#tlk finan x reader

[spider-stark]

WHERE LOVE LIES

Finan the Agile x Reader

Summary - Abandoned by your lover, you turn to closest friend for comfort.

Warnings - fem!reader, platonic, abandonment issues, self-destructive behavior, mentions of blood/injury/slavery, will probably deviate from canon at times

Word Count - 1.4k

!MINORS DNI!

// masterlist // send me your thoughts // comments & reblogs appreciated! //

A metallic tang clings to your tongue, having chewed your nails to the point of ruin. How long has it been? Since you first began to drown in the insufferable sound of your own footsteps, pacing along the floor of what was meant to be your shared guest room at Lady Aethelflaed’s estate. 

The minute’s feel like hours—or perhaps the opposite is true. Time seems to melt and blur, reality distorted by the most awful, unavoidable truth. 

Sihtric is gone. 

Something crumples in your chest. You stumble over nothing, barely reaching out in time to catch yourself. Bloodstained fingers curl around carved wood, gripping the footboard of a bed that’s much too big for only one person. You stare at it—at the absurd number of plush feather pillows, all neatly stacked atop thick furs.

Aethelflaed had done this on purpose. Given you and Sihtric the guest room with the biggest, nicest bed. The kindness of a friend, now turned to salt in an open wound. 

Sihtric caused this. This yawning chasm inside of you, an emptiness that threatens to swallow you whole. He caused this. 

Tears sting the back of your throat. Blur your vision.  

The walls start to cave in. Begin crumbling around you. 

You whirl towards the door, unwilling to be trapped in this room for even a second longer. 

Antique sconces line the hallway, their dim flames fighting to stave off the thick shadows skulking in the corners. This late at night, an eerie stillness seems to cling to the air. You drift through it like a wraith—hopeless and stumbling. 

When you reach the door at the end of the hall, you don’t knock. Pushing it open, you step inside without a thought. 

A lone candle burns atop a desk on the far wall, the only light illuminating the cramped, windowless room. Weapons and armor are strewn about as if they’d been stripped off and carelessly discarded, exhaustion taking precedence over neatness. 

You find Finan straight ahead, sprawled out on the bed with an arm tossed over his face. 

Relief almost sends you crumbling to your knees. 

At least he was still here. At least he hadn’t abandoned you. 

You take another step, the floorboards creaking beneath your weight. Finan shifts, arm lifting just enough to reveal tired, squinty eyes. 

One look at you and he’s shoved himself upright, concern etched into every line of his face. 

Your voice is shaky, the words clawing up your throat. “Sihtric’s gone. He.. he left.” 

Finan’s mouth opens, then closes again. He shakes his head, as though contemplating and then discarding several replies, unable to find the one that might actually comfort you. 

Eventually, he settles on the truth. 

“I know,” he admits, running a hand through his beard. “I noticed a few hours ago. I went to check on the hostages after Uhtred set out and…” A deep, frustrated sigh. “The cell was empty. I put two and two together quick enough—figured the little runt must’ve made a deal with ‘em so they’d take him back to the Danes.” An apology flashes in his eyes. “I’d hoped you were already asleep. That you wouldn’t have to deal with this until tomorrow.” 

Silence pools around you, the melancholy blues of Sihtric’s absence boiling into violent hues of betrayal. 

Suddenly, you have the insatiable urge to pinch yourself. As if this is all some sort of cruel mind trick. A nightmare you might still wake up from. You fumble with your hands, fingers picking at the already torn flesh around your nails. You feel pain—and yet nothing changes. 

Sihtric’s still gone. He still betrayed you. 

Betrayed all of you. 

Your head shakes. Warmth begins to spill down your cheeks. “He’s a coward,” you grind out, teeth clenched. “A goddamn coward!” 

A heartbeat and Finan’s up on his feet, closing the distance between you in only a few hasty steps. 

Calloused palms wrap around your wrists, stilling your restless, bloodstained fingers. He pulls you toward him, your knees buckling as you collapse into his chest. Strong arms keep you upright, slipping around your shoulders as another sob tears from your throat. 

Finan holds you like this for a while, rubbing circles against your back and mumbling soothing words against your hair—I know; It’s okay; I’ve got you. 

It’s not until your tears finally slow to a stop, his tunic all but drenched with them, that he tries to say anything of merit. 

“He’s not thinkin’ straight.” You feel the words rumble through his chest, but you’re not certain you heard him right. “It’s all this mess with the curse,” Finan mumbles. “It’s gotten in his head.” 

You push back, not leaving his grip entirely, but enough to look up at him. “Are you seriously defending him?” 

His gaze flickers over your face. A twinge of pity tightens his expression, taking in your flushed skin, streaked with tears. “No,” he answers simply. “But I am statin’ a fact. He would’ve never done this if not for that damned devil-witch.” 

A fair point, perhaps. 

The witch Skade had sunk her talons into Sihtric the moment she spewed that curse from her nasty mouth. She poisoned his mind with paranoia, feasted on his fear like a glutton. 

Skade’s played a hand in everything Sihtric has done—undermining Uhtred’s authority, threatening to fight against his friends, betraying all of you by going back to those filthy goddamn Danes. 

“Maybe you’re right,” you bitterly relent. “But it doesn’t matter. You can blame the witch all you want, but it doesn’t change the fact that he made a choice! To betray and abandon us, and to leave me just like—” You catch yourself, mouth clamping shut on the vulnerable words. 

Finan doesn’t speak, only watching you as the dim firelight dances over the handsome, yet despondent, planes of his face. He tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. Brushes a knuckle along your cheek, wiping what remains of your tears. 

Your tongue glides over dry lips, mind reeling slightly. He’s always so patient with you. So kind. 

And he’s here. 

Through damp lashes, you hold Finan’s soft gaze. “I’ll never forgive him for this,” you utter of Sihtric. You’ve been hurt so many times by people you cared about. Been left by too many of them. 

Finan gives a terse nod full of understanding. “You don’t have to.” 

“And I won’t sleep in that room,” you add. Your jaw clenches, fighting another wave of bitter emotion at the thought of laying in that big, lonely bed. “I can’t.” 

All too quickly, he says, “Then don’t. Sleep here.” 

A small wrinkle forms between your brows. 

With one hand still on your back, he lifts the other in mock surrender—an awkward gesture given the closeness of your bodies. 

“No funny business.” His vow is tinged with subtle amusement. A bit reluctant, he adds, “It’ll be just like the old days.” 

Back when he and Uhtred were first recovered from the slave ship—before you took Sihtric as your lover. 

You didn’t know Finan then, but you’d tended to his wounds all the same. Cleaned each brutal gash and stitched every cut; sat hunched in a chair until your back began to ache, plucking tiny splinters from his palms, the skin ravaged and raw from tireless hours spent rowing and rowing and rowing. 

But the worst wounds had been the ones unseen. 

The way his muscles tensed whenever he sat by the fire, the crackling logs too similar to the sound of a whip; how nightmares regularly tore him from sleep, blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s not. 

You treated those wounds, too. As best you could. 

Distracted him from the sounds of the fire with terrible quips and embarrassing stories. Spent late nights together in your room, talking about anything and everything until exhaustion would finally win out. And you’d still be there whenever he’d jolt awake, too, when the blackness of the room felt all too much like the hollow belly of the slave ship. 

A faint smile touches your lips. In spite of the awfulness, something beautiful had been born in those dark months. Something light. 

“The old days,” you muse, voice still hoarse from crying. “You mean back when you were always leaving your stench all over my bed?” 

Finan scoffs. “My stench?” He makes a real show of it—leaning in close, his wiry beard scratching at your cheek as he sniffs your hair, only to recoil with a look of exaggerated disgust. Deadpan, he jokes, “I think you must’ve been gettin’ a whiff of yourself, sweetheart.” 

Your laugh is a broken sound, but a laugh all the same. 

“You’re insufferable,” you tell him. 

The corners of his mouth twitch into a grin. “I think you mean irresistible.” 

Your eyes roll as you slide from his embrace. 

“I don’t.”

a/n: i wanna apologize to sihtric for making him seem like a total bitch in this, but tbf it's kinda his fault. maybe tell ur gf w/ all the abandonment issues about your plan, y'know?

anyways, i've been suffering over this piece for a full week now, so if you like it, please leave a comment/reblog/or write me an in-depth love letter about it!

[witchthewriter]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ female, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

Also this is 18+ ... we acting like grown ups.

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

𝑼𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅

“Destiny is all… but you were never part of the plan.”

・This marriage is a strategic alliance. An act to broker peace between two warring factions.

・Even though Uhtred wants this peace, he isn't thrilled about it.

・At first his mindset was to keep you alive, but the more you got to know each other...the more he was in denial:

“I don’t care about her. I just need to make sure she stays alive… for the alliance. That’s all.”

・What started as a simple sword lesson had turned into him pushing you harder than he intended. Wanting you to see the true strength of opponents.

・He didn't want to sugarcoat what war and battles were. (Not that you had been fantasising about them anyway).

・Uhtred thought his lesson was going well until you finally knocked him to the ground.

・For a split second, he was shocked...stunned and then he stared up at you, breathing heavily. And then he smirked.

・Showing indifference, Uhtred trains you to fight. And adorns you with proper fighting gear, a shield and gets a blacksmith to make your very own sword.

・Even in the early stages of your marriage, Uhtred would subconsciously protect you - no matter where you were or what you were doing. E.g., even at the tavern, he never let anyone get too close (his men were like three other bodyguards)

・You were glad for Finan, he became like a brother to you. Always making things lighter, bringing the humour.

・Because you were constantly on the road with the four men. And Uhtred didn't trust anyone else to take care of you.

・But he would never say that...

・Sihtric barely spoke to you, but he held a lot of respect for you.

・Over time, Sihtric becomes one of your fiercest defenders, in battle and in life. Like a quiet shadow, a forcefield ensuring no harm comes to you.

・Osferth; he's your first friend, real friend, although he was a bit awkward. You become the sister he's always wanted. And he becomes that little brother who wants to follow you everywhere and do everything you're doing...

・The truth of Uhtred's feelings comes out during a heated argument. After nearly getting himself killed...again, you accuse him of putting too much at risk to gain Bebbanburg, that he cares too much about gaining that castle back.

・Shocked, ashamed, embarrassed that you would say that. Uhtred's face heats, and what you say is truth. Well, it was truth, until:

"I have spent my whole life fighting for Bebbanburg! But then you came along, and now I’m fighting for something else. For you. Don’t you see that?”

𝑵𝒊𝒄��𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖:

“My Heart” uses this one when you have private moments and when he feels vulnerable. I.e., after a battle or during soft, intimate conversations.

“Shieldmaiden” is used in front of his men, showing his pride in you.

“Wife” is both teasing and affectionate, often said when you’re being stubborn.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Shared Vision and Purpose

Closed Off (Uhtred) x The Person They Warm Up To (You)

Brave Warrior (Uhtred) x Self-Assured Damsel (You)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Home Is Wherever You Are

The Parents Of The Group

Reluctant Allies to Lovers

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Kingdom Dance by Alan Menken

Scotland by BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

I Had To Do That by James Newton Howard

𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏

“I didn’t want this, but now? I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

・Your marriage was a political alliance to strengthen ties between Ireland and the Saxons. Finan, as Uhtred’s right hand, was seen as a valuable connection.

・How else could Finan endure this other than with humour?

・As soon as you met him, he was cracking jokes. Sometimes he was funny, other times you were annoyed - because he was constantly making light of ... everything.

・When you called him out on it, he sighed, "I'm sorry lass. It's ah...the only way I know how to cope sometimes."

“She’s alright, I guess. I mean, for someone who can’t keep up in a fight…” (He says this right before throwing himself in front of an arrow meant for you.)

・Day by day, you were slowly opening up to each other. Learning through talking by the fire, on horseback, walking through the forest.

・Soon Finan began to lean close while talking to you, staring into your eyes, moving a piece of hair behind your ear, brushing past you "accidentally", etc.

・Finan was always looking to see if you were okay. Even in a crowded hall, his gaze would flick to you every few moments, but if he was ever caught, he'd smirk and look away.

・Whenever you feel down, Finan doesn't mind making a fool of himself to make you laugh

・If talking doesn't help, he'd happily slip in the mud during training or let Sihtric carry him around bridal style.

・One night, as a joke, you tied a small braid into his hair, saying it makes him look more "noble." He laughed it off but didn't take it out... he wore it for days afterward.

・His feelings are brought to light during a drunken night around the fire. The others were sharing stories about what they fight for; land, honour, family, ... fun.

・Someone asked Finan and as he was about to make a joke, he glanced at you.

・Your face was illuminated by the light of the flames, and it hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Her."

Silence fell. He looked to you who was wide-eyed, "I'll always fight for you."

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Lass” is his go-to—light, teasing, and affectionate.

“Trouble” slips out when you’re bickering or challenging him (which is often).

“Little One” is playful, his everyday teasing, often when he’s trying to make you laugh.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

You Fell First, But He Fell Harder

Constant Banter

The Sarcastic Duo That Can Finish Each Other's Insults

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Height Difference

Bickering and Banter

Timeless Love

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Say Yes To Heaven by Lana Del Rey

Valerie by the Midnite String Quartet

Happily Ever After by George Fenton

𝑺𝒊𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄

“You make me feel like I belong… like I'm worth loving.”

・For Sihtric, he was forced to marry you. The King willed it so. It was a cruel decision. the King wanted to somehow split up Uhtred's group - make it harder for them to be connected.

・It didn't turn out how the Monarch intended...the group just kept you with them.

“I don’t care if she notices me. I’m just here to protect her.” (He says while carrying a pouch full of the random trinkets you’ve given him.)

・You were trained by all of them in battle; how to defend, attack, how to do a shield wall etc.

・Spending time with the men was fun; even if Sihtric was silent most of the time.

・Finan always made you laugh, and Osferth made you feel comfortable no matter what the context was.

・In time, you truly thought of Uhtred as your leader. And you too called him 'Lord.'

・Sihtric constantly lingered in the background. He was always nearby, however, he was never imposing. Just ensuring you were safe.

・You were very different to what everyone thought. There was a softness in you. A heart of gold.

・When you became comfortable around Sihtric, you started to give him things.

・Particularly things you found on your journeys. E.g., many many rocks; smooth river stones, shiny pebbles (anything shiny really), beautiful feathers from birds, flowers that have specific meanings etc.

・And he keeps every single item.

・His pockets are completely full.

・Sihtric is constantly staring, but instantly looks away when he's caught. A small blush dusting his cheeks.

・Another thing is his quiet gestures...he'll fix your armor, puts extra supplies on your horse, sharpens your sword without saying a word.

・The love you hold for each other comes out during the aftermath of a brutal fight.

・You were tending to Sihtric's wounds, hands trembling as you stitched a deep cut on his arm.

・Sihtric couldn't help but watch your face, the concetration, the look of concern.

・You were both silent until you uttered, "You...you could have been killed," your voice was soft but full of emotion.

・Sihtric caught your wrist, his blood-stained fingers entwining with yours.

In a voice so wrapped with truth, Sihtric whispered, "I would die for you. Without hesitation. "

・This marriage wasn't duty anymore. Now...it was love.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Little Blade” pops up during training sessions or when you sass him.

“Mine” is possessive, intense, and usually slips out during high-stakes moments.

