Ewan Mitchell + smiling (requested by anon! <3)
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Ewan Mitchell + smiling (requested by anon! <3)
Longing
Pairing: Osferth x fem!reader
Warning: self doubt, angst, fluff, smut, children
Summery: Osferth thinks himself unworthy of a wife and children. He is a bastard after all. What can he give a woman except shame?
Words: ~1K
A/N: This was originally for this years @hotd-bigbang Prompt Fest. But it turned out too short. Now I am posting it independently. The prompt was “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
That was what Osferth had always heard growing up in the monastery. He had stood in at so many weddings beside the bishop. As an acolyte, he never understood the rich lords’ needs for a wife. Never understood the young couples looking at each other—so in love.
He never understood the words truly.
But later in his life he found the true meaning. And now he believed those cursed words more than ever. He saw his lord and friends take wives, build homes. His desire for love, a home and to build—something to last for his family, it grew every day.
You needed money, a small patch of land, and an estate in order to have a wife. The recipe of a fulfilled life. That was what he told himself.
But he had nothing—no land to call his own, no field to cultivate, and only a small pouch at his belt filled with a few silver and copper coins.
In his eyes, it was nothing.
There was a celebration going on in the great hall. He couldn’t remember what Sihtric had said. Maybe something about a Danish god of light. He sadly didn’t remember. Something about giving thanks, which was all he remembered.
He sat in his lord’s hall, watching her—the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Her laugh was pure and sweet, like church bells after a Sunday mass. Her eyes sparkled like crystal-clear water. He wanted to sink into them and drown helplessly.
But he had no house, no land, and certainly no money.
He was Osferth, bastard of King Alfred the Great. A warrior monk serving under his lord Uthred of Bebbenburg.
He laughed humourlessly under his breath. A bastard of noble birth and a sell sword.
“Are you alright, Osferth?” The sweet voice pulled him out of his dark thoughts.
He jumped and looked up to see her. A smile adorning her face, her hair framing it. “Ye-yes, of course.” He cursed himself for the trembling in his voice.
No land, no estate, no money—and now no steady voice, either, he thought bitterly, wanting to flog himself.
She sat beside him. Blood rushed to his cheeks as their shoulders brushed. “You shouldn’t be alone at such a monumental festivity as the summer solstice,” she murmured softly. Her smile made his heartbeat unbelievably fast.
“The others have gone to the bonfire. Their wives pulled them away to dance,” he mumbled shyly.
She nodded thoughtfully. “Have you ever thought of taking a wife of your own?”
He nearly spat out his ale. Yes, he thought. You. I want you as my wife.
“No, it is not my desire. Besides, I would not want to burden any woman with my bastard seed. My children would always be known as the children of Alfred the Great’s bastard.” He spoke bitterly, not meeting her softened eyes.
Because if he did, he would see pity there—the same look everyone gave him. The poor bastard monk. Osferth the discarded son.
But when he dared glance at her, he saw no pity. Only a warm smile, eyes shining like a clear stream, welcoming and kind.
“But what if there are some people who see only Osferth? Simply Osferth.” She smiled.
His heart fluttered, his eyes wide in surprise. Did such people truly exist? Was she thinking like this?! Was she one of the few people who saw him as simply Osferth?
His hands trembled softly. “You must introduce me to them then, for I cannot imagine they exist.” He spoke bitterly, taking a large gulp of his drink.
She suddenly rose and walked away from the table.
Osferth watched in confusion as she made her way through the crowded hall, then returned.
Her grin was intoxicating. “You must be Osferth—one of Lord Uhtred’s great warriors?” She held out her hand, introducing herself. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
His heart nearly gave out. Heat burned beneath his skin as blood rushed to his face. She introduced a person who only saw him.
“Yes, I—I’m Osferth, my lady,” he stammered, eyes wide. “Simply Osferth. I am no great fighter,” he mumbled under his breath. He forgot for a moment they already met. Her beauty made him forget everything.
But she heard him. “Nonsense! I’ve heard of your heroics. They say your swordsmanship is impressive, rivalling even some of the Danish warriors.”
Osferth prayed for the ground to open and swallow him whole. He felt as if he were burning from the inside out. How did he deserve such a divine creature? To bask in the presence of such a fine and kind woman.
“My lady, I must be blessed by God. You-you are the kindest soul this earth has seen. And I am but an unworthy sinner honoured to bask in your presence.”
He nearly fell to his knees in front of her. Her giggle was his undoing.
God must have a plan for him. He was sure of it.
He held her steady. Her thighs in his calloused hands as he moved above her. Her sweet sounds drifting into his ears.
His face was in her neck. Panting against her damp, sweet smelling skin.
“Is this alright?” He kissed her skin up to her jaw. Looking down at her blissed-out face. She could only nod. Her hands fisted in his hair.
He grunted, his hips moving faster. “How long do we have?” He whispered. Kissing her jaw down to the spot behind her ear. His fingers trailing down her bodice, over her bunched up skirts before they finally reached the destination between her legs.
“Minutes.” She panted. Looking to the side, out the ajar door. Osferth followed her gaze. “You think he wakes?” She shook her head. “You powered him out by carrying him all over the village and showing him everything.
Osferth grinned. His hips rolling into hers faster. “I want my boy to see the world!”
She giggled. “Our son is only a year old and can only say Mama, Papa and make a distinguished noise when he wants food.”
Her eyes went back to him. Her smile was bright; it nearly made him stop making love to her. But then she squeezed around him. A low groan escaped his throat. “Woman, do you want to kill me!” She grinned. “No, I want you to finish.” She teasingly whispered, softly kissing him.
It wasn't long before he groaned into her lips. He held her close to him. Savouring his wife's body heat.
“God has blessed me.” He mumbled softly against her skin. “You are my greatest treasure. And our son is my guiding light.”
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the last kingdom hc + groveling pls !!
↳ characters: finan, osferth, sihtric, uhtred ↳ warnings: vulgar language, crying men, jealousy, misunderstandings, miscommunications
finan
himbo would 100p have no clue as to what he did
i mean look at him he is the definition of ˗ˏˋ aloof ´ˎ˗
no but he would actually go above and beyond to win back your good graces
he'd probably do something objectively sweet that ends up making it even worse
like pick you flowers but it's really herbs with medicinal components but they ain't ripe yet and now he ruined them so you get even more angry with him
actions speaks louder than words, he knows, but now finan's afraid to do anything
and so he resorts to good old-fashioned begging
when you've been ignoring him for too long he will literally get down at your feet, holding onto your hands like they're his lifeline (and they are) and plead for your forgiveness
it's difficult to continue being harsh after those glossy, brown eyes blink up at you
osferth
thank the sweet lord baby jesus osferth is so good
no diggity he'll look at you with those puppy dog orbs the moment you snap at him
and he's like extremely careful, hesitating: "you all right, luv?"
and you know if you look at him, you might actually forget what made you mad
so you don't and resume i don't know chopping fucking carrots or some medieval shit
"i'm fine," you hiss, clearly not fine
he's a sniffling lil bitch i just know it
he'll weep cause oh no he did something to upset and he can't live without you
he'll accept your words tho cause he's afraid to poke the bear
and the next time you snap at him he'll try again and it'll go on like that until you accidentally look at that sad baby face and you melt, finally letting him hold you
obviously, he's impossible to stay mad at
sihtric
ugh so attentive it's literally unnerving
sihtric would know the exact moment something in the air shifted
he will quietly try to right his wrongs cause while he's more closed off than the rest of the gang, he's also the biggest simp
he's gonna take his sweet time making it up to you, being annoyingly sweet which quite frankly only upsets you further cause he's making it impossible to stay mad at him
him seeking forgiveness is doing everything for you
he's gonna hold the door for you; do the laundry; cook your favorite foods; tend to the children; get firewood and, water, anything
he becomes so insanely touch-starved when you refuse to give him attention. and frankly you enjoy seeing him like this, all whiny and needy when you go to bed, tucked on your side with your back to him
he wants nothing but to hold you close and have you acknowledge him, but he'd never force you to do anything you didn't want to; however, the thought that you don't want him anymore is too much to keep in his already spiraling mind
"please, my love... talk to me," he pleads softly, his large palm lying open on the space between you.
he's never been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but for you he will do anything until you forgive him
uhtred
oh my days i love him but i would probably kill this fucker
the second uhtred realizes you're angry with him (which well it's probs very obvious cause you scream at him before storming out) he's just like: "meh, you'll come back."
