and we will never be afraid again

Freyja - Princess of Sweden Odessa - Midwife from the Byzantine Empire Meabh - Queen of Connacht written by aly @cfdepths

[cfdepths]

˚‧⁺ ･ ˖ · Intro･ ˖ ·˚‧⁺

freyja svensdotter, 26, princess of sweden

odessa 'dessie' maliasenos, 34, midwife of the byzantine empire

meabh mac carthaigh, 30, queen of connacht

[liesthehead]

"Lavender then," she murmured. Her hand reached up to gently caress Freyja's cheek, worry clouding her eyes as she looked at the girl. Dorothea had known her for her entire life- born to her aunt and uncle, only to be welcome into and raised by the family Dorothea would wed into. "You are doing fine, dear." She gave a soft smile, trying to reassure the princess. "You have experienced so much in such a short time. Do not believe we will forget such a slight." She dropped her hand back to her lap. "I am here as long as you need."

[cfdepths]

end.

[cfbrckencrowns-a-deactivated202]

bean watched the snow fall for a moment, humming in response to his friend. "as well as expected when in a foreign bed," he turned to her, returning his smile.

"come, lets take a walk before the snow makes it unbearable," he offered his arm.

[cfdepths]

There was something completely easy with the two of them sitting there in silence for a moment. Both of them able to shrug off the weight of the façades they were both forced to keep up. It was a nice change for Meabh. "Quite understandable."

"That sounds wonderful," they replied, accepting the proffered arm. Maybe the two of them could escape from the confines of their titles for a while.

[0fmercy-deactivated20231212]

even after all these years he found the castle to be intimidating. he was used to the outside, to simple buildings they made themsleves, not great walls with halls and multiple rooms to find himself lost in. he knew only one route by hand, one he wouldn't mention, but now there were multiple royals living among them and it seemed even easier to get lost.

" i'm surprised you didn't leave me wandering for a little longer. " a grin appeared on the vikings lips as he approached the princess. even if not appropriate emotions got the better of him. the relief of seeing her outside a dungeon cell looking a little healthier, colour back in her cheeks, had aksel step forward to wrap his arms around her for a moment. " are you well? " he pulled back, hands still holding onto her arms. " you look pretty. " he teased. " but i could have done a better job with your hair. "

[cfdepths]

Freyja couldn't hide her chuckle at watching her friend's slight confusion in the castle layout. The man was a force to be reckoned with in the wilderness but the castle was a labyrinth to him. "If recent circumstances were different, I might have." She could picture him now, winding his way down all the wrong hallways calling her name. Even with the darkness of the past month looming, Aksel always seemed to make her laugh or smile.

"I am recovering still, but I am well. And you? Are you well given everything that has happened?" If anyone else had asked her she might not have answered quite as honestly, but she knew there was no harm in showing her vulnerabilities to him. "I look like a doll," she said looking down at the fabrics around her, "or some kind of textile merchant, but thank you." She shook her head, careful to check whether any of her maids were around before responding, "I do not doubt that in the slightest."

[1910560-deactivated20231209]

“   the   byzantines   ?   i   hear   they   are   rich   .   powerful   .   the   most   powerful   of   all   nations   here   .   what   would   the   byzantines   seek   in   scotland   ?   “   bryn   himself   had   done   some   listening   to   the   tavern   talk   though   not   out   of   interest   alone   .   partially   .   but   greed   was   within   him   as   it   was   in   most   vikings   .   a   piece   of   byzantine   gold   would   perhaps   redirect   fathers   ignorance   towards   his   older   brother   for   once   .   if   nothing   else   ,   the   healer   could   provide   him   with   some   knowledge   on   just   how   much   wealth   he   could   expect   .

eyes   wander   back   to   her   basket   for   a   moment   .   “   do   you   have   any   of   said   mushrooms   in   your   basket   ,   lady   ?   show   me   how   they   are   prepared   .   “   just   once   …   an   experiment   maybe   .   one   talite   would   not   know   of   ,   one   she   did   not   need   to   know   of   .   what   she   did   not   know   she   would   not   ask   further   about   .   relief   for   them   both   –   in   a   way   .   

