My first contribution to the @fandomeventcenter Fan-Frankentober event. Take a look at the masterlist here for the other entries!
Note: Due to the nature of álfablót and surviving information, this is a normally secret pagan practice that would’ve been practiced in the home by the woman (allegedly) and would’ve included things like ale and possible animal sacrifice. Because the word itself means “elven sacrifice”, this would’ve included offerings of some sort to the elves, who were typically associated with ancestor practice and fertility. The light elves, who this blòt derives the name from, were also associated with the god, Frey. We can only assume what the whole thing would’ve entailed, so for that reason I choose not to dive into the specifics and keep it private. I also used this HV translator and this Old Norse translator (thank you @thenameswinter99 for this)
Summary: Rhaenerys joins Sihtric for a look inside a secret blót.
Pairing: Sihtric Kjartansson x Rhaenerys Targaryen
Word Count: 1096
Rating: 18+, MDNI
TW: none, this serves as a companion piece to TLAD
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images used or any of the characters from The Last Kingdom or A Song Of Ice And Fire. I only own my own OC, Rhaenerys.
Dividers by @zaldritzosrose and @arcielee
The weather had started to cool and crops were being harvested from the fields near where the princess and her entourage had set up camp. In his time serving her, Sihtric had learned many things about the people of Westeros and their culture. Most notably however, was the fact that despite the differing religious beliefs, they all worked and lived rather well together. That had been one of the reasons he still felt comfortable to practice his own faith and had even shared stories with some of the other people in her household when they asked about it.
Tonight though, he was preparing for álfablót, which was a much more secretive celebration compared to the other blóts. Despite being the only Dane amongst the encampment, those who knew him had helped ensure he had whatever he needed for the sacrifice. While he wouldn’t go into detail about what he was doing, he had been given some food and ale as well as the evening to himself uninterrupted. As he was taking the pitcher of ale that had been acquired for him back to his tent, he was stopped by the princess herself.
”There you are, Sihtric. I had heard that you were partaking in some sort of ritual and I wanted to ask you if I could join you. I will admit to some curiosity about your gods and customs,” Rhaenerys said, stopping short of him with a small smile on her face.
He won’t lie, it took him a second to compose himself before answering, the sight of her always rendering him a little speechless. Funny how today was a day to sacrifice to the elves, and she was as pretty as one herself.
”Forgive me, princess but…” he started to say, though he stopped himself when he saw her smile fall from her face.
“No need, I had heard from Captain Beren that you were being vague and secretive. I suspect this is a more private thing for you so I will not impose any further,” she responded, turning to presumably leave but Sihtric didn’t wish for that.
”Wait!” He called out, the hand not holding the pitcher gently grabbing her wrist. She snapped her head towards him, one brow raised inquisitively. “I…I would like for you to join me. I only ask that you not speak of the rites, your highness.”
”I would never betray your trust like that, Sihtric,” she said softly, not making any move to yank her hand from his grasp. He tried to ignore the flutter in his chest at the thought, simply giving Rhaenerys a shy smile as he led her towards the small tent he had been given.
It was odd and a little embarrassing for Sihtric to see Rhaenerys standing inside the simply furnished canvas tent that served as his temporary home. The furnishings were simple; nothing more than a cot with furs, his weapons and armor, one three-legged stool and some candles surrounding a crude altar adorned the space. He almost apologized for the lack of luxury he knew she was accustomed to, but she simply sat on the ground in her gown, seemingly uncaring if she got grass stains on the red fabric.
”If I may ask, what does álfablót mean?” She asked, looking up at him with a curious glint in her eyes.
He chuckled and sat beside her, placing the ale pitcher on the stool and preparing to light the candles. “It means ‘elven sacrifice’, princess.”
Rhaenerys tilted her head, leaning on one hand towards him as the small space was engulfed in soft, warm light. “Elves? How intriguing. What does this sacrifice entail?”
He gave her a look over his shoulder, the candlelight dancing in her amethyst eyes reminding him of what Maester Gelyn once said to him; that the Targaryens are believed to be closer to gods than men. Perhaps his gods would forgive him for sharing this sacred day with a stranger. After all, she looked to have come from Álfaheimr herself, and how could he deny telling her everything? So he did.
Between drinking ale and placing a few items on the altar, Sihtric spoke of his old gods and their legends. He told her of the Æsir and Vanir, of their wars and peace. He told her of the nine realms and Yggdrasil, of Ratatoskr and Niðhöggr. The sun had long since set and the knowledge that he was sitting with a royal unchaperoned had floated across his thoughts, but Rhaenerys showed no care for the implications of them being caught. She listened attentively, asking questions and generally making Sihtric feel like she cared. In return for every story he spoke of his people, she told him one of hers.
While she told Sihtric that her knowledge had been hindered by the Doom, she spoke of secrets known only to her family. They both eventually made offerings to their ancestors in the holiday spirit, the solemn atmosphere not as heavy as he had expected in her company. He couldn’t help but think how much his mother would like Rhaenerys, and how much he wished she were here to meet her.
“Kirimvose, Sihtric, ao teptan nyke mirri hen ao bisa bantis,” she said sleepily, resting her head on his shoulder as they leaned back against the cot in his tent. He tried to ignore the racing of his heart at the gesture, his face flushed from her proximity and the ale. He didn’t know much of what she said, but he knew that first word was something she often said when thanking others. (Thank you, Sihtric, you gave me some of you this night)
”Þú ert velkomin, prinsessa,” he responded in his own native tongue, a tired giggle slipping from the young woman’s lips. He looked down at her, a smile on his face as she glanced up at him. (You are welcome, princess)
”You must teach me your language one day, so that I might know what you are saying to me,” Rhaenerys spoke softly, her breath warm on his neck and reminding Sihtric once more that everything about this moment was improper between two of their station, but he wasn’t about to push her away now.
”Only if you teach me yours, Princess,” he whispered back, the stirrings of something more than just loyalty towards her blossoming in his chest.
Her responding smile before looking back at the altar will forever be imprinted on his memory, the two of them sitting in companionable silence, no longer strangers, but as friends and maybe one day, something more.
Frankentober Day 1, 5 drawings in under two hours ain't bad. Idk that I'll get all 31 done in the next two days, especially if I continue to have zero chatters to vote on prompts.... But we'll see.
I made a Zine collecting all of the drawings I completed for 2023 inktober challenge. You can download the full file for free here: The Perfect Monster (Inktober 2023) by Mister All Sunday (itch.io)
I LOVEEE Hellboy and Kurt and I think they'd be such a nice duo. My two fictional husbands- two primary colored Catholic devil-boys who just want to love and be loved. HB just has to get over the fact Kurt's German /j
Kurt would get along well with Liz and Abe too I think :) I have a lot of thoughts about this and other X-Men/Hellboy crossover stuff too that I'd like to bring to life digitally when I have the time so if you have any headcanons, feel free to submit them via asks!! And maybe I will draw them eventually :)))
Also sorry HB is fucked up here I've drawn him before, just didn't have a steady hand today 😭