and you love him, of course you'll come back, but he's still waiting days later and hasn't heart a peep from you
he's so damn frustrating when he's always thinking his charms will draw you back to him, that he can do anything he desires without any regard to how anyone may feel
but when he sees you with another man he gets pissed
like certified missy prissy pissed
you're nothing exclusive but that doesn't mean he wanna see you with anyone else, and he'll try to make you jealous, foolishly thinking that's what you're doing
when in reality you're literally just taking the time to kindly let down another man, having realized you don't want to be with anyone but uhtred
you're not sure whether you're supposed to be angry or hurt, but when you confront him about him making a fool of you for blatantly flirting with another woman in front of all his men, he gets defensive
he'll definitely make the "but you started!"-kinda argument, but when you explain it to him, he wants wants the ground to swallow him
and then the whole "i'm an arse and i don't deserve you" and he'll probably ask you to be his wife cause damn this bitch loves getting married
ohhhhhhhhhhhh
tlk fake tweets bc i miss my family
(uhtred POV)
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Lovely As Can Be
summary | Your path crosses with Osferth's once more, who has blossomed into a different man from the last time you saw him. (based on this request.)
pairing | osferth x maid!reader
tags | 18+, MINORS DNI! unprotected sex, public sex, grinding, osferth's not a virgin in this one Lord, fluff (lots of it), sharing an orange is a love language
wordcount | 6.5k
song rec | Would That I - Hozier
note | surprise surprise! here's something with our baby monk (who is looking super fine in that gif)! a certain scene was inspired by ophelia (2018), can you spot which one? :D
likes, comments, reblogs are much appreciated!
(divider by @saradika-graphics)
You had been helping the young maids put up the freshly washed linens to dry when you were informed of the arrival of some guests. Wiping your wet hands on your apron, you left the girls to welcome the travelers who were to stay in Mildrith’s inn. Passing by some of the other help scurrying around, you keep an eye on their tasks, giving out instructions when you catch something that would not pass your madam’s standards.
An amused scoff left your lips when you reached the front of the house, a familiar group of warriors awaiting you with enthusiastic grins. Uhtred called out your name, greeting you warmly.
“Ah, King Edward’s dashing knights,” you jested, greeting them all with a smile and a nod.
You were only a girl when you first received the pleasure of meeting Uhtred and his group of warriors. Freshly sixteen, Mildrith had taken you under her wing to work as a maid in her husband’s inn. It was the biggest in town and was frequented by most travelers when traveling south, hence the constant need for help within the establishment. In the first months of your position, you had spent many an hour scrubbing floors, cleaning out bed pans, and pouring mead for guests.
It was a couple of months after your assignment that the arrival of the arguably infamous Uhtred of Bebbanburg sparked much excitement within the town, especially in Mildrith’s inn where they were sure to be staying. You watched, wide-eyed, as the Dane and his group strolled through the establishment, carrying such a commanding presence that everyone had stopped to look at them. Behind the group, you noticed a lanky figure trailing behind them, swathed in holy robes, appearing smaller than the rest despite being the tallest.
‘A Christian monk travels with Danes, how odd,’ you thought then.
You remembered his blue eyes, always wide like a frightened doe. It was clear he was barely a warrior, freshly taken under Uhtred’s wing, but you had treated him with no less respect than you did the older men.
He was a boy back then, and now, standing before you, was a man; Osferth was now a seasoned warrior like the rest of them. When his back used to be hunched in insecurity, he now stood tall, chest proud.
“Look at you, baby monk, looks like you’ve grown some hair on your chest," you commented, hand propping up on your hip. His build now filled out the robes nicely, shapely muscles filling in the loose crevices of the garment.
“Ah, he’s grown them alright, even more down his–” Finan began, but a slap on his shoulder from the king’s bastard had him cutting his words short, bellowing in laughter.
“Very nice to see you again, my lady,” Osferth greeted sweetly, giving you a slight nod.
“Sweet as ever,” you cooed, turning to the other men, “unlike some of ya!”
They opened their mouth to protest, but you quickly led them into the inn, ignoring their complaints of faux offense. You led the men to a long table in the dining area, where the afternoon meals were beginning to be served. The group of warriors sat down, weary and starved from their long journey. You called a younger maid to fetch some mead for the guests, before bringing over some bread and stew.
“Looks like Mildrith has you ordering people around now, eh? No more scrubbing floors for you then?” Uhtred mentioned, making you chuckle while pouring the liquor into their cups.
“She has me watch over the newcomers, especially the clumsy ones, but aye, I earned my right to not be cleaning chamberpots now, my lord,” you responded, placing the jug of mead back onto the table. “Doesn’t mean I don’t get my hands dirty now and then!”
You took a seat beside Sihtric when he scooted over for you, urging you to sit with them. There was a reprieve from the ache in your heels, joints relaxing in relief after long hours of being on your feet. You asked the men about their journey, listening in awe at all the battles they fought and the lands they traversed since you last saw them.
“And they hung us upside down from a tree! I mean seriously, they could have just tied us to a trunk and be over with it, but no, they had to dangle us like some roasted pigs!” Finan exclaimed, hands waving wildly at his retelling. A laugh bubbled from your chest, mixing with the deeper chuckles echoing from the table.
Behind you, some stable boys had passed by in search of some mead to cool off after hours in the hot midsummer sun. Spotting a familiar head of dark hair, Uhtred points to Eadric, turning to you.
“Isn’t that…? Call him over, I want to know if he is keeping you happy as a married woman!” He exclaimed in sincerity. Confused, you turned around to who he was pointing at, before pulling down his extended arm before he could call Eadric over.
“Keep it down,” you said in haste, the smile on your face dropping. All four men looked at you in confused concern, looking at you as your gaze dropped to your lap.
“I am not a married woman. Eadric and I, we did not…” you trailed off, shaking your head lightly.
“What?” Uhtred asked in bewilderment, gaze flickering to your former lover who had walked away to return to the stables. “But you both had been so eager to marry!”
“I know, I know. He, uh, he had a change of heart,” you explained, rubbing the back of your neck. They all looked at you in pity, so you plastered a rueful smile on your face, waving it off.
“Tis no matter, we were young, and we were foolish. I-I’ve moved past it, really,” you reassured them.
“If you need us to do anything, just say the word,” Uhtred said, earning a nod from the rest of the group.
“Aye, Sihtric is quite skilled at making things look like an accident,” Finan said lowly, making you giggle as the Dane nodded eagerly. Osferth sat silently, watching the light in your eyes dim at the turn of the conversation.
“Thank you, but there is no need,” you said gratefully. With a deep sigh, you rose from the bench and smoothed out your skirts. “Well, I shall go see that your rooms are ready, and if there is anything you need, you know where to find me,” you told them, before leaving them to their meals. You were unaware of a pair of icy blue eyes following your retreating form as you walked away, busying yourself with your tasks once more.
Before dusk had begun to settle into the horizon, Mildrith had sent you off to gather some greens for supper from the market. You had hurried to old Hilda’s shop, filling your large basket with greens for the stew as well as some potatoes and grain. You all but waddled back to the inn, balancing the heavy basket on your hip, willing yourself not to drop anything into the damp earth on your way back.
“My lady!” A familiar voice called out behind you, making you stop in your tracks. You lifted the basket higher on your hip, keeping a firm hand on the wooden carrier to prevent it from sliding down further. Osferth rushed to you, taking the heavy basket from your hands.
“Let me, please.”
“I do not wish to burden a great warrior with a task so little, Osferth,” you tried to reason, but the monk had already lifted the weight with ease. He smiled at you, shaking his head.
“No great warrior would deny a lady his aid when she needs it, he would be less of a man if he did so,” he explained, walking beside you back to the inn. An amused smile lifted on your lips, turning to look at the taller man beside you. Your eyes studied the shadows the setting sun cast upon his face, now more structured and manly than you had last seen him. The plumpness of youth had melted and given way to a sculptured jaw, an aquiline nose, and pursing lips. His bright blue eyes once shone with exuberant wonder and apprehension now reflected a more mature wisdom. He carried himself with an air of confidence you had never seen in him before, one that belonged to a man who was sure of himself.
Catching your gaze on him, Osferth turned to you, raising his eyebrows in question. Your cheeks flushed at being caught in the act, your lips lifting into a shy smile.
