mercia visiting an ale house? How scandalous!” Finan laughed.

“I was lord for all of five minutes,” he chuckled. “I gave up the throne in favor of Lady Aethelflaed.”

“You did?” You gasped.

“I did- but not before some oaths were made.” The smile on his face was cunning, that of a cat who swallowed a canary.

“Care to share those oaths, lord?” Osferth asked.

“Firstly, the Lady of Mercia will remain chaste as long as she sits on the throne,” he said.

You knew how upset that must have made him; his love for your lady was no secret.

“Secondly, a marriage has been arranged.”

“Who is it, lord?” Sihtric asked.

“We have a wedding to plan, boys,” Uhtred chuckled.

“Lord?”

“If y/n still wishes to be married to the baby monk, that is.”

“That is not a funny joke, Lord Uhtred,” you said, the nerves evident in your voice.

For so long you wished to hear those words but now that you had, you couldn’t allow yourself to believe them to be true.

“It is no joke, Lady. I told Aethelflaed that if she wanted the throne, she needed to let the two of you wed. So you have our permissions.”

“This is true, lord?” Osferth asked, standing in excitement.

“Is it true? How many times do I have to repeat myself? It is true!”

“Let us find Father Pyrlig! We shall marry at once!” Osferth pulled you into his arms as you cried in happiness.

“Father Pyrlig may need a few minutes,” you heard someone groan from behind you.

You all turned to see Father Pyrlig laying on the table surrounded by empty cups of ale.

“We shall marry tomorrow then!” Osferth laughed. Your friends cheered for you as you clung to the man you loved most.

God had blessed you at last and you hoped for that favor to continue in your marriage as you hoped to one day have a family with Osferth- in a small home with the safety of your already made family surrounding you.

——————————————————

The Last Kingdom Taglist: @cornervase @camillabrady @mdawgs01 @moldy-khunt @stray-bi-kids @emilyhufflepufftlk @solinarimoon @chainsawsangel

Taglist: @cornervase @camillabrady @moldy-khunt @stray-bi-kids @emilyhufflepufftlk @solinarimoon @chainsawsangel

Taglist: @cornervase @camillabrady @moldy-khunt @stray-bi-kids @emilyhufflepufftlk @solinarimoon @chainsawsangel

Taglist: @cornervase @camillabrady  @moldy-khunt @stray-bi-kids @emilyhufflepufftlk @solinarimoon @chainsawsangel

Taglist:

[theladyofmercia]

With Aldhelm traveling to Aegelesburg to convince Aethelred to refuse Alfred's decree to name Uhtred an enemy of Mercia, Tessa occupied with her father, and no immediately pressing matters, Lady Aethelflaed found herself restless. She decided to seek out Abbess Hild.

After getting no answer at Hild's door, Aethelflaed sought her out, finally finding her beneath the oak tree she seemed so fond of.

"Abbess Hild," she smiled as Hild looked up. Aethelflaed noticed how drawn and tense the nun's face looked.

"Lady," Hild bowed her head. "How can I be of service to you?"

Her smile widened. "I was thinking, it isn't often that another warrior-trained woman is near, and I had hoped that you might agree to do a bit of sparring with me."

"Oh," Hild hesitated for a moment. "It has been some time since I last sparred, or even handled a sword, Lady."

"Oh? Then it was not you who Orm witnessed trying to destroy one of my guards' training dummies?" Aethelflaed's eyes shone with a hint of mischief.

Hild's cheeks darken as her gaze drops to the leaf-and-acorn littered ground. "I... was not taking that into consideration."

"It would be a friendly match, nothing too taxing. What say you? It would be an honor to spar with you, Hild."

Hild chuckled softly, her hands still folded in her lap. "I suppose it might be a pleasant way to pass the afternoon."

Hild rose and followed Aethelflaed to the training yard, where they sparred against one another for some time. Hild seemed less burdened by the end, and it made Aethelflaed happy to see such improvement in the abbess.

"Thank you, Hild. I enjoyed this."

"Any time, my Lady." Hild bowed from her shoulders, still breathing a bit heavily, and despite the sweat on them both, she returned the hug Aethelflaed gave her with a smile.

@askaldhelm @askuhtredragnarson @mrsarnasdelicious

[lord-aldhelm]

So........ I did a thing and wrote an Aldflaed fanfic...

I started it about a year and a half ago, and only just now finished it. It is 25 chapters, 103k words. I uploaded the first chapter to AO3, and will upload a new chapter once a week until it is all uploaded. Warning in advance: it is a super slow burn. I apologize to your eyeballs in advance...

So for starters, this is the VERY FIRST fanfic I have ever written. I don't even read fanfic, let alone write it, so please keep that in mind when you read this. I am not a writer. The chapter titles are song titles because I could not think of good titles that were not spoilers. I have not read any in-universe TLK fanfic, so any similarities to other existing works is purely coincidental. Also, I wrote this for myself, and myself alone, so I am aware that it may not be everyone's cup of tea. I was originally not going to publish it, but since I put so much time and effort into it, I thought perhaps even if one other person gets something out of it then that is great.

Also, since this is my first time writing, I welcome constructive criticism. If there is a typo, or something does not make any sense and needs to be clarified, or if you think there is a better way for me to say something, please by all means leave a comment. But please do not come @ me if you just don't like it.

Second, this took me so long because it changed so much while I was writing it. It takes place starting with 3.10, and the majority of the fic takes place between Seasons 3&4, and then ends with basically a rewrite of Season 4. It has way more Uhtred in it than I originally intended, but don't worry it is NOT an Uhtred / Aethelflaed fic!

I am working on another one right now that is a Season 2-3 Aldflaed fic, although I don't know when that will be done. It will probably be as long as this one, so forever...

(pic from Instagram)

First paragraph and link to the first chapter below the cut...

..........................................................................................................................

Springtime in Saltwic

Chapter 1: Bring Me To Life

Tensions were running high after King Alfred’s passing, and Aethelflaed could feel the low rumbling of chaos start to spread in the minds of the men around her. A king’s passing was always a volatile time, especially for those who were self-serving and devious. Aethelwold was trying to sow discord among the ealdormen, Aethelred was looking to cut ties with Wessex and establish himself as King of Mercia, and Edward, young and inexperienced, was struggling to maintain order. Then there were other worries and sorrows. Her mother was distraught after the loss of her husband, Uhtred was imprisoned and was likely to be banished again or killed on the orders of her mother, and Thyra, Father Beocca’s beloved wife and Uhtred’s sister, was killed in a suspicious house fire.

Aethelflaed left the great hall to seek comfort and safety in her room. But it would seem even her own room was not safe; the door handle was covered in blood. Terrified, she entered the room cautiously, not knowing what she would find inside. On the floor at the foot of her bed, to her great surprise, was Aldhelm. He was gravely injured, bleeding out from a stab wound in his abdomen. She did not need to be told who had done it; she knew without asking.

---> CONTINUE READING on AO3 --->

[persephones-journey]

Long Live All The Mountains We Moved

Guess who is back writing prompts for challenges? ME!

So, this was for @emilyhufflepufftlk awesome 500 Follower Challenge celebration.

The prompt for this was Speak Now and I totally leaned into the toxic relationships aspect, and wrote for the first time ever, Aldhelm. So, I hope you all enjoy it. click here to read it on A03.

Tagging: @medievalfangirl @93xdiagonxalley @blah-blah-blah-bla @lauwrite1225 @morosemagick @solinarimoon @still-with-you

Aldhelm did not fight his fate.

No, he had spend years, decades really, fighting.

He was tired.

He was done.

He had outlived two Kings, one Lady of Mercia, and one Aethelred the Pretty.

Aldhelm was honestly surprised he had made it to be this old.

And so, he walked quietly behind Athelstan with the newly crowned King's soldiers leading him.

He walked into the Mercian woods and smelled the air for the last time. He closed his eyes for a moment and took in the scent of the fresh air.

He would not see another spring.

He opened his eyes and let his mind wonder to how this wonderful, exciting, and painful journey of his had begun.

He had befriended Aethelred, a young alderman of Mercia, who was very pretty, very charming, but not very smart and prone to anger and violence.

Aldhelm had thought he could mold Aethelred into something better; someone better. A king, perhaps.

But he had been so painfully wrong.

Aethelred had not wanted to be better. All he had wanted was power. More power and more control.

Aldhelm had almost helped him get it all. Aldhelm had almost died, getting stabbed in the gut, for finally turning Aethelred the Pretty down.

And then there had been Aethelflaed.

Aethelflaed.

Even just thinking of her name, filled Aldhelm with a calmness and warmth he had not felt in years. He stopped and looked up and saw the noose that hung from a tree. He swallowed the lump in his throat and thought of Aethelflaed.

His relationship with Aethelflaed had not been as filled with strife or anger as the one he had had with Aethelred.

But, that did not mean it was any healthier.

He had loved her. There were still days when he knew he was still in love with her; where he knew that he would always love her.

He had stood by her, watched as she had loved Uhtred and then after her vow, loved Mercia. He had helped her build Mercia into a great country. He had served her more than Mercia at that point. But looking back, he would do it all over again. Even knowing how it ended.

He had lost her.

All of Mercia had lost her.

Mercia got Edward instead of Aelfwynn.

Aldhelm had come to see that perhaps, that had been for the best. Aelfwynn had been a girl, not ready to rule, not mature enough.

Edward had been.

At least at first, but as always, Mercia began to fall second to Wessex.

Edward had let Aelfweard rule it mostly and Aldhelm had overseen him when Aldhelm was not busy tutoring Edmund.

In truth, Aldhelm had poured all his effort into Edmund. He had seen Aelfweard as somewhat of a lost cause, tainted by Aethehelm and then Edward's neglect.