“Angel” when he’s overwhelmed with how much he adores you.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Madly In Love (Sihtric) x Ridiculously Oblivious (You)

Sun (You) x Moon (Him)

Always Bringing Them Rocks They Think They Would Like (You) x Keeps The Rocks (Him)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Healing and Redemption

Unbreakable Bond

Emotional Intimacy

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino

Sex On Fire by Midnite String Quartet

Fire In The Water by Feist

𝑶𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒉

“You make me brave. Brave enough to be yours.”

・The marriage was to save your life. Many Saxons wanted you dead, but a marriage to a religious Saxon meant you'd be safe.

・Early on in the marriage Osferth would blush at everything you did. From compliments to teasing, he was constantly red-faced.

・But as your time together grew, he started seeking out those moments.

・Even though he’s usually mild-mannered, if anyone speaks poorly of you, Osferth is the first to step up; sword in hand, voice shaking, but unwilling to step down.

・Osferth would give you thoughtful gifts. Small items like a bunch of wildflowers, a smooth stone, etc. But never admitting they’re from him.

“She’s just being friendly. That’s what this is… right?” (As he turns red after you compliment his sword-fighting.)

・Both of you faced your feelings when he thought he lost you.

・It was after a battle; a close one where you all were separated from each other. You were missing for a few hours, and Osferth had been searching unrelentlessly.

・With each moment his panic had risen. His heart beating so fast he thought he might die.

・But he did find you. You were unconscius but alive.

・Osferth cradled you, tears in his eyes while whispering his feelings:

“Please, don’t go. I… I love you. I should have said it before.”

・You stirred at his words, opening your eyes, smiling lightly.

・Blinking slowly, you hummed. Moving to hold onto his arm.

"I love you too."

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Sweetheart” is his everyday term — filled with gentle love.

“Dearest” slips out when he’s overwhelmed with love — often in moments of shyness or soft confessions.

“Braveheart” is used when he’s overwhelmed by your strength, often after emotional or dangerous moments.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

He Confessed His Love When Thinking You Were Unconscious 

Black Cat (You) x Golden Retriever (Osferth)

Menace To Society (You) x Living Moral Compass (Osferth)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Trust and Dependence

Intertwined Destinies

Love Conquers All

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush

The Train by James Newton Howard

Let The Light In by Lana Del Rey

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒈𝒈𝒓

“I would follow you to the ends of the earth—because without you, none of this matters.”

・There was constant tension whenever you were around Sigtryggr.

・He rarely spoke to you in the early days of your marriage.

・Seeing it only as a way for him to gain more power

・And in return, your family would be safe - your village, kingdom, would not be harmed by any Dane.

・You kept your own beliefs and wore your traditional family clothes, even though you did not know when you would see your family again.

“She talks too much… but I don’t want her to stop.”

・Watches you when he thinks you aren’t looking.

・His stoic exterior hides it, but he studies you. Including how you smile, how you move, how you speak.

・Sigtryggr knows what your favourite colour is, what you like to do with your time - all because he notices things. And he wants to know more about you.

・He lets you in; allows you to see glimpses of his vulnerable self.

・He shares stories of his past, things he’s done, things he regrets and waits to see if you’ll turn away. You never do.

・And in a world where he controls everything...he lets you make decisions. E.g., about where to travel, what to eat. He values your opinion.

・When both of your feelings were revealed, it was during a difficult situation.

・You had confronted him after a harsh decision in battle. He had executed someone who defied him.

・It shocked you. But ... you understood. Traitors had to be punished, maybe he went a bit far this time but you understood.

・In the comfort and seclusion of your shared bedroom, you spoke your thoughts.

"Don't you think that was a bit ... brutal? I mean, yes he was a ... traitor but you could have done anything else-"

"I know you think I'm a monster," he replies, his voice low. He wasn't facing you, almost as if he wouldn't. Or couldn't.

"A monster?" You replied, shocked.

"Yes! Do you think I wanted this? To be this man?" His words came out like venom.

You soften, and step closer, "No. No, you aren't a monster. Sigtryggr, I have seen the good in you!

His gaze turns to you, utterly and completely. Gently taking a hold of your wrist, voice low and vulnerable: “I’ve done terrible things… but I would burn the world for you.”

・No more pretending. You had the realisation that...he is completely, undeniably yours.

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖

“Beloved” used during rare, emotionally charged moments e.g., after a battle, during confessions, or when you’re vulnerable together.

“My Flame” is used when there's passionate, heated arguments or intimate moments.

“Little Chaos” he calls you this when you’re being unpredictable or teasing him.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Soulmates

"I've done terrible things in the past" (Sig) x "All i care about is who you are in the present" (You)

The Hyperactive (You) x The Unheeded Voice of Reason (Sig)

Places His Wife Above Everyone

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

I Can't Exist Without You

Healing and Rebuilding Together

I Go Wherever You Go

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

One More Hour by Tame Impala

Margaret by Lana Del Rey

Dance Me To The End Of Love by Leonard Cohen

[pyschosoda]

Caught Staring

feat - Osferth, Finan, Uhtred, Sihtric

In which Uhtred and his pretty boys are caught staring at the woman their heart desires

a/n: my first post finally!!! I decided to start small in order to get the feel of writing for these characters! likes and reblogs are appreciated!!

“I can feel you staring at me…”

You watch the timid monk stiffen and look away from your peripheral. You often noticed Osferth’s eyes were drawn towards you when in the same room. You didn’t mind, of course; it was quite cute, so you never felt the need to call him out on it, but the poor boy looked as if he was about to explode if you didn’t speak up soon. 

“Ah…apologies… I don’t mean to stare." His eyes involuntarily straying back towards you for a moment before he forced his gaze to the wooden floorboards beneath his feet. 

 

“Have I got something on my face?” You tear your gaze from the arrow you had been crafting, now trailing over the anxious-looking monk. “Or perhaps my hair is askew?” A smile curls its way onto your lips as you watch Osferth shake his head at your teasing, his eyes flickering up to your face before dropping back down as if he couldn’t decide if he wanted to meet your gaze. 

 

"N…n-no, my lady, you-“

 

"I’m teasing you, Osferth,” you cut him off, not wanting him to embarrass himself further, his own lips curling into a smile as his eyes finally decided that he did want to meet your gaze. 

 

“Oh…” His voice is barely above a whisper. “Right…”

 

The two of you fall into a comfortable silence as your attention is drawn back to what you were doing before. 

 

and again, Osferth is staring. 

 

He watches as your hands craft arrow after arrow as if it were nothing more than muscle memory. 

 

From the corner of your eye, you notice Osferth fidgeting again, unsure if he should leave or try to start another conversation with you. 

 

“Come, sit,” you break the silence, making the decision for him as you offer him the seat across from you. “I’ll show you how to make an arrow.”

“I can feel you staring at me.”

 

Your voice cuts through the loud ale house, but Finan seemed to hear you just fine from where he was standing, slumped against the wall next to where you sat. 

 

“What? Now I’m not allowed to look at ya?" He scoffs, bringing the mug to his lips. 

 

“First ya take my seat, and now ya won’t even let me look at ya?" He jests, shaking his head as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. 

 

Your eyes roll at his words, unable to hide the smile Finan seemed to always bring to your lips. 

 

“I’m going to get us some more ale,” you state with a laugh, plucking the mug from his hands as you stand up and make your way to the barmaid behind the counter. 

 

Of course, once you left, Finan reclaimed his stolen seat. You opened your mouth to protest, but before you’re able to get a word out, he’s pulling you into his lap, the ale in the mugs sloshing around, coating your hands in the sticky liquid. 

 

“Finan!” you scold. “I’m covered in ale now, you bastard!”

 

He shushes you as he takes one of the filled mugs from your hands. “I’ll help you clean it off later; just sit still and let me enjoy a nice cup of ale with a pretty girl on my lap.”

“I can feel you staring at me,”

 

A grin stretches it’s way onto Uhtred’s face as he tore another piece of chicken from the bone, his eyes flickering down to the meat as he slips it into his mouth before his gaze moves back to yours. 

 

“Am I not allowed to look at my woman anymore?” He said in his usual smug tone that only added to his charm. 

 

“There’s a difference between looking and staring,” you say with false annoyance lacing between your words. 

 

This, of course, only makes him more smug, causing laughter to bubble up past his lips as he continues to enjoy his meal. 

 

“I can’t help that you look so beautiful tonight." Uhtred shrugs, looking back down at his plate as he finishes his food. 

 

“I look the same as I always do,” you argue, standing up to put away the plates.

 

As you walk by, Uhtred catches your waist with his hand. He leans back in his chair, his thumb gently moving back and forth, tracing the skin beneath your clothes. 

 

“That doesn’t make you any less beautiful to me." His voice was softer than before; the smugness was gone as he gazed up at you. 

 

“Sit, I would like to enjoy this moment with you a little longer." He releases your waist at the request, and you obliged, of course. Who are you to deny Lord Uhtred such a simple request? A request that ended up leading you right into his bed. 

“I can feel you staring at me.”

 

You pull your hands from the cold water of the river, giving Sihtric your full attention. It was hard to believe he was the warrior that people said he was because every time you got a look at him, he looked more like a puppy than a man to you, much like he did now, staring at you with wide eyes, shifting in the place he stood as he worked up the courage to speak more than his usual two words to you. 

 

“I wasn’t staring." His voice was light, almost light enough to be carried away in the wind, but you heard him. You always did. 

 

“No?” you hummed, turning your attention back to the wet dress in your hand. “Just happened to be strolling by the river, looking in my direction then?” 

 

There was a pause; for a moment, the only sound you heard was the sound of the river as you used it to wash your clothes. 

 

“You shouldn’t be out here alone." Sihtric spoke up, changing the subject. It seemed he’d rather focus on you in this moment. 

 

“I’m not alone,” you replied, squeezing the water from the dress you were cleaning. “You’re here.” You look back at him from over your shoulder, smiling at the sight of him moving his gaze down to his feet. 

 

“Will you come and make yourself useful, or are you just going to stand there and stare at me?” Your invitation seems to break the barrier between you two, the leaves crunching beneath his feet getting louder as he gets closer. 

 

“I was not staring,” he mumbles, taking one of the dirty pieces of clothing from her basket and dipping it into the river. 

- dividers by @dollywons and @thecutestgrotto -

a/n: again, this is my first post!! feedback in the comments would be appreciated! ^-^

[lionneee]

Sweet Osferth

English is not my first language, please be kind.

Osferth x found!reader

•Warnings: piv•

“So we’ll reach the village in the morning, eh?” Finan laughed, the ale still running in his body.

“Yes, so we can bring her back home.” Uhtred said as she looked back at the tent where you were sleeping. “I don’t know what came through her head. She’s lucky we found her. Wandering through the woods at night…” Uhtred sighed and shook her head.

“Osferth! Oh, Lord —“ You moaned as you clenched your hands around the furs beneath you, your face red and hot, your core aching as Osferth kept pounding mercilessly inside you from behind.

“She’s fine. She’s safe now.” Sihtric said. “And she’s kinda funny. We talked during the day.”

Osferth looked down at his soup as his friends talked.

“I’m happy she’s bringing us to a village.” Finan said with a big smile. “Women, and ale!”

“And prayers.” Osferth said, smiling shyly.

“Maybe you’ll finally hump some girl, eh Osferth?” Finan laughed loudly as Osferth's cheeks burned at his words.

“Come on, Finan…” He scoffed as he looked away.

“What? Maybe you’ll learn something! How to properly satisfy a woman!” Finan laughed, followed by Sihtric. Uhtred simply smirked and looked at Osferth, amused by his embarrassment.

Osferth slipped a hand between their bodies, quickly finding her bud, flickering his fingers against it, making you arch your back. He was panting loudly, he let out low hums of pleasure and shy moans.

“Oh — Osferth — N-not there-“ You panted as you whined. For a baby monk, Osferth knew perfectly how to play with your body, he had made you come already two times with a surprising ease.

“No -“ He said. “I know this is the place.” He kept moving his fingers against your clit. “I know this is good -“

“I would know how to please a woman.” Osferth mumbled, making Uhtred laugh out loud as Finan made a strange face. 

“Do you?” Uhtred asked curiously. 

“We… we study the human body as we train-“

“Trained? You get trained to pray?” Sihtric looked at Osferth, surprised and amused.

“You’re being too loud.” He panted. “They’re gonna hear us.” 

“O-Osferth, I can’t — Ah!” Osferth quickly moved forward and covered your mouth before you would almost scream in pleasure. Osferth let out a low moan in your ear, pulling back quickly and grabbing your arm to make you turn.

“I- I am- Coming —“ He panted heavily as he wrapped his hand around his cock.

You sat in your haunches as Osferth kneeled in front of you, pumping his cock quickly until he let out another low moan, his body shuddering as his hips jerked forward, springs of white cum painting your skin and breasts.

Osferth rolled his eyes and got up, putting down his bowl of soup.

“I’ll go rest.” He said as he walked away from the fire.

Finan and Osferth looked at each other with a smirk.

“So it looks like his studies were indeed useful.” Uhtred said, noticing his companions’ smirks.

“Yeah, we all heard them last night.” Sihtric laughed. “Maybe you’ll ask him for some advice, eh Finan?”

They all laughed soundly.

“The baby monk is not a virgin anymore.” Finan laughed before taking a sip of his ale.

Taglist: @ka1afbr @cynic-spirit @ladythornofrivia @zenka69 @queenofthekeep @adorewhatever @diannnnsss @kotadislikesthissite @iloveallmyboys @valyrianflower @dixie-elocin @gelacat0413 @quinquinquincy @mamawiggers1980 @darylandbethfanforever9 @rhaethoughts @believeinthefireflies95 @urfavnoirette @summerposie @sk1mah1 @queenofshinigamis @anukulee @chlmtfilms @m-riaa @p45510n4f4shi0n @malfoycassimalfoy @agoldenwoe @sapphirevaghar

[lizzie-kjartanson]

[honey-im-hotdog]

Pretty Boy

Finan x Reader x Sihtric

Author’s Note: Hi! This is my very first time writing for The Last Kingdom, so please cut me some slack if the characters are a bit ooc. There simply is not enough poly stuff for these two in my humble opinion. I need to be between them both so bad. Okay, please enjoy!

As always, reader is supposed to be gn+vague, so if you catch any mistakes related to that please let me know.

Words: 0.4k — a quick one since I just wanted to get it out :)

Warnings: fluff; pet names (love, pretty boy); kissing; reader is said to have hair with braids but no description of length or color, etc; cheesy as fuck.

Summary: A cute moment spent within Sihtric and Finan's arms.

Check out my other stuff :)

———————————

“What are you thinking about?” Thick with sleep, Finan’s voice is a warm blanket.

Your head tilts to the side as you brush a leaf down his face, smiling softly as his eyes close in bliss.

“Hmm,” you hum as his eyes open and pin you with his stare, “just that you are too pretty to be real.”

His eyes widen, “‘Pretty?!’” he says in mock offense. “I am ‘pretty’ to you? That’s all?! I am a fearsome warrior, I’ll have you know!” His hands fly about as he exaggerates his words.

You can’t help but giggle at his grumbling, feeling your chest warm as he shakes his head side to side in your lap. Your fingers are quick to find the short braids Sihtric wove into the Irishman’s dark hair, the metal beads matching the ones in your and the Dane’s hair.

“Fine, fine! You aren’t pretty.”

As if it were possible, the man grows even more bewildered when you leave your sentence at that. “Excuse me!” His accent thicker than ever.

The laughter bubbles out of you, “What? You didn’t wanna be pretty!”

His mouth opens and closes like a fish as he tries to come up with a response.

You feel the vibrations of Sihtric’s laughter against your back before you hear it. His arms squeezing you just a little tighter. “Keep tormenting him, my love. Misery looks good on him,” his words are said into your shoulder, eyes also peering down at Finan. The smile clear as day in his voice.