“You seem so different now than when we last saw each other,” you said. The monk’s eyes caught the way you slightly bit your lip, watching how the plump flesh reddened at the contact.
“Different in what way, my lady?” Osferth asked.
“You seem stronger. More confident,” you told him, trying to pick the right words to describe the change you have seen in him. “Like there is a fire burning within you.”
A smile touched Osferth’s lips as he glanced at you, the corners of his lips curling upwards. Your eyes meet his icy blues, his dirty blonde tresses appearing much darker in the dimming sunlight. A hum left the monk’s lips, keeping his eyes on yours for a moment longer before returning to the road.
“I suppose I have,” he agreed. Osferth’s longer legs made for bigger strides, and the taller man shortened his steps when he noticed how fast you had to walk to keep up with him. He turned his head to look at you once more, “though I suppose I could say the same thing about you, my lady.”
His gaze roamed over your features, taking in your flushed cheeks, the rosy pink of your lips. Surprise sparked in your orbs, making him chuckle when you turned to him.
"You have grown more beautiful," his tone was matter-of-fact, like he was stating a simple truth. The words made your heart flutter, the breath catching in your throat for a moment. You had never been one to be bestowed such compliments, thus making the smallest of praises leaving you flustered. Osferth's eyes twinkled as he continued to stare at you, enjoying the way he seemed to make you flustered in his presence. "You have a certain glow about you, my lady. Like the warm touch of the sun on a summer's day.”
“My, it seems you have become a warrior and a poet,” you jested, earning a chuckle from the man beside you.
As you neared the inn, young Ida had passed by the pair of you, carrying dried linens. You did not miss the way her eyes caught Osferth’s, the man beside you smiling at her. The young maid immediately blushed, ducking her head as she walked by. His gaze followed her passing form, craning his head back as she passed. You ignored the strange feeling in your chest at the sight, returning your eyes to the muddy road.
“I am certain Uhtred and the others had you meeting all kinds of girls around the land, seeing as you are now quite the charmer,” you teased Osferth, bumping your elbow into his. The young monk made a grunt of amusement, turning back to you. It had gone unnoticed by you when he had begun to walk much closer by your side, the back of his hand brushing against the back of yours with the sway of your arms.
“You think I am charming?” He arched a brow at you, a playful tone coloring his voice. You rolled your eyes as he spun your own words back at you, chuckling as the bastard nudged your elbow in return.
“Oh dear, I fear all that time on the road has taught you all the wrong things,” you said, letting out a comical sigh that made Osferth laugh. As both of you reached the inn, you gestured for the warrior monk to hand you the basket, but he refused, telling you he shall take it to the kitchens for you, ever the chivalrous gentleman. You led him through to the bustling kitchens, busy in preparation for supper, where he had dropped the basket. Many words of thanks left your lips at his gracious assistance in hauling the heavy load of produce around for you.
“It is no trouble, my lady,” Osferth waved off. Looking around the area, you subtly reached into the basket, pulling out an orange to give to the taller man. You had secretly bought it for yourself, splurging on a treat you had not seen in ages. You handed it to Osferth, who looked equally in surprise.
“Where did you get this?” He asked, eyes wide at the side of the bright fruit. He took it into his larger hand, lifting it to his nose to smell the sweet scent of its zest, his lips letting out a delighted sigh.
“This was the last one Hilda had, and I just couldn’t help myself,” you said sheepishly. “You can have it, Osferth, for helping me with this.”
“Oh no, I cannot, my lady! ‘Tis yours!” Osferth exclaimed, handing the round fruit back into your hands. You shook your head, pressing it back into his grasp.
“No, please! It is no matter, I am sure she shall have some again. ‘Tis summer after all, and the season brings much fruit into our harvest,” you explained, earning a sigh from the young warrior. You gave him a small smile, placing your hand atop his larger one. “I doubt you can find these on the road anywhere else.”
“Thank you, my lady, you are most gracious,” Osferth expressed, giving you a sincere smile. You stared up at his blue orbs, the corner of your lips lifting into a smile of your own. A strange warmth spread across your chest, making you feel coquettish and timid as the blonde towered over you. The tips of your shoes were a hair inch away from the tips of his boots, his warmth engulfing your entire being. At this distance, you had a direct view of the cleft of his nose, and the way his pupils changed in diameter as he gazed at you.
You were broken away from your trance by the sharp voice of Mildrith, calling you over. Your feet took a small step away from Osferth, clearing your throat. The young warrior sniffled, looking at his shoes and rubbing the back of his neck.
“I should go, Osferth,” you said, giving him an apologetic look. He nodded in understanding giving you a small smile.
“Of course, I shall see you at supper, then?” He asked, to which you nodded. You watched as the young monk walked out of the kitchen, pocketing the orange you had given him. You couldn’t help the way your lips lifted higher, a girlish chuckle leaving your lips when he gave you one last look before disappearing down the hall, shooting you a roguish smirk.
“Oi! What are ya gigglin’ over there for? Get a move on, missy!” Mildrith scolded, making you jump. You squeaked out a small apology, bowing your head when you passed by her to get on with your work, unaware of the way the mistress of the house shook her head at you in amusement, a small smile breaking out on her own lips.
One thing that attracted the numerous guests to the inn was the suppers. They were always boisterous, rowdy, and filled with music and chatter. Even the townspeople spend their nights at the inn, making the establishment somewhat akin to an alehouse with the drinks that flowed and the laughs that echoed through the room. Tonight was no different, the common hall was packed with guests and local folks alike, and chatter bustled through the air as you maneuvered around the room, refilling cups of ale with the jug in your hand. You greeted your regulars, ignored the advances of some that already had one too many cups of liquor, and kept your eye out on anything else your guests might need. You checked on the younger maids walking around, guiding the ones who were a bit unsure of what to do. When you had first started at the inn, working the suppers intimated you, with your timid nature and clumsy hands. The overlapping noises left you rattled, coupled with the growing rowdiness as the night went on. As you gained more experience and became one of Mildrith’s most trustworthy workers, you took it upon yourself to look out for the newcomers, treating them kindly instead of punishing them for every slip-up they made.
You had quickly exchanged your empty jug for a fresh one at the kitchens before walking back into the hall once more. You heard a voice call you over, turning to Finan who was waving you to their table. As you approached, you spotted the women sitting beside each one of them. You recognized them from the brothel a few doors over, a frequent presence during nights like these in your establishment. It was no surprise that Uhtred and his men had found their companions for the night so quickly, their reputations certainly bearing no lie about their proclivities. Your eyes flickered to where Osferth sat with his arm around a young brunette’s shoulders. You caught the way her fingers toyed with the cross pendant around his neck, leaning into the long expanse of his neck. The corners of your lips dipped slightly at the sight, a strange twinge in your belly. You caught yourself before anyone could notice, plastering a wide smile on your face.
“Enjoying the night, boys?” you asked the table, refilling their cups.
“Aye, good to not be shitting in the woods for once!” Sihtric exclaimed, earning laughs and cheers from his companions. Osferth sat silently, observing the way you rounded their table. He tried to catch your eye, but you seemed to be focused on the jug you held in your hand as you poured ale.
“Why don’t you come sit with us for a while? You are working too hard!” Uhtred urged, to which you only gave a smile.
“Tempting, my lord, but my madam would not be too happy. It is quite a busy night after all,” you said, earning disappointed groans from Finan and Sihtric. You shook your head at their antics, before excusing yourself. For a brief moment, your eyes meet Osferth’s, who had been staring at you the whole time. You gave him a small smile and a nod, before walking away, letting out a sigh as the corner of your lips dropped.
You stood by a pillar, leaning on your weight on the wood while watching the crowd. A man had stood on top of one of the tables, strumming his lute while the guests sang along. In the corner of your eye, you spotted a familiar figure approaching the other side of the column, mirroring your position.
“Alright?” He asked, shooting you a concerned look. Another sigh left your lips, keeping your eyes on the lute player, feeling his gaze on the side of your cheek.
“M’fine, Eadric,” you said with indifference. Neither of you spoke for a moment, letting the echoes of the singing crowd fill the space between you.
“Mm, I know you. I can still read you well, you know, despite how we stand now,” he expressed, a somber tinge in his tone. A scoff left your lips, shaking your head at him slightly.
“Well, considering you can hardly read a few words on a scroll of parchment, I think it best if you stop fretting about me.”