Athelstan, Aldhelm had thought, did not need him. He had seen the young man that Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth had raised. Athelstan had been strong, confident, even quiet when he needed to be.

But that changed after the Battle of Bebbanburg.

Athelstan stayed with Uhtred for a time, but came back to Wessex, to Edward, and that was when Aldhelm should have seen the cracks.

Athelstan changed and was no longer that level headed, smart young man that Uhtred had raised.

Further proof was right in front of Aldhelm; Athelstan stood there telling Aldhelm that he had turned his back on Wessex and Mercia.

Aldhelm did not even bother to answer.

He knew the truth. His heart knew the truth.

In some sense, he was Mercia. The land had been there far longer than he had been alive and it would be there far after he was gone.

But, the country, the changes, the way it stood now, Aldhelm had had a hand in building that. In creating it with Aethelflaed.

So, Athelstan could turn his back, as he did now, as the soldiers placed the noose around Aldhelm's neck, but Aldhelm knew that Mercia would never turn its back on him.

He was her and she was him.

The soldier kicked out the stool and Aldhelm choked.

As his world went dim, he thought about his journey to that moment, to the relationships that had lead him there.

And the one relationship that had never failed him; the one he had with the land, with that of Mercia.

With his dying breath, he whispered a blessing on Mercia.

For it was what he had, and the kings and lady he had stood beside, had built.

And it was where he would be buried as well.

[frary-us]

Interesting comments:

"@transfinan #Their relationship is so fucked#Like aldhelm is as much stuck in an abusive relationship with this man as aethelfled is#If not more so#I was originally screenshotting this because I was thinking 'hm#'something dark and homosexual is going on here'#I forgot he literally stabs him#I don't think I was wrong but fuck #You can't tell cause these are just stills but he's walking him back toward the wall in those first 4 panels

remembertheskittles they had me from 'how do we look?', 'as royalty'! james northcote was absolutely playing it that way so there is 100% a vibe to pick up on 🤣

boy-cow @remembertheskittles HONESTLY. I saw that bit and me and my dad looked at each other like 🏳️‍����🤨?

remembertheskittles @boy-cow definitely 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈, there was an interview he did where he was explaining when they told him that he was in love with aethelflaed (which i'm one of the biggest aldflaed shippers so i win both ways) but he was so playing it that he was in love with aethelred

Oh shit oh god

[mirdaniaa]

Aldhelm I’d castrate and marry you in a heartbeat

[lordavanti]

Opposite parties

Sihtric x Reader

Summary: You are loyal to Aethelflaed. After she took another beating from her husband she decides to visit Cookham and Uhtred. What works out for you given you have certain affections for Sihtric there. But it isn't all that easy, not when you are on opposite sides. Words: 1075

You always grew restless when Aethelred and Aethelflaed were together. You always hoped that he was pursuing his desires to conquer some more lands. It gave you rest, but more than anything it gave Aethelflaed rest. You were talking against one of the servants when he walked in. You turned, giving him a curtesy. ‘My lord.’ You greeted him. But he ignored you, he had always ignored you and for once you didn’t mind. Because getting the attention of Aethelred always meant something bad. He commanded one of his guards to prepare a horse and your eyes slowly went to where he came from … his chambers. It didn’t take long for Aethelflaed to walk into the hallway. ‘My lady.’ You bow. She seemed in pain. But you had learned to not give her your concern. She gave you a smile before nodding her servant to leave. You looked at how the servant walked away before you pointed your attention back to her. ‘I wish to visit my mother. But I would like to make a detour to Cookham.’ She announced. You gave her a compassionate smile, knowing all too well why she wanted to go to Cookham. ‘I’ll prepare everything.’ You nodded before turning around. While he could chase some new lands, she could get the rest and comfort she needed. And in ways, that meant the same for you.

When your small group of only true loyal people to Aethelflaed arrived in Cookham the men of Uhtred were already waiting. That look in between Aethelflaed and Uthred, it made you smile as you looked aside to Aldhelm. This was wrong, so wrong but neither one of you could deny her the happiness of these little moments. Your attention drifted to the man standing still aside from your horse. ‘Y/n.’ He said with a suppressed smile. ‘Sihtric.’ You greeted him, taking his hand as he helped you from your horse. He took a hold of your side as you came down the horse. Your hand rested on your shoulder, not immediately retreating once you got on the ground. ‘It has been a while.’ He mentioned. ‘I can’t ask the lady to come here simply because,’ you paused as your attention was required somewhere else. You let go of him before leaving his side. Christians were just Christians, Uhtred, Sihtric, they had something those others didn’t have. And since you got to know them a little better, you got to learn to appreciate that raw power.

It was late when you left the great hall and Aethelflaed behind. You walked the streets to where you and Aethelflaed would spend the night. But she wouldn’t be there, she was planning to spend the night with Uhtred. ‘Psst.’ You looked over to a shed, smiling when you recognized Sihtric. You suppressed a smile while walking over. ‘Why the secrecy?’ You asked him as he pulled you behind the shed. ‘I don’t want to ruin your future.’ ‘You already did,’ you pointed out to the situation. You loved this thrill, this sneaking around, this love for a pagan. ‘But Aethelflaed doesn’t know.’ He protested. You lifted your hand, stroking your fingers against the bald part of his head. ‘No, she doesn’t.’ You said. You kept your eyes on him before smiling as he brought his head closer. Your fingers curled through his hair as he kissed you. Christians were always neat, reserved, and kept certain politeness through their kiss. But kissing Sihtric was different. It held certain hunger, that rush, that need. His body pressed you against the shed and you smiled against his lips before pushing him a little back. ‘I have the cabin all to myself.’ You suggested. You looked down, your fingers stroking his pagan necklace. ‘And the lady?’ He asked. You tilted your head, all of the sudden serious. ‘Why are you so afraid of Aethelflaed finding out? I thought pagans to be fearless.’ You said. He lifted his finger. ‘I’m fearless.’ He reacted. You caught his finger between yours. ‘Then spend a night with me.’ It was a simple offer. One he wouldn’t be able to refuse in other circumstances. ‘You only live once Sihtric, if you die you go to Valhalla, if I die I go with god. There is not a life for us after this,’ you explained. For a moment you saw something change in his expression. ‘Can’t we allow ourselves this, these little moments? Where you are not fighting and I just cross paths?’ You finally asked him. Maybe there wasn’t any future for the both of you. But you liked him. He was loyal, truly loyal, and that these days was a rare thing among people. ‘Do you tell every man that?’ He asked. Right there you knew you had him. You smiled while shaking your head. ‘I normally never have to convince them.’ You taunted him. You pushed away from the shed and guided him through the houses to where you got to sleep.

When you woke up he was still there, lying on his back. You turned to your stomach, admiring his naked chest before your fingers took his necklace. You studied the pagan symbol, smiling when his eyes opened. ‘Morning.’ You whispered. You rested your head on your hand, admiring the view. He laid still, gazing back at you before he smiled. ‘Regretting it?’ You asked. He shook his head. ‘Regretting that we don’t have more time.’ He confessed. You spread your fingers over his chest, looking down at it as you realized this was the last moment you had together. ‘Did Aethelred hurt her?’ Sihtric asked. You carefully looked back, lightly nodding. ‘Does he looks at you?’ He followed. ‘No,’ you immediately laid. ‘not yet.’ You whispered. Sihtric laid his hand on yours, entangling his fingers with yours. ‘Can’t you stay?’ He asked. He knew the answer to that, which made it all the more painful. ‘She needs me.’ ‘What if I need you?’ He followed. You hold your breath while studying his face. ‘Sihtric, I can’t stay, you know that.’ You regretted telling him that. And even if you stayed, tomorrow he maybe had to follow Uhtred. So this was the only thing you had, that you could share with him. You lowered your lips, kissing his chest before pulling yourself loose from him. The shorter the pain, the better. Aethelflaed probably felt the exact same thing while leaving Uhtred behind.

[solinarimoon]

Fields of Wildflowers

Chapter 6

A Sihtric x OC story

A/N: So I realized I was spelling Aelfwynn’s name incorrectly so I have corrected for this chapter and moving forward. Also, I have shifted some of the dialogue around for some of the cannon scenes to help it flow better for this part. I was originally going to keep this chapter paired with what I have planned for the next chapter but the natural break seemed to be earlier so this chapter is a bit short.

Read the previous chapters here.

Warnings: Threats of violence and references to past abuses/crimes, all in line with my OC and the cannon story.

Word Count: 1754

Photo used with permission from @fairyw1ngs

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

And then they were there, in front of them. Mercian soldiers. And at their center, the man who haunted Cwen’s dreams, Eardwulf.

“Aelfwynn, Come with me. Or I will kill all of these people then I will find your mother and I will kill her too.”

Cwen heard Aelfwynn gasp a small breath then sniffle and hold back tears before trying to take a step out of her arms towards the soldiers.

“Save your friends and leave with me,” Eardwulf told her.

He spoke to her with guile and manipulation in his voice. He was a serpent. Cwen’s monster.

“No, Aelfwynn.” Cwen cried in a panicked voice at the same time that Sihtric brought his ax arm up in front of the girl baring her way.

Uhtred spoke up, also placing his arm in front of Aelfwynn, “She will stay where she is.”

Eardwulf continued to speak to Aelfwynn, using his words to scare the girl into compliance.

“Aelfwynn, we are betrothed.” With a nod, he instructed two of his soldiers to dismount and approach to take Aelfwynn by force.

At seeing the soldiers advance upon her, Aelfwynn turned her face to Cwen and grabbed onto her, panic stricken.

“Don’t let them kill my mother!” She pleaded to Cwen.

Cwen shifted Aelfwynn to be next to Aethelstan, close between herself and Eadith.

She could feel the terror rising in not only Aelfwynn but in herself, but she knew she must remain strong in the face of it.