“You fucking heathen, you!” Finan sits up in faux rage, but you’re quick to grab his arm and pull him into your chest; smothering his face in light kisses in between your quiet laughter.

“You are the bravest, scariest, toughest, handsomest warrior to have ever walked Wessex. And I am in awe everyday to call you mine.”

The Irishman cups the crown of your head to pull you into a soft kiss. The both of you smiling through it.

You feel Sihtric nuzzle his nose into your neck after a while, “And what about me?”

You and Finan pull away from each other with a laugh.

“You, my friend, are an oaf.”

“Finan!”

He just laughs at your gentle smack against his bicep.

You rest your head back on Sihtric’s shoulder, the hand not holding onto Finan reaching up into his hair. “You are the sweetest, kindest, gentlest, most fearsome,” you lightly pinch Finan as he starts to protest, “warrior, Sihtric. My pretty boy.”

He kisses the spot just below your ear, mumbling his thanks and returning your praise tenfold.

Finan tilts his head back, humming in disapproval. “You got that last bit wrong, love,” it’s Sihtric’s turn to be pulled down, “he’s our pretty boy.” Sihtric moans the second their lips connect.

The embrace between the three of you tightens as you get lost within kisses and caresses for the rest of the night.

[imtryingbuck]

Kindness for those who need it.

~ gif not mine credit to owner ~

Pairing: Finan x fem!Reader

Summary: Y/n is Uhtreds sister, and she meets Finan.

Word count: 3,031

Warnings: fluff. angst. swearing. mentions of slavery. death. mentions of hunting animals (not detailed!). Finans in love and so is Y/n. hint at sexual activity at the end.

A/N: thank you so much anon for sending me this request🤍

Masterlist

“Uhtred!” The birds scattered into the sky as she continued to call out for the man, despite being tired and hungry she refused to give up on him as she got further away from the makeshift camp - she knew that Ragnar would end up finding her when it got too dark for her to be out in the woods on her own, so she wasn’t so worried about getting lost. “Uhtred!”

The sound of a horse galloping towards her had her feet stopping, her heart pounding in her chest, turning around she saw Ragnar slowly approaching her. “It is time to come back now.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I haven’t searched the whole woods yet.”

Sighing as he hopped off his horse, he slowly approached her only for his heart to squeeze painfully as she took a step back from him. “It is getting too dark now, we will search tomorrow.”

“I can not give up on him, he is my brother.” She says wrapping her arms around her, the cold air started to hurt her bones. “Please Ragnar.”

“I promise we will continue looking for him, I give you my word.”

“He is all I have, I can not and will not give up on him.”

It was Ragnars turn to take a step back, recoiling as if she had stabbed him with the sharpest blade known to man. It wasn’t true. She had Brida even if they didn’t always see eye to eye, sometimes arguing with each other until their throats were sore - and nine out of ten times they would then team up and argue with the person that was stupid enough to try and get in the middle of them. But she had him, she was his baby sister - it didn’t matter that they weren’t related by blood, she was his sister. He remembers the day that his father brought back the two children, he had just turned twenty when the scared siblings were brought into his family home. A seven year old Y/n took to him instantly and absolutely loved running circles around him - she was the only one that could have his full attention whenever she demanded it, happily playing the games she came up with and not even caring when she changed the rules just so she could win. She had him, she always did and will do until it was his time to go to Valhalla. “You know that is not true.”

“I- I know, but-but…”

“It is not the same.” He finished, a small smile tugging at his lips as she nodded. “I am here, always.”

“Always?”

Nodding, he opened his arms for her, stumbling slightly as she collided into his chest. “Lets go back, we have a long day tomorrow.”

When morning came, Ragnar handed Y/n a pile of stones he had found, watching as she laid the stones out in a symbol as a sign for Uhtred if he somehow stumbled up on them - letting him know that she was looking for him. It had been something they had done since they were children. Following closely behind Ragnar they made their way to Wessex.

A not so subtle grin on her lips as the three of them slowled their horses down, walking through the streets of Wessex, the crowds gasping in horror at seeing three Danes walk carefree. Brida had been taken away, Y/n had to grip Ragnar’s arm to keep him from attacking the king - who had ordered one of his men, Steapa, to help the siblings look for the man. Hild happily joined too.

Making their way to Eofwic, they meet with Guthred who informs them that he sold Uhtred and Halig to a slave trader, both Ragnar and Steapa had to grab ahold of Y/n as she launched forward trying to attack the weasel - calling him every insult she could think of as Steapa carried her away on his shoulder.

“Calm down.”

“Calm down?” Her face scrunching up in disgust. “You want me to calm down, when that… that prick has sold our brother and friend?”

“He may be a prick but he is a king.”

“He is not a king, he is a toad and a weasel and-and a coward! Ragnar he has sold our brother!”

“I know! But we will get Uhtred back.”

“He could be anywhere, or worse, he could be dead.” Not interested in what her oldest brother has to say back she walks past him, knocking into him as she did so.

As spring finally arrived, they waited near the beach for the sea trader named Sverri - who had brought Uhtred and Halig - to come back, when one of Ragnar’s men told them that a ship was near by Y/n’s heart skipped a beat - or two. Whilst they waited, hidden away she couldn’t stop pacing up and down, going from biting her nails to her lip, tying her hair up only to undo it and do it again, to even practicing how she was going to greet her brother - much to Ragnar and Steapa’s enjoyment, she finally settled on nodding her head and waving at him.

When it was time, Ragnar gave them the signal, they rode in on horseback swords drawn and ready, she was right behind her brother - her eyes searching for her other sibling. Then she sees him doing a double take because he didn’t look like her brother, weak, disheveled and broken, that wasn’t the man she knew but then she saw his eyes, jumping off her horse and running straight towards him, she dropped to her knees her hands shakily going to his face whispering his name before wrapping her arms around his boney form and pulling him into her, crying as she does.

Ragnar’s heart broke at seeing his siblings clinging onto each other, like Y/n he couldn’t believe what his brother had been reduced to, a strong man beaten and broken. Slowly approaching, he fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around them - not caring at who was watching. “Sweet girl, go and free the men.” He whispered into her hair, smiling softly as she kissed Uhtred’s dirty forehead.

Making her way over to where the men who had been subjected to the most unimaginable abuse, she pulled her dagger out and began cutting the thick layers of rope that were binding their wrists tightly together. “You are free.” She told them.

Getting to one man she faltered, his watery, pained brown eyes broke her heart, as she cut the rope his eyes went from hers to the sword on her hip to a man that was being held back by Ragnar’s men then back to her, despite no words being exchanged she knew, she knew what he wanted, handing her sword - that was gifted to her by Uhtred many years before - she watched as he limped over to the man. No one moved, no one said anything as the man pulled her sword up, shivers went down her spine as the only sound was the man strongly yet heartbreakingly whispering. “Pull.” Before the blade went through the traders throat.

Her sword, now coated in blood, hit the ground with a soft thud, she approached him as his legs began to buckle before he could hit the ground she grabbed ahold of him, slowly and carefully bringing him to the floor, bringing him into her chest she held him as his body shook. “You are free, you are free.”

When Uhtred broke the news to her that Halig had died, she choked back a sob, hoping it was a lie but seeing his body finally being removed from the bow of the ship she held Uhtred’s hand, her other hand holding the other mans, she cried as her friends body was wrapped up - his sword in his hand. A grave was dug for him by the Danes, one of them even creating a cross out of two sticks. Her sweet, annoying, loyal Halig had lost his life in a brutal way, she didn’t want to imagine the pain he felt or how scared he must have been, she didn’t want to imagine how life was now different without him, she didn’t know who she was going to now trust other than herself and Ragnar with the only important thing in her life - Uhtred. “Goodbye, my friend. We will meet again one day I promise, thank you for everything.” She whispered as she laid a flower Hild had picked for her, on his grave.

That night everyone was sitting around the firepit eating the many rabbits one of the men had caught and cooked, Y/n kept handing Uhtred meat even when he insisted he was full, Hild watching with a subtle smile on her lips as her friend was oblivious to the fact that she had gained someones attention because she was too busy staring at Uhtred - too scared he would disappear again.

“You should have seen her brother, pacing up and down, practicing how she was going to great you - she settled on a wave, did you not Y/n?” Ragnar the Younger chuckled as she stuck her tongue out at him.

“I do not think she has ever hugged me that tightly before.” Uhtred laughed, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer. “However, I will not complain.”

As the brothers retold the stories of growing up with Ragnar the Fearless as a father, and stories of the havoc the youngest of the children would get up to, she noticed the man whose name she didn’t - Uhtred had told her but she wasn’t listening - get up and move away, choosing to sit closer to the sea. Hild nudged her leg and gestured to the man, understanding what her friend was silently suggesting she slowly approached him. “Hi.”

“L-Lady.”

“I am not a lady.” She laughed. “My name is Y/n.”

“Finan.”

“May I sit?” He nods, keeping his eyes on her as she sits next to him. “Will you be joining my brother?”

“If he will have me, I will be honoured to serve him.”

“He trusts you.”

“How do you know that?”

“I saw the way he looked at you when you killed that bastard, he trusts you.”

Picking up a stone, Finan looked over at the ship that was still burning thanks to them. “Your brother and Halig spoke fondly of you.” At the mention of her friend unshed tears began to burn her eyes, he noticed as a tear fell down her cheek. “I-I did not mean to upset you.”

“You have not, I miss him already.”

“Aye, I did not know him long but he was a good man.”

“That he was.” She agreed, smiling as memories flashed in front her eyes. “He could be annoying sometimes, and he would always eat my food if I was to slow.”

Finan chuckled. “He kept winding Uhtred up by telling him that he was going to marry you.”

“No he did not!” Y/n burst out giggling imagining her brothers reaction. “He would have to get the permission from both of my brothers, which he would not have gotten.”

“How come?”

“There is no man worthy of you, Y/n.” She says imitating Ragnar’s voice. “Or as Uhtred would say if he can survive me killing him, then he can marry you.”

The Irishman burst out laughing, he couldn’t remember the last time he laughed, honestly. “They are protective I see.”

“Annoyingly so.”

They fell into a comfortable silence watching as the waves went back and forth, until Finan spoke back up. “C-Can I borrow your dagger?” Without questioning why he needed it, she handed over her favorite dagger. “It is so I can shave, thank you.”

Watching with a baited breath as he attempted to blindly shave the thick bush of hair on his face, wincing as he got too close to his skin. “Do- would you like me to do it?”

“Will you?” She nods. “Thank you.”

“It is okay.” Moving to rest on her knees smiling shyly when he spread his legs open so she could rest in between them, she carefully began shedding the hair - the whole time Finan couldn’t take his eyes off of her. “There.”

“Thank you, I feel like myself again.” Handing over the stone he was fiddling with to her. “As payment, my lady.”

“I have told you, I am not a lady.” Laughing as she takes the stone, she already knew she was going to treasure it forever. Handing him her dagger, he gave her a questioning look. “For trusting me bring a blade close to your face, no one has ever do that before.”

His eyes open comically causing her to fall into a fit of giggles.

Ragnar watched the scene before him, jaw clenched tightly as he heard his sister giggling - a sound he hadn’t heard in such a long time. Uhtred sat beside him, a grin on his broken lips.

It’s now been three years since Ragnar, Y/n, Steapa and Hild rescued Uhtred and Finan.

The Irishman was currently watching as Y/n played with a young Stiorra, a lovesick look in his eyes as he does so, everyone knew how he felt towards his lords sister - everyone but her. He couldn’t help it, not that he tried to stop it, for falling in love with her, from the moment they met she treat him with nothing but kindness and respect, she defended him whenever it was needed, she held him close at night when he had nightmares either from the torture he enduered on the slave ship or the images he saw on the battlefield, she fattened him up by piling his plate with food - watching and waiting as he ate every bite only for her to then put more on, she was the one who brought the spark and fire back into his eyes, the determination to survive each battle was because of her, he truly believed she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on - he would start fights with men who stared at her far to long for his liking. For Finan falling in love with Y/n was easy as breathing. It hurt, her not knowing how he felt, but he didn’t want to lose her so he kept quiet.

Sihtric knew how his friend felt, and because he was fed up of hearing Finan moaning and complimenting Y/n, he decided to tease him. “Lord, the man Y/n will be marrying, is he a good man?”

Uhtred’s eyes went wide. Y/n marrying? Since when? Frowning as he looked at the Dane, who nodded to the Irishman to his left - who was still yet to take his eyes off of Y/n. That’s when it hit him, he too decided to tease his friend by playing along. “Yes, he is.”

“Do you think he will treat her right?”

“Of course, or she would hurt him.” The two men laughed whilst Osferth sat there really confused to what was happening. “But yes he will treat her right.”

“Wait… what?” Finan’s eyes moved away from Y/n to Uhtred. “Who will treat who right?”

“The man marrying Y/n.”

“Oh.” All three of them felt instantly bad as Finan lowered his head, shrinking into himself as he gripped his cup tightly. “I did not realise she was marrying.”

“You have my blessing.” Uhtred said before his brain could catch up. Everyone knew that he didn’t want Y/n to marry, he knew how his friend felt, but he also knew how she felt for him; he honestly couldn’t hear her talking about him or how attractive the man is, or her telling him every single detail about the day she had with him one more time. But he knew in his heart that he didn’t trust any other man - aside from himself, Sihtric, Osferth and Ragnar - to protect, care and love her, and if they got married it meant he didn’t have to lose her and never see her again. He couldn’t think of a better man than Finan to marry his little sister, so giving the man his blessing he didn’t need to think about it. “I know she feels the same.”

“W-what? Ye can not be serious!” Finan stuttered. “I- she feels the- is this a joke?”

“I am not joking unless you do not wish-”

“No! No I do.” Downing the rest of his mead, he jumped up fixing his clothes - nearly tripping over his own feet as he did so, he made his way over to where Y/n was still happily playing with Stiorra. “Lady Y/n, c-can I speak with you?”

“You do not have to ask.” She chuckled, gesturing to Stiorra to go to her mother. “What is it?”

“Will- do you- erm.” As he stumbled over his words, his cheeks going even redder than they already were due to hearing the trio chuckling from their seats on the bench. Blurting out. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes.”

“What? Really?” Sihtric and Uhtred doubled over with laughter, Osferth rolled his eyes.

“Do you not want to-”

“I do! I want to marry you.” Pulling her closer by her waist, he searched her eyes for any doubted - finding none, he placed his lips on hers, both sighing in content.

The kiss comes to an end when a non subtle cough comes from the side of them.

“Go away Uhtred!” Y/n rolls her eyes as her brother stands there with his arms crossed and a disapproval look on his face, taking a hold of Finan’s hand she begins to drag him away, leading the Irishman towards her home.

“Where are you doing?”

“To celebrate with my fiance.” Finan’s eyes were practically bulging out as he registered Y/n’s words, a tent already forming uncomfortably in his trousers. Sihtric sat there choking on air. Osferth was gripping his cross and muttering a prayer. And Uhtred? Well he stood there stumbling over his words, whether in shock or horror she didn’t know nor care. Giggling as she shouts. “Do not disturb us!”

Tags: @cheesesandwichsanto

[captainlunaxmen]

Frustration

Finan x fem!reader

Hi! I got this idea last night and thought to write, to ease the wait for the next Finnick's chapter.

Hope you'll like it, let me know❤️

Summary: The Reader can't stand when Finan opposes himself to her involvement in the group's plans.