“I will have you know I am capable of discerning whole sentences now, by year’s end perhaps I will be able to read you a sonnet to win your heart once more!” A laugh left your lips at his words, bubbling out before you could swallow them down. Your former lover looked satisfied with successfully getting a reaction out of you, smiling as your cheekbones lifted.
From his place at their table, a young warrior monk watched you and your former husband-to-be. The brunette beside him had been whispering nonsense into his ear, yet he paid her no mind, keeping his attention on you and the way you turned to Eadric, leaning to say something into his ear over the crowd’s noise.
As the night grew darker and the jugs of ale turned empty, you stayed on your feet, cleaning up in the kitchens away from the ruckus, alone. No Eadric, no Osferth, no grimy hand of a drunkard to grab you close. This was your favorite part of the night, to be granted a moment’s reprieve from the chaotic bustle of your days. It was peaceful to have a moment alone with your thoughts like a soft howl of wind on a dark night. Your hands worked mindlessly to scrub the dirty dishware while you let your mind run loose. There was little room for one’s thoughts in a position like yours. The days would often feel autonomic— clean off the linens in the morning, be in the kitchens by noon, and pour ale for the guests in the evening. The surprise of welcoming old friends like Uhtred, Finan, and Sihtric was a pleasant deviation from your otherwise monotonous life.
And dear Osferth. You supposed you had always been quite partial to him among the rest, you were close in age and personality, or at least you were. Where you were timid, Osferth was equally as shy, yet now, he had blossomed into something greater, forging his name into history, all the while you had remained a closed bud still rooted to the soil you had been planted in. As much as you missed the clumsy, doe-eyed baby monk, the warrior sat in your madam’s hall had as much power to render you weak as he did to wield a sword. To be under his gaze had you blushing like a young maiden, and he a dashing knight.
You shook your head, snapping out of your reverie. Osferth had seen many things and met countless faces, surely you did not hold a light to the girls that had come his way. It was no use to be feeling this way, not when he was to leave by the moon’s turn, not when you shall be left alone once more.
Dawn had barely broken through the horizon when you had risen from your cot, stretching your aching limbs with a groan. You had slept for barely three hours, but your body had grown accustomed to your early mornings, often rousing from your slumber with the sun’s rise. The air held a slight prickle of humidity during the summer, giving you no need for furs and a fire during the night. The rest of the inn laid fast asleep, and with the few more moments left to your own, you gathered a clean set of clothes, taking silent steps across the creaking floorboards to step out. The smell of the earth was refreshing, coupled with the morning dew that sprinkled the green grass. It was quiet, save for the howls of mourning doves that echoed through the trees. Humming an old tune to yourself, you made your way to the lake past the thick of the woods, placing your clean clothes on the ground before shrugging off your dress. Clad in only your thin cotton shift, your bare feet padded on the soft soil to approach the lake’s edge. You dipped a toe in, testing its temperature, before stepping down the shallow surface. The water held a slight bite of cold, just how you liked it. You took careful steps across the soft earth, the water rising higher up to your waist. You bent your knees to fully submerge yourself into the cool water, staying underwater for a moment, before breaking the surface to catch your breath. The water felt wonderful on your skin, even more so as it soaked your hair clean of yesterday’s muck. You bathed peacefully in the lake, scrubbing on your scalp and swimming across the water. You allowed yourself to settle, granting yourself a moment of calm before another busy day. Your eyes closed as you let yourself float on the water’s surface, humming to yourself once more.
The quiet peace of your morning was disrupted when you heard the first sounds of approaching footsteps. Alerted, you returned to your feet, looking around for the source. You had no place to hide, not when you were right in the middle of the forest’s clearing. You spotted a large rock situated against the lake’s edge, covered by tall, wispy grass, prompting you to quickly swim towards the stone and lean against it in hopes of hiding your bareness. Through the grass, you spotted a pair of boots approaching where your clothes had been placed, giving away your presence.
“My, a magnificent fish has come to shore!” A familiar voice called out, echoing through the air. Warily, you poked your head out to catch a glimpse of the intruder, only to find the warrior monk. You felt a relief to be discovered by Osferth rather than a stranger, your lips lifting into a small smile as you regarded him.
“Are you here to fish my lord?” you played along, feigning innocent curiosity. You crossed your arms over your shoulders to cover your chest as you stepped away from the rock, revealing yourself to the royal bastard. It seemed he had awakened not too long ago either, evident from his blonde tresses that were slightly ruffled. His feet took steps closer to the lake’s edge, while his hands crossed behind his back. He flashed you a lopsided grin at your query, shaking his head lightly.
“No, no. Though I am a warrior and have traversed these lands and back, I have no skill for the waters. Perhaps the fish will allow me to admire its beautiful scales instead?” he asked, blue eyes raking over your wet form. You bit your lip as he stared at you, cheeks warming despite the cool air. Stiff buds poked against the wet fabric of your shift, still covered by your arms.
“There are far more handsome fish around here, perhaps you may find some better use of your time with them,” you suggested, making the warrior monk’s thin lips twisted at your words.
“I would rather not, I find this one particularly breathtaking,” he said, looking at you with a gaze that made your skin tingle. Your mind raced with uncertainty, while your skin burned with desire. To be graced with Osferth's magnetic presence had ignited a deep pulsating ache within you, one not easily stoked by any man. Under the morning sun, you gazed upon his face. He was handsome, very much so. The royal blood in his veins graced him with a beauty higher than that of any common man, but all his rugged edges were all thanks to his time as a warrior walking with Danes. You desired him, and now, he stood before you, all yours for the taking.
You looked around, making sure there was no one else in your surroundings, before uncrossing your arms and standing tall, baring your chest to his eye, pathetically covered by the now translucent fabric of your wet shift.
“These waters can get quite lonesome for a fish like I. Perhaps my lord would like to join me?”
You visibly gulped as Osferth shamelessly stared at your breasts, waiting with bated breath for his next move. Keeping his eyes on yours, the warrior monk disrobed. He had been without his cuirass, only his robes and breeches. Piece by piece, Osferth’s pale flesh became exposed to your watchful eye. He had placed his robes neatly beside yours, before removing his boots and unlacing his breeches. A small gasp left your lips when he pulled his trousers off, standing tall with his gradually hardening cock on display. An amused huff left the monk’s lips at the way your eyes were stuck on his length, chest puffing proudly under your gaze. He was well-endowed, this he knew, it was what garnered attention from all those women after all. His long, muscled legs approached the edge, cock swaying with every step forward. A warmth in your belly grew as the young warrior dipped into the water, prickling your skin as his eyes stayed on yours the whole time. Your chin tilted upwards as he towered before you, the difference in your heights making you feel covered in his shadow, protected.
“I trust you had a pleasant evening?” you asked, voice dropping low with the change in proximity. Osferth hummed, giving you a small nod.
“Yes, though I admit, it would have been much better if it had been spent with your presence beside me,” Osferth said. His warm breath fanned across your face, the heat of his flesh radiating against yours, causing a shiver to run up your spine. His orbs flickered across your features for a moment, his hand hovering above your arm, yet not touching you. The corners of your lips shifted into a downward smile at his words.
“My apologies, my duties prevented me from doing so. Though it seemed the seat by your side had been occupied. Either way, you had splendid company, only the best in town for the King’s warriors,” you replied softly. He shook his head slightly at you, sniffling lightly.
“It was not her company I sought.”
His large hand covered the width of your arm, pulling you closer into his space. Your hands placed themselves on his chest upon instinct, while his slithered around your waist. His aquiline nose dipped into the skin of your cheek, breathing in the scent of your flesh. Your eyes fluttered close upon the contact, your heart thumping at the feeling of a growing stiffness poking against your thigh.
“How did you know where to find me?” you whispered in his ear.
“I had stepped out for air after my morning prayers. It was then I caught a glimpse of you, walking into the woods,” he explained, lifting his head to look at you. Your fingers trailed against the edge of his jaw, feeling the small prickling of his lightly growing stubble beneath your fingertips.
“You followed me?” you asked, raising your eyebrows at him. A sheepish smile formed on his thin lips, while yours lifted in amusement.
“Tis not safe for a lady to be alone in these woods,” he reasoned, tone light and almost playful. He furrowed his eyebrows in mock concern, shaking his head lightly. A chuckle left your lips, reverberating against Osferth’s chest.
“I know these woods better than you, Osferth,” you replied, to which he only shrugged. “Did the Lord speak to you in your prayers, leading you to me?”