Cwen stroked the girl’s hair and whispered calm words. But her eyes lay trained on Eardwulf.

She felt the bile rising in her throat being confronted with the man who had stolen so much from her. And who would now steal from Aelfwynn.

Just as the tension reached its peak, as the two soldiers were close enough for Uhtred or his men to strike them down, Eadith pushed herself between Finan and Sihtric.

“No, no do not do this man’s bidding.”

“Eadith, what are ya doing?” Finan balked at the same time Cwen explained, “Eadith, no!”

Eadith took a quick glance at Finan but continued speaking to the Mercians.

“He has betrayed you all. He murdered Lord Aethelred! I witnessed it.”

“So speaks the traitor of Mercia,” Eardwulf countered.

Eadith continued to speak her truth, “As he lay mortally wounded in his bed,”

But still her brother interrupted her, “This is the word of a whore!” He shouted rising off the saddle of his horse.

“How dare you!” Cwen yelled. “You dare to call her a whore after all you have done!” She raged.

Sihtric’s jaw flexed and he reached behind himself to place the arm holding his ax against Cwen. It was half an embrace and half a restraint. Cwen gripped onto his shoulder and through ragged breaths placed a fierce kiss to the top of Aelfwynn’s hair.

“I will swear to it on the book!” Eadith pleaded, throwing her arms into the air towards the heavens. Cwen saw the soldiers on foot take a step or two back towards their horses.

“Aethelred refused to allow my brother to marry this poor child. So he killed him. That is the man you serve. Ask him why Aethelred was late to the fight at Tettenhall. Because this man lied to you!”

Cwen saw as Eardulf’s head dropped to his chest. Was this confession to be enough to convince his men of his treachery.

“Days he delayed telling you your fellow Mercians were dead! Days you could have had to travel home and save your families.”

It’s working, Cwen thought with astonishment. She now saw the archers disarm their bows and begin to look to their captain.

“He killed the messenger that Edward sent alerting us to the trouble.”

“My men will not be fooled by your lies,” Eardwulf countered, but one of his men demanded they let Eadith continue.

“I have proof of his crime. Look inside the pouch he wears around his neck. Inside you will find a ring bearing Lord Aethelred’s seal. It is a ring he stole from your lord as he lay dead.” She continued while daring to take a few steps closer to her brother.

“There is no truth to this,” he stated while glancing at the men at his side.

“If there is no truth to it, then prove it. Show your men what’s inside.”

“Seize Aelfwynn or I will have you executed for treachery.” Eardwulf commanded. When none of his soldiers made a move to oblige him, he screamed out for them to do his bidding.

“Do not threaten your own men,” came the rebuke of one of his soldiers as they placed a sword to his neck.

Another soldier ordered him to show them his pouch. If Eadith lied, then there would be nothing to hide.

Having no other choice, Eardwulf handed over his neck pouch and his soldiers saw the truth in Eadith’s confession for their own eyes.

The soldier’s arrows now trained on Eardwulf and Eadith told him to flee before his own men killed him for his crimes.

With a final glance, Eardwulf looked past Sihtric and Finan to lay his eyes on Aelfwynn. Then he shifted them to meet Cwen’s eyes and he spat before turning his horse and riding off.

The rest of his soldiers soon followed leaving the companions behind them.

As the soldiers crested the hill in the field and were lost to sight, the warriors sheathed their weapons.

Watching Eardwulf retreat out of sight, Cwen released the breath she hadn’t known she was holding. Her body finally able to react began taking more and more shuddering breaths.

Sihtric replaced his weapons in their sheaths and turned to place his arm properly around Cwen. He kissed her temple then he shifted himself to bring her eyes to meet his.

“He is gone, Cwen. Slow your breaths. He is gone and we are here.” When Cwen’s eyes began panicked searches over the horizon past Sihtric’s shoulders, he brought his hand up to her face and moving his eyes again to meet hers. “I am here. Breathe.” He commanded her in firm but gentle tones. As he saw her eyes focus on his, Sihtric felt the tension melting away from her. “There, Cwen. Breathe and see me. Breathe.”

After a few more moments, Cwen’s breathing had indeed returned to normal and their attention shifted to the children.

Aelfwynn was still clinging to Cwen’s skirts while Aethelstan held on to the woman’s arm and gripped the knife from Sihtric in his other hand. Sihtric bent down to meet Aethelstan and Aelfwynn’s eyes.

“It is over. You are safe,” he told them with the gentle soothing calm that Cwen had come to cherish.

“Aye, Eadith saved us.” Finan said while ruffling Aethelstan’s hair. But Finan’s eyes never left the back of Eadith as she stood staring where her brother’s horse had disappeared from view.

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

Uhtred walked into the barn with Osferth and Sihtric close behind.

Cwen sat on the floor with Aelfwynn, her head on her knees. Eadith had a damp cloth and was touching it to the girls temples and wrists to cool her fever.

“How is she?” Uhtred asked while crouching down to meet Cwen’s eye.

“I fear for her. She is getting worse.”

“Can you help her?” Uhtred asked.

“I do not know. None of us are healers. We will do all we can but…” Cwen trailed off and brought her gaze up to meet Sihtric.

Eadith continued where Cwen’s words lingered, “if it is in our power we will do it.”

“Good,” Uhtred replied. “She is the future. I will be returning to Aelesburg with Finan, Stiorra, and the boy. Sihtric and my son must ride on to Ceaster in hopes of finding Aetheflaed and Aldhelm on the road. I would have you ladies remain here with Aelfwynn and Osferth until we can return for you. She should not be moved if she is to get well.”

“Why do you return to Aelesburg?” Cwen questioned. “You will not be welcomed. What purpose does that serve?”

“The Mercian people must know of Eardwulf’s deceit and treachery. I cannot let this lead to wars and infighting. Not when the Danes remain a threat. I feel it is where my fate leads me.” Uhtred finished softly, while gently grasping Aelfwynn’s small hand.

“Since I was a child, I have known the Lord Uhtred is a man worthy of honor and respect. I pray that those with influence and power will finally see that too.” Cwen spoke while meeting the older man’s gaze. After a moment's pause, Uhtred nodded to the lady then rose and retreated out of the door followed by Osferth.

“We leave now and ride hard.”

Before following his lord, Sihtric knelt down to bring his forehead to meet Cwen’s own, his hand cupping the nape of her neck.

No words were exchanged between the pair. But after several heartbeats, Sihtric opened his eyes. And his eyes saw her. And Cwen saw him.

Sihtric brought his lips to leave a kiss on her forehead before quickly rising and leaving the barn.

Cwen’s gaze followed him until he was no longer in sight and then remained frozen watching the breeze ripple through the field blanketed with wildflowers beyond the barn's doorway.

Her reverie was broken when Eadith gently cleared her throat.

“I do not think I have ever witnessed a passion like his for you.”

Startled, Cwen turned to look at Eadith.

“He sees you. Not simply watches and lusts for you but sees you,” the woman emphasized.

“But we…” Cwen started and then trailed off not knowing what to say. She thought for a few moments, “we have not confessed anything or made any promises to one another. We only just kissed before the encounter with your brother. It was a fit of..” but again Cwen let her words trail off.

“Passion,” Eadith finished for her.

Cwen glanced back to the field of wildflowers and felt her lips turn to a slight smile.

“Yes, passion.” She agreed.

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

To be continued...

Please let me know if you would like to be added to my tag list.

Tagging: @maggiescarborough @pokeasleepingsmaug @nxrdist @mystic-shadows42 @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites @lauwrite1225 @morosemagick @thebohemianpenguin @mrsalwayswrite @obipoelover @notyourwildestdream @ecarroll1978 @93xdiagonxalley @nobody-business-world

[emilyhufflepufftlk]

Happy 150! Can I have Erik and Aethelflaed for #25: Sharing an umbrella?

Thank you! Sorry there isn't much Erik in this, but it's what I came up with💕

Erik x Aethelflaed - Sharing an Umbrella

‘Crap, it’s raining,’ Aethelred complained.

‘How very observant,’ Aethelflaed commented dryly, earning her a disdainful look from her husband.

‘Aldhelm give me your umbrella.’

‘But-‘

‘Don’t argue, Aldhlem! Do you know how much this suit cost? I’m not getting it wet so hand it over.’

Reluctantly Aldhelm handed over the umbrella. Aethelflaed cleared her throat to get Aethelred’s attention. ‘And what do expect me to do?’ she asked, crossing her arms and giving him a scrutinising look.

‘Like I care.’

‘Aethelred-‘ she began but he cut her off with a loud, exaggerated groan.

‘Why don’t you just go home – you’ve been a pain in my arse all night!’

She gave him a condescending smile. ‘Oh, believe me, there is nothing I would like more. The least amount of time I have to spend in your company, the better!’

He scowled at the insult but before he could make a retort, Aldhelm awkwardly interrupted to say they were late for their reservation. With one last disdainful look, he stormed out into the rain, ordering Aldhelm to follow him.

Once they were gone, she sighed in relief, before grimacing at the lashing rain outside. Stepping out onto the street, the rain instantly soaked through her clothes to her skin and plastered her dark hair to her face, raindrops running down her noise and no doubt ruining her makeup. By the time she had hurried to the taxi rank, she had already begun to shiver. To her great annoyance, there were no taxies waiting and she cursed Aethelred again for dragging her to the stupid event in the first place.

‘Excuse me, miss,’ a kind voice spoke behind her. She turned to see a blond, and she would admit rather handsome, man standing just behind her with an umbrella. ‘Would you like to share my umbrella?’

‘Yes, thank you that would be wonderful,’ she smiled at the stranger as she moved to stand beside him, sheltered from the worst of the elements.

‘You know,’ he said after a few moments, a slight smirk spreading across his face, ‘it wasn’t very clever to come out without a coat.’