[cfdepths]

"It is not my concern why they have come to Scotland. I only heal them and help those who are with child," Dessie said nonchalantly. It was not matter for the man in front of her to concern himself with either, but her senses told her that would be a much more laborious point to make. She supposed they were there for the same reasons as many of the other Kingdoms and Clans - stability and protection - but she was not going to ask them for confirmation.

Her fingers flitted through her basket as she mentally cataloged what all she had gathered. She instinctively settled her basket ever-so-slightly further back on her arm when she felt his eyes wander to it. "I do not have any in my basket but I suppose I could gather a few if I come across them later. To prepare them they must be dried first then brewed into a bitter tea." Odessa racked her brain for any other information she had on the mushrooms. "It usually takes half an hour or so before you feel their powers."

[0fmercy-deactivated20231212]

" i think you may be right. " talita had no intention of seeing the king face to face, it wasn't her place for a start, not to mention she had very little respect for the man - she was not the type to bite her tongue. once a shy girl in a village, talita was now a woman who had spent much of her life around vikings. while they'd taken so much from her they had also helped her realise just how capable she was. the king would hate her - that much she knew.

although she had met the danish king she was yet to meet any of the others properly, no doubt they shared the same troubles in regards to the king. " we truly are. " she grinned as she walked alongside her new friend. " then if you would like we could go to the tavern? i've heard they love to gossip there and there is ale. we can drink these men under the table i'm sure of it. "

[cfdepths]

Odessa sighed. Whatever she thought of the man who was King of this land mattered little when she considered her influence in the situation. Still, it was troubling to think of all the erratic choices the Scottish King had made in the last few months. She had met men like him before - like kindling waiting to ignite at the worst possible moments. If worse came to worst at least she and Talita would not be the only ones harboring negative thoughts about the man. Of that she was certain.

Dessie smiled at her new friend, pushing the unpleasant King as far from the forefront of her mind as she could. "It has been long while since I drank like that," she thought. Surely the last time had been before her husband's death years ago. "But I think I can manage. At least I will be out of the cold and in good company."

[0fmercy-deactivated20231212]

perhaps he consider himself lucky for finding himself so able to seperating himself from those around him. maybe that was why milo was so important, the one person he seemed incapable of doing so with. even when his eyes wandered his loyalty to his guard, his lover, his not falter. still they he and the queen could entertain one another over wine all the same. " oh? then i need to watch my back a little more than i previously thought. " a smirk settled on the kings lips as he sat himself opposite them, hand finding his glass to bring it to his lips.

sip taken, marius found meabh's gaze again. mention of the unfortunate dip he'd taken in the lake had his eyes rolls as his glass was placed back down. that would not be an event he forgot quickly it seemed, no one would allow it. " i am the good company, yes? " a smile appeared on his lips. " it's... i do not dislike it, it is a change from home and for the better. but it's getting a little cold for my liking. "

[cfdepths]

Meabh would not put it past the Scottish King to attempt throwing another King in the dungeons. He had already thrown two princesses and two pregnant women into the dungeons, among others. Titles and mercy clearly meant little to the man. And as handsome as Marius might look after a disheveled night in the dungeons, Meabh would rather not be part of a daring escape attempt so soon after settling into her new residence. "Indeed, you should. Some of us would rather you not end up in shackles. Then again." They let the sentence die there as they sipped at their cup but gave a look as if they were reconsidering their words. Perhaps having the man shackled under other circumstances would not be so bad on second thought. She bit back a smirk at his eye roll. The slight flicker of annoyance on his face humanizing the confident man in front of her. "You are," Meabh confirmed as she let out a dark, flirtatious chuckle. "Yes, the winters here are not dissimilar to my home. Cold enough to make you want to hide in a warm bed until spring returns."

[wcndvrlxst]

In her haste to receive her breakfast, Cecile had managed to completely overlook precisely whom she was speaking to. When the familiar voice permeated the silence left following her own commentary, the Princess' head snapped up, eyes landing directly upon Freyja. "It is you. Good morning, Freyja. Are you well? How was your sleep?" She asked, gathering her goblet and plate in order to shift into the seat the other had indicated. Cecile couldn't help the smile engulfing her features- seeing the other always did seem to have that effect on her, even in the most interesting of situations. Once settled Cecile glanced around, giggling lightly as she nodded her agreement. "I must admit, I believe you are correct in that assessment. No matter, however. I am grateful for the opportunity to steal your attention." Her smile shifted into something more akin to a smirk, her eyes trained on Freyja's from across the table. "That we do, yes. It has been far longer than I am comfortable with. Tell me, what have I missed? How are you faring here, darling?"

