#revna oc

[revnashieldmaiden]

The next morning

Cinaed lets Gunnar stay in bed while he starts getting ready for the day, dressing a little warmer as the day outside looks cloudy and a little chill. He smiles as he glances over at their furs and sees his lover stretching and opening his eyes.

“Good morning gorgeous,” Cinaed purrs, coming over to give Gunnar a little kiss.

“I slept so good in your arms. I’m off to see my father, to ask if he’d like to spar with me this afternoon. Have to keep my skills up…” the prince winks.

“Would you like to meet me there at the fortress in a little while?”

When Gunnar agrees to meet him, the prince gives him one last parting kiss before skipping over to the fortress. It’s a little cold, but he loves the clouds in the sky, the way it makes everything seem so calm. The first person he sees gives him a beaming smile all her own.

“Hi there,” the prince beams back at Revna. “Good to see you! I came to see if Finan wanted to spar with me. I do regret that I can’t spar with you, though… that’d be more of a challenge.” The prince winks at her.

@cinaedofulaid

With Tora on her hip, Revna beams when she sees Cinaed approaching. She was just about to go check on her garden of plants and herbs when the young man walked into the fortress. Tora is wiggling in her arms wanting to be put down so she can play with Hati. As soon as Cinaed gets near, Hati sniffs the prince before sitting down and whining. Revna gives the wolf dog a curious look at his behavior.

As Cinaed mentions wanting to spar with his father, Revna’s smile deepens. “I’m sure Finan would love to spar with you. He should be around here somewhere.” The shieldmaiden glances around the courtyard.

At Cinaed’s comment that he would have liked to spar with her, Revna let out a little giggle as her hand comes down to her growing belly. “Yes, my sparing days are over. At least for the time being. Perhaps after the little one is born, you can help whip me back into shape.” Revna gives Cinaed a little wink. She has no doubt the young man will be a formidable opponent having experienced his own taste of battle.

“Is Gunnar here with you?” She glances around again, searching for the big man. She is so happy having both of them back in Bebbanburg, no matter the strife it caused in Ulaid. At least everything seems to have calmed down since Ethne has taken the mantle.

@cinaedofulaid

[grlwtskulltattoo]

I step into the cool morning air, taking a deep breath to calm the storm of emotions rolling through me. I take a walk around the grounds to find a place to sit and reflect, away from everyone else. Finding a quiet corner near the wall that surrounds Saltwic, shaded by some trees, I sit on the ground with my back to the wall.

Drawing my knees up I rest my head on my arm that lays across them. I try to focus my thoughts, but the pain in my chest makes it hard. I love Finan with every beat of my heart. That I know for certain. But what if it’s not enough. What if I’m not enough for him… am I okay with him having lovers besides me. I feel a flare of jealousy in my chest. There is a part of me that wants him all to myself. To be the only one who sees the pleasure on his face in the throes of passion. Am I jealous cause I’m not included in these trysts with him? Would I even feel comfortable with that…having another person touch me the way Finan does? I trust Finan…trust that he would never do anything to hurt me when we are intimate. Could I build that same trust with another?

@thedarkprinceofulaid @asksihtrickjartansen @mrsarnasdelicious

[theladyofmercia]

Aethelflaed is seated at the head of the table in her hall, smiling in greeting as everyone slowly filters in. The large space is comfortably warm, lit with braziers and a fire in the center. Her smile disappears momentarily when she lays eyes on Gisela; no one had told her that the former Lady of Coccham was, in fact, living.

Aethelflaed recovers quickly, pulling a smile back to her face, though her mind is awash in confusion. A feeling in her gut told her that this seemingly miraculous return was somehow, like everything else currently happening, connected to her father. She notices an unfamiliar woman entering with Sihtric and Tessa, a Dane by appearances, and notes how she looks uncomfortable.

Once the men and women from Coccham have all been seated with beverages poured, Aethelflaed rises to her feet to catch the attention of everyone and waits for the murmured conversations to stop.