‘Well, it is easy to say that now with the benefit of hindsight,’ she muttered in reply.

‘I’m Erik, by the way.’

‘Aethelflaed,’ she replied, shaking his hand. ‘Are you waiting for a taxi as well?’

‘No, my car is not far.’

‘Then why are you standing in the rain by a taxi rank with a complete stranger?’ she questioned, one eyebrow raised.

He shrugged. ‘It helps that the stranger is very beautiful,’ he said, looking a little sheepish. ‘I would offer you a ride in my car, if I didn’t think that too forward.’

She smiled at him. ‘I don’t think it forward at all. Lead the way.’

------

@morosemagick @magravenwrites @solinarimoon @lauwrite1225 @obipoelover @thebohemianpenguin @93xdiagonxalley

[aadmelioraa]

9 for aldflaed?

A missing moment from canon (3x01)

He finds the Lady of Mercia with her daughter and waits a respectful distance away as she bids the girl farewell. If Aethelflaed notices him (and she must, she is always aware of her surroundings), she makes no indication. She kisses Aelfwynn on the forehead and sends her off with Sable before turning to greet him.

“Aldhelm.”

At some point in the past two years, she’d stopped addressing him by his title. He had been surprised at first, but it feels almost natural now. While they had not become friends, they had certainly become more familiar. Aethelred, often beset by foul moods, was even less reliable than he had been in his youth. Though he would blame his troubles on his wife, it was his wife who took up the mantle of leadership each time it threatened to slip. And Aldhelm had grown used to advising the Lady of Mercia in Aethelred’s place—first, only when she had requested it (with that imperious and skeptical look of hers), but before long he had begun to offer it freely. He had not yet earned her trust—he suspected he was still too often in the confidence of her husband—but he had earned a modicum of respect, which had its uses in addition to its charms.

“I’ll accompany you and the guard to Fearnham, Lady,” he says, bowing his head slightly as her eyes flick over him.

“My husband does not object?” Aethelflaed asks coolly, beginning to make her way down the corridor.

Aldhelm falls into step beside her. His stride is longer, but her pace is brisk. “You do not require his approval to do your duty to Mercia, should I?”

He notes with satisfaction that she hides a smile. She may suspect his purpose to be nefarious—indeed, Aethelred had ordered him to stay close to the woman, perpetually threatened by her competence and popularity—but she is not easily entertained, so the merest hint of a smile feels like victory. Aldhelm could hardly stay close to her if she remained steadfast in her contempt for him.

“You are very bold of late, Aldhelm.”

“Mercia requires boldness, Lady.”

“Not more than it does cleverness or obedience,” she rejoins, turning sharply to face him.

“I believe I have proved to be in possession of both those qualities.”

“Not to mention modesty," Aethelflaed says dryly. "But between the three, which do you possess in greatest measure?” And she folds her hands before her in a demure posture quite incongruous with the withering look on her face.

“That may be a question only you can answer,” Aldhelm replies in a cordial tone.

She narrows her eyes at him. “I am not so easily manipulated as my husband, Aldhelm.”

He smiles—blandly, he hopes. “I am painfully aware of that, my lady.”

She nods after a moment, appearing satisfied. “Is the guard ready?”

“Yes, Lady.”

“Good.” She raises her chin, glancing towards the entrance to the hall where Aethelred waits, no doubt sulking on his throne. “I must attend to a matter with the stewards. I will only be a moment.”

Aldhelm nods and watches her sweep away before continuing to the hall.

He remembers when he had thought Aethelred difficult to manage. Aethelflaed is a different sort of challenge. A challenge, he fears, he may have underestimated.

[fangirlings-things]

↠THE LAST KINGDOM PREFERENCE: THE MOMENT THEY REALIZE THEY ARE IN LOVE WITH YOU

I've been editing this over and over again to try and make this as perfect as I can, hope you guys like it xx

credits are in the gifs except for those:

Alfred → @northbndtrain

Edward → @cheapcakeripper

Aldhelm → @titaniae

Ragnar → could not find the owner, if it's yours please, tell me so I can give you credit

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Uhtred of Bebbanburg → He would realize how he felt about you, sadly, only after being taken as a slave. Before, he blamed his body for the things you made him feel. But being so far away, with the perspective of never seeing you again, made him make peace with the fact that his heart was actually feeling for you, not only his body. The smile you placed on his lips without even trying to, how you looked at him. The memories of you would keep him strong until he finally got free and met you again.

“I can not believe you are here” you placed your hands on his cheeks, smiling as tears clouded your vision. After so much time, you thought you would never see him again. “I can not believe”

He was tired, thin and weak, but he found inside himself the strength to pass his arms around your body and bring you closer to him in a tight hug. “I love you. I love you. I love you” he repeated it against your ear like a prayer to the gods.

You did not pull away. You just squeezed him even more tightly and swore to yourself to never let him out of your sight again. You would follow that warrior to wherever his path lead him. “I love you too, Uhtred. I love you so much”

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Finan → He would realize he loved you during an ordinary night, where you made camp on the woods during one of your travels with Lord Uhtred. He had lay down before everyone, feeling tired after supper. From under the furs, he was having a hard time sleeping because of how all your laughs and voices echoed through the trees around. Finan focused his eyes on you and saw you throw your head back in laughter at something Osferth had said, the others accompanying you right afterwards. It warmed his heart, to see you so happy and comfortable. Those shivers running through his body and the sweet thoughts on his mind were not usual. He knew he was in trouble. He more than liked you. He loved you.

“I thought you were asleep already” you said in a low tone, as you lay down on your own furs, that you had placed before beside his.

“I could not sleep, you all did not stop talking for even a second” he said looking at you and the little attitude in his voice made you laugh.

“We are sorry, Irishman" you laid down and pulled the furs over your body. Sighting in satisfaction, you saw that he was still looking at you but now smiled, in a way that made his eyes shine under the fire’s light. “What?”

“Nothing” he cleaned his throat and tried to take the smile out of his lips. “Goodnight” and then he turned to the other way so that you could not see his face.

You smiled, confused. “Goodnight, Finan”

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Sihtric → He would realize he is in love with you after you saved him during one of the many battles you fought together. He had been surrounded, under many blows from both axe and sword from different warriors and you had bravely made your way towards him. Together, you eliminated the danger. The fact that you helped him, saved his life, showed him that you actually cared for him. Deeply.

“Thank you” he said, still out of breath. Blood had spilled on his face and now it ran down his features. His armor was compromised here and there. Thankfully you had got to him in time.

“Just watch your back, Dane” you winked at him and then got back to the fight. He watched, amazed, as you moved gracefully through the battle field, swinging your blade in the air.

He swore an oath to Odin, the Allfather in that moment. He swore that if he got out alive of that battle, he would tell you how he felt. The perspective of your reaction to that kept him going.

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Osferth → He would realize his feelings for you during a sparring session between the both of you. Lord Uhtred had make an ironic comment about how the both of you needed more training and so you decided to train a bit in a lazy afternoon in the fields. Your swords met over and over again, metal on metal as your eyes kept on fixed on each other. The movements, the glances, the sweat on your bodies. All that made him have thoughts he shouldn’t have, feel things he shouldn’t. But then, what was the point in denying it?

“Alright, this is it. I am done for the day” you chuckled, dropping your sword in the grass only to lay down on it right afterwards. You tried to steady your heavy breathing, eyes on the bright sky. 

"Already?" Osferth seemed a bit upset for having to stop so soon on the afternoon. 

"We have been doing this for hours" your argument made him sight, but he dropped his sword as well. "Not everyone has your energy, monk" 

"Fine" he laid down beside you. "But will we do this again tommorow?" 

You smiled. "Yes, of course. Otherwise, Lord Uhtred will kick us from his service" 

You both chuckled together. 

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Alfred → He would discover his feelings for you after falling ill once more. His wife would be too busy taking care of the realm and keeping the Lords of the Witan under control, so you would be the one taking constant care of him. Never leaving his side, yours would be the face Alfred when see when coming in and out of consciousness. He would feel blessed by the view of you, and he would feel better whenever you had a wet cloth on his forehead, having you so close to him.

"Are you feeling better, my King?" you asked him in a low tone, not wanting to disturb him as you changed the furs in his bed. That was unnecessary, but you did it only to not be just staring at him, like you deeply wanted to. The sight of him was always welcome to you. 

"A little, yes" his voice was weak, but he forced his own lips to curl up a bit in a smile. He was the one ill and for some reason, he was trying to comfort you. "All because of your good care. Thank you, (Y/N)" 

"It is just my duty, my Lord" you went by the bed to put him a cup of water but as you passed, he found inside himself the strength to grab your forearm gently, making you stop. He looked up at you with almost adoration in his eyes. 

"Even so, even if you are doing this only because it is your duty as a servant, I thank you" he felt the warmth of your skin, and that made him sight in satisfaction. 

You suprised him by sitting at the edge of the bed, holding his hands on yours and looking inside his eyes with much significance. "I am not doing this only because of duty, Lord. I asked to be the one taking care of you" 

Alfred smiled. There was no words he needed to say, not then. When he got better, he would tell you how he felt. 

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Aethelflaed → She would find out how she really felt about you when she overhead you defending her towards Aethelred. The way you spoke to your King, fearless and in such urgency on her behalf, that would amaze her and make her feel scared for you, because she better than anyone knew how cruel that man could be. The feelings seeing that awakened in her would not leave any soon.

"You should not have done that" she said, sitting you down at one of the wooden chairs in her room. Your blood had stained the front of her clothes, since she had to practically carry you there. 

"Someone had to" your voice was barely more than a whisper. Your whole body ached from the kicks and punchs you had taken. 

"I can protect myself" she got a wet cloth and started to clean the blood from your skin. 