[cfdepths]

Freyja's smile bloomed and she could not help the chuckle that escaped as her dear friend recognized who she was dining with. After the trials of the past month the vision of the friend, who had helped and trusted her to make her own way in the world was a welcome surprise. "Good morning, Cecile. I am faring even better now that you are here. I slept well enough. How are you? You must tell me all that has happened since we last met." Though the shadows of her time in the dungeons seemed to loom incessantly around her, Cecile's company was a candle burning bright in the darkness. It felt like ages since the two had seen each other - so much had changed in the time they spent apart - but once reunited there was no awkward rekindling of friendship. "Where to begin?" Freyja chuckled, trying to align all of the important events that had occurred since they last spoke. "I suppose I should begin with my departure. I did not travel alone for very long - only a little over a week. Then I spoke with Aksel Madsen and he allowed me to travel with the clan. We have become quite good friends."

[wcndvrlxst]

The moment she turned and her eyes fell upon the horse Amara started, understanding immediately the error she had made. Once the hood was dropped by the approaching woman, the Lady's understanding was confirmed as she took in the face of the very Queen she served. "Your Majesty, my apologies." She offered dipping formally into it. "And, my sincerest apologies to you, Enbarr." Raising a hand, Amara gently patted the horse's snout. "I know that to be true, ma'am, and I thank you both for the fact." Amara replied, still occupying her hands and gaze with patting Enbarr. Once the question came she nodded, finally turning to fact the other. "Of course Your Majesty, I would appreciate that very much." Gesturing for the Queen to follow Amara turned to lead them back towards the spot she had been sitting. "The weather has yet to turn- today, at least. I thought it prudent to enjoy the view and peace once more lest that change by tomorrow. Might I ask your plans for the afternoon?"

[cfdepths]

Meabh approached her lady and gently touched her shoulder in an effort to let her know that there was no need for curtsied apologies in such a casual setting. "There is no need for apologies in my eyes, dear." She offered a gentle smile to Amara. A huff and stomp sounded behind the two and the Queen looked over her shoulder at the gray mare standing behind them. "Come now, Enbarr, she has apologized and has brought you countless apples over the years." The horse gentle shook her head then puffed contentedly. The Queen secured the horse's reigns to a nearby fallen tree and sat on her cloak where Amara had directed. "Aside from taking Enbarr out to ride, I have no pressing plans. I brought a bit of cheese and a few apples, if you are hungry."

[writeswiftly]

CLOSED STARTER for @cfdepths - kitty & meabh

She had not yet had the pleasure of meeting the Queen of Connacht, but the woman’s reputation preceded her. Some whispered that she was a witch, others that she took lovers with her husband’s approval. It was the latter of the two that interested Kitty. She had paid enough attention in recent weeks to see that if there was truth in the gossip, it worked well for the couple – and she wanted to know how they managed it. It was luck, then, that the queen happened into the hall on a day when Kitty had been forced to sit and choose dinnerware for her upcoming wedding. 

“I would like to get the queen’s opinion,” she told the staff member who leaned over her to whisper about the quality of the glass laid out before her. “Leave us.” Kitty waited for the servant to do as she asked before turning to Meabh, inclining her head in deference to the woman’s position. “Your highness. I wondered if you might lend me your wisdom. Do you have a moment?"

[cfdepths]

Meabh was on her way to find Cassian wherever he was prowling around the castle when she stumbled across the English princess and her retinue. The two had not been formally introduced but they had heard of Princess Katherine and her reluctant betrothal to the younger Scottish Prince. Her intention was to politely greet the woman and introduce herself and continue on to locating her guard. “Of course, Princess Katherine." Meabh paused the search for her friend and guard and smiled politely at the Princess, folding her pale hands in front of her. They were slightly surprised when Kitty dismissed her entourage, but made no outward show of it. Curiosity bubbled in the Queen of Connacht’s mind as they wondered what Katherine sought to ask.