Warnings: mention of bleeding, mention of sexual assault.

I can feel a headache growing in my skull, Uhtred and Finan have been fighting for far too long now.

I take a big gulp of ale and stand to join them and put an end to it. I get in between them, separating them.

"Would you please stop, now?" I demand, i turn to Finan, "I am going. End of story."

"No you're not." He insists and I deeply sigh, more frustrated then before.

"They don't know her! She can blend in better than us." Uhtred almost shouts out of frustration.

"He's right, Finan, it's the only way we can find out about their plans." Sihtric chimes in, supporting our plan.

"She can't." Finan insists, "no way."

"I can't?" I ask, "what's that supposed to mean?"

"You've not trained enough. It's too dangerous." Finan insists, hard expression on his face.

"Excuse me?"

"She's more prepared than me." Osferth supports us too.

"That doesn't say a lot..." Sihtric mutters.

"She's more than prepared, Finan." Uhtred declares, "she's going."

"End. Of. Story." I add, walking away, ignoring Finan's furious eyes.

I don't understand him, Finan never talks to me, never cared before tonight, and now he acts all mad about me going into the enemy's camp.

I file off my sword, ignoring whoever came in with me.

"I didn't want to ask in front of them, but.." Uhtred's voice is close, "are you sure you want to do it?"

Want... not can, at least he believes in my skills.

"I'm sure, lord." I look him in the eyes, "I'm sure."

"That's what I wanted to hear." He smiles, "all set?"

"Yes, lord." I nod vigorously.

"Let's send you off then!" He cheerfully pats my shoulder, then hugs me.

I say goodbye to everyone as I walk towards the camp. I feel a particularly angry stare piercing my skull as I walk off, but I decide to ignore it.

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

Well, that didn't go as planned.

I hold my bleeding arm as I hide from the Danes chasing me. I need to take the longer route to get back to my camp, so I can lose them.

I take a deep breath once I see in the distance Uhtred's camp, one last effort and I'll be safe.

"She's back!" I hear Osferth voice calling the others.

Once I arrive at the camp everyone else is already gathered there to greet me.

"What the fuck happened to you?" Sihtric exclaims.

"They didn't find out I work with Uhtred, if that's what you're wondering." I groan as I sit, Osferth is already kneeling beside me to check on my arm.

"Then what happened?" Uhtred asks, alarmed.

"Nothing particular." I answer.

"What?" The familiar hard tone of Finan is present.

"Nothing."

"That doesn't look like nothing." He insists.

"Am I about to die, Osferth?" I innocently ask the monk.

"Uh... n-no... it just needs stitches..." Osferth hesitantly answer.

"See?" I tilt my head, pointing at Osferth, "it's nothing."

"Y/n..." Uhtred sighs, "what happened?"

"One of the men wanted to 'have fun' with me as he said it." I explain, "I dared to say no."

"What?!" Finan exclaims, but recollects himself immediately.

"But I got the information you needed." I turn to Uhtred.

"I don't care about that now." He says, "are you okay?"

"I'm saying I'm fine. It was nothing." I insist, "they keep the hostages in a chariot, sort of, not many and-"

"You need to rest." Finan interrupts me, earning a glare from me.

"I said I'm fucking fine." I snap at him.

"He's right." Osferth agrees with his friend, "you did lose a great amount of blood apparently. Stay warm and I'll get you something to eat."

"I..."

"Do as he says, you'll tell us later." Uhtred orders. I groans out, but accept the blanket Sihtric brings me.

"Told you." Finan mutters to me and walks off before I could tell him something.

I groan in frustration and just sit there warming myself as I wait for Osferth.

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

I ate and they finally let me share all the information I gathered. Now we just need a plan to rescue the hostages.

As we plan I keep sensing Finan's eyes on me, and everytime I look up he stares, furious at me.

"Can I ask what's your problem?" I interrupt Uhtred.

Everyone looks at me confused then move their attention to Finan as well.

"Finan, she's coming too, I don't want a repetition of what happened the other day." Uhtred states.

"You saw what happened." Finan insists.

"I got back with information." I state the obvious.

"You got injured!"

"It was merely a scratch!"

"You're staying here!"

"I am not!" I shouts, "I'm part of this just as you are. I am coming. I am capable, I'm not a fucking child!"

I stand and walk away.

"Y/n..!" Uhtred calls.

"No. Call me when he decides to treat me with respect." I turn around and walk off, away from them. Away from Finan.

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

I enjoy the solitude, looking up at the sky when I hear footsteps coming closer.

"I told you my condition, Uhtred." I say.

"Not Uhtred." Finan's voice catches me off guard, I turn to look at him, he looks tired.

"What do you want?" I ask, turning away.

"I... I guess I wanted to apologise." He says softly.

"You guess?" I scoff, "more like Uhtred forced you."

"No... he just sent me off to think, and I cane to the conclusion that I owe you an apology." He sit beside me.

"Okay..."

"So... I'm sorry." He says softly.

"For...?" I urge.

"For looking out for you too much." He says.

"What?" I ask, confused, I stand up looking down at him, "looking out for me? Are you serious?"

He stands up too, and now he's the one looking down at me, since he's taller.

"Yes.."

"You thought that treating me like a child, was looking out for me?" I ask, frustrated.

"I was..."

"Shut up." I say walking away again, but stop when he grabs my wrist and turns me back to him.

"Talk to me." He almost pleads.

"Talk to you?!" I widen my eyes, "you're the one that doesn't talk to me... you don't talk to me, you ignore me, you treat me like a child, you treat me like I'm useless and incapable of helping... like I'm not part of this group and you ask me to talk to you?"

"I've never... I didn't mean it." He tries to explain.

"Then why? What did you mean?" I ask him. He just stares at me, so I insist, "so? Are you going to say so-"

His lips on mine cuts me off.

I'm stunned for not even a second before I kiss him back. Once his hands are on my body I can't think of anything else, but him.

I move my hands to his face, caressing his beard to pull him even closer.

Eventually we both need air and we pull away just enough to breath, but not too far.

"I'm sorry for treating you like a child." He breaths heavily as he apologies.

"What?" I ask, the kiss got too into my head I completely forgot what was going on, he chuckles and caresses my hips, leaning his forehead against mine.

"I'm sorry, my love." He repeats.

"It's.. it's okay." I say, still catching my breath.

"It's not, I shouldn't have treated you like that." He looks at me in the eyes, "I think the world of you, you're the best with the knives and you're definitely part of this group." He leave a quick peck on my lips, "I was afraid. And when you got back bleeding... I couldn't see anything else."

"Thank you." I say, stroking his cheek with my thumb, "just don't treat me like that ever again."

"I won't." He kisses me again, "I promise you." Another kiss, "fuck, I promise you."

He keeps kissing me and I chuckle at his eagerness.

"Okay... mmh.. okay, Finan." I say between his kisses, "contain yourself."

"Oh you're asking the impossible here, my sweet." He keeps kissing me, moving slightly down my neck.

"We still need a plan to rescue those hostages." I say and he stops with a sigh.

"You're right... as always." He nods.

"But I mean..." I start and his face lightens up, "once they're safe..."

"Yes?" He urges.

"Well... we'll see." I wink.

"Don't play with me, woman." He jokingly warns me.

"Or what?" I tease.

He smirks and wraps his arms around my waist pulling me completely against his body, he put a hand on my cheeks and just kisses me more deeply than before.

"I'm glad tou made up, but we have hostages to safe, c'mon!" Uhtred's voice startles us making us pull away.

"Coming, lord!" Finan calls, then he turns to me with a stupid smile on his face.

He pulls away and takes my hand leading me back to the camp.

Before he lets me go he pulls me to him once more to whisper into my ear.

"Once they're all safe, I'll take care of you myself, love." He says and walks to stand with Uhred, not before giving my ass a small smack.

I look at him shaking my head and then I sit next to Sihtric, who looks at me with a knowing smirk, I slightly shove him before our attention is back on Uhtred explaining the plan to us.

And this time, Finan doesn't have anything to say about my involvement.

[tlkfaerie]

Ribbons ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

pairing: Finan x reader

a/n: Response to a lovely request! My first request, actually! Finally doing a solo Finan piece :) A bit soppier than I had originally planned, but I love it and I love Finan soooooo. Also the circumstance / sequence of events aren't entirely accurately in line with the events of the show but we move.

MDNI!18+ : TW finan x reader, dom!finan, virgin!reader, virginity loss, manhandling, kissing, very brief mentions of loss, fingering, p in v sex, confessions of love, slight breeding!kink

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔ 　　　.   　　˚　　 　　*　　 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　　　　

Things were tense when the men staggered back to the stronghold. They had won their latest battle involving Mercia and Bloodhair, though at the cost of a disastrous curse upon Uhtred's family. You selfishly prayed for Finan's safety, despite the two of you not being together. You were great friends, and though the others were familiar to you too, it was Finan that you truly wished to return in one piece.

You spent your time at home praying for the souls of those who had been lost, thinking about the wise words that Hild so graciously bestowed on you. You felt her absence more than ever, needing her sweet guidance, but aware that she was already spread thin. Everyone was.

As winter crept into your home, you wallowed slightly, missing everyone. But you had a duty, an alehouse to run. It was where you had met everyone originally, and had turned into somewhat of a cornucopia for Coccham. You knew that in order to keep spirits high, you'd have to open it up and welcome everyone in. Your hearth was where you had first met Finan, sitting with Uhtred as the two of them laughed. Hild had introduced you, and your speechlessness was the source of several laughs.

You had sat with them on the table that night, laughing with Hild, who you truly saw as your aspiration. Uhtred noticed this, joking about how you reminded him of his children, which had made you huff slightly. You were embarrassed of this, but Finan assured you that you were alright, muttering some joke about how you clearly had the spirit of a warrior within you to deal with these drunken men.

It had been a slow night, but you would rejoin them when you could, smiling at Finan every now and then. Finan's eyes had scrunched up too, but his lingering look had you blushing all throughout the night. From then on, the warriors had frequented your place. You and Finan would often sit and chat. He loved that he could talk to you. For once, it was not about war, or combat, or blasted shield walls. He was sick to death of hearing the names Alfred or Edward, and you gave him peace from all of that.

It filled you with warmth to see everyone so carefree and jolly, especially as it was your father's wish when he opened the alehouse to make an honest place of it. Every now and then, a regular face would vanish, and you felt it like a sting in your core, but you carried on nevertheless.

You lived just above the alehouse, walking down the steep wooden steps as you tried to alleviate your chill. Nothing seemed to work. Lighting candles and preparing some food for the hungry travellers that would arrive soon. You had heard news that the travelling party were returning from Winchester within the next few hours, feeling sadness at the inevitable loss and pain that would be felt all through the town, but also the deep, hidden feelings of desire that you so heavily pushed to one side.

Every time you saw Finan leave, you felt a tinge of regret within you. After all, he was Uhtred's right hand man by all accounts, and great responsibilities were often given to him. What if he were to never return? You supposed it was silly to think more of your confessions being told than him returning with his life, but you were sick of pushing down these feelings. You felt like some sort of angel when his gaze fell on you, which it did, often. And when he would come in for a final glass of ale, though what you didn't know is that he was really just looking for an excuse to talk to you.

He had seemed grave when you saw him last, trying to keep smiling at you but looking away darkly every now and then. You, none the wiser, had given him a cheerful departure, promising a full meal for him and his friends upon his return. You had assured him that the plate would be waiting for him, only if he came home in one piece. The gesture was halfhearted, though to him it was a challenge. He had left beside Uhtred, meditating upon his horse about you.

You.

Finan really, really loved you. He was always incredibly outgoing, and so you assumed he would just wed someone more like him, but Finan dreamed of you almost every night. It tortured him that he was so quick with his words, and yet they seemed to disappear from him whenever he saw you. Your plump lips, your wide eyes, full of life and unsoiled by the rot of death. You were the exact opposite of what he encountered on his missions and tasks, and though he loved his life alongside his trusted Lord, he wanted something to do it all for. And that something was you. He would make sure of that.

As both of your feelings nearly spilled over each other, it was time for someone to do something.

It seemed like you had wasted your whole day, silently waiting for the evening to come, when finally, you heard some commotion - your heart sent flashes of longing through you. You felt somewhat pathetic, watching the door of your alehouse for that specific person to come through. But, when you know, you know.

Suddenly, a stream of townsfolk walked in. Some came holding hands, some even came with their children, which you didn't mind, offering them some meat pies and ruffling their hairs. You spoke with some of the women, delighted to have their husbands back and eager to get you away to spend time with them soon. You joked about being stuck behind the brewery, handing out copious pints of ale. Within the next twenty minutes, your hands were so sticky that you started flapping them furiously.

Finally, you made your way outside, wanting to do a round of everyone sitting on the benches. There, you found Finan and Osferth. Sihtric was over in the corner, with his wife, the two of them beckoning you towards them.

Giving them quick greetings, you drunk in some of the news from Sihtric, who informed you that Uhtred was still in Winchester for some time with Hild, and that he had suffered a great loss. Your head bowed at that, not wanting or needing to know any more. You wished the both of them and their children well, before granting a weak smile to the two men now before you.

Osferth gave a weak smile, fondly remembering happier times in the alehouse and wishing he could match his previous energy. You hugged him tightly, knowing he was more sensitive and newer to the trade of being a warrior, though you didn't expect him to hold on so tightly to you. You sunk into his unfamiliar embrace for a moment, before Osferth pulled away.

And there he was. Finan. You had never seen him looking more tired, slightly long hair giving him a dishevelled look. Though equally, he was beautiful. No amount of sadness could take away the kind, observant look in his eyes. He seemed to be in his own world, and you didn't want to disturb, but then he looked at you, and the faintest smile stretched onto his lips.

You wanted Finan to hold you. You wanted his warm embrace then and there, but something told you it would take a little more time. His brows are furrowed and a strong wrinkle emerges between them, telling you that he is far from relaxed. You gulp slightly, the promise of a meal still hanging in the air.

With a hand still on Osferth's shoulder, you said nothing as you gave him an empathetic nod, tilting your head and smiling as best as you could. Your chest filled with relief when his little wrinkle disappeared. The shadows lifted just slightly, and there he was. He understood you somehow, an unspoken look flittering between you, and then you were gone.

There was so much you wanted to talk to Finan about. You ached to have your friend back, even if that dynamic did pain you. He still came to the tavern, even when Uhtred returned, though he was unusually silent as weeks flew by. Even as things picked up and spirits were back to normal, Finan seemed to be stuck somehow.

You entertained mostly Uhtred and Sihtric most nights, helping them heal ever so slightly with perhaps a little too much ale. You had even begun watering it down less, which did not go unnoticed by them. You prayed with Osferth too, mostly to keep him company.

It wasn't until a whole month had passed that you could no longer take it. Finan's usual loud voice could no longer be something of the past. You needed to tell him how you felt. You knew that you had to do something tonight.

You spent far too long in the mirror during the hour before you would open. You knew it would be a busy night, as the snow had finally ceased, and people were no longer cooped up in their homes. They would want warm drink and entertainment, and you would give them just that.

"Come on, Y/N." You nudged yourself, looping two ribbons into the two braids that you had meticulously gathered with your unruly hair, pinching your cheeks before letting out a slight laugh. You hadn't realised just how much you truly valued Finan's entire personality until it changed whenever you came near. Surely freshening up a bit would impress him?

Meanwhile, as though he was mirroring you, Finan ran his hands through his hair, sitting patiently in his own company. He had been surrounded by his loud companions all day, laughing and working, enjoying any semblance of peace that he could. The Irishman thought of nothing but you, however, and felt that if he did not do something soon he would combust into a million pieces.