“Aye,” he nodded. His hands squeezed the softness of your arms, before drifting down to settle on your waist. “He all but called me a fool, for letting a beautiful lady walk away from my midst without showing my affections.”
“I am no lady.”
“You can be my lady if you will it so,” he said. Osferth’s calloused hands cupped the sides of your face, keeping your eyes on him.
"You have met the most beautiful ladies in the land, and you will meet more. I am but a simple maid, why me?" you questioned, voice dropping to a whisper. A wistful sigh left his chest, thumbs caressing the plump flesh of your cheek.
"A flower may bloom in the most ordinary of gardens," he whispered softly, his voice carrying the weight of genuine fondness. "And yet, it is that very simplicity that makes its beauty all the more extraordinary."
His head dipped close to yours, your lips just a hair's breadth apart from his. "You have always enraptured me, from the moment I had first stepped into your midst," he confessed.
“Do you jest?” You asked, searching for any sign of any sign of insincerity; you found none.
“I do not jest about matters of the heart,” he whispered, leaning his face closer to yours. You couldn’t help the way your eyes fluttered shut when his nose nudged against yours. His lips pressed a kiss against one cheek, then the other, almost in reverence. Your hands on his chest slithered up to wrap around his neck, pressing yourself further into his build. Your foreheads pressed together, basking in its each other’s warmth for a moment before Osferth leaned forward to capture your lips in his. A gasp left you in surprise, though you had quickly softened into his arms. You had let him lead you in pace, clearly having less experience than the well-traveled monk. The only other man you had kissed was Eadric, and even then you were young and had no knowledge of the ways of the flesh. This was different; Osferth kissed you the way a man kissed a woman, a lover, a wife. It was all-consuming, a kiss that bordered on gnawing, coupled with his wandering hands that caressed and squeezed your curves. They were rough despite the fabric of your shift separating his touch from your bare flesh, and as they cupped the sides of your thighs, he silently urged you to wrap your legs around his waist.
You obliged, letting him carry your weight with his hands supporting your rear. His stiff length is pressed between your bodies, its veiny underside pushing against the dip in your folds. A whimper permeated the air between you when he guided your hips to rub against his shaft, one echoed by a grunt from the warrior monk. It was an odd feeling, though deliciously pleasant. It was different from when your fingers would circle your pearl as you lay in your cot, biting back your sounds of pleasure lest someone heard through the thin walls. Your hips began to move with Osferth’s rhythm, grinding your pearl against his cock.
“Osferth…” you whispered, pressing your forehead against his once more. The man had started to pant against your lips, small grunts leaving his lips.
“My lady,” he moaned out, before smashing his lips against yours. The kiss was frantic and desperate, with tongues dancing against each other and teeth clashing. You moaned against Osferth’s lips when his cockhead snagged against your folds, rubbing deliciously against your pearl. The prickling heat in your belly began to grow, but you needed more.
“Please, Osferth,” you pleaded against his lips, before letting out a whine.
“What is it, my lady? Say what you need, and it is yours. I am all yours,” he responded. His eyes met yours, which had turned clouded with a heady tinge. There was a wrinkle in between your eyebrows as they furrowed in desperation.
“Take me, all of me,” you said. Your hand reached behind you, taking hold of his cock to guide it to your slit. With another deep kiss from Osferth, he breached your entrance, sliding you down his length. Your moan echoed through the breeze at the stretch, prompting you to bury your head in his neck. You bit hard into the junction of his shoulder from the slight sting; the lack of intimacy with another man leaving your walls unaccustomed to such a stretch. Osferth’s chest vibrated against yours as a deep moan left his lips when he bottomed out, stilling for a moment.
When the pain in your walls began to subside, your hips slowly began to move. Large, calloused hands remained on your rear, guiding you up and down his prick. There was a slight ripple in the water from your movements, growing into small splashes when your hips increased their pace.
You tugged the collar of your shift down, exposing your breasts to the morning air. Osferth leaned down to take a nipple into his mouth, sucking on the stiff bud while a hand massaged the other. Breathy moans of pleasure freely fell from your open lips, singing a tune so sweet to the monk’s ears. Your fingers gripped the hairs on the back of Osferth’s neck, your hips never losing their rhythm. His lips switched to suck on the other breast, leaving soft marks on the supple flesh, marking you as his.
“Do you like this, my lady?” Osferth asked against your skin, before trailing his kisses upward to suck on your neck.
“Yes, oh yes!” you whined. The thought that someone shall hear your moans and discover the pair of you was forgotten with the way your mind grew dazed in Osferth’s embrace. Your nipples rubbed against his taut chest, the fine sprinkle of hair on the milky flesh ticking your sensitive nubs.
“You are the most divine,” the young monk moaned, squeezing your rear. Your lower lip is caught between your teeth tightly, almost breaking flesh as you neared your precipice. The sensation of your pearl rubbing against Osferth’s pubic bone threatened to send you into overdrive, shooting sparks of pleasure up your spine. The warmth in your core bloomed upwards, starting to spread to your chest. Your walls began to squeeze his cock, signifying the start of your release.
“Osferth, ah, I am going to–”
“Go ahead, my beauty, let it go for me,” he coaxed you. Your release washed over you like a dam breaking through its walls. A whine left your lips as your eyes shut, your features scrunching together in bliss. Osferth’s eyes stayed on your face, watching you get lost deep in your delight. He continued to bounce you onto his cock through your release, before pulling out to quickly tug at his cock under the water’s surface. With the sight of your panting chest right before his eyes, Osferth’s cock released spurts of his seed. The clear water was painted with the cloudy fluid, diffusing into the lake.
Recovering from the euphoric daze that had overtaken you, your eye stared into Osferth’s icy blues. You bit your lip to suppress the gigantic smile that had lifted your cheekbones, a giggle bubbling out from your chest. Your lover merely raised his eyebrows, a smile breaking out on his sculptured features.
“What amuses you, my sweet?” Osferth asked softly. You merely shook your head, before leaning your head against his shoulder in an embrace.
“Nothing, I am merely overjoyed,” you replied. A radiant glow fluttered in Osferth’s ribcage, his lips pressing a kiss against your hair.
After rising from the water and redressing, you and Osferth sat on the grass in silence. Your head was leaned against his, while his arm wrapped around your figure, rubbing your back in comfort. You wished for this moment to last for eternity, that you would not be called to your duties, and him to his own. Alas, such power was out of your hands, thus you willed yourself to savor the warmth of his embrace as much as you could.
You felt him reach into his pocket, turning to look at him in surprise when the orange appeared in your sights. The same one you had given him in the kitchens.
“Why have you not eaten it?” you asked. You could smell the citrussy zest of the fruit in his palm, sweet and inviting.
“I was hoping to share it with you,” he said, making you blush. He began to peel the orange, its scent spraying all over. His grip had been too tight, lacking gentleness with the fragile pulp that ended up crushed under his fingertips. You laughed at the juices that spilled on his hands, before gesturing for him to hand the fruit over.
“You are making a mess! Here, let me,” you offered. The smiling warrior handed the orange to you, watching your gentle fingers peel the fruit expertly. Once the rind had been removed, you had handed it back to Osferth, but he had split the fruit in half, giving you the bigger portion. You let out a delighted hum as the sweetness coated your tongue, savoring the taste you only come by so rarely. Osferth watched you with bright eyes while eating his own.
In the quiet still of the morning, moments before you were to be called back into the inn, you sat with your lover upon the grass. You shared an orange, along with soft kisses and words of tenderness. You knew naught what the end of the moon shall bring you, nor the end of the day, but you had this moment, one you shall always think of fondly.
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.
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THE BETRAYAL
Sihtric Kjartansson x Reader
!!!DISCLAIMER!!!: English is not my native language and since i didn't watch the show in the original language and i have no idea about the difference between English/Irish accents like Finan's, i'll write using the classic english they teach in school lol. But you are free to correct me on it if you wish to. And i haven't read the books so i'll write my stories based on the show.
WARNINGS: this is a bit long i'm sorry. Based on s3ep6-7, angst + comfort fluff, established relationship, FEM!R but no use of Y/n, little platonic moments with Finan and Osferth because we love them<3.
Something wasn't right, you could sense it. You still didn't know what it was, but you had that bad feeling of anguish that was slowly sprouting in your heart.