Once the last of the English Princess' company had dispersed and the hallway was decidedly empty, Meabh spoke up again. They kept their face and voice soft to reassure the other. "I am honoured you would ask and more than happy to assist. Tell me how I may help, Princess."

[cfdepths]

Freyja nodded at the tray placed in front of her. Only days ago she had been locked away in the dungeons, away from her family and those she cared about. She had not been able to ask herself if she was hungry then. "I-" she sighed, determined not to let her voice quaver when she spoke. It was over now and she refused to dwell in it. "I could eat." She watched, almost entranced, as her sister made the tea exactly the way she liked it. "You always made it the best, you know," Freyja said softly. "Even when I tried to make it myself it never tasted quite as good as when you made it." She was quiet a moment, still trying to force herself to decompress after her imprisonment. "A bath...would be nice."

[liesthehead]

"It always tastes better when someone else prepares it for you." She set the cup in front of Freyja. It was worrying, seeing the younger woman so withdrawn, so quiet, so meek. "Alright, one moment." Dorothea walked to the door, giving instructions to the servant in the corridor to have a tray brought up- just some cured meats, bread, apples from the autumn harvest, hearty food that could be sent quickly- and to instruct that enough water be heated for a bath. She returned to Freyja, taking a seat next to her. "I can give you some rose oil and thyme to scent the bath- it is quite soothing." Gods knew Freyja needed something relaxing after the ordeal she went through. "Or lavender, if you would prefer it."

[cfdepths]

Freyja muttered in agreement. She supposed that was true, even if Thea’s brews always felt a step above anyone else’s. The Swedish princess kept forcing herself to reflect inward and try to overcome the fear that had seized her when she was imprisoned. All she found in those reflections was anger - at herself for being caught and not doing more to fight back, at the Scottish tyrant who did nothing while people suffered. When she managed to get past the anger she found herself exhausted. Driven or exhausted. There was no gray area between the two to be found at the moment, though she would force the mask and push herself to return to some semblance of normalcy. “Lavender. Lavender would be pleasant.” Her thoughts drifted back to the dungeons. She wondered how the others were getting along now that they had been released. Freyja sighed heavily. “I am sorry. I know I am not exactly a riveting conversational partner at the moment. I do appreciate you being here.” She flicked her light gaze up to Thea’s.

[liesthehead]

@nomadhqzstarters | Caoimhe (ft. Niamh) and open

Perhaps it was wrong of her to laugh- but she cannot help it. Watching her daughter run through the freshly fallen snow had been enough to make her smile- but when the little redhead stooped to pick up a handful of the snow to form it into a ball, Caoimhe made no move to stop her. She should have expected the girl to throw it- but the laughter still escaped her when it was thrown at the other. "Niamh! I'm sorry, she's just a little excited." The queen looked to her daughter. "Please apologize, we do not throw things at people."

[cfdepths]

Meabh had been in her own world enjoying her stroll through the fresh snow when she felt the cold splatter against her shoulder. Once the initial second of shock had passed they turned towards Caoimhe and her daughter and smiled as they approached. "It is alright, Caoimhe. There was no harm done! But," she drew the word out as she crouched down and formed a snowball of her own. "It's only fair!" They gently tossed the snowball at the little Princess, making sure it wouldn't land too hard or hit her small pale face. It broke against her arm and Meabh grinned conspiratorially with Niamh. "Are you both enjoying this winter day?"

[liesthehead]

@cfdepths | freyja

"I had some tea sent up." Dorothea placed said tray onto the table. "Are you hungry?" She poured two cups of the hot liquid, making one of them the way Freyja preferred to take hers. Dorothea had always been skilled at remembering how people liked their tea- how much milk, how many sugars, if they preferred honey. The little things that were noticeable. "Or a bath- I could have them heat up the water for you." Since the princess had returned from the dungeons the queen had been keeping a close eye on her- and had been reminding her of the simple comforts afforded to them as royalty.