Truthfully, after his last visit to Mercia, he had pulled back from you slightly. He needed you so deeply, but couldn't bear the thought of making you wait around for him, worrying if he would come home or not. There was also the additional danger of his weapons everywhere, his being at Uhtred's side constantly, and the threat of having something so precious to him be so targeted. He wanted you more than he wanted to breathe.

After that first day where you had been babbling to Hild in your alehouse, he was stunned. He was in awe of how you ran the place, even with the death of your father, never allowing anyone to step on your toes, even though he would have been more than willing to help. He admired your trust in things, never fearing of the worst, unlike he had. Since his days on the ship, all he had craved was something, anything, to come home to.

Nothing had filled that space until he saw you prancing around the alehouse, clumsily spilling drinks and shaking your sticky hands in his face to annoy him, your loud laughter echoing in his mind even now as he had tried to pull you into the mess you had made.

The memory shone in his mind, so prominent that he quite literally couldn't think straight. He didn't want to be absent towards you now, but his very existence intermingling with yours was a threat to your life, and perhaps your happiness. Could he do that to you?

As the tavern bustled into life, you couldn't stop fiddling with your braids. Some of your friends had offered to touch them up, which only worried you more, but they teased you still, pinching your cheek when you had confessed to them what you were going to do tonight.

You would your hands into the handles of at least ten cups, delivering them to the table of several hefty warriors who barely fit on your stools, making a mental note to get some warrior-friendly seating arranged.

"Here you are boys," you greeted them lightly, recognising a few, particularly Uhtred, who looked like he had seen better days. His hair was loose, strewn all over his face, but a smile graced his face, which reassured you.

"You might want to slow down, Lord," you teased, anticipating his reaction. He cocked his brow, piercing blue eyes observing you graciously. "Y/N, you're too good to me. Too good." He raised a glass to you, and you playfully rolled your eyes, a renewed sense of confidence overtaking you.

As you were about to turn around, you collided with hard leathers, belonging to a very firm chest. Towering above you was Finan. You quickly fiddled with your braid, hoping he would be enticed by them. So stupid, you thought to yourself.

"Have you forgotten what incredibly handsome men look like, or are you just surprised to see me?" said Finan, voice just above a whisper. Your eyes widened at his question, hand coming up to slap his bare arms. He hadn't been this perky in a while, and it shocked you, to say the least. You were happy to see him back to normal. Though he always carried an air of dominance with him, the softer side of him was always welcome.

There was a strange determination in his eyes, as if he had woken up. "Trust me, with you in front of me every day, I could hardly forget what a handsome man looks like." Your emboldened state of mind matched his newfound confidence, and the two of you were back to being the same people that you were when you first met. Finan forgot, just for a second, about the reek of death and its hanging in the air.

Instead, he took you in. Your fresh braids, which he suspected you had done just for him. He felt so warm, even in the bitter winter, and your eyes gazing at him as though he was the kindest man on earth brought him more security than anything else in the world.

His presence alone was enormous. You had to shake your head to remember what you were really here to say to him. He had laughed at your previous remark, taking the confident proudly.

"You look so beautiful, Y/N." he stated fondly, content to spend the rest of the night with you. Your cheeks heated at his words, and you looked away, but not before his strong hands found your chin, raising your face to meet his brown eyes once more. He simply could not wait any longer.

"You always look beautiful, and I'm sorry if I've ever made you feel like you aren't", he huffed, acknowledging his own mental absence. You felt the tenderness in his touch, against the rough scarring on his hands. You smiled sadly, wishing he didn't have to be treated so roughly. Your softer hands found his, holding them tightly.

"I suppose I sh-" but before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by a loud crash. You were quick to inspect the commotion, not realising that the two of you were still firmly holding hands. It hadn't occurred to you until his grip tightened, dwarfing your entire hand in his. You couldn't help but smile, especially when you discovered what the scene before you was all about.

Two women were having at it, fighting like animals. These were women you knew, and so you were shocked to see them go at one another, enough even to draw blood. You considered for a moment why two familiar faces would be fighting, but the two had recently mentioned their escapades with Osferth, who was a babbling mess at the scene before him.

Finan cursed. Truly, he couldn't help but laugh. Of course, this stupid baby monk would intervene in some way, he thought to himself. You giggled at Osferth's expression as the women were finally separated by Finan, who begrudgingly let go of your hand. He felt so juvenile, clinging to you like a crush, but he simply couldn't help himself.

"Umm, I thought monks weren't allowed to hump," was all he said, before leaving the poor boy to defend for himself, returning to you. As he walked over, you felt the life reemerge within him. He was smiling so much you almost couldn't take it.

"Now that's a hero," you laughed as he spread his arms out, congratulating himself. You couldn't keep yourself from moving about, however, unable to stay still in his presence. Your mind constantly filtered through possibilities of what he was about to tell you, meanwhile your own looming confession was being stuffed further and further back in your mouth. You weren't entirely sure what he was going to say to you. Perhaps he was going to tell you to stay away from him . . .

Any suspicions of his rejection, however, were entirely forgotten when both of his hands came to cup your face. The act felt so intimate that your legs almost quivered, and you braced yourself to fall over. His head leaned back slightly, and he breathed heavily, taking you in. Finan, filled with confidence, had bee brought to his knees by you. You and your ribbon braids.

"Can we talk somewhere, please. Perhaps when it's a little less busy, lady?" you understood, but couldn't help the frustration that grew within you as your conversation was prolonged yet again. You simply nodded, but that didn't seem to be enough for him, judging by his widening eyes.

"After closing, Finan, come up the stairs, I'll be in my room." You hadn't realised just how suggestive that sounded until Finan's eyes widened even more, and he cocked his head with a cheeky grin, retorting something about you being more forward than ever. You slapped his chest, mocking his childishness, though before you could fully manage to hit him, he grabbed your wrist with ease.

His arm flexed, and he quickly pulled you in, your feet stumbling to keep up with his strength, until you felt his breath on your face, and you were close enough to be touching his lips.

"Quite the invitation, lady," he half joked, but in reality, he as already counting down the hours. "I will be there, Y/N."

After what felt like the longest night in history, the last of the crowd finally retreated from the alehouse. You were itching to see Finan. Since the two of you last spoke, you had barely seen him. Uhtred was shamefully taken home by Sihtric, who you were amazed was sober. The rest of the men and women left together, and you said your final goodbyes, closing the doors. This time, however, you didn't lock them.

You trudged upstairs, tiredness hitting your body. After hours, you finally took a seat on the edge of your bed, fiddling with the silly plaits that you had worried so much over. You sensed Finan's presence when there was a slight moan of old wood being pressed as he walked up to meet you. You had so much to say to him you could hardly contain yourself, rising from your sitting position.

Finan gave a polite knock, but didn't bother waiting, bending under the doorframe before returning to his natural state, giving you an incredibly sheepish look. You stuttered slightly, but told him to sit. You quickly realised that a man had never been up to your room. It was spacious enough, with a large bed of furs and enough space for plenty of candlelight.

"Please, sit, Finan." you held your hand out as if to show him the way, guiding yourself to the edge of your bed. Finan let out a small laugh at your sudden formality, bending as if giving you a mocking bow before sitting next to you.

Even though he had been the one to initiate conversation last time, you made it your mission to get there before him, wanting to get your own point across before he said anything to you.

"Finan, I have to tell you," you started, feeling an awful mist of tension heating up your body suddenly, " I just - I hate," you sighed in frustration, groaning as you could hardly get the words out. Finan seemed heavily amused, beckoning you to continue.

"I just really enjoy when you're here." Pathetic. "And I don't like it when you're gone away for weeks. And I worry for you when you're not here, even though I have faith in you."

Once you break the seal, you can hardly stop. Finan takes in every word as though it is gospel, but you hardly notice as you babble on.

"Obviously you're strong, and umm, and handsome, and you speak well enough to get yourself out of trouble,"

"Oh, do keep going, lady. I've never been so flattered." he raised a hand to his chest, feigning shyness. You glared at him, embarrassment curling itself around your neck, blocking any clear thought from entering your head. Finan quickly sensed your frustration, placing a hand on your thigh to steady you.

But that just made it worse.

"And then I think we're good, but you don't speak to me f-for weeks, Finan. And then you touch my thigh like this!" You could almost laugh at yourself, truly, "and I just want you all of the time, and I think we . . . I think we should be together."

With your final declaration out of the way, you feel a fatal sense of worry overcome your body at his shocked face. The hand on your thigh doesn't move, however. It tightens.

"Y/N," he starts, and you brace yourself for the worst, "Please, I want to be with you too. I stayed distant, because, well because I didn't want anything to happen to you. If I am with you, then I'll have something to actually fight for," he looked down as he continued, clearly stressed, "but then if I have something to fight for I'll have something to lose as well."

You began to understand him clearly. With what he had seen, particularly with recent events, there was always a risk involved. Perhaps what made him so good is that everything he previously needed to protect was always on the battlefield with him. The two of you together would be a constant source of worry for him. You could be kidnapped, taken hostage, injured while he was away.

"But, Finan, every time you've left, nothing has happened to me. I'm here, aren't I? Entirely whole."

"But it's different, or, it would be different," he stressed, hands flying up as he spoke.

"The only difference is I'd be yours. And I want to be yours, Finan."

He looked at you then. Really looked at you. His hand ran through his beard, and any semblance of composure that he had snapped when you bit your lip. Perhaps he was being ridiculous. Perhaps he was thinking about things too deeply. After all, he was an entirely competent warrior. If anything happened, he would be able to solve it.

He could barely control himself any longer, when your hand came to fiddle with the ribbons weaved into your loosening braids. You had never looked more innocent and enticing - he physically couldn't stand what you were doing to him.

Meanwhile, you took note of his chest heaving, feeling your own heartbeat gain speed. You decided to let even more out, noticing his gaze shifting to your hair.

"I plaited these for you, I thought they would impress you." The sheepish truth had you looking down, realising that the two of you had been stupidly restricting one another whilst simultaneously trying to impress one another in a hideously drawn out back and forth. Sorrows had settled, and now you wanted him. You needed Finan.

"They do impress me, most definitely," he assured you, teasing you slightly with his reaction. He found you utterly adorable, that you had done some little change to please him, "but you already caught my attention without the ribbons, Y/N."

The cross around his neck gleamed as it dangled, moving slightly as he leaned down to meet your face as you sat beneath him on the bed. The tenderness of the moment had been replaced by burning passion.

"Finan, I-"

"Say my name again."

"Finan-" You couldn't even finish before his lips crashed into yours. Everything melted away when you kissed. Every semblance of a problem disappeared, and it was just you and Finan. He revelled in the idea that you were his woman, spoiling himself with the very thought of it.

You, meanwhile, were growing incredibly impatient. The man in front of you was something else, his muscles straining as his hands trailed down to your waist and picked you up. You instinctively wrapped your legs around his strong waist, arousal beginning to leak from within you as his grip tightened. He couldn't get enough of you, and he never wanted to let you go.

"I hope you know, love, that I'm keeping you forever." He smiled, adjusting you a little so that you felt the bulge of his crotch just underneath your sex, friction causing you to whine slightly. You weren't entirely sure if Finan was aware that you were a virgin, but the feeling of his body against yours prevented you from saying anything.

"Let me hear you." he demanded as he looked up at you, and thought he was still the Finan you knew, an air of seriousness had overcome him, and the words that came from him were dominating. You understood now how he managed to control armies the way he did.

You buried your head between his neck and shoulder, drooling slightly as you let out a moan at Finan's undying strength. With your undergarments pulled to the side by the stretch of his fingers, he made sure to move you up and down ever so slowly, rubbing against his crotch even more until your naked sex could take it no more.

The fabric of his trousers was an obstacle that you needed to be removed as soon as possible. Though the friction created waves of pleasure, the way he was holding you had you panting for more.

"Please, Finan, take them off." you looked into his eyes, which held an amused stare. He took your worn out image in, unable to believe how lucky he was. Any negative thought about the relationship between you two could be dealt with later, right now he had you securely in his arms, entirely fucked out without him even properly touching you yet.

You fastened your legs around his waist, which made him laugh. "You're telling me what to do now, is it?" truthfully, he would let you do or say anything you wanted. He was wrapped around your little fingers, and he knew it well.

"Love, I can't do what you ask if you continue to cling to me like a pup," he wore a toothy grin on his face, amusement growing in time with your own frustration. You loosened your thighs from his hold, and he set you down gently on your own bed. You fidgeted when you realised what would happen once his trousers were off, if you even managed to wait that long.

You watched him undo his breeches, only to around halfway, not even letting them slide down his legs before he came to you again. You leaned your head into his arm, nuzzling instinctively into his hold like some trained animal. You felt you would burst, declaring "I love you," before he could say anything else.

"I love you too, you and your ribbons." he flicked your braid with his finger, drawing you in to a loving kiss. You were slightly stunned at his lack of hesitation, any precaution having been abandoned by him. Finan felt it as well, the swell of pride that filled him as he announced his love for you, not even questioning the words. He knew them to be true, and he knew that with you as his woman, he was entirely complete.

Your next words, however, did catch him off guard.

"I've never been with a man, Finan." you confessed, maintaining eye contact with him as you waited for his reaction, worrying that he would be less eager to bed you with your inexperience. Finan tried to fight the impure thoughts as they wavered in his brain, unable to keep his hands off you as he thought of a way to reassure you without sounding too patronising, as he usually managed.

When he still didn't say anything, it prompted you to finally look away from him, wondering if he really cared about it as much as you thought.

"Hey, where's my lady gone?" he moved to sit beside you, feeling somewhat of a fool that his bulge was straining against the half of his breeches that still hung from his hips, and you with your dress bunched up so high that all he could think about were the stockings slipping down your delicate thighs. You didn't have the faintest idea of the impact you had on him right now.

He wasn't entirely sure how much more restraint he could exercise. "I don't care about that, I want to be the only man that ever gets to touch you from now on, anyway." he buffed his chest to try and make you laugh, but you didn't give him the satisfaction of laughing, too engrossed in lulling over the words he had just uttered.

"I want to be your only woman, Finan." and with that, you kissed him forcefully, adjusting your body so that you could straddle his frame, his heavy arms wrapping around your waist, bringing you further into his kiss. His hands moved down to your ass, squeezing firmly. Your mouth remained open when he allowed them to slip further down your thigh, toying with the hem of one of your stockings. They were cheap things, made for you with the purpose of convenience, and yet he was treating them like they were pure gold.

"I don't think I'll be sharing you with anyone anytime soon, love," he managed to whisper into your ear, your hands finding his hair and gripping tightly when he inserted two fingers into you, the promise of 'getting you ready for him' hanging in the air. The feeling was unlike anything you had experience, a welcome intrusion to your core. You felt his fingers curl, pushing up as far as they could go, meanwhile his thumb also occupied a space on your clit, rubbing ever so gently whenever he could to bring you pleasure.

You felt your thigh muscles trembling as you still straddled him on your knees, his head on your shoulder, occasionally kissing your neck, creating his own little mark on you. Finan knew he was possessive. He had to remind himself to be gentle with you, however, removing his fingers and inserting them again, wanting to tease you slightly.

You gave a quick tug to his thick hair in retaliation, which he seemed to like as he groaned and leaned back in order to see your face. You couldn't help a satisfied grin, otherwise looking rather empty as you thought of nothing but pleasure.