Thanks to Edward and Alfred you had won the battle against Haesten, but there was no party atmosphere at Aethelfled's estate.
Everyone could feel the tension going around in your group and the cause was only one: Skade. Or at least, that's what Sihtric claimed. You all hated that witch, but the only one who still hadn't gotten rid of her was Uhtred. Because of that woman's curse you were all suffering: when Uhtred had fallen ill he had risked dying and even poor Osferth, despite having fought bravely, had been wounded in battle, but fortunately he had survived.
Sihtric and Finan wanted nothing more than to kill her, but Uhtred would listen to no reason. So the only thing you had to do was follow his orders, as you swore to him.
While Osferth rested in his room, you, Sihtric and Finan sat at a table. Sitting in front of you, Sihtric was eating with an unrelaxed expression on his face and you, worried for him, exchanged a look with Finan, who however raised his shoulders slightly, just as confused as you.
You swallowed the morsel in your mouth to reach out for his hand, before he could drink from his goblet. Sihtric looked up from his plate to you and you gave him a small smile.
"Is everything okay?"
Sihtric nodded slowly, squeezing your hand weakly.
"I'm just tired..." he only replied.
From the tone he had just used you understood that in addition to being tired he was also a little annoyed, but you didn't push the topic, not wanting to ruin the atmosphere which was already heavy.
Before you could say anything else, Uhtred entered the hall and came to sit with you, next to Sihtric.
"Where is Osferth?" he asked.
"He's sleeping" Finan replied. "As we all should do"
"I suppose we can't leave the witch with Haesten" you said, looking at your plate. "We have to go get her, don't we?"
"Again" Sihtric commented.
"We have to" Finan answered you and then looked at Uhtred. "As long as she is free you will be cursed"
"Skade is with the danes, i cannot get to her" your lord replied. "And we will not die for her"
"Death will find us regardless" commented Sihtric again, but this time giving Uhtred an annoyed look. You touched his foot from under the table, but he ignored you, still glaring at Uhtred.
"Do you want to tell me something Sihtric?" Uhtred retorted, equally unnerved by his attitude.
"No, he does not" Finan answered cautiously for him.
But Sihtric did not back down.
"Aren't too many men dead already?"
"Dying is a warrior's risk" Finan continued.
There was silence for a few seconds while you looked between the three men, hoping that the discussion had ended there.
"I will return to Ragnar" Uhtred then said. "I have to help him find peace"
"You will only find ghosts around his grave" Sihtric retorted once again.
"Sihtric stop it" you whispered and he looked at you for a split second, then looked away.
You weren't mad at him, you understood his point of view a little, but you didn't want him and Uhtred to get into an argument.
"Continue to protect Aethelfled and rest" Uhtred concluded and then stood up, while you and Finan nodded.
Uhtred headed for the door but before he could leave, Sihtric's voice rang through the hall.
"Those who serve Uhtred will not rest. Not while Skade is still free"
Uhtred stopped in his tracks, turning to look at him.
"Sihtric you're tired and you're drunk" Finan interjected again, trying to calm things down.
"Yes, i am tired" Sihtric replied, then turned to Uhtred. "Of marching from north to south, being called a traitor and not to being able to live my life in peace with my woman. And for what?"
Your heart sank when he glanced at you as he said the last words and you looked at him pityingly. Yes he was right, you too missed life in Wessex with your beloved Sihtric before Uhtred was banished and the affair with Skade had only made that whole situation worse than it already was. But you didn't even like the hatred that had arisen between him and Uhtred. Yours was a united group and you couldn't let that witch split it with her curses.
"Then leave" Uhtred replied, moving closer to him again.
"Uhtred, you truly don’t mean that" you murmured worriedly, but he ignored you, continuing to look at Sihtric.
"If you're unhappy then take your wife and leave"
Sihtric jumped up in anger and gave him a small shove backwards.
"I have fought for you!" he exclaimed.
Uhtred smirked. "You fight because you like it"
"You would let me go that easily?" Sihtric hissed.
You and Finan stood up to join them, placing yourself between them.
"Leave or stay, i do not care" Uhtred replied.
"Yes he does care, he's not serious. Now enough arguing, let us sit down" Finan said seriously, looking at them.
You took Sihtric's hand and although your touch and warmth were always enough to calm him, this time they had no effect.
"Leave or stay Sihtric Kjartansson, it's your choice" Uhtred continued, looking at him defiantly. "Make it"
Sihtric stared back, thinking for a couple of seconds about how to respond, until he tilted his head.
"Do you want to make a square Uhtred of Bebbanburg?" he asked menacingly.
"Both of you stop! Neither of you will fight" you interjected, placing your hands on Sihtric's shoulders and making him take a couple of steps back.
"There won't be any square, we. just. sleep." continued Finan. "Sleep"
Uhtred and Sihtric continued to look at each other and Finan sighed a curse, tired of the situation. Then he approached Sihtric.
"Take the prisoners to the pigs, tied up" he ordered, knowing it was best for him and Uhtred to remain separated.
Sihtric moved his gaze to your eyes as if he wanted to know your opinion and you looked at him seriously without saying anything, wanting him to understand that Finan was right. You all needed to sleep and put the fights behind you.
"Sihtric!" Uhtred's voice boomed once again and you all turned to look at him. "I will leave at dawn. But i will return... And if you are still here, i will kill you"
Your eyes widened, bringing a hand to your mouth and Sihtric stiffened. Uhtred said nothing else and turned to leave again.
"Uhtred please-" you tried to call out to him, taking a step towards him but he walked out and closed the door behind him.
You ran a hand over your face, feeling your eyes watering, but you stopped yourself from crying and turned to look at Sihtric.
Finan shook his head, looking at his friend with disappointed eyes.
"Why?" he just asked him.
But Sihtric didn't seem to be as sad and upset as you were, in fact he just got angrier at Uhtred's threat. With a wave of his arm he threw away the cup that was on the table, causing it to fall to the floor.
"He has cursed us all!" he exclaimed, looking at you and Finan, who sat back down at the table with his head in his hands.
Dagfinn, Haesten's companion whom you had taken prisoner, had witnessed the whole scene like the rest of the men and decided to interfere.
"She has cursed you" he commented, while he was busy eating with the other prisoners. "And Uhtred let her"
"Be quiet" you murmured.
"Leave him, it's your only chance" Dagfinn continued to Sihtric. "You are a dane first and foremost"
When Sihtric left the hall to take the prisoners to the pigsty, you watched him go heartbroken. There was no way in your mind that he and Uhtred had actually said those things to each other. I mean, you can understand sometimes not getting along and having different opinions, but Uhtred had threatened to kill him! How did you end up at this?
Someone placed a hand on your shoulder and when you turned you met Finan's pitying gaze.
"Are you okay sweetheart?" he asked thoughtfully and you nodded weakly.
"Do you think…" you murmured. "Do you think Uhtred was serious? Would he really kill Sihtric?"
Finan let out a small sigh, stroking your shoulder with his thumb. "Part of me doesn't want to believe it, but... We know what Uhtred is like"
"But Sihtric didn't do anything wrong" you replied worriedly. "Finan, it's not his fault it's Skade's fault. Why would Uhtred kill him? I understand that he was angry about what Sihtric said, but... B-But it's not fair!"
Finan hugged you, caressing your head and bringing it against his chest and you let yourself be lulled by his caresses. You loved Finan like he was your older brother, you protected each other and he had always been there for you in times of need, even when there were problems between you and Sihtric.
"I don't know what to do" you continued, your voice muffled by his clothes. "Would you really let Uhtred kill Sihtric? Would you let our group be destroyed in this horrible way because of the witch?"
Finan tilted his head to press a small kiss to your hair and then placed a hand on your cheek, pulling you away so he could look you in the eyes.
"Why don't you go and talk to Sihtric? You're the only one who can make him see some sense, little one, and we all know that. And when Uhtred returns we will clear up the situation once and for all. No one will kill anyone, i promise"
You nodded, closing your eyes to let out two lone tears and Finan wiped one away with his thumb.
"Thank you Finan" you said with a small smile. "We're lucky to have you here"
He smiled back and removed his hand from your face to let you walk away as he watched you walk out the door.
When you were about to reach the pigsty, you saw Sihtric walking in your direction, after he had finished binding the prisoners.
"Sihtric" you called him softly.
Sihtric froze and raised his head to look at you as you stood in front of him. You were both silent for a couple of seconds until you gave a small smile mixed with a grimace.