[cfdepths]

Freyja nodded at the tray placed in front of her. Only days ago she had been locked away in the dungeons, away from her family and those she cared about. She had not been able to ask herself if she was hungry then. "I-" she sighed, determined not to let her voice quaver when she spoke. It was over now and she refused to dwell in it. "I could eat." She watched, almost entranced, as her sister made the tea exactly the way she liked it. "You always made it the best, you know," Freyja said softly. "Even when I tried to make it myself it never tasted quite as good as when you made it." She was quiet a moment, still trying to force herself to decompress after her imprisonment. "A bath...would be nice."

[0fmercy-deactivated20231212]

CLOSED STARTER - freyja & aksel. @cfdepths

aksel felt guilt for not doing more. he had smuggled some food into the dungeons but it hadn't been much through fear of getting caught. but with his last run ins with the king and the knowledge he held now... his friends were better of there than they were risking further punishment. now that they had been released, aksel wasted little time making his way to the swedish quarters to be reunited with his friend without the cold iron bars seperating them.

" freyja? " formalities forgotten, perhaps an unwise decision when among so many royals, but it was what he was used to. his feet moved quickly as he walked down the hall in seacrch of her. " where is she? " he nearly allowed his anger to get the better of him when he paseed one of the servants - they did not deserve that. he'd not been her before, he didn't know which room was hers and it wouldn't be appropriate to enter. " freyja? " he spoke her name again in hopes that she might appear.

[cfdepths]

Freyja had not yet grown reaccustomed to being helped into fine dresses and having her hair braided. If anything she missed the freedom and ease of life in the camp. It was so much easier to put on a long tunic and breeches and be done with the affair. She had discussed the matter with Thea and they had come to the negotiation that she could still wear that attire riding and practicing archery and swordplay. As one of her maids finished braiding her hair, Freyja heard a commotion in the common room of the Swedish quarters. She rounded the corner toward the raised voices and spotted Aksel, who was halfway down the wrong hall by the time she reached them. It was somehow reassuring to see that despite all the two had been through in recent weeks, he had not changed. "You will not find her that way," she teased, glad to see her friend now that they both had there freedom.

[cfbrckencrowns-a-deactivated202]

he sighed, if he could free her himself he would have. "i would have never expected anything less," he promised, especially if she found her place among the vikings. he leaned against the bars, half tempted to see if he could throw any authority he had, just to see if he could get her out. he was known to be a bit dramatic from time to time. why not use it for a bit of good? however, he didn't want to make matters worse.

[cfdepths]

end.

[wcndvrlxst]

for: closed ( @cfdepths )

Stepping into the dining hall, Cecile strode towards the nearest empty seat, not bothering to wait before sliding in, tucking her dress under herself as she went. "Good morning." She greeted, having noticed another seated nearby upon her entry. Reaching forward, the Princess took hold of a nearby pitcher, bringing it forward to pour a bit of mead into her empty goblet. "It seems we have arrived either far too late or far, far too early- wouldn't you agree?" She teased, bringing the cup to her lips to take a long, deep drink. Inhaling, she began scanning the array of fruits and cheeses placed at the center of the dining table. "How lovely. Have you already had your fill, or were you awaiting the company of another?" Cecile asked, not wanting to come across as rude.

[cfdepths]

Freyja had grown used to the early mornings spent by herself. She found it far easier in the camp to rise with the sun as the glowing orb always managed to find a way of casting light into her tent. Now she had to request that all of the curtains not be drawn so that the sunlight would find its way through the windows of her chamber. Knowing the others would be asleep for another hour or so still, Freyja dressed herself and made her way to the dining hall. Early as she was the scullery maids and cooks always managed to wake before her. They had brought bread to the table and a large pitcher of mead shortly after she arrived. Freyja thanked them and helped herself so they would not be delayed in their duties. The Swedish princess sat quietly by herself for a time before she was joined by another. Looking up, she smiled at her friend that she had not seen for quite some time now. "If the surprised expressions of the scullery maids are anything to go off of, I suspect we are slightly earlier than they expected," Freyja chuckled. She gestured to the spot across from her at the table. "Please, join me. We have much to catch up on."

[cfdepths]

Something you wish you could do but cannot? - Averill

"I have not put much thought into what I cannot do, but I suppose being able to go out with Enbarr or amongst the people when I please would be pleasant."