"Careful there," he said, returning his attention to kissing your neck, marking it with a slight bite. His warm lips on your skin affected you in ways you hadn't thought possible. You wondered why he hadn't put his fingers back inside of you, but you felt him fidget beneath you, until his cock was fully out, brushing back and forth against your sex. The two sensations together, of his lips and his cock, very nearly sent you over the edge embarrassingly soon.

The ghost of pleasure kept pulsating at your core, his hand moving his cock back and forth ever so slowly, sometimes seeming as though he was about to slip in and then releasing altogether from you. You hated it, the absence and the longing, playing tricks with your mind and turning you into some kind of depraved whore.

"Finan, I swear-"

"You swear what, lady?" he taunted you, still not close enough as his arm adjusted its claim around your waist, your breasts squishing into his own chest as you practically kneeled over the top of him, wanting to push him down to finish the job yourself.

"If you don't hump me soon, I will personally ban you from this very alehouse." shocked at your own feistiness, you hadn't imagined Finan to take your word so literally. Before you knew it, your back hit your bed of furs, and Finan now kneeled above you, playing with himself, tugging back and forth, his hard cock so prominent you felt it would break you.

And break you it did. His tip finally breached your walls, before his entire member felt your insides. Your core was so full, so unbelievably full. The pressure seemed to build before he even began to move, and you released several short pants, biting back a moan that he seemed to want to encourage out of you as he moved his hips just slightly, his muscled core meeting your soft, pliable thighs, now up in the air, hanging from his grip.

You were entirely at his mercy, so pliant for him, and so good for him. "I hadn't expected you to listen well, and you proved me right," he started, moving in and out once, so tantalisingly slowly that you felt every curve, vein and pulse going through him, "I told you to be careful, didn't I sweet girl?"

Though he was teasing, he still wanted to make sure you were okay. He didn't move until your face lost the scrunch and your eyes opened to look at him, heavy breathing turning into moans as your impatience move.

"Move, Finan." And that was all he needed to hear, moving in and out of you with some force, his hands clamping into the soft flesh of your thighs, still admiring the stockings that you wore, reminding himself to ask you to wear them more often.

Your lips fell open in a gasp when he sped up even more, soft 'good girls' coming from his lips in murmurs. He let go of one of your thighs, letting your leg fall to the bed, while his free hand now moved to your stomach, pressing down on your core and feeling exactly where he was inside of you. He pumped so rhythmically that you began to think you'd truly reached heaven, the additional pressure applied by his strong hands becoming too much for you.

He watched your face, assessing you to ensure you were still comfortable. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt you in any way. You felt funny, a strange tingling, almost like a warning, reaching your core.

"F-Finan, I think . . ."

He shushed you, understanding what you meant. Who was he to deny such a lovely maiden what she wanted? "Just breathe, Y/N, don't fight it, sweet girl," he guided you, the pressure of his hand increasing. He maintained his pace, feeling your walls tighten and squeeze around him, clamping so hard he struggled to keep up.

"Come on, there we are," he further encouraged, and normally, you'd tell him to shut up, his words embarrassing you slightly, but you were so filled with delicate pleasure that you couldn't risk losing it. The immense pinch in your core finally snapped, and you were coming around him, pumping him for all he was worth as your arousal came to its peak. Your face made him positively weak at the knees.

"There we go," he cooed, his hand coming to your clit to stimulate you more, though you began begging him not to, trying and failing to grab his wrist in the process. You bit your lip instead, eyes all glossy and strained as you looked at your lover as though he was God. Perhaps he was, because no mortal man should have been able to make you feel so good.

"Please come, Finan." you whined sweetly, and he could never deny you as he had done before. He would listen to you if you told him to do anything, let alone come, which he did gladly, pumping you full of his seed, thinking briefly about the pups you could share. The pups that you would share.

His heart pumped ten times as fast as he bred you, vowing to be the only man to touch you ever again. His possessiveness had seemed to grow in the last hour, and he lifted you suddenly onto his lap, caressing the top of your head as you panted in unison.

"We'll speak properly tomorrow," he began, stroking your now undone hair. Your ribbon barely hung on, and you wound it around his fingers, the fabric reminding him of your sweet confession, something that he knew he would tease you about for years to come, but secretly loved, "sleep for now, love."

He stayed awake for most of the night, observing you every now and then, mostly focusing on the sway of the candlelight. He had seen his lord go through so much, and now he had something too precious to lose, he vowed that the same would not happen to him. Even if it cost him his loyalty.

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Note: requested by an anon!

Warnings: the sickness????

pairing: Sihtric x you (x Finan)

summary: keeping your pregnancy a secret during the sickness did not go as planned

wordcount: 1,1k

Masterlist

'I hump my wife whenever I want, yes.'

'What are you looking for, Finan?' Osferth asked.

'Bodies!' Finan answered, cutting through the tall grass while covering his mouth and nose with a cloth.

You, Sihtric and Osferth glanced at each other as you relaxed and laid back in the grass.

'Eh?' Osferth said for all of you.

'Bodies!' Finan shouted again, 'I know the sickness is close!'

'Why are you shitting yourself?' Sihtric taunts. 

You snort at your husband's remark, who gives you a proud smirk.

'I've seen men as strong as bears at breakfast time,' Finan said, 'gurgling blood and pus by supper time! You little runt!' he snarled.

'Hey!' you gave Finan a disapproving look, but then grinned at Sihtric, loving how easy it was to rile the Irish man up right now.

You had been feeling a little under the weather yourself the past week. You knew if you told Finan, he would completely freak out, which could be funny, as you knew you weren't truly sick. But for Finan's own health, you decided against it.

Your travel continued, by foot. You and Sihtric walked with your fingers laced, and he kept you close at all times. Your husband noticed you hadn't been eating as well as usual, but to not freak Finan out, he decided to not bring it up yet, unless it would get worse or you would show signs of being ill.

Finan was the only one to hear you vomit one morning, near the river, and he stared at you, deadpan.

'The… the sickness,' he whispered with big eyes, pointing his sword's edge towards you from a safe distance.

'Finan,' you sighed and wiped your mouth, 'it's not the sickness, trust me,' you said and got up from your knees.

But as you set a step closer to Finan, the Irish man immediately took a step back. And so the dance began.

'Finan, don't be ridiculous!' you hissed, 'trust me, I'm fine.'

'Aye,' Finan said, 'and then catch the sickness myself, lady? I don't think so.'

You tried to walk back to camp but Finan blocked your way, from a safe distance still.

'Excuse me?' Your eyebrow raised so high, it almost hurt.

'You can't go back to the others,' Finan said firmly.

'Finan, you will let me go to my husband, right now, or I will cough in your face when you sleep!' you snarled.

Finan grimaced and took several steps back, allowing your passage back to camp, back to Sihtric.

Finan kept a close eye on you as the days progressed, and he was the only one aware of your early morning sickness. He did find it interesting no one else seemed to get sick like you, and he was especially puzzled that Sihtric didn't catch the sickness, knowing you and him were all over each other the whole day. Which kind of made Finan feel sick, but in a whole different way.

Unfortunately, Finan became more paranoid after the events earlier that day. You and the group you travelled with had been cornered, the only seemingly safe way out was through a river, which was filled with dead bodies, all victims of the horrible sickness. And it all spooked Finan even more.

'We can swim through!' your husband, the oaf, had blurted out, which you told him off for later, in private.

'Sihtric, why are you so reckless?' you asked.

'I am not!' Sihtric retorted, 'I just wanted everyone to get to safety.'

'By suggesting to swim through waters in which dead bodies lay? My love,' you sighed and rubbed your hands over your face. 

You absolutely loved Sihtric, but sometimes you wondered how he was still alive, being the way he is.

Sihtric didn't reply. Looking back, he knew he had been reckless, and he felt bad.

'You know I meant well,' he mumbled.

'I do,' you took his hands, 'but, Sihtric, you have to promise me to try and be more careful. Because I really need you here, with me,' you kissed his cheek, 'alive and well.'

'Did you wash your hands?' Finan asked you when you were making their dinner later that day.

'Yes. I washed them in that river, with the bodies!' you offered Finan a mean glare, and he returned the same face.

He went to sit at a safe distance while keeping his eyes on you. Sihtric was resting under a tree, several paces away from you, while the others were scouting the surrounding lands.

'You will kill us all,' Finan whispered, 'all of us, lady.'

'Will you shut up!' you hissed, glancing over your shoulder to make sure Sihtric wasn't catching any of this.

'Does Sihtric know? That you're dying?'

'Finan, will you shut your mouth?' you groaned, 'I am not dying! I do not have the sickness!'

'Aye, that's exactly what someone would say who is dying, because of the sickness!'

'Okay, listen,' you said as you had enough, 'don't tell anyone else, okay? But I am not sick. I am pregnant.'

Finan stared at you.

'Pregnant?!' He then blurted out loud.

You tried to hush him, but it was already too late. When you looked back over your shoulder, you saw your husband awake and alert, sitting up in the grass.

'You… you and Sihtric have been fooling around during the sickness?' Finan grimaced.

'Oh, I'm sorry. Just because your cock stops working when someone sneezes, doesn't mean that goes for everyone else!' you hissed.

Finan flared his nostrils. 'Lady, my co-'

'My love?' Sihtric frowned at the heated interaction as he walked over, 'what is going on?'

'You humped your wife while the sickness is going around?' Finan asked, stunned.

Sihtric shrugged and gave Finan a proud smile, 'I hump my wife whenever I want, yes.'

'And you got her pregnant?!'

'Finan, no!' you yelled. 

But it was too late. Sihtric's jaw had already dropped and his eyes were big, fixated on you.

'Is that… is that true?' he asked as he took your hands, 'darling are you… are we…'

'It's true,' you smiled, 'I carry your pup. And I couldn't be happier. I really wanted to tell you myself,' you said, 'and not like this. But the Irish loud mouth had to ruin it,' you glared at Finan.

Sihtric teared up and even Finan softened now, when he finally realised you weren't a threat to his health.

'Lady,' Finan said as he finally approached you, 'I owe you an apology.'

'Apology?' Sihtric frowned as he pulled you in his arms, 'what did he do, darling?'

'Your friend here has been harassing me for days,' you hissed at Finan, 'he heard me vomit one morning, you know, morning sickness, but he thought I caught the sickness.'

'I did,' Finan admitted, 'and I was wrong. I am sorry.'

'Is that why you're not eating as much lately?' Sihtric asked you, 'I noticed it but as you seemed fine otherwise, I didn't want to scare anyone else.'

'Yes,' you admitted, 'I hoped you wouldn't pick up on it, my love. But I've passed those days already,' you smiled, 'I am feeling good now. Just, maybe, a little worried about the pup, you know? Of course the sickness worries me too.'

'Lady,' Finan said, 'I promise I will look out for you,' he looked at Sihtric, 'I promise, mate. We have to keep your woman safe.'

'I know,' Sihtric swallowed hard, still trying to grasp that he was becoming a father, 'I… I will.'

'We will,' Finan said, 'aye? We will keep her safe.'

taglist: @clairacassidy @finanmoghra @uunotheangel @hb8301 @bathedinheat @neonhairspray @anaeve @bubblyabs @travelingmypassion @sylas-the-grim @bubbles-for-all-of-us @andakth @bel-bottoms @willowbrookesblog @lady-targaryens-world @skyofficialxx @diosademuerte @elle4404 @alexagirlie @sweetxime @solango @gemini-mama @cheyennep3107 @little-diable @jennifer0305 @drwstarkeyy @mrsarnasdelicious

[kingdom-of-sins]

Finan x nun!Reader

Osferth having a mental breakdown as he watches Finan get a little too close with a beautiful nun. Osferth's pov

The abbey was a welcome refuge from the cold, wet night. Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth were grateful to be out of the rain and under a sturdy roof, even if it meant they had to keep their voices down and behave themselves—at least somewhat. The nuns offered them food and dry clothes, which the group accepted with much appreciation.

As they settled in, Osferth noticed Finan’s eyes wandering. It wasn’t surprising, really. Finan was always the first to notice a pretty face, and tonight was no different. The young nun who had helped bring them food had caught his eye, and Osferth could see the spark of interest in Finan’s gaze.

“Finan,” Osferth whispered as they sat near the hearth, the others engrossed in their meal. “You do realize she’s a nun, right?”

Finan shot him a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling. “Aye, I know, baby monk. Doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the beauty of God’s creation, now does it?”

Osferth’s eyes widened, and he leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a harsh whisper. “She’s taken vows, Finan! She’s dedicated her life to God!”

Finan shrugged, clearly unbothered. “God’s not the only one who can make a woman smile, Osferth. Besides, we’re just talking.”

But Osferth knew that “just talking” with Finan often led to far more, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a terrible idea. He watched with mounting dread as Finan made his way over to where the nun was tidying up, striking up a conversation that seemed far too charming for a simple discussion about bread and wine.

As the evening wore on, Osferth couldn’t help but keep an eye on Finan, who was making the nun laugh with what had to be inappropriate jokes. The young monk’s nerves were fraying by the minute, and he could barely focus on his prayers.

When night fell, the abbey grew quiet, save for the occasional creak of the wooden beams or the rustle of the wind outside. Osferth found himself unable to sleep, his mind spinning with worry about Finan’s behavior. What if something happened? What if the abbot found out? The thought of it all made him shudder.

Unable to bear the anxiety any longer, Osferth decided to check on Finan. He crept through the darkened halls, moving as quietly as he could. But as he rounded a corner, he came to a sudden halt. There, in the dim light of a single candle, was Finan. And there was the nun, standing much too close to him.

Osferth’s breath caught in his throat as he saw Finan lean in, his lips brushing against the nun’s. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she kissed him back, her hands coming up to rest on his shoulders. Osferth’s eyes widened in shock, and he spun around, desperate to flee before they noticed him.

But in his haste, he stumbled over a loose stone and fell forward, landing on his knees with a loud thud. The noise echoed through the hall, and Osferth froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He dared a glance over his shoulder, and to his horror, Finan and the nun were both staring at him, wide-eyed.

“Osferth!” Finan’s voice was a harsh whisper, both surprised and amused. “What are you doing here?”

Osferth scrambled to his feet, his face burning with embarrassment. “I-I was just… I didn’t… I mean, you… you can’t do that!”

Finan smirked, clearly unfazed. “Can’t do what, exactly?”

Osferth gestured wildly between the two of them. “That! You can’t… she’s a nun! You can’t just kiss her!”

Finan chuckled, his voice low. “Looks like I can, baby monk.”

The nun blushed, taking a step back, her eyes flickering between Finan and Osferth. “I… I should go.”

She hurried off down the hall, leaving Finan and Osferth standing there in awkward silence. Finan turned to Osferth, still grinning. “You really know how to kill a mood, don’t you?”

Osferth was flabbergasted. “You can’t just kiss a nun! She’s pledged her life to God!”

Finan shrugged, utterly shameless. “Aye, well, I just borrowed a bit of her time, didn’t I?”

Osferth didn’t know whether to be angry or horrified. “This is wrong, Finan! You could get us all in trouble!”

Finan clapped him on the shoulder. “Relax, Osferth. No harm done. Now, let’s get you back to bed before you give yourself a heart attack.”

Osferth wanted to protest, but he was too flustered to form a coherent argument. Instead, he followed Finan back to their quarters, his mind racing with thoughts of sin and scandal.

The next morning, Osferth sat with Uhtred and Sihtric, still troubled by the events of the previous night. He hesitated, then decided he had to tell someone. He leaned in closer to them, his voice low. “Finan… he… he kissed a nun.”

Uhtred raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Did he now?”

Sihtric chuckled. “A nun? Really?”