"You carry the smell of pigs with you" you said. "Unless it's the one of the danes'"
Sihtric smiled and then shook his head.
"Have you come to scold me?" he asked you and even if he didn't want to address you in a rude way, you clearly heard the bitterness in his tone of voice, probably because he was still angry with Uhtred.
"Oh no my love. No..." you replied immediately, shaking your head.
You reached both hands forward to take one of his and Sihtric relaxed, squeezing your hands back.
"I just want to talk to you. I understand your point of view, i know you miss our life in Coccham and i miss it too, i really do" you said trying to reassure him. "But why did you talk to Uhtred like that? Why did you get so angry?"
"You ask me why?" he asked in turn. "You ask me why i was the only one among all to have the courage to rebel against him after he did nothing but use us for a whore who only made us suffer? Is that what you ask me?"
"Sihtric, he is our Lord. We have sworn loyalty to him-"
"No. His mind is cursed and he no longer thinks. That is not the man to whom i gave my axe, do you understand?" he retorted, placing his hands on your shoulders. "The Uhtred i know wouldn't have thrown me away like i was shit and wouldn't have threatened to kill me"
You shook your head again, placing your hands on his cheeks. "He didn't mean it, he would never kill you. Uhtred... I'm sure there's a reason behind his actions, you have to trust him, like we always have"
"Do you trust him? Do you still want to serve him? After everything we have done for him?"
You reluctantly nodded and Sihtric took a step back with a grimace.
"I should have expected that you would stay on his side and not mine"
Your eyes widened as you felt your heart skip a beat.
"What? Sihtric, no-"
"You would rather listen to the words of a cursed lord than those of your own husband"
"What are you saying? Why do you think that?" you asked, taking a step towards him.
"What would you do if i asked you to come with me?" he retorted.
You fell silent for a couple of seconds, not understanding his question.
"What do you mean?"
"I no longer want to follow Uhtred's orders. I can't stay here, i want to leave"
"But... But where to? Sihtric i don't understand"
"Anywhere but here. Uhtred doesn't want me so i'll leave"
"No. My dear please, you don't really mean it" you tried to say, but he nodded.
"Yes, i do. And i want you to choose once and for all" Sihtric said, moving closer to you again. "Me or Uhtred"
You shook your head, looking at him with teary, teary eyes.
"I can't. Please don't ask me to answer this"
"You can't or you don't want to?" Sihtric hissed through clenched teeth. "Don't you want to stay with your husband?"
You lowered your head, sniffling, scared. What did you have to do? Could you really choose between the man you loved and the one you swore loyalty to for life? Of course not. But by now Sihtric was blinded by rage.
Sihtric looked at you with an almost disappointed look and took a couple of steps back.
"Just as i thought. I can't trust anyone anymore. Only the Gods" he said, turning his back to you.
Those words and the feeling that he wanted to leave forever pushed you to run to position yourself in front of him again, intent on making him reason for the last time.
"Sihtric, please listen to me. Listen to me my love" you said, looking intently into his eyes as he saw your pupils flutter. "I love you with all my heart, i trust you and you know i would follow you to the end of the world. But i also love Uhtred, the same way i love Finan and Osferth. I know you're angry, but you must not let that witch destroy everything our friendship has built"
Sihtric let out a deep breath through his nose, remaining silent to listen to you and you took one of his hands, bringing it to your chest.
"Don't ask me to choose between you and Uhtred. I don't want to lose any of you. We're family" you murmured through tears, stroking the tattoos on his fingers. "Please. Stay with us and we will solve everything. Together"
There were a few seconds of silence that were broken by the sound of someone walking nearby and the noises of the night. Then Sihtric sighed and leaned over to rest his forehead against yours. You closed your eyes and he pressed a kiss to your forehead, wrapping his arm around your shoulders to pull you against his body.
"You're the only one who will always be able to convince me. And that's why i love you" he murmured against your skin.
You smiled, wrapping your arms around his body and rubbing your cheek against the soft fur he was wearing.
"Glad to hear it"
The next morning you woke up with sunlight hitting your face. You reached out beside you, believing you could touch Sihtric's body and you were surprised when you felt his side of the bed empty. But you didn't worry too much, thinking that he was already with the others. You stood up and after getting dressed you went down to the hall to eat something, joining Finan and Osferth who were already sitting at the table with Aethelfled.
"Good morning" you said with a smile, not noticing the worried looks your companions exchanged.
The princess smiled at you, greeting you in return and you sat down in front of her, next to Finan.
"How are you Osferth? Are you feeling better?" you asked, turning to the young monk, who nodded slowly.
"Um, yes thank you. Much better than yesterday"
"That's good. Have you guys seen Sihtric? I thought he was with you" you asked then.
Finan put down the piece of bread he was chewing and looked into your eyes.
"Sweetheart" he called to you cautiously. "Sihtric is gone"
You looked at him in silence, your brain still busy registering his words. "What do you mean?"
"He left with the prisoners. This night" Osferth replied this time, sounding sad and disappointed at what your husband had done. "He betrayed us"
You looked between the two of them and Aethelfled who tried to give you a reassuring smile, but that wasn't enough to calm the doubts and confusion that were clouding your mind.
"What? It-It's impossible, no..." you replied, shaking your head. "Why he would betray us, i don't understand. I-I, i talked to him Finan, you know that, right? We talked, i told him we would help him and he told me he wouldn't leave. No, no..."
Finan looked at you with pity and you lowered your head, seeing a couple of tears that you didn't even realize you were shedding fall onto your plate.
"Why did he do it?" you murmured, sniffling.
You balled your hands into fists above your thighs and Finan leaned in to rub his palm on your shoulder, trying to comfort you. But now it was all useless. You trusted Sihtric and he had taken advantage of your moment of weakness to escape without even saying goodbye. You had lost your husband and your companions had lost a friend. And the pain caused by betrayal burned more than that of death in battle.
"Hey"
You lifted your head, seeing Osferth sit down next to you. Around you, Uhtred's men chatted and laughed among themselves, and Finan played dice with them. You were watching them in silence, happy that at least they were enjoying their stay at Aethelfled's estate.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, looking at you with the usual worry lingering in his eyes.
You nodded, smiling slightly but didn't say anything. Your mind had been troubled since the day Sihtric left and you didn't know what to do or think anymore.
"How about we have a drink to relax?" continued the monk. "And we can also have our new slave serve us"
You stared at him confused by his words, but when you noticed Finan approaching you with two cups of beer that he handed you, you smiled amusedly. You and Osferth clashed your beers in a toast, while Finan leaned towards the window to look out. Osferth swallowed the drink he was taking to look at him.
"What is it?" he asked and you also turned to Finan.
"Better to say who it is" replied the other with a smile, and then moved away from the window and headed towards the door.
The doors flew open and Uhtred entered. You and Osferth stood up, also happy with his return, while Finan walked towards him.
"You're back" the Irishman said as he hugged him with a smile and Uhtred hugged him back.
"I'm back"
The two broke away and Uhtred placed a hand on Finan's shoulder.
"Sihtric?" he asked.
"He has left. A long time ago" Finan answered. "Along with the prisoners, Lord"
Uhtred nodded and after giving him a couple of pats on the shoulder he also noticed your and Osferth's presence.
"Osferth" he called, walking in your direction.
"Lord"
"You're still alive" Uhtred said in a teasing tone and Osferth smiled.
"Of course Lord"
The two hugged and then Uhtred turned to you, calling your name.
"I'm glad you're back, Lord" you murmured, moving closer to him. Uhtred gave you a smile that seemed more made out of pity and hugged you. You tightened your arms around his body and he caressed your back a couple of times, then pulled away and looked you in the eyes.
"I'm sorry about Sihtric" he murmured, though those near you could still hear him. "How are you?"
You shrugged with a sigh. "I can't say that i didn't suffer from his choice, like everyone else here. My heart is broken in half. But i try not to give in to the pain and move forward"
Uhtred nodded and in the meantime Aethelfled also joined you in the hall, having learned of Uhtred's return. And when their eyes met they smiled at each other.
Uhtred had to take Skade back. But entering the camp of the danes, who were more than two thousand men in the service of Cnut, Brida, Haesten and Bloodhair, was impossible, practically suicide. But Uhtred was no fool and you were proud to have sworn your sword to a man of his valor.