"I never said you couldn't" your breath hissed when he pressed the cloth to an open wound on your shoulder. "I just... felt the need to do something. I had to" 

"Why?" Aethelflaed asked, stopping the cleaning and looking deeply inside your eyes. You quickly averted yours from hers, as a blush took a hold of your cheeks. The unsaid words made her smile. "Thank you, for doing that" 

"I would do it all over again, Milady"

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Edward → He would find out how he felt about you after you gave him a couple of encouragement words, filled with kindness and advice. Becoming King placed such weight on his shoulders, having to face all the criticism of the Witan and the people, that to hear someone supported and had expectation for greatness on his realm, that would make him feel extremely good and more confident.

"You are going to be a great King, my Lord. The Lords of the Witan will regret their behavior and fall on their knees in front of you, seeking penitence" you smiled at him as you said so, trying to reassure him after a great discussion of the council. 

"I hope you are right" he looked out of the closest window, sighting as his eyes met the horizon of Wessex. "I have to honor my father's memory. I cannot fail" 

"You will not" you walked towards him and placed a hand on his arm, slowly. "Edward" he instantly looked at you, because you only called him by his name on rare occasions, and he loved to hear it. "You will not fail. I can assure you that"

The young King smiled. "Thank you for having such faith in me"

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Aldhelm → He would realize how he felt about you during a three day ride to Wessex, in Aethelred's name. Winter were upon you and the nights were getting extremely cold, so you both decided to share your furs and sleep together, close to the fire. Have you so close, sharing such an intimate moment, would make him feel more than just attraction. Would make him think that he wanted to wake up by your side everyday, cuddle you in your sleep. He wanted not just youe body, but you completely.

"The King is an idiot" you said, your teeth clenched in cold. You had pulled up the furs over both of your bodies and tried to sleep, but failed. "If we die of cold here, he will have lost both of his closest advisors" 

"We will not die here, (Y/N)" Aldhelm smiled a little by your words, amused to hear you talking in such a way of Aethelred who was, in no doubt, a fool. 

"Are you sure? I can feel my blood freezing in my veins" you said and when a breeze hit you, you instantly got closer to Aldhelm and placed your head on his chest, trying to warm yourself up. 

He passed his arms around you and squeezed you tightly against himself. The warmth of him made you feel slightly better. "You will not freeze. Not while I am here to warm you up"

─━━━━━━⊱❉⊰━━━━━━─

Ragnar → He would realize he loved you when you faced alone a few warriors who were questioning his leadership. He saw you screaming and shouting at them, youe hand on your sword as you spoke on his behalf loud and clear, for everyone to hear. To see the warriors afraid of you, of how much ferocity and determination you had, would make him smile to himself and go to you later, to thank you.

"I am grateful for what you did there" Ragnar sat by your side in the grass, incapable of taking that loving smile out of his lips. "Facing all those men alone" 

"They had it coming. No one should ever question your leadership. You are a great warrior, and a great man" you did not look at him, feeling a little embarrassed to do so. He always made you feel nervous. 

"Such a great man could perhaps someday have your heart?" his question got you completely by surprise and he chuckled at your expression. "I am sorry, if the idea does not please you" 

"No, no" you instantly said, making him frown in confusion. Your own lips then curled up in a smile. "The idea makes me feel such joy, that I cannot even explain" 

Ragnar chuckled again, one of those confident chuckled that had your heart beating faster inside your chest. "I am glad to hear that"

[theladyofmercia]

"No apologies needed, Aldhelm. I quite agree with you. It is hard to fathom how a woman as warm and welcoming as Tessa came from such a man."

Sighing heavily, Aethelflaed steeples her fingers under her chin, quiet in thought for a moment.

"While I loathe sending you into the lion's den, it may be for the best." She looks at Aldhelm, her gaze weighted. "With his intense dislike of Uhtred, I do not know how you will convince Aethelred to side with him, unless you play to his equally intense hatred of Alfred."

Her face relaxes into a fond smile. "I trust you will find the way to successfully approach him."

@askaldhelm

"He would be named enemy to Wessex and Merica, according to your father." Nicholas replies. "Though I do believe it is to your discretion if he is Mercia's enemy and not that of your Father, dear child."

The smile he sends her does not reach those empty grey eyes.

"I would like to see my daughter, if that is .. agreeable."

via @mrsarnasdelicious

Aethelflaed scoffs quietly. "Sadly, it would be a decision left to my husband; were it presented to him, he would agree with Alfred."

Aethelflaed glances over to see Aldhelm standing just beside the door into the hall, likely listening in and ensuring her safety without drawing attention to himself.

Looking back at Nicholas, she offers him a small smile. "Of course, I have asked for Tessa to be fetched so you may spend some time with her. Please, if there is anything you need in your time here, do not hesitate to ask."

With that, The Lady gracefully rises and leaves the hall. She takes Aldhelm by the arm and moves toward her private chamber with him.

"How much of that did you hear?" She asks after closing the door to her rooms. Concern is etched in the tension on her face as she sits down, looking at Aldhelm.

@mrsarnasdelicious @askaldhelm

[lauwrite1225]

Splendide mendax. Aldhelm x Eadith

Summary : Aldhelm has always had a bad eye on Aethelred's mistress, Eadith. But the turn of events teaches him that he shouldn't have misjudged her so fast.

A/N: I announced it, and there it is, my new crackship.

It isn’t a surprise to Aldhelm when Aethelred removes him from his position as Commander of his household soon after the battle against the Danes. He can’t tell if he is relieved, this position so close to the Lord of Mercia was giving him the possibility to at least temper him. But Athelflaed undeniably represents his idea of what kind of leader Mercia deserves, and being her trusted man has more value than any title.

No. What comes more to a surprise to him is the man who succeeds him one day. The young son of a Mercian traitor, ambitious despite the disgrace of his family. Aldhelm can’t really blame the boy for his ambition, who wouldn’t try anything to take back what they lost? However, it doesn’t mean he likes it either. He knows Aethelred and someone pouring honey in his ear would only increase his delusional goals. 

But what makes Aldhelm even more weary of Eardwulf’s intentions, and mostly the manner he wants to reach them, is the presence of his sister, Eadith. A pretty flower she is, with her fiery hair and emerald eyes. She laughs and smiles all the time, and as much as Adhelm finds the sound and vision quite pleasant, he can’t help but see through it. The way she regularly seeks for Aethelred’s gaze across a crowded room and her fingers lightly grazing over his arm when he is close enough to her. Athelflaed doesn’t miss it either and despises it. Not that she is jealous, she hates her husband even more, but she doesn’t like the woman’s intention toward Aethelred and she fears for her own life. After all, he already tried to have her killed on his own, an over - ambitious woman whispering in his ear is all he needs to try again. 

So, it’s more out of support for the Lady of Mercia that he starts to dislike Eadith and keeps staring at her with a bad eye. And it doesn’t fade with time. In early summer, Aethelred plans to attack the Danes while they are supposedly sailing toward Ireland and neither he nor Athelflaed doubt this decision to be the result of Eardwulf and his sister’s plans. But things don’t turn as gloriously as it should have and saxons, mercians and welshs find themselves united against the Danes. And despite a great victory that Aldhelm claims proudly to have been led by Athelflaed, it has cost many lives, and mostly one that will bring discord in Mercia : Aethelred’s. 

Now Mercia needs a new Lord but Ealdormans can’t agree on a man and Edward suggests that a peacemaker should be nominated. Of course, it’s Eardwulf that is chosen, the man he is sure is at the origin of this mess. And Aldhelm is now pacing in circles in his bedroom, trying to find a way to reverse the situation until a series of knocks brings him to a halt. He opens the door, his eyes widening in surprise at the woman standing in front of him, looking nervously around to make sure they aren’t being watched. 

“Lady Eadith.” He says, scanning her from feet to head.

She finally dares to look at him, her fingers playing with one of her bracelets. “Lord Aldhelm.” She looks another time behind her, Aldhelm following her gaze. When she turns to him again, she straightens her shoulders, a determination mixed to what he guesses is fear burning in her eyes. “The Lady Athelflaed needs you.” He furrows his eyebrows, confused by what sounds like a plea. “My brother locked her up for her to mourn her husband. But I think it’s more to have her out of his way.”

Aldhelm’s hand holds the handle of the door tighter, he should have predicted such things to happen. At least, Uhtred is already gone to protect Aelfwynn from Edward’s men in charge of bringing her back to Aeglesburgh and to her betrothal, Eardwulf again. He opens his mouth to thank her for this information, but suddenly, the thought of her brother makes him weary again. She’s Aethelred’s mistress and her brother is about to have the highest position in Mercia, why would she betray her brother now, when what they have been seeking to take back, and even more, is finally in their hands.

“Why are you telling me that?” He asks, almost coldly and despite the fact that they have never really talked to each other before, it shocks her and she makes a small step back. 

She looks down to the ground, her arms wrapping around her chest as to hide her sudden vulnerability and Aldhelm regrets the roughness of his words. “I think we all can make a mistake on the person we should believe in.” She says shamefully, looking up to him with sorry eyes. 

Aldhelm clenches his jaw, feeling more concerned than he wishes he would have been by her words. His hand loses grip on the handle and comes to scratch his beard as he thinks of a way to put Athelflaed out of this situation. Eadith patiently stares at him, but she starts to play again with her bracelets, the cling of the metal reminding Aldhelm of the time passing. 

Eventually, he stares back at her, not missing the light of hope in her pupils. “Tell Lady Aethelflaed that I will wait for her with horses to flee out of Aeglesburgh. But you must tell me in which room she’s locked up.” Eadith nods vigorously and she immediately indicates him the exact location of the room before they take different directions. 

Thanks to Eadith, an hour later, he and Aethelflaed are riding out of Aeglesburgh in the night with only the moonlight to allow them to see through the darkness. Even the Lady of Mercia is stunned by the sudden change of side of the red hair who’s now riding to find Uhtred and his men to warn them of their changement of plan. 