Osferth nodded, his expression serious. “It’s not funny! He could get us all in trouble!”

Uhtred and Sihtric exchanged a look, then burst out laughing, much to Osferth’s dismay. “Oh, come on, baby monk,” Uhtred said, clapping him on the back. “You’ve got to admit, it’s a bit funny.”

Osferth sighed, realizing he wasn’t going to get any sympathy from them. He could only shake his head and mutter another prayer, hoping that this would be the end of Finan’s mischief.

But as he glanced across the room, he saw Finan wink at the nun as she passed by, and Osferth knew with a sinking feeling that this was far from over.

[loveslibrarywp]

Worship and desire

Osferth x Fem!reader

Summary: You and Osferth have been in a secret relationship for some time. After a long day of traveling, Uhtred’s crew settle down in a secluded forest for the night. When the men fall asleep, you pull your lover away for some…quality time.

Warnings: NSFW. Cock worship. P in V sex. Outdoor sex. Praise kink. Blowjob. Mentions of religion. Lowkey subspace.

Authors note: Just a silly little thought that’s been on my mind. Enjoy ❤️

“Where are we going, my love?” Osferth whispered as you drug him deeper into the forest. You didn’t answer and continued to guided him through the trees until you were far enough away from the sleeping men.

You softly pushed him against a nearby tree, pressing yourself against him. Your gaze was full of lust and desire. You wanted him. You smiled up at the man, finally getting a moment of alone time with him after so long.

“Hi.” You said, your breath fanning onto his lips because you were so close to him. He laughed, “Hi.” He replied as he pulled you closer by your waist. Your arms slung around his neck and you pulled him into a fierce kiss.

Your lips moved together. All of your emotions pouring out into it, your bodies connecting as one. The kiss was hot and wet and messy, just how you liked it. “I’ve missed you..” you mumbled against his lips, which made him smirk against yours.

“I missed you too, my sweet lady.” He said into the kiss. Your hands were all over him, as were his. You both had gone so long without touching each other, you were burning in desire. “Osferth..” you whined as you pulled away from him and stared up at him with lusty eyes.

“Yes, my love?” He asked, your hands held his face and caressed his cheeks. “I need you..” you said as your hands trailed down his chest and your head dipped into his neck, nipping at his soft skin. His breath shuttered at your words, making you let out a little giggle at his nervousness.

No matter how many times he had laid with you, he was still so shy. Your sweet little monk.

You felt his cock harden in his trousers. You knelt down on your knees in front of him, your eyes never leaving his. Your actions made his own eyes go wide because he knew exactly what was about to happen.

You yanked down his trousers to pull out his semi-hard cock. “We’re doing this here? Right now?” He asked with a ‘are you crazy?’ Look on his adorable face. You only nodded your head with that crazed look in your eye.

You pumped his cock in your warm hand, making him throw his head back in pleasure. “Look at me, sweet boy.” You demanded with a soft voice. His gaze fixed back onto you. As you stared into his eyes, you licked the tip of his cock. The salty taste of his pre-cum made you close your eyes and groan, as did he at the feeling.

You began to kiss along his length, savoring the feeling of it against your soft lips. “Such a pretty cock, baby..” you mumbled, licking up his cock and kissing the tip. He gaped at you with a look as if he were in love with you. He was in love with you.

“I love it so much..” you sucked on the tip, licking up all the pre-cum that leaked from it. You moaned and whined as you sucked his cock, the feeling of it in your mouth made you all needy and whiny. Your undergarments were practically soaked in your own arousal. “I love you so much..” you said as you ran a finger down a vein.

“I love you too!” He breathed out. He was whimpering and groaning as you bobbed your head on his cock, stumbling on his words as he spoke, “just…just l-like that.”

You took your mouth off him and began stroking him again, your eyes were pleasing with him, a pout plastered on your messy and wet lips. You looked angelic, like the most perfect being that ever walked this earth. He thought he had died and gone to the heavens when he was blessed with your presence. You were truly a gift from God.

“It’s so perfect..” you said as you gazed at the tip of his cock, watching a bead of cum drip down the side of his cock, which you quickly licked up. “You’re so perfect, Osferth.” You gleamed as your eyes fixed onto him, looking fucked out as can be.

“N-No, my love. That’s you..” he stuttered. A soft smile came from his panting lips. You giggled as you shook your head, disagreeing with him.

“Please, I need your cunt..” he begged for you. His begging ignited something inside you. You quickly nodded at his pleads, giving his cock one more kiss before standing up.

He pressed you against the tree and bent you over. Osferth hiked up your dress and stopped at the sight of the growing wet spot on your cotton panties. His fingers reached for the spot, the tips of them rubbing against the cotton, making you moan out.

“Please, Osferth..” now you were the one begging. His hand yanked your panties to the side and grabbed his cock, running the tip over your dripping slit. He pressed himself into you, the first thrust making you both moan in pleasure.

He started at a slow pace, like he was making love to you. You often adored when he treated you with such kindness and devotion but you wanted to be fuck tonight.

“Os, baby? I need you to fuck me. Hard.” You said with an urgent tone. He nodded his head, fulfilling your need as swiftly as he could. His once soft thrusts turned into hard and deep ones.

He continuously hit that one spot deep inside you that had you seeing stars. Your moans grew louder and echoed into the darkness of the night. “Fuck! Right there, sweet boy. Keep fucking me like that!”

He fed on your praises and savored the feeling of your wet and warm cunt as he fucked it as if we’re a toy. “Lord-“ he groaned out, his cock throbbing inside of you as you clenched down onto him.

A smile was painting on your fucked out face as he slammed his hips onto yours, your ass jiggling at the motion. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as he gave you a particularly hard thrust, almost hitting your cervix.

“Your cock is so good, Osferth! You fuck me so well!” You moaned as you gripped onto the tree in front of you. You felt your arousal drip down your thighs and the wet sounds of your cunt mixed with his groans only added to the pleasure you were feeling.

“Holy-, don’t talk like that, my love. I’ll finished too quick.” He breathed out as he held your hips hard, he was definitely going to leave bruises with his death grip on them.

“I’m so close! I want you to finish with me..” you gasped. The two of you were so near the edge of your peaks, so close to finishing together. His cock was throbbing inside of you and you were clenching onto him like you life depended on it.

“-‘m cumming!” You barely managed to shout out, your cunt spasmed onto him and your legs began to shake. Osferth fucked you through your orgasam as he chased his own, groaning at the feeling of your mixed arousal dripping down his balls.

“Fuck!” He quickly slipped out of you, jerking himself off onto your back, His spend shooting out onto your ass and back.

You both panted as you caught your breaths from the intense sensations. You shook as he took a handkerchief from his pocket and cleaned you both up. He leaned you up to press a delicate kiss on your cheek and held you close to him by the waist. He moved your cotton panties back in place and fixed your dress.

“I love you, my beautiful lady.” He whispered into your eyes, pressing his lips anywhere he could reach. “I love you too, sweet boy.” You said as you leaned your head back and rested against his shoulder, savoring the moment together.

• • •

You had finally woken up and walked out of your shared tent to see the men huddled around the fire and eating some breakfast.

“Oh! Look who finally decided to wake up!” Uhtred laughed, which made you roll your eyes and sitting down next to him as you hit him in the arm. “She needed her beauty sleep after the…rough night she had last night. Baby monk here really did a number on her if you didn’t hear it last night!” Finan laughed as he shook Osferth who was beside him.

Your eyes went wide and Osferth went red. They had heard you. You were sure you went far enough so they didn’t.

“I think we all heard it..” Sihtric sighed.

[witchthewriter]

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝

⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

a/n: thank you for the request anon!

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓: You're in an established relationship, known each other for a few months. ⋆.˚🦢⋆

𝑼𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅

・Uhtred picks up on it instantly.

・Once Uhtred understands how touch-starved you are, he becomes a little obsessed with making sure you feel safe in his presence.

・So Uhtred starts to touch you more; a hand on your back when you walk together, holding your wrist and giving it a tight squeeze when he wants your attention, leaning against you casually, running a hand down your arm, holding your cheek for a few moments before he has to leave etc.

・And when you go out together, his focus is on you.

・Because if someone gets too close than his arm is around your waist, pulling you to his side.

・And if you're nervous in a crowd? Unsure of where to go because of the mass of people - then Uhtred places a hand on your back and guides you to somewhere less overwhelming.

・Oh ... and if somehow you ended up hurt; then he would hold you/set you on his lap while he checks your injuries. And in a low, serious voice says: “Let me see, love. Let me take care of you.”

・Once he notices that you’re leaning into his touch more and more, he starts teasing you mercilessly.

"Oh, now you have gone soft, now you whimper when I stop touching you!"

・And OBVIOUSLY, you aren't going to let that slide. So, you move out of his embrace and do not seek it out for some time.

・However... Uhtred didn't realise how much he needed your touch just as much (he would never admit it though)

・So, he seeks you out and kisses your hand.

"You need this, little one. Now come here.”

𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏

・Once Finan figures out just how touch-starved you are, a terrible mistake has been made! Now you are never getting rid of him!

“You were never meant to go without love. Never. And I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you never do again.”

・Finan doesn't think much of it at first; he's a naturally touchy person; clapping people on the back, throwing an arm around shoulders, tugging at tunics etc,.

・But when he notices little things about you, for example: How you lean into his touches, watching longingly at others who so freely express their feelings through touch.

・He sees the flash of hurt, and sometimes jealousy.

・And once he puts two and two together...his heart crumbles, because he feels like he's let you down.

・From that moment on, he decided that this relationship just got a whole lot more clingier.

・The next time he saw you, he ran up and spun you around, setting you down and giving you kiss. An arm moved to your waist and he kept you close.

・Now, he always keeps you close. No matter where you are. He'll have an arm around your shoulders when you're walking. A hand on your knee when you sit together.

・Even pulls you onto his lap - at every chance he gets.

・Whenever he feels you pulling away, he says:

“If I go even a single hour without touching you, I fear I may wither away and die. Do you want my death on your hands, love? Do you?”

𝑺𝒊𝒉𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄

・Sihtric notices before you even realise it yourself

・He's always watching you; you are his afterall.

・And he noticed that every time he puts a hand on your waist, you lean into it, when you hug - you're never the first to pull away.

・Once he sees just how much you crave romantic touch, but are too hesitant to ask for it...he makes sure that it becomes apart of your daily life.

・For example: when you’re sitting by the fire, he casually tugs your legs over his lap, when you're together, you are connected somehow i.e., holding hands, playing with hair, sitting on his lap.

・And you know what, Sihtric is NOT the freely affectionate type. However you? You are the exception:

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

・Because of this, a thought found its way into Sihtric...maybe he was touch-starved too?

・Because he holds you like he's afraid to let go. He wasn't raised with affection and kindness. Hugs seemed like some sort of sign of respect. So, he felt he did not deserve them.

・But coming to know that you connect with that thought made him want to weep. Because you deserve everything.

・And Sihtric, being Sihtric, he becomes attuned to your every movements.

・So when it comes to you? He notices every single time you crave touch.

・And he acts accordingly. With him, you never feel unloved, or unworthy.

・Sihtric makes you feel like the most important person in the world.

“You feel like home.”

𝑶𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒉

・At first, Osferth doesn’t notice. Not because he’s oblivious, but because he’s so used to restraining himself.

・But when he finally realises, everything changes.

・And suddenly, you have a shadow who refuses to leave your side.

・The moment he realises it, was a complete accident. You're both in front of the fire, and exhaustion creeps up on you. And you fall asleep.

・Osferth, has no idea what to do. At first, he freezes. Then he realizes...you trust him enough to let your guard down. To fall asleep and do so on him, with your head in his lap, and hand gripping his wrist.

・Touch for Osferth makes his heart beat like nothing else has. And it's all to do with you:

“I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything the way I want you.”

・It nearly knocks the breath from his lungs. He feels so needed.

・He doesn't want to make you uncomfortable, so he's slow about introducing more touch.

・I.e., a lingering hand on your wrist when he helps you up, a brush of his fingers against yours when he hands you something, his shoulder pressing against yours when you sit together.

・Osferth never thought he was the possessive type. But one day, someone got too close to you. Too touchy, too flirty.

・And suddenly Osferth's hand is on your waist, tugging you back against him.

"I suggest you leave. Now." And he says it with such conviction, you think he might actually start a fight...

・Now Osferth craves this touch just as much as you.

“I hope you never stop reaching for me.”

𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒈𝒈𝒓

・The moment he figures out you crave touch, specifically his touch, he becomes extremely territorial.

・His attention rarely leaves you.

・And he starts touching you effortlessly.

・When you sit next to him, his arm is draped over the back of your seat, trails his fingers down your arm absentmindedly, cups the back of your neck when he talks to you etc,.

・This one time, he noticed how much you wanted to touch him but you were hesitating. Sigtryggr did not like that.

・He leant close and whispered in your ear:

“You want something, little one? Take it.”

・From then on you felt comfortable showing your affection, and being open about the need for it as well.

・For a long time, Sigtryggr tells himself this is all about you.

・That he’s just giving you what you need.

・But then he starts to notice:

How he sleeps better when you’re curled against him.

How he misses your warmth when you’re gone too long.

How his hands itch to touch you when you’re too far away.

“I don’t just touch you because you need it. I do it because I like it.”

[pyschosoda]

Please, Lord

Lord!Osferth x Servant!Reader

a/n: omg!! sorry this took so long I had crazy writers block all the sudden but I hope you enjoy it!!! (o^^o) I’m going to try to write the first chapter to my OsferthxOC fic before starting my other requests so be on the lookout for that!! :3c

requested by - @slytherincursebreaker

It was no secret that Osferth was a kind lord, often treating his servants fairly and giving them generous pay. 

Some might be shocked to find out that the ex-monk had taken one of his sweet little servants to be his bed warmer.

And what a pretty thing she was. He would often wake up first just to simply admire her before she slipped away so as not to be discovered by anyone. 

“Osferth...” a quiet, wispy voice pierces through his thoughts. 

His orbs are focusing on hers as they peak through her lashes like how the sun currently peaks over the horizon. 

“I told you to wake me if I slept too long,” his eyes never leaving her frame as she sat up with a stretch, her own eyes searching the room for her clothes. 

“You were pretty tired after last night, so I thought I’d let you sleep,” he responded as his fingertips gently glide across her back.

She rolls her eyes, a smile forming on her face as she stands up. 

“stay,” 

It wasn’t a command from her lord but rather a plea from a man who felt nothing but love for the maiden who had just left his bed. 

“I cannot,” she simply says as she begins collecting her clothes. “You know this.” 

“Surely a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt?”

His sweet little secret laughs as she slips on her clothes. “See you at breakfast, my lord.”

Osferth slumps back down against the pillow, a sigh escaping his lips as she leaves the room. 

Your day was the same as the last, and the last like the day before. You had a routine that more often than not involved waking up in your lord's bed.

Wake up, help prepare breakfast, serve breakfast, clean, occasionally keep Lord osferth company, sleep, and repeat.

That was your schedule, one that you hoped would never change. 

You were often one of the first people in the kitchen; most just assumed you to be eager to please their lord, and they were right in a sense, just not in that way. 

Occasionally, you’d break your daily routine to help the new servants with their tasks, helping them get the hang of things before going back to whatever your task was.

Some thought you were a pushover, doing whatever was asked of you, but you were simply returning the favor that was given to you by one of the older serving ladies who worked there before you; her name was Olga.

You often worked with her in the kitchen, much like you were now. 