Luck, or fate and the Gods to some, came your way when you stopped at the village of Crugland, where the Mercians (or buttered bishops as Finan said) who lived there wanted to keep you trapped as bait for the danes. But after you had rid yourself of Aethelfled's traitors you went in the direction of the danes' camp, knowing that some of them would leave thanks to your diversion.
"Uhtred"
You rode your horse closer to Uhtred's, who was trotting at the head of the group and he turned to face you.
"I was thinking…" you murmured and he had no trouble hearing the tone of concern decorating your voice. "Do you think we will meet Sihtric when we enter the camp?"
"Very likely, because he knows i want Skade back" Uhtred nodded, then looked forward again.
You looked down at your horse's mane and tightened your grip on the bridle. You wanted to ask him something else but you didn't have the courage.
"You're afraid i'll kill him as soon as i see him, aren't you?" Uhtred asked you and you looked back at him with wide eyes. It was like he read your mind.
Uhtred let out a deep breath from his chest, as if he was still pondering something.
"Would you really do that?" you murmured. "Would you kill him?"
Uhtred smiled, turning to you.
"You still care about him, despite what he did"
You remained silent for a couple of seconds, thinking about what to answer him and you ran your tongue over your lips.
"When i fight in battle i always try to kill my enemies with the first blow, so as not to make them suffer. Because i don't wish the worst pain even on my greatest enemy. And Sihtric is no different. He is still my husband, but even if should our paths part forever, i will worry about him until i die"
"And tell me, would you defend him from my sword?" Uhtred asked you seriously and you looked at him in surprise. "You stayed with me and i appreciate that. But if he and i found ourselves face to face dueling, what would you do? Would you try to save him from his fate?"
His words caught you off guard and for the second time you found yourself with a dry mouth. Your heart beat faster knowing that Uhtred was right. You had to make a choice. A choice from which this time you couldn't back out. Sihtric or Uhtred?
"In all honesty i still don't know, Lord” you said. "I guess we'll find out about that once he's with us"
You looked back at the horizon, where the sun was slowly starting to set. Inside your brain there was a tornado of thoughts and doubts that never stopped. Uhtred, however, managed to keep himself from smiling.
There were a few hours left before darkness arrived and you, Uhtred and the others were hiding in the trees near the camp, waiting for the right moment to infiltrate.
"Someone is coming" Finan whispered, pulling out a dagger. Osferth remained kneeling at your feet, while you and Uhtred clasped your hands on the hilts of your swords, ready to attack.
"It's Sihtric" Osferth muttered and your eyes widened.
You felt your heart skip a beat and exchanged a look with Finan, while Uhtred took up his sword.
And Osferth was right. It was him, it was Sihtric.
When you saw your husband emerge from the branches your first instinct was to go to him, but Uhtred beat you to it and took a step towards him.
"Do you have something to tell me?" he asked menacingly. Sihtric looked him in the eyes and nodded.
"I do" he replied before drawing his sword and pointing it at your lord. "Yield to me"
You expected one of the two to attack the other and you weren't ready to know what you would had to do, who you would've defended. But much to your surprise and confusion, Uhtred raised his arms and let his sword slip from his hand. A second later, Sihtric planted his sword on the ground and approached Uhtred to embrace him. They both laughed, while you all looked at them in shock.
"You fooled us!" Osferth said with a surprised smile, reaching back to touch Finan's leg. "They fooled us! Why?"
Uhtred and Sihtric stepped away from each other, while the monk and Finan approached your husband. You, on the other hand, remained motionless on your spot and stared at him.
"You had to believe it for the others to believe it too" Uhtred replied.
"I knew it" said Finan to Sihtric.
"No, you did not. Was i good?" your husband replied with a smirk, then turning back to Uhtred.
"A little" said the other with a wave of his hand.
"I'm telling you i knew it" continued Finan and then hugged his friend, followed by Osferth who did the same.
At that moment you also decided to approach them and Sihtric finally laid his gaze on you. It was in that precise moment that you saw his mismatched eyes fill with joy and love, two completely different eyes than the ones full of anger he had on the night of the "betrayal". That was the Sihtric you could recognize.
"My love" he said with a relieved smile, stretching his arms out towards you.
You stepped towards him, but just before you could hug him you had a second of hesitation. You quickly looked over his shoulder at Finan and Osferth, who gave you two reassuring smiles and so you took them as signs to wrap your arms around your husband's body. When your cheek came to rest on his warm, fur-covered clothes, you let out a breath of relief from your nose as he pressed his hands on your hips to pull you towards him.
"I missed you" Sihtric murmured.
"I missed you too"
You felt his fingers caress your body as he tilted his head to press a kiss to your hair. You remained in that position for a few seconds and while he seemed to be calm, you felt a strange sensation begin to invade your body.
"I thought you were angry with me" Sihtric murmured with a chuckle, making the others smile as well.
At those words you suddenly detached yourself from his body and punched him on the arm, a gesture at which everyone's eyes widened, taken aback.
"Ow!" Sihtric exclaimed in surprise. "Why did you hit me?"
"Angry? You thought i was just angry with you??" you asked, frowning at him.
"Honey what-" he tried to ask you but you cut him off.
"Do you have any idea what i've been through, Sihtric Kjartansson?" you asked angrily again, pointing a finger at his chest. "Do you have any idea how i've felt these days, thinking you betrayed us? Thinking you hated us? Osferth, tell him"
Osferth jumped, not expecting to be involved, while Uhtred and Finan exchanged looks like two people enjoying a show.
"U-Um, you felt bad-"
"Bad, yes! That's how i felt!" you spoke in Osferth's place, continuing your speech. "I felt very bad, Sihtric. I wasn't just mad, i was also sad and so fucking disappointed. You left without saying anything and i thought you had lost faith in me"
You stepped back and turned your back to him, not wanting him to see how you were rubbing a hand over your eyes to keep the tears from coming out.
"I-I thought you didn't love me anymore, i thought... I thought i had lost you forever..."
Sihtric's gaze softened when he saw your shoulders move with small spasms in the throes of sobs and he slowly approached you. He placed his hands on your shoulders, making you turn towards him and you let him.
"My love, look at me" he said softly, placing both hands on your wet cheeks so he could look into your eyes.
Oh, how you missed feeling his palms on your face.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through this" he said, trying to wipe the tears from your cheeks. "I want you to know that i've thought about you day and night since i left. There were never any secrets between you and me and having to keep the truth of the plan hidden from you destroyed me. I felt so guilty for leaving you alone to suffer, believe me. I didn't mean a single word of what i said to you that night, i never doubted you and your loyalty. And i will never stop loving you. Never. Understood?"
You nodded and sniffled as Sihtric leaned in to give you a long kiss on the forehead, while thanks to his comforting words you felt all the doubts that had invaded your head dissolve like fog.
"Do you forgive me?" he asked when he pulled away from your skin.
What a stupid question, of course you forgave him, you already had. And how could you not when he was looking at you with that pleading look of a guilty man?
So you raised your hands to wrap them around his wrists and nodded once again, smiling heartily.
"Of course i forgive you"
Sihtric smiled back and without wasting time he attached his lips to yours. You both closed your eyes, enjoying that kiss that sealed the renewal of your love and that would never fade.
When you pulled away you punched him again on the other arm and he looked at you offended.
"And what was that for??" he asked with wide eyes.
You pointed a finger at him, then crossed your arms and looked at him with a fake serious look.
"You stupid. Play another jest like that on me and next time i'll be the one that leaves you. Am i clear?"
Sihtric nodded with an amused smile and the others chuckled too.
"Yes my Lady"
Then you turned to Uhtred.
"I'll punch you too later Uhtred" you said and he looked at you in surprise.
"Me? What did i do?"
"Well, i think that this ingenious plan wasn't just my husband's idea, right?"
And while Uhtred looked at you with an embarrassed smile, Sihtric, Finan and Osferth laughed.
off topic but I HATE WHEN PEOPLE SHIP SIHTRIC AND SKADE!!!!! LIKE, I'M SORRY DID WE WATCH THE SAME SHOW???
"ThE cHeMisTRy BeTwEeN tHeM wAs So sTRonG!"
GIRL BFFR🤡
I haven't read the books, but in the serie they only spoke like once or twice in all the season and she never showed any interest in him. And he fucking despised her!!! He was clearly scared of her and he just wanted to kill her, like everyone else!!
Is it just me??? Please, i can't be the only one who saw it.