During the following days, Aldhem thinks occasionally of Eadith and how she bravely decided to go against her brother. It reminds him of his own realisation about Aethelred and he regrets having judged her so badly all this time. He also didn’t properly thank her for her precious help and fortunately, God gives him the occasion to.

He crosses her in Aeglesburgh’s palace corridor the morning after he came back with Aethelflead, Sihtric and Young Uhtred, dull and mourning as they thought the poor Aelfwynn had succumbed to the sickness. But thanks to Eadith again, they were wrong. And so, when he sees her in her purple dress, now rid of its brightness after spending days crossing the countryside, walking gracefully, he gives her a smile. She immediately slows her pace, averting her eyes as Aldhelm keeps walking towards her. 

When they are close enough, Aldhelm joins his hands behind his back and clears his throat. “I should thank you Lady.” He keeps smiling and she raises two surprised green eyes. “And I also should ask you for forgiveness for having misjudged you.” He adds, bowing his head slightly.

Her mouth falls agape, blinking several times at him. And suddenly, she giggles, a sound more beautiful and pleasant than any bird song Aldhelm has ever heard. She stretches out a hand, wrapping it around his arm, her thumb lightly grazing over the fabric of his sleeve and his still joined hands part. This time, it’s him who’s almost too shy to meet her eyes, but when he finally dares to, he is rewarded by their softness and brilliance. “You’re forgiven Lord Aldhelm.” She smiles kindly. 

Her hand drops to her side again and with a last smile and a small nod, she continues her way through the corridor and Aldhelm can’t help but watch her leave him until she disappears from his sight. He lets out a sigh, realizing he has been holding back his breath. Maybe it had been his greatest mistake, to have misjudged her. 

[iseultdeservedbetter]

Cooking Your Heart Out

(A/N): Hello there, lovelies!

This is my entry for the @tlkfanficfest (I do hope that I did everything alright, Gosh this is my first time in it, so I hope to have done everything alright, if I didn’t just let me know).

I chose the prompt ‘Osferth, he tells people he loves them (platonically) by the food he cooks.’ and I hope that this won’t be cringy or anything, I hope you’ll like it!

(also this is set up in the same modern AU as this fic, if you are ever interested)

SUMMARY: Osferth find much more changing his job and discovering a few new flavors of his life.

WORDS: 4, 2 K

WARNINGS: Family Drama, Domestic Abuse, Talk of Infedelity, Slightly OOC Osferth-Aethelflaed

Osferth, he tells people he loves them (platonically) by the food he cooks.

It wasn’t that Osferth didn’t have emotions.

If anything, it was just the contrary.

He had too many emotions and didn’t know how to describe them, being slow in a way that was related solely to his emotions, as if he couldn’t think about them and rearrange them fast enough, before he had to act on them.

He had to think before expressing himself, and when he ended up finally figuring out what he was feeling and what he felt like saying, the person that he wanted to share those feelings with ended up losing their patience and leaving him alone.

And as a child Osferth had been a very alone child, enough that the cooks of the seminary where he had grown up in had taken pity on him and taught him a few of the many mysteries of the kitchen.

Osferth had been quite a quick learner, soon being able to peel potatoes, cut tomatoes and managed to bake a good loaf of breath.

And by the age he had moved away of the seminary, he was able to properly survive on his own without having to go back to instant noodles and take out.

And most importantly he had learnt a way to communicate his feeling.

A healthy way.

He had started at first cooking for his fellow friends over at the seminary, stealing a few pieces of loaves and a bit of chocolate cookies that he had ‘helped’ make and then he had moved onto preparing the dinner for the priests, even trying to corrupt a few of te teachers with food.

Do take them by the guts, they said.

But when his small world had become less restricted, once he had chosen not to follow up with his vows and enjoy a mundane life with the life allowance that a long-distant uncle had left him, in case he preferred college over seminary, parties over prayers, he had started truly delving in his passion.

He had set up himself in a business degree, although he had started working as a side job in a few restaurants, both as a waiter and both as a help in the kitchen, although he had the bases but not the true experience, and yet he picked up quickly and he loved cooking.

And even more than that he loved expressing his feelings through food.

Although he might be slow at communicating his feelings, he certainly was good at recognizing the one of others.

After he had joined the college life, he had found himself living with three men that were the portrayal of virility, Finan with his kisses to his mirrored image, Uhtred and his desire to fucking conquer back his family property and finally Sihtric and his work at risk as a professional hacker.

Although they did act as ‘true alpha males’, Osferth had learned to recognize exactly when they were down and when they needed a bit of comfort.

And gave it to them through food.

Finan had a rather confusing love life, and it wasn’t unusual that sometimes he might end up being the one with his heartbroken (but could you seriously blame the other poor idiot on the other side, probably having heard one too many cock joke?) and Osferth knew all too well that the best solution for a broken heart was anything with chocolate, experimenting new receipts with it, solely for him.

Uhtred, instead, could be the hardest on himself, not knowing what he was and not knowing what he truly wanted, but following a path that had been carved for him by someone else, so Osferth went softly with him, an homely meal that gave him some resemblance of an home he had never known.

Sihtric, lately, had a crush for a girl.

They all speculated about it, like some old ladies at a tea club, seeing the way he’d just stare at the computer, before blushing intensely at the screen, grabbing his head in his hands and then breathing loudly.

And then he’d go back to his work, like nothing happened.

Well, he got something spicy to get him to gain the confidence he was missing.

When Osferth had finished college, he had thought of following up his dream of continuing to express his emotions through food.

The fact that he was becoming quite good at it did help quite a bit.

But he hadn’t many references and neither he had a license that proved his talent, ending up in smaller restaurants and simple bars.

Although clients keep on flooding there.

An old lady had once insisted on waiting for Osferth’s turn for a whole hour and then admitting to the shy boy that ‘she loved his cooking because he certainly expressed his heart through it’.

Never a compliment had made him feel better.

And never had he been happier when his boss, in the last restaurant he had worked in, had bought him back a small ticket to him, alongside a hefty tip.

At first, he had felt quite awkward seeing it was a number and all his friends in the kitchen had made fun of him, saying ‘how easily he could pick up girls with his wonderous cuisine’.

And then he had turned around the ticket, discovering that it belonged to Aetheflaled Wessex, the daughter of Alfred Wessex, one of the richest people in the whole city, owning quite a few buildings, but much more a lot of restaurants.

And he had left one in particular to his daughter, as a wedding present.

The Mercia.

It wasn’t a big restaurant and not as big as her father’s own ones and her brother’s, but Aethelflaed was told to have the economical genius of her father and everybody wouldn’t have been surprised to see the restaurant become much more famous that her father’s in a few years.

If not months.

Hence he had been surprised that from all the expensive chefs she could choose, she had taken the time to learn about him, taking a meal at his shit of a place, nothing important and neither remarkable, simply to eat one of his dishes, leave him her number and quite the tip.

The small ticket had her number on one side and a small indication of the interest that Aetheflaed felt for his culinary skills, suggesting that she met him at the Mercia to taste truly his talent, although she had already been impressed to learn what he could do in a poor-piss restaurant.

And although the proposal was tantalizing, it had taken him quite a few days to actually pick up the phone and contact Aetheflaed, being directed to her by an elegant male voice.

He was surprised that it wasn’t any secretary to take care of his appointment but instead Aetheflaed in person replied and talked with him to take the appointment, and although Osferth had reasoned that she probably preferred to hand-pick and take care personally of each thing, he was still surprised by the way she seemed truly interested in everything he said.

Even going as far as concluding the call with ‘I was truly hoping you’d give me a call’.

He couldn’t have scored a point with a girl like that, for sure.

So it wasn’t that.

And he wasn’t anyway famous to be called over by people like her.

Maybe she was a psycho although she didn’t look like one.

And in the end, his big dream of learning more about cooking and the professional kitchen, won over his own self-preserving instincts (helped by a few screams and ‘threats of encouragement’ from his beloved roommates).

The day he had met Aetheflaed at ‘The Mercia’ he had found her trying to set up the main hall with tables and chairs, deciding its formation alongside the male voice he had heard over the phone, recognizing him as Aldhelm, a private lawyer, probably working for Aetheflaled and her husband, Aethelred.

Who was nowhere to see it.

But were the rumors true, in that wedding there wasn’t much love.

But he shouldn’t stick his nose in that.

He was supposed to work in the kitchen, and he should have stuck to that.

Again, as soon as Aetheflaed raised her head to meet his face, she immediately repeated ‘how glad she was of finally meeting him in person’, making Osferth, inevitably blush, although he could detect a pretty shade of red on her cheeks as well, obviously feeling as awkward as him.

For which he was almost glad.

Almost as much as when he realized he hadn’t to talk much, because she started explaining pretty quickly the role, saying that she knew he hadn’t any true experience in a ‘proper restaurant’, but he certainly didn’t lack of creativity and passion, which were two things that she hoped to valorize in her restaurant.

‘… if you accept, I do think that it’ll be a good learning experience’ she explained, a focused expression scrunching up on her face, nothing in her was insecure as she slowly continued with the explanation ‘… the pay is good, if it is something that you are worried about it and we can talk about the hours and when you can start’.

‘I am in’.

It was a quick choice, because he had thought about it from the start of it all and he couldn’t help but want to try new things, even more when the chance was right in front of him, offered to him.

And although even Aetehflaled seemed surprised by it, she soon seemed to come back from the shock and smirked, immediately involving him in a soft hug, in which he didn’t know what to do, growing tight underneath her, enough to make her understand his own uncomfortableness and she immediately released him.

‘Sorry, I am just excited!’ she had apologized, and again that awkwardness appeared in Aetehflaled’s eyes, but Osferth was used from the time in seminary to work with his lowered head, so he didn’t say too much.