“Lord Osferth seems to have taken a liking to you,” Olga teases as she prepares one of the dishes. Olga was a kind old lady, but she was rather nosy and loved to gossip. 

“what?” You shake your head. “No, he hasn’t,” you deny. “He’s just nice." You thought for a moment that Olga was suspecting something, that perhaps you and Osferth hadn’t been as careful as you two thought. 

“He’s nice to everyone, darling, but he doesn’t undress them with his eyes." Olga points at you with the spoon in her hand, making a suggestive face.

“Olga!” You gasp with a laugh. “Lord Osferth is a kind man; he wouldn’t do that.”

“Every man does it,” the older woman shrugs. “Look, when you go out there, watch his eyes; you’ll see they never leave you, not once!”

You don’t reply to the old maid, simply taking the plate from her and making your way out of the kitchen with Olga’s words fresh on your mind. 

Surely she wasn’t right; you were just his bed warmer, not that Olga knew that...hopefully.

You pulled yourself away from your thoughts as you approached the table.

“Enjoy your breakfast, Lord,” you say softly as you place his plate down, sparing him a glance.

He had already been looking at you; had he been looking at you the whole time, like Olga said? The thought made you smile. 

His own lips curling into a smile as you retreat into the kitchen, his eyes never once leaving you. 

You woke up with an uncomfortable tension building up in your throat, your face scrunching up as you hold back a gag. 

You clumsily wrap a thin robe around yourself as you make haste to find a bucket. 

Whether it was your harsh stumbling into the bathroom or you emptying all the food you ate that day into the bucket that woke up a few of the other servants, you weren’t sure, but you were thankful as one of the girls moved your hair out of the way as you threw up. 

This happened several times over the past week; you’d throw up just before the sun came out, then get dressed and get to work. 

You feared you came down with the sickness; you prayed that wasn't the case and your prayers would be answered. 

“I fear you may be pregnant,” Olga had said.

“what?” Your eyes move away from the bowl you had been mixing, over to the older maid.

"No, I am not," I can't be pregnant, the phrase repeated in your mind like a begging tune. 

“You’re questioning a woman who's given birth to three children; I think I would know, darling." She said more, but you weren’t listening anymore. Quickly you left the kitchen, letting Olga finish breakfast herself. 

I can't be pregnant; you prayed, and your prayers would go unanswered. 

You were pregnant. Olga was right; you were sure of it. Between the morning sickness, weird cravings, and mood swings, you were sure of it. 

oh god…You barely had the money to take care of yourself...How were you going to take care of a child—let alone the child of the man you worked for? Thoughts like those circled your brain day and night until finally you began to withdraw yourself. 

That included avoiding Osferth like the sickness himself, and he began to notice after you barely spoke a word to him when he asked you to meet him in his chambers, then failed to do so twice.  

He began to think perhaps he had done something wrong, or maybe you’d grown tired of the arrangement between you too. 

He had hoped that wasn’t the case, but you never gave him the chance to ask. 

Every time he looked for his sweet maiden, you were nowhere to be found, or you’d dash away before you could be seen. 

Osferth had enough. 

He was tired of seeing her duck around corners or flat out running away when she’d spot him in the halls; each time he had tried to speak with her, she’d find a way out.

He was sick of it. 

The thoughts of how to approach this situation plagued his mind, keeping him from sleeping. 

With an aggravated sigh, he swings his feet over the side of his bed, placing them on the floor as he prepares to venture out into the cold halls of the night to clear his head. 

‘What did I do wrong?’ He questions as he walks, ‘Why was she avoiding me?’ 

He was so lost in these thoughts he had almost missed the sound coming from the kitchen. His steps pause as he listens, and again, there was the same sound.

Slowly he creeped towards the kitchen door, peeking through the crack, looking for the intruder. 

But he didn’t find one; instead, he found the girl who plagued his mind day and night; he found you. 

He stood there for only a moment longer, not wanting to waste this authority that was given to him. 

“Why are you up so late?” He spoke up from behind her; despite his voice being gentle, he still startled her in the process. 

He watched as she hesitated to meet his gaze, settling to look at the floor beneath his feet instead as she timidly placed her fork down, so that was the noise he had heard. She had gotten up in the middle of the night to...eat?

“My Lord i-“

“Have you not been eating enough?” 

She wasn’t sure how she wanted to respond. His question caught her off guard. How was she supposed to answer his question without giving too much away? 

He picked up on her hesitation to answer his question, so he asked a different one.

“Why have you been avoiding me?”

Her hesitation only grows, her appetite long gone as her eyes look for something to look at that isn't him. She missed Osferth, even if she tried to deny it, but should she tell him? It's his baby; of course she should...But she was scared; she needed the money, and in truth she had hoped to keep this secret a little longer.

“We shouldn’t talk about this here, Osferth." She whispers, meeting his gaze with a pleading one.

“To my chambers then,” he urges. 

The walk to his chambers was awkward to say the least. Your head tilted down, not daring to look at Osferth.

Osferth’s eyes were straight forward, not daring to look at you. Not a word was spoken between the two. 

Neither of you wanted to be the first to speak up; both of you were stuck in your thoughts, figuring out what to say. 

You pull yourself from the sound of your shoes hitting the ground as he opens the door to his chambers. 

“Why have you been avoiding me?” he repeats as they enter. 

“I…I'm sorry, my lord.“

“Have I done something to upset you? offend you maybe?”

She pauses, mouth gaping like a fish. “No! No… My lord, you’ve done nothing of the sort.”

“Then why have you been avoiding me? please!  I wish to make this right…”

She shifts in her spot, battling with herself if she should tell him. He had the right to know, she concluded. 

“Lord,” she whispers, her gaze meeting his pleading one.

“Osferth,” she corrects louder this time.

“I’m… I'm with the child," she admits, her hands anxiously attacking each other. 

“Your child,” she clarifies.

Osferth was in shock.

pregnant.

with his child?

“And...and you’re certain?” he questions 

She nods, pinching at the skin around her nail.

“And it’s…it’s mine?”

She nods again, her pinching nails piercing the skin as her vision gets foggy, her lip quivering. 

How could he let this happen? 

A bastard.  That’s what was brewing in her belly.

his blood.

His bastard blood passed down onto another.

Thats what he was; all he had been at one point was nothing more than Alfred’s Bastard. There was a time when he was scared that’s all he ever would be; he swore he would never condemn his child to a fate like his, and yet he had grown careless.

No. 

He wouldn’t allow his child to face the same curséd life that was forced upon him; he wouldn’t make the same mistake his father had. 

Osferth must’ve been silent for longer than he thought because the girl before him began to weep. 

“P-Please Lord!” 

The cold ground left bruises on her knees as they collided. 

Osferth couldn’t tell if she had fallen to the ground in an attempt to beg or because her legs simply gave out.

“Please!” She cried out again. “I’ll leave without trouble once I’ve saved enough money! I won't ask you for anything more!” She let the words tumble from her mouth before her thoughts could catch them. 

“No one will know the babe is yours; just please don't cast me out! I need the money!” she babbles 

“Cast you out...?” He asks, "I wouldn't...I won’t do that.”

Her frantic begs stop as she looks up at him. “You…you wont?”

Shaking his head, he kneels in front of her. “Never,” he assures her as he places his gentle hands on her tear-soaked cheeks. 

"I won’t let you face this alone, not when I'm at fault for it,” he says, wiping her tears before continuing.

"I’ll do what my father could not,” he whispers, “this baby will not be a bastard.” One of his hands moves to cup the back of her neck.

"What are you saying..." She meets his gaze.

“Marry me…” His voice shakes as the words leave his lips.

“…What?”

“Marry me,” he said, with more confidence. "I’ll be a good father; give this baby what I never had,” he promises. 

“Please, I love you." He admits, “Please marry me.”

She wasn't sure what to say, too overwhelmed with emotions. She wasn't sure if she was going to smile or cry again, so she did both. 

Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she presses her lips against his in a quick and inexperienced kiss. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” she agrees.

He cups the back of her head, holding her against him as a smile of his own appears on his lips. He would be a good father, he promised; he’d give his child a life that wasn’t granted to him. 

[magravenwrites]

Do Not Go Where I Cannot Follow:

Part 2:

Finan x Reader

A/N: First of all a massive thank you to @axe-does-writing for beta reading this for me, you're the best! 🥰

Secondly, I can only apologise that its taken me so long to write part 2 of this (I can't believe its been nearly 12 months 💀), I am incredibly grateful to everyone who commented and has patiently waited for this. I have parts 3 and 4 already mostly written so I promise not to make you wait too long for the next instalments!

There isn't any direct Finan x reader interaction in this part but I will make up for that in the following parts.

Warnings: symptoms of sickness, angst, mild panic attack, established relationship

I hope you enjoy!!!

Part 1

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or GIF

After a fitful rest in which you had tossed and turned trying to alleviate the aches that had settled  throughout your body, you groggily opened your eyes.  

The light was growing dim outside, it must be almost dusk by your reckoning.

The sound of faint voices, speaking in hushed whispers reached your ears from the next room, and you attempted to catch more of their conversation.

“...can’t stay here much longer…”

“...find a healer…”

Groaning, you swung your legs over the edge of your bed as you prepared to stand.  Assessing yourself, you found you felt marginally better than you did prior to your sleep.  You no longer felt as though you were burning up; you were still quite warm, but your skin no longer held that clammy quality it had before your nap.  You still had lingering aches and a headache that pounded behind your eyes, but you no longer felt like you were dead on your feet.  

With any luck, it might not be the sweating sickness, perhaps you had just grown overtired after travelling for so long after all.  One could but hope.

Making your way into the next room, you found Osferth and Eadith exchanging worried glances over a very ill looking Aelfwynn, who lay unconscious on the bed between them.

Eadith was the first to see you, she gently smiled as her eyes looked you over.  

“How are you feeling?”  

Before you could open your mouth to reply, Osferth cut in.

“You look awful.”

“Thanks,”  you deadpanned.

“I’m sure what Osferth meant was-”

“I know what he meant,” you rolled your eyes, “He’s fussing, as normal.  I was going to say I feel a little better, actually.”  Pulling yourself to stand a little straighter.  

“How’s Aelfwynn?” you asked, your eyes casting back over the young girl laying between them.

“About the same.”  Osferth’s eyes returned to the sleeping girl.

“Her breathing has become more laboured, I fear she needs a healer before she gets any worse.”  Eadith anxiously added.

“I’ve told you, neither Aelfwynn nor Y/N are strong enough to travel and I am not leaving you here undefended to go and find a healer,”  came his hot reply.  

Clearly this was an argument you had missed while you were sleeping.

“Then you stay here and I shall find one.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, I am not letting you go out there alone, especially with your brother still on our tail,” he gestured wildly.

“That’s exactly why we can't stay here!”

The constant bickering between the two of them was starting to make your head spin as the pair of them became increasingly irate with the other.  You couldn’t help but feel partly responsible for the argument.  If you weren’t as ill they wouldn’t be as afraid to travel and you would probably be halfway to Mercia by now, or at least able to travel to find a healer.

“ENOUGH! Both of you!” You immediately regretted raising your voice, the pounding pain behind your eyes worsened causing you to feel mildly nauseous, almost reminiscent of better times spent with your husband in the inn consuming too much ale - or more specifically the hangover that followed the morning after.

“This isn’t helping Aelfwynn.”  you continued.  

You gently lowered yourself on the cot at Aelfwynn’s side, feeling the girl's forehead with the back of your hand.  Her skin was hot to the touch and tacky as a layer of sweat sheened on her brow from the fever.  Your eyes scanned the rest of her, watching as her chest rose and fell quickly with shallow breaths, you could hear the rasp of her laboured breathing without the need to lower your head to her chest.  You did not have much time to delay.

You heaved a sigh through your nose.  “Eadith is right.  She needs a healer or I fear she does not have much time left.”

“We cannot-”

“Osferth, if we stay here, Eadith’s brother will find us.  We should move back into the forest and start heading for Mercia.  With luck, we will find a healer on the road who can tend to Aelfwynn.  If that should fail, at least we will be closer to her mother should the need arise.”

You all fell silent for a time, watching the sleeping girl, lost in your own thoughts, praying that the worst wouldn’t come to pass.  

She was just a child, the thought of her passing, away from her family no less, was nearly unbearable.  You would make sure you did everything in your power to make sure that didn’t happen.  No matter the cost.

Feeling a pair of eyes boring into the side of your head, you raised your eyes away from Aelfwynn and caught Osferth’s weighted gaze.  

It seemed that you both said a thousand things in that one look without having uttered a single word.  An understanding passed between you both at that moment.  

You both knew you were not strong enough to travel.

You both knew there was nothing on this earth that would stop you from going.  

There was no other option.

With a lump forming in your throat, you took a deep breath, diverting your gaze away, not being able to hold the truths, concern and guilt reflected in his gaze.

“It is too late in the day to travel now and we all need a few more hours of rest.  Provided Aelfwynn does not worsen in the night, we will leave at first light for the forest and start making our way to Mercia.” Your quiet order carried to the others.  

With that, you stood and made your way outside, desperately needing the cooling evening air to freshen you.  

You only just made it outside the door before leaning against the wall as you broke into sobs, the panic curling through you causing your chest to go tight.  You slid down the wall until you were sitting, your knees pulled up to your chest.

You rubbed at your chest uncomfortably, that tight feeling in your chest becoming an undeniable pulling sensation.  You tried to suppress it, knowing the others were only just through the door, but the more you tried to stop yourself, the worse it became until your whole throat stung.  Before long you were wracked with a coughing fit, coughing so hard it felt as though you would cough up a lung.  It stung across the top of your chest, and made your head pound.  More tears stung in your eyes and the whole process felt like an endless cycle.  The more you cried, the worse the coughing got, the worse your head pounded which just led to more tears.

After what felt like an eternity it started to subside.

Resting your head on your knees, you tried to regulate your breathing, attempting to stop the tears.

In that moment all you could think of was how much you missed Finan.  You felt almost hollow. 

All you wanted was to be held in your husband's arms.  For Finan to hold you, tuck your head under his chin and kiss your head, telling you everything would be alright.

But that wasn't possible.  Because you had sent him away.

Why hadn't you just been honest with him as Osferth had suggested?  

You could have stayed behind with Finan to recover while Osferth and Eadith took Aelfwynn to Mercia.  It would have made sense.

No.  Now you were being selfish.  

You pulled your head up and let it rest against the cold wall behind you, letting the fresh air dry your tear-marked cheeks.  

It was still best that he had left for Mercia with Uhtred.  He was safer there.  You would be joining him soon anyway.  

You would be feeling better in a few days, you would find him in Mercia, have the reunion you promised to your husband with him none the wiser about your condition, Aelfwynn would be cured and with her mother, and all of this would be over.

You steeled yourself, pulling yourself up from the ground, still leaning against the wall for support as the world tilted slightly.

The rest of the men had always said you had a fire and determination that rivaled your husbands; it was what made you such a good match in their eyes.  

Taking a steadying breath you made your way back inside to get some more rest.  You needed to recover as much strength as you could for your journey.  

You were going to get better.  Everything would be alright.

You had a promise to keep.

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

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Hope you enjoyed Part 2!

Parts 3 & 4 will hopefully be posted soon!

@axe-does-writing @solinarimoon @emilyhufflepufftlk @morosemagick @madrielite @troyottonick @jasontoddorjasongrace @glorywielder101 @fandomonetwo @vargassdottir @namjin44life @thatawkwardlittlefangirl

[lizzie-kjartanson]

Alexa play Older by Isabel Larosa…🦋

GIF by me