"My friends, I apologize for my absence when you first arrived, but I trust that everything has been comfortable and to your liking. You are all my welcome guests, and my friends as well. It gladdens me to see all of you here as the long, cold nights of winter draw nearer.

My home is yours, for so long as you need it, and I will do all that I am able to assist in whatever capacity needed, be it lands to build upon or settling any disputes - though I sincerely hope the latter will not be an issue." She smiles at the soft chuckles rising from her guests as she returns to her seat.

"Though I know I bear no responsibility, I also want to apologize for the actions of my father. His behavior and decisions that have led you here are truly shocking to me, as I'm sure it was to you. If at any point you wish for me to intercede on your behalf, I will do so willingly."

Aethelflaed pauses as she looks over the assembled group. Her gaze stops on Uhtred before she looks back to Gisela. "Lady Gisela, I must say that I am shocked to see you, presumably healthy. Something tells me that my father is behind this?"

There are many other questions to be answered, but Aethelflaed knows that will come in time.

@askaldhelm @askuhtredragnarson @asksihtrickjartansen @thedarkprinceofulaid @thebabymonk868 @grlwtskulltattoo @mrsarnasdelicious @warriorabbesshild

[revnashieldmaiden]

Giving his mother a dazzling smile much akin to his father’s, the Prince of Ulaid begins his swordskill training with her supplied with a mere staff, lest she best him too harshly during their first session. He ducks her first strike, giving her a wide eyed, jest filled dark gaze.

“Woah, Mum!”

Ronan is quickly caught off guard by Revna’s differing style from his father’s. Where both of his parents are quick and agile, his mother differs in the style of her strikes — his father’s brutal and unforgiving, whereas Revna’s are stealthy and calculated, as if each one is meant to send her opponent into a dizzying spell. The prince puts up a worthy effort, trained in the ways of his father, and yet Revna’s strikes still catch him off guard like no other. At the end of their first round, Ronan stumbles, giving Revna the opportunity to place the staff at his neck. He snickers, huffing a breath as she helps him up to stand.

“Bested, so easily…” Ronan says in defeat as he winks at her.

@ronanofulaid

Giving Ronan a smirk as he ducks from my first strike, I barely contain my chuckle at his comment. If he thought I was going to take it easy on him, he’s got another think coming. He may soon beg his father to take up his training again.

“You have to anticipate your opponent’s moves. Prey on their weaknesses…” I instruct Ronan. “I may not have the brute strength your father has against an opponent, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take them down. My moves just have to be calculated.”

I am impressed with how much Ronan has already learned from Finan, the dance of his feet, how quickly he tries to deflect my blows, but he still loses sight on finding the perfect opening. I quickly counter every move he makes, catching him off guard more often then not. When Ronan stumbles my staff finds it mark at his neck, ending our first round.

Helping Ronan up, I give him a teasing smile. “This time…but I’m sure with more practice you’ll soon be able to take down warriors twice your size….Even your husband.” I playfully bump my shoulder with his.

@ronanofulaid

[revnashieldmaiden]

“Hello, my pretty girls…” Finan drawls with a grin as he approaches you outside the hall.

“C’mon, let’s get you a lil’ somethin’ to eat, eh?” He says, taking your hand and giving you a soft kiss.

“How are you, my darling?”

@thedarkprinceofulaid

Seeing Finan approaching a smile lights up my face. Tora has a fist full of my hair and her other hand is clutching my tunic. She is getting more and more curious about everything around her.

“Hello, my handsome husband…” I say with happiness in my voice.

“Yes, please…I’m starving. I kind of lost track of time drying and preparing herbs in the healing chamber…” I give Finan a sheepish smile as he gives my hand a soft kiss. “Has everyone else gathered for the celebration?”

“I am good…better now, being with you.” I give Finan a loving look. When Tora hears her father’s voice, her hands instantly start reaching out for him. “I just fed and changed her, so she should be content for awhile.”

"How are you, my love?"

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[revnashieldmaiden]

Rocking Tora in my arms, I softly sing a lullaby trying to soothe my fussy baby. Her cries and whimpers tugging at my heart as I try desperately to figure out what is ailing her. She has been changed and fed, although she didn’t seem interested in eating, which isn’t like her. Usually in the mornings she is very hungry, especially since she is sleeping through the night.

Placing my hand on her forehead, I’m shocked to feel how warm she is, like she is running a fever. “Oh, my sweet girl, you’re burning up…” I softly say holding her squirming body close to me.

It’s times like this I miss my friend’s guidance. Even though I have learned much over the year from her in regards to healing and herbs, I know there is still a lot I don’t know. Especially when it comes to little ones. With Tora being my first, everything is new to me, and I’m learning along with her. She is usually a happy, giggling little girl, so for her to be crying and whimpering, I know something is wrong. I just can’t figure out what. It makes me feel helpless to ease her suffering not knowing what is causing it.

Hearing a soft knock on the slightly opened chamber door, I glance in that direction seeing Uhtred poking his head in with a questioning look on his face. I offer him a weak smile, the worry in my eyes showing.

“She won’t stop crying…and she is running a mild fever. I-I can’t figure out what is causing her discomfort…” I look at Uhtred with concern.

@askuhtredragnarson @thedarkprinceofulaid

[revnashieldmaiden]

After going over the supplies in her healing chamber, Revna realizes she is low on many of the herbs and plants that she will need when her pup comes. Much of it had been used to help Elle’s through her own labor, bringing Uhtred’s beautiful baby boy into the world. Lachlan is the name they chose, a lovely name representing Elle’s Scottish heritage and Uhtred’s claim to the Danes. Revna smiles as she remembers the look on Uhtred’s face when his son was born. Just one look and he was absolutely smitten. She is so happy for Elle and Uhtred, and it’s been heartwarming seeing how naturally Elle has taken to motherhood.

A sharp pain makes Revna wince, as her hand comes down to cup the bottom of her belly. She can sense that her little one won’t be far behind, and it renews her urgency to be prepared. Raspberry leaf, chamomile, and yarrow are at the top of her list of plants she needs. Rosehips if she can find it and lady’s mantle.

Tora is babbling at Hati on the floor, both of them in their own little world when Revna scoops her up. “Come, my sweet girl…lets go find your brother and gather some herbs.”

After grabbing a basket from the table, Revna leaves her healing chamber with Hati close on her heels. Knowing that her husband will be cross with her if she doesn’t bring protection, Revna calls out to Maelock and Lorcan. They have been hanging around the fortress when Cinaed is not in need of their services.

“Gentlemen,” Revna smiles. “I would like to ask for your assistance. I’m going to go fetch my son in the village and then go into the forest to gather some herbs. If you could come along for protection I’d appreciate it.

…and I promise not to make you stay behind this time.” She chuckles when she sees the worried looks on their faces after the last time she ventured into the forest.

“Don’t worry, we’ll have Ronan with us as well…” She calls over her shoulder as the men reluctantly follow.

When she gets to Ronan’s cottage, with Tora on her hip, Revna knocks on the door. “Ronan!” She softly calls out. “It’s mum…I was hoping to borrow you for a moment.”

@ronanofulaid

[revnashieldmaiden]

A knock at my chamber door rouses me from my thoughts as I watch Tora and Hati play on the fur in front of the hearth. Getting up from the edge of the bed, I answer the door, surprised when a servant hands me a note. When I open it and see my son’s name scrawled at the bottom, I feel a mistiness come to my eyes. We never should have brought him here. We should have insisted that he stay in Bebbanburg.

I had a feeling the purpose of bringing him here was to annul his marriage to Björn so that the courts could force him into a loveless marriage with a person of their choosing. Someone that furthered their ambitions, much like what my husband was forced to endure.

Ag fágáil Ulaid le filleadh abhaile. Tá mo áit le Prionsa Kattegat. Is breá liom tú. 

-Rónan

Oh, Ronan. And now he is running back home. I feel a shiver of dread run down my spine. Will the courts charge him with treason? Hopefully not, if Finan and I have any say in the matter. I heard the servants gossiping that King Constantin is the one Ronan was promised to. To bring an end to the war between Alba and Ulaid. Will he let my son go? Or will he hunt the prince down and force him to uphold the agreement. Just the thought of it tears at my heart. I know Björn won’t let him go. He will fight to the death to protect what they have.

I worry for them both on the road, especially with Alba’s men along the borders. What if they are found? They have no guardsmen with them and could easily be overtaken. The thought of either one of them getting hurt is like a weight settling in my stomach. I know I won’t rest until they both make it home, where I know Lagertha and Ragnar will protect them. Where they will be safe within the walls of Bebbanburg.

I have to do what I can to help them in their journey. Picking Tora up from the floor, I throw my fur cloak over my shoulders. My little girl gives me a curious look as I head out of our chambers.

“We are going to go visit some friends, my sweet girl.” I softly say, forcing a smile on my face so that she doesn’t pick up on the unsettledness I am feeling. Hati follows close on my heels.

Heading down to the kitchens I gather some scraps of meat in a cloth. Before heading outside I turn to face Hati. “You stay. I don’t need you stealing their food.” The wolf dog gives me a curious look, but he stays as requested, letting out a little whine as Tora and I walk away.

Once outside, I carry Tora with me to the gardens. It was always my favorite place on the grounds during my captivity. Of course, this time of year, there are no flowers on the rose bushes. Everything has gone dormant for the winter. I spread out the scraps of meat on the ground near the stone bench I would sit at for hours, before taking a seat. I place Tora on my lap as we wait for Hugin and Munin to arrive. I know they are around here somewhere, since they follow me wherever I go.

Tora lets out a little squeal when one of the ravens land near the scrapes of food. Her hand instantly reaching out wanting to touch the bird. A few moments later the other raven lands on the ground. I have learned how to tell them apart. Hugin is just a little bit larger than Munin, but Munin has a shinier coat of feathers. Both birds let out little croaks as they pick up the morsels of food, much to Tora’s delight. She tries to mimic their sounds, which garners curious glances from the ravens.

After the ravens finish their scraps of meat, Hugin flies up to perch on the end of the stone bench, closer to Tora and I. They are getting bolder, the trust between us growing stronger day by day. Munin, not to be out done, flies up and perches on my knee. I suck in a breath of surprise as Tora instantly starts babbling to the raven, holding out her little hand. Munin squawks back to her and for a moment it’s like they are having their own conversation. After a few breathless moments, Munin cranes his neck and places the top of his head against Tora’s outreached hand. She giggles in response.

“Be gentle with him…” I softly whisper to Tora, concerned that she’ll get excited and scare him.

Looking over at Hugin, I see him curiously watching the interaction between Munin and my daughter. He’s not quite brave enough to get closer, but he’s still closer than I have ever seen him.

“I need you to watch over my sons. Björn and Ronan.” I look into Hugin’s eyes, not sure if he is understanding me, but hopeful that he is. “They are journeying home and I need you to make sure they make it home safely. Alert them to any dangers along the way. Guide their way home.” Hugin tilts his head at me as if he is listening intently to every word I say. 

“Munin will stay here to watch over us. He will return home with us, when the time comes.” I glance at Munin as he rubs his head against Tora’s hand, my daughter’s giggles filling the air.

“Can you do this for me?” I ask the raven, feeling almost silly as I wait for a response. I swear I see Hugin give a little nod of his head before he suddenly takes flight. I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding, watching as Hugin flies in the direction the boys would have taken in their journey home.

“Thank you…” I softly whisper, praying to the Gods he can keep them safe from danger. I watch until he is but a speck on the horizon.

@thedarkprinceofulaid