And in the end the work was indeed a learning experience, enough for him to discover new meals and new ways to express himself, although the turns were of long hours and since they were a new restaurant they hadn’t much free time or free space for mistakes.

Even more when Aetheflaled’s husband, Aethelred, the one who owned half of the actions of the restaurant, certainly wasn’t happy of its opening, thinking that it was a loss and ‘a business that wouldn’t have made them much money’.

He put everybody in the restaurant, Aetheflaed comprehended, at unease.

But everyone was even more determined to prove him wrong.

Starting from Osferth.

Although there was no interest in him for Aetheflaed he admired dearly the woman, a bit younger than him and already so strong and determined in everything she started, wanting everything and taking it for herself, with the help of Aldhelm, who shared her similar views.

Osferth got along quite well with both and many times than not he found himself dining with Aethelflaed, at the end of long hours, and Aldhelm, alongside the kitchen staff, exchanging small trivial thoughts and talks that made her seem more earthly.

And although Osferth had been for a long time sure that he knew nobody who acted like him, certainly Aethelflaed had a few characteristics that reminded him of himself, like his stubbornness and his shyness, although she hid quite them well.

‘When your father is Alfred Wessex… sadly there isn’t space for much shyness’ she had once commented and for a moment she had looked at him, a moment too long to be simply accidental.

But he hadn’t commented it.

Not wanting either of them to feel uncomfortable for something that maybe he had only seen.

But once he had heard something and he had been able to simply blame it on his tired mind.

Although he knew that it was bad to listen on a private conversation between Aethelred and Aethelflaed, he couldn’t do much when they screamed like they thought they were the only ones in the restaurant.

Which was partially true, because the staff had been sent home for the night, but Osferth had slipped inside to take the gloves he had forgotten back in the place.

He had bene exiting the kitchen lockers’ section when he was startled by two voices hurling insults against each other.

‘… I can’t fucking believe that you won’t consider fucking closing this place’ Aethelred’s tone was arrogant in a way that immediately made him unlikable, but he couldn’t deny that he mostly sounded like ‘clichey second-class Disney villain’.

‘Father gifted it to me!’ insisted loudly Aethefllaed, her tone loud with passion and hurt ‘… and I’ll do what I want with it’.

‘We are losing money fast…’ shot back Aethelred and as much as he hated hearing that, it was true.

Aldhelm, who took care of these things, certainly wasn’t very positive about their earnings, but insisted that it was simply the beginning and they were slowly setting up their own clientele, which was extremely difficult to do without losing any money.

“… and changing this whole place in the nightclub you wanted won’t make us regain the money lost!” she replied shouting loudly, as she looked at the man in the eyes, before regaining her composure, but without backing away from him “… this is my place, you have dozen of other things to play with, leave me at least this one…”.

Something on Aethelred’s face softened in some way, almost as if he had been taken by surprise by her comment, by the way that sounded like a plead, and then his face roughed up in a horrible smirk.

Worse than a Disney villain’s one.

“I don’t fucking care” it was so full of disdain that even Osferth, who wasn’t inside the conversation shuddered “… I didn’t marry you, because of your fucking business knowledge, I married you for your fucking money and if I don’t have those, I can easily divorce you and take everything with it!”.

Aetheflaed shivered, but again, she didn’t lose any confidence.

Which was quite amazing, according to Osferth.

Had it been Osferth he would have pretended nothing happened.

Had it been Uhtred he would have punched Aethelred in the face.

Which was something that he shouldn’t have done, since he used Uhtred as a measure to avoid doing stupid things.

‘Would Uhtred do it?’ he asked himself and then he wouldn’t do what he had come up with.

He started to get uncomfortable by the conversation, mostly because it started getting much more personal as Aetheflaed backed up her discourse and pretenses with the knowledge of Aethelred’s multiple affairs, as he presented her the same ones.

But suddenly something caught him off guard.

‘… and you know what? The fact that you are a fucking shitty businesswoman is shown by the knowledge that you hired that shitty cook just because he is your fucking half-brother, a bastard’.

And he didn’t have to do the math to realize who he was talking about him.

And yet the surprise hit him all over again, small hints that had been left on his journey suddenly revealing themselves to him, as he slowly reasoned with them, thinking about whether they were true or fruit of his imagination.

But soon, he had much more to worry about, when Aethelred slapped Aethelflaed.

The woman was surprised by the slap, and Osferth was halfway through to intervene, not certainly to fight the blondie cliché, but to put himself between them to stop any other fight to erupt.

But before he could do something, Aethelflaed answered tenfold the slap with one of her own, enough to make Aethelred back off, then moving another hand to his stomach, but stopping it before it could do some further damage, Aethelred immediately bending himself as if to stop the hit.

“Fucking touch me, again, you, coward, and believe me I won’t give you a warning” the words sounded so tight that he was sure that Aethelflaed’s now conjoined fingers could have snapped broken.

But it certainly was of quite impact on Aethelred, running away as a coward.

The promise of a lawyer, his last words, as Aethelflaed relaxed her expression, some kind of restless tiredness written in her face.

Aethelred might have been a coward, but he was a creepy one.

And one that did need law.

Had he been her, he would have also been worried.

But he had much more traumatic things to take care-

Was he… seriously Aethelflaed’s half-brother?

He hadn’t ever met his father.

His mother had said that it had been a ‘wrong night’, calling Osferth an ‘happy incident’, in her most ‘hyppie’ tone.

He had been too young to properly ask questions and then he had been pushed in the seminary, where every child was a ‘child of God’ and his questions about his paternity had been pushed back, alongside many feelings that he didn’t feel like expressing.

But the knowledge that Alfred Wessex had spawned him was crazy.

To start with the fact that Alfred Wessex was one of the most morally righteous people he had ever read about, truly an enlightened businessman, and he didn’t know how his mother had met Alfred and how she could have hidden such a secret for so long.

And how Aethelflaed might have discovered.

He must have heard wrong.

And whatever it was he had researches to do, at home.

Not where he could easily be discovered as a Peeping Tom.

He was halfway through waiting for Aethelflaed to leave, when the woman moved to also grab something from the lockers, and she caught him.

And that was awkward.

And the normally quiet Osferth found himself trying to stutter some kind of reply.

“… I didn’t… I just…” and then with the highest shriek he could have ever mustered up he uttered “… my gloves!”.

And showed her his faux leather biking gloves, a Christmas gift that Finan had thought funny for the ‘pacifist’ of their group.

“… you heard everything, right?” Aethelflaed’s approach was much more fatalistic.

But she didn’t seem angry.

Although, from what he had heard from Uhtred, a very unreliable source, when women weren’t angry when they should be… it meant you were fucked.

Thoroughly fucked.

“… yes” and his honesty most of the time didn’t pay off, but Aetheflaed simply nodded away, pushing his gaze off of him in a way that seemed thoughtful, as if she was evaluating the entire situation.

And Osferth was sure he’d be fired.

“I didn’t… I won’t say anything” he muttered, also making the awkward sign of zipping up his mouth.

“I don’t worry about that” she commented, before another tired and annoyed breath left her lips “… actually it is nice to have witnesses for when I’ll eat up my husband in court, if he is serious about the divorce thing…”.

“He is an asshole” again that bluntness wouldn’t have saved him, but Aethelflaed smiled sadly at him.

“You are kind of right” she commented “… he wasn’t… he might seem all that prince charming bullshit when I first met him. But believe me those are the worse. I married him as a naïve girl and I grew up too fast with him, not as a wife but as a martyr”.

“… I am sorry” and if there was one way that he could express his emotion other than food it was through one-liners.

Still Aethelflaed seemed to realize the strength of the words and their genuineness.

“Not your fault” she muttered, before she spoke right about the elephant in the room “… did you hear everything everything?”.

‘Don’t say it! Don’t say it, Osferth’ his mind screamed inside of him ‘… don’t ruin yourself more than you already have done’.

“… I did hear about me being your brother”.

What the heck?!

Did he seriously have two different paths between his mouth and his brain?

“Oh” Aethelflaed was too nice to mumble the obvious ‘oh shit’ that followed “… I… this is… “.

“I won’t say anything to anyone” commented tightly Osferth, trying to slowly undo all the wrongs he had done “… I don’t even understand if it is true or just…”.

“It is true” commented lapidary Aethelflaed.

And this time Osferth wasn’t able to stop the ‘oh shit’ from leaving his mouth.

“Oh shit, indeed” commented softly Aetheflaed, echoing his thoughts perfectly “… if it helps… I had a mental breakdown when I discovered it…”.

“How? When? What?” it must be all a joke.

Where were the candid cameras?

“Your mother worked over in my father’s staff in our house, and apparently my father didn’t have the morality he has now back then… your mother fell pregnant with the fruit of an affair with my father” his shocked looked must have been enough to ask for more info “… I found it through… Facebook, you were in the ‘people you should know’ or something like that… and you looked familiar, I checked in you… I admit that I stalked a bit”.

Was he even more confused, now?

Probably.

“… the similarity with me was quite striking and I couldn’t… couldn’t just put it down” she mumbled “… you have to know that before I had this place and everything… I was going through a bad period and I … investigating on you helped me”.

“… I run some check through the staff, I thought that maybe you had worked with us, but I found your mother and let’s just say that I kind of had an hitch about what might have happened, remembering that my mother mentioned about having had problems with the staff back then…” her reasoning was slowly starting to make sense, which made everything much more confused “… and I just put one plus one together, hearing about you and through Leofric… and my father”.

Did Alfred know that he was his child?

Had his rich uncle ever existed or had Alfred simply funded his son’s studies?

But right now, all he could focus on was the fact that Alfred had rejected him, and although he had had his own reasons and had his mind been clearer he would have agreed upon them…

… it still hurt.

