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itsthestutterforme · 1 year

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Pyrlig’s Spy (Sihtric x black!reader)

Summary: Father Pyrlig is your adoptive father and raised you as his own in the church. You had became a spy for King Alfred and now became a spy for his successor, Prince Edward. Father Pyrlig asks you to help Uhtred to take down Cnut and you hesitantly agreed.

Notes: GIF is not mine, all mistakes are my own, sexual themes (oral sex - fem receiving), minors DNI, this is a long one sorry not sorry

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Uhtred went to Durham to rest his men and buy some time to figure out what to do next. As of now, him and his men were traitors to the Saxon crown. He will forever be tethered to Wessex and the Saxons. All he ever wanted for this life was to reclaim his birthright to Bebbangburg. Without an army, there was no way he could take back Bebbanburg.

“Lord,” Finan says, nudging his head in the direction of a familiar face. Uhtred’s face fell when he saw Father Pyrlig sitting at a table, reading the scroll in his hands. Uhtred stands from his table and Finan follows.

“You plan on telling Edward where I am, Father?” Uhtred asks, snapping Pyrlig out of his thoughts. “Uhtred,” he says, closing his scroll and tucking it back into his satchel. “No, I’m here on other business.” “Is that right? And what business may that be, Father? A whorehouse?” Finan teases, making Uhtred chuckle.

You heard the tail end of the conversation and didn’t like what you heard. “Mind your tongue, Dane.” You say from behind him, rounding the table. You wore a cloak with a deep hood, making it nearly impossible to reveal your features to the men before you. “Not a Dane,” Finan corrects.

“And who might you be?” Uhtred asks. “None of your business,” you snap. By this point, Osferth and Sihtric were by Uhtred’s side and Father Pyrlig stands to mediate. “Easy boys. This is my adoptive daughter, Y/N. She can be protective.” He explained. “Daughter?” It’s okay to show yourself. They are friends.” He adds.

You waited a moment before pulling back your hood as you looked at the group. “She’s beautiful,” Osferth whispers to Sihtric, warranting an elbow to his stomach. “She has a sharp tongue,” Uhtred says in a amusement. “She has a sharp sword to match,” you snark.

“Y/N, play nice.” Pyrlig states, your gaze softening when you looked at him. “It’s good to see you, Father. I have news.” You start, not wanting to debrief him in front of strangers. Sihtric in particular caught your attention, his darkened gaze awakened something in you no one else did in a long time.

“Do you trust them?” You ask Father Pyrlig. “With my life,” “Very well. There’s much to discuss. We should go somewhere private.” You stated.

Since the day you first met Sihtric in Durham, he’s creeped his way into your head. You can still see his gaze when your eyes are closed. Even when you are under another man, all you could think about was how it would feel to be under him.

Your cover was being a healer for the Danes. Thankfully Haesten has taken a liking to you, which further protected you in your cover. You spaced out your visits to Durham to brief Father Pyrlig to avoid suspicion. Uhtred and his men were stationed there until you gave them the window to attack and take over Cnut’s army.

You were training with Pyrlig when you felt eyes on you. You looked over your shoulder to see Sihtric glancing over at you while he brushed his horse. Pyrlig nudged you with the back of his sword, causing you to stumble. “Eyes up,” he instructs. You turn your attention back to training and crouched down into defensive position.

“Why do you stare at her and don’t say anything?” Osferth asks, brushing his own horse. “I.. always find myself at a loss for words whenever she’s near.” “What worries you, Sihtric? That she may not like you?” Sihtric spares him a glance, brushing the hay off his horse and walking to where Finan and Uhtred were sitting.

“She’s captivated by you, Sihtric.” Osferth states. “Drop it, Osferth.” He states. “Drop what?” Uhtred asks. “Nothing, lord.” Osferth spares Sihtric a glance and follows his gaze to you walking back to your hut for a bath.

Uhtred, Osferth and Finan turned in for the night. Sihtric decided to stay up late, hoping to catch you before bed. You were walking back from talking to Father Pyrlig when Sihtric caught your eye. He takes a sip of his ale and held your gaze. You’ve had enough of the stares and no talking. Your legs had a mind of its own as they strided over Sihtric.

“Is there something you wish to tell me?” You asked. “N-no, my Lady.” “Something keeping you awake?” You asked after a lengthy pause. “I’m afraid so,” “Would you want some company then?” His cheeks reddened at your words and he set down his cup. “How do you mean, my lady?”

You didn’t respond to his question. Instead, you pulled off your cloak and loosened the ties on your dress. His eyes fell to your the swells of your breasts before meeting your gaze. You gathered your cloak in your hands, walking up the steps to your hut.

You tossed the cloak on the table and pulled your gown off so your entire back was exposed before closing the door. You placed the gown on the table next to your cloak, smoothing your hands over your night gown. Sihtric contemplates what he should do next.

He hears a small voice in his head. It’s Finan’s voice saying, “Move it or lose it, idiot.” He stands from the table and made his way to your hut. He opens the door to see you sitting on your bed patiently for him. He closes the door behind him but doesn’t move from his spot in front of the door.

“Do you.. like me, Sihtric?” “Yes, I do.” “Well it doesn’t seem like it,” you stood from the bed and you could see the confliction behind his eyes. “What’s holding you back? Is it another woman?” You ask as you slowly walk around him. “No, my Lady. I am unmarried,” he answers.

“Mm, then what is it?” “You make me nervous like a young boy and his first crush. I.. can never think straight when you’re around.” “Do you wish for me to leave?” “No, lady.” “It’s Y/N,” your face was now inches from his but you only met him half way. “Y/N,” he whispers against your lips and you hummed softly.