And it was a new sensation.

He didn’t know which meal he could cook to soothe it.

“.. I swear I didn’t want to stalk you, but I found out you worked in that bar and you seemed so much interested in food and I needed a cook…” now it was Aethelflaed that was rambling “… I swear that what Aethelred said wasn’t true! I didn’t choose you for nepotism… you are really talented…”.

But Osferth had much more pressing matters at heart.

Like understanding why.

“Why did you search for me?” he didn’t mean to sound that rough, but she had to understand him: he had just discovered of having a father… and a sister, and although the former hadn’t ever wanted to meet him, meanwhile Aethelflaed had fought through much to meet him again, and he didn’t understand why “… don’t you have already a brother?”.

The words seemed to hit deeply Aethelflaed and for a moment he was scared of having hurt her.

“… I do…” her tone was unsure “… but I just… as I have said, I had a tough period…”.

“So, I am a charity case”.

He didn’t mean to sound that intolerable, but if there was one reason why he had repressed many of his emotions was that he knew he was able to accidentally blurt out things like that when he was nervous and under pressure.

The first thing in his mind would be the first on his tongue.

And although people said to appreciate honesty, it wasn’t true on the long run.

“No, you aren’t” now Aetehflaed’s voice was definitely uncomfortable and pleading as if she was the one who had been left shocked by the news.

And he had to reason that maybe it was the truth, indeed.

“… I just…” she didn’t know what to say, and Osferth couldn’t help but recognize that that gesture ran in the family “… I just wished to maybe see you… maybe see if we could get along… I just…”.

And although she didn’t mean anything at all, it had a meaning to him, a meaning he understood.

And even worse than the rambling came soon the tears, as stubborn as their own owners, as if they didn’t want to fall from her eyes, staying there and being held there.

“… I just wanted to get to know you, although it is something crazy to say”.

The words rolled off her tongue with pure honesty and he couldn’t help but feel, indeed, that matching piece settle in his puzzled chest.

The truth was that they were indeed siblings.

And he could have done much with that knowledge.

But for now, he focused on doing what he did best.

‘… do you think they’ll hate us if we use the kitchen for a midnight snack?’

Aetheflaled’s sad smile was a mirror of his own.

And he knew that she meant what she said.

Because he did.

---

@volvaaslaug​ (I really hope that is will be at least barely tolerable!)

[sihtric]

Caged Birds Flying Free

A/N: This was almost too late so that's why it's so short, but it's for @tlkfanficfest . Also, I kinda want to write a part 2?

Prompt: Aldhelm has a nice day for once

Words: 1511

Warnings: none

Aldhelm found himself in the stables preparing for a midday adventure after a long morning of rain, reflection, and prayers. He was light on his feet as he circled his gelding, adjusting the mount and reins. His rides were an escape from Saltwic and everything associated with it — every political concern and every bit of feelings he had for the Lady Aethelflaed.

The stables were typically empty on Sunday afternoons, so Aldhelm was able to enjoy moments of peace with his horse before setting off. However, today there were two individuals in the stall beside his, voices raised argumentatively. He tried not to listen in on their conversation as he tightened his gelding’s reins, but his curiosity got the better of him. After all, what kind of scoundrels would disturb the peace on the Lord’s day? One, a female, raised her silvery voice in indignation.

“Lord Eowahl, I have done all that was asked of me! I have prayed in the chapel with the Lady Aethelflaed, I have read scripture, and I have delivered alms to the poor. All I am asking for now is the opportunity to go out on a ride and explore the land.”

Aldhelm’s brows raised. He recognized the voice as that of Lady Enid, a visiting Breton noblewoman. She had not been in Saltwic long, having arrived only a fortnight ago on her father’s orders. He wished to have her serve under the Queen of Mercia, where she would surely learn a thing or two about politics and Saxon civility. Aethelflaed was delighted to accept Enid into her household and here she was now — arguing with a Saxon guard in the stables while Aldhelm eavesdropped.

“Lady, this is no time for a jaunt outside the gates. You need to be protected, and much of the guard is busy,” Eowahl countered.

“Oh, just let me go alone. I know how to ride and use a dirk. I think I can manage.”

Aldhelm couldn’t help the small smile in amusement at her words. A noblewoman, using a dirk? He supposed the Waelisc did things differently. He didn’t mind, however, having become accustomed to the sight of Aethelflaed in the midst of battle, wetting her own blade with the blood of another.

Eowahl cleared his throat and responded, voice decidedly harsher this time, “M’lady, you know I cannot do that. The captain of the guard would have my head if I allowed the fairer sex to roam the land alone. You’d go feral, Lady.”

Here was Aldhelm’s opportunity to make his presence known. He let go of his gelding’s reins and gave him a quick stroke. It was only a few paces before he rounded the corner and came face to face with the raven-haired guard and the Lady Enid.

“Lord Aldhelm! I did not know you would be here. I- I was just telling Lady Enid she could not leave the gates,” Eowahl explained hurriedly, his face flushing slightly in surprise.

Aldhelm’s inquisitive gaze flitted from Eowahl to Enid, whose grey-green eyes lit up with something close to hope. “And why not, pray tell?” He questioned.

“You- I- well, Lord, it is not proper for a lady to go out unaccompanied,” Eowahl announced, as if it were the most scandalous concept he had ever heard. Beside him, Enid wrung her hands, visibly restless, and rolled her eyes.

He was at a crossroads. He could leave the lady here and go out for his midday ride on his own, or he could set her free. She was like a caged bird, singing a sweet, melancholic song. His heart softened as he met her pleading gaze once more. He would set her free, he decided.

“She is not unaccompanied.”

The corners of Enid’s lips curled up instantly and her eyes were alight with excitement. “Thank you, Lord!” She squealed. Eowahl gave her a judgemental side eye but kept silent, instead choosing to huff in resignation and march out of the stall.

When they were alone, Lady Enid bowed her head. “I appreciate the gesture, Lord. I have been waiting ages to leave these walls and get some fresh air.”

Aldhelm offered her a small smile in reply, folding his hands. “Well- I suppose we should go?”

It took them only a matter of minutes to leave the stable, as Enid had already prepared her own gelding. Once they cleared the gate, Aldhelm threw a glance over his shoulder at her. “I’d like to take you somewhere.”

“Oh?”

During the fortnight she had been at Saltwic, Aldhelm had interacted minimally with Enid but had seen her plenty. He had seen the way her shoulders were rigid as she took her place beside Aethelflaed in the main hall. He had noticed how she was always restless and fidgety during mealtimes. It hadn’t been lost on him how out of place she seemed amidst a crowd of Saxons. She was a stranger in a strange land. The least Aldhelm could do was show her the spot he liked to go when he needed his space.

With a click of his tongue, he was off with Enid close behind. The warm rays of the sun bathed them as they traversed the idyllic countryside, headed for the treeline in the distance. Aldhelm felt like he was flying as the soft breeze rippled his tunic. With each stride, he felt a piece of himself take flight. As much as he loved Mercia and his duties, he understood what Enid was feeling. The difference was, he’d felt that way for years.

As they rode, they exchanged looks. Enid looked at peace, the sun’s golden rays complimenting her loose chestnut locks. She wore a wide smile for most of the ride which cut into her flushed cheeks.

After some time galloping along a dirt path in the forest, Aldhelm signaled his gelding to slow and made a sharp turn to the left. They picked their way through the thick undergrowth covering the footpath. Aldhelm had to duck under a swath of low hanging branches which had not been there last time. It wasn’t long before he could hear the soothing trickle of a stream, which turned into the burble of a waterfall. Between the thick greenery, the waterfall could now be seen.

Enid associated the sound of the waterfall with release. The soft splash of water meeting water welcomed her. Her heart fluttered with excitement. A stream meant swimming, even if it was seen as improper to a man like Lord Aldhelm. To hell with what Saxon men found ladylike had been her mantra since arriving in Mercia. When their horses broke through the trees and into the open clearing, Enid flew off hers and bounded for the water.

“Lady!” Aldhelm called after her, amused at the flash of chestnut and pale blue that passed him. He grabbed both horses’ reins and led them to the water’s edge for a much needed drink. In that time, Enid had rid herself of most of her clothing and waded into the cool water. She let it envelop her, wading deeper until the small waves lapped at her waist.

When the horses had drunk their fill, Aldhelm tied their leads to a tree nearby and fetched a manuscript from his saddlebag. He seated himself against the trunk of a tree and peeled it open, studying the page he had marked. He loved the look of the dark ink and the light colors which danced on the parchment pages. The history of the land had been documented well in this manuscript, one of Aldhelm’s favorites. The stories of kings and queens were being told in long, flowing verses.

Aldhelm traced a finger over the image of the cross etched on the page. He couldn’t help but let his mind wander as he studied the dated manuscript before him. He wondered what his place would be in history, if his life would even be a story worth telling. It was inevitable , having a greater concern for the future than for the present. After all he’d been through with Aethelred, and now Aethelflaed, he wondered where he’d fit into everything, where he’d make a contribution worth noting. Lord Aldhelm, a skilled soldier and advisor to two Mercian rulers — one of whom he was in love with.

Suddenly he was dragged from his reverie by the sound of Enid’s voice, light and feathery, almost singsong, “Lord Aldhelm, would you care to join me?”

His eyes moved from the pages to the noblewoman, almost completely submerged now. Most of her hair was wet and clung to her bosom. Aldhelm couldn’t stop the momentary blush on his cheeks and forced himself to meet her eyes. After all, she was a lady.

Ah, but she was not like most other ladies, barring the Lady Aethelflaed herself. Before he could raise any more objections to himself, he set the book aside, rose to his feet, and headed for the shore.

They were caged birds no longer, and Aldhelm would truly enjoy his freedom this time.

...

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