He pushed his anxious thoughts from his head for a split second and pressed his lips to yours. He pulled away for a moment, holding your chin to deepen the kiss. Your hands fell to his biceps, take a step backward to lead him to the bed.

You pulled away from his lips and held his gaze as you sat on the bed, pulling him close by his belt. His hands covered yours, smiling at your confused expression. He pulls off his armor and shed his tunic and weapons onto the floor soon after.

He follows your lips until you laid down on your back, kissing your passionately and warmly. Taking the bottom of your night gown and lifting it over your hips. He pressed a peck to your lips before moving south, propping your legs on his shoulders.

A soft sigh leaves your lips when he licks up the stripe of your folds, lingering on your clit. He laps up your juices and circles your clit softly with the tip of tongue. You gently rolled your hips against him, groaning when his beard scratch brushed your folds. “P-please,”

He nips at the sensitive skin of your inner thigh before taking the bundle of nerves between his lips and sucking harshly at it. Your eyes rolled back, the arch in your back deepening. “Fuck, Sihtric. That feels so- oh,” he suctions and kitten licks at your clit, following the pearl with every motion of your hips, not stopping until he felt your body seize.

One of your hands gripped the sheets and the other rested on the back of his head. Your eyes screwed shut when your legs shook along with your orgasm. He pulls away from your legs, kissing your neck and rubbing his knee against your throbbing clit.

He swallowed your quiet sobs and whimpers. “Would you like me to do that again?” He asks, you moaned at the taste of your salty essence. “Is that a yes?” You held the side of his face when he moves to go back between your legs. “I-if you do that, I’ll fall unconscious before you can hump me,” you explained.

“I’d much rather lick you again, lady.” He says softly, pressing a kiss to your palm but he waits for you to nod before returning to his place between your legs. You never met a man that enjoyed giving you pleasure, let alone seek your pleasure before his. He could tell you were close to another orgasm from the intense shaking on your legs.

He kitten licks as quick as his tongue allowed. You twisted your body away from him but he wrapped his arms around your hips. You chanted his name through your orgasm, whining when he doesn’t pull away from your cunt. “No more. Gods, please!” You cried out from the overstimulation.

He pressed a kiss to your cunt before pulling away once again. He gathered you in his arms and cradling your body as you laid on his chest, smiling proudly when he sees your eyes fluttering closed.

“Lord Uhtred suggested I become a spy for him as well. Pretend to offer my sword to Cnut.” He breaks the silence, dragging his finger tips up your back. “Have you ever been a spy before?” You asked, slowly peeling your eyes open. “No,” “Then you have to be very careful,” “You worry for me already, lady?” He jokes. “Things can go wrong very fast so just promise me you’ll be careful,” you explain, holding his gaze.

“I promise,” you sighed when he pressed a lingering kiss to your forehead. “I haven’t heard Lord Uhtred talking about sending another spy,” you pondered, noticing his heart race in his chest. “It was your idea wasnt it?” You lifted your head from his chest and sat up next to him.

His heart continued to race when he saw a look of amusement in your eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he defends, his eyes never leaving yours as you straddle his waist. “Mm, looks like you need something to jog your memory,”

You gave Sihtric basic pointers on how to not give yourself away as spy. But all of that went out of the window when he noticed how bold Haesten was. How his hand lingers on your waist and slides down below your lower back. One night, you spent the entire night on Haesten’s lap to make up for Sihtric’s staring.

In your cover, you were only attracted to Haesten and that was one thing that came to mind. Sihtric wanted to break Haesten’s neck at the sight.

But no matter how hard you tried to divert attention from Sihtric, he was caught listening to Cnut’s conversation with Haesten and Bloodhair. “Seem like we have a traitor in our midst,” Bloodhair says, dragging Sihtric from outside their tent to the center of the ground for every to see, including you.

“Oh no,” you said to yourself. “Behold! An eavesdropper! Chances are he works for the Saxon scum, King Alfred! He wishes to tell him of our plans! Whatever should we do with him?” The camp circles around as Bloodhair forced Sihtric to his knees. “Kill him!” One man said, others murmured in agreement.

Bloodhair sheaths his sword and your heart sank in your chest. “Have him fight for his freedom!” You announced, moving closer to the crowd. “He doesn’t deserve that! Kill him!” “He is still a Dane,” “A Dane that betrayed his own people for the Saxons is hardly a Dane,”

You sighed, watching as Sihtric glares up at Bloodhair. “She’s right. He’s still a Dane.” Brida tells Cnut. “Have him fight for his freedom. But not now. We need to make a new plan.” Cnut tells Bloodhair. He grips the back of Sihtric’s collar and pushed him through the crowd.

“Bind him and keep his mouth shut,” Bloodhair tells his guards. You walked back to your healer tent, not wanting anyone to see your relief that Sihtric is still breathing. “Why did you defend him?” Your heard Haesten ask from behind you.

You turned to face him and he closed the space between you. “I’m.. not like you guys. I heal people, I don’t kill them. I don’t like seeing death either.” It was a lie obviously. This wasnt your first spy mission He stared at you a moment and you looked at him with sad eyes. “You’re too pure for a place like this, love.” He finally says, holding your face in his hands.

“Come by my tent tonight?” He questions, but you took it as a statement. “Okay,” he nudges his nose against yours before pulling away from you. You returned to your tent, never glancing in Sihtric’s direction. You kept an ear out for when the supposed fight but it never came.

It was close to sunset and you decided to take your chance. You tucked your knife under your gown as you made your way to the stables to get your horse. You brought it the edge of the the forest line, letting it feed on the grass there.

You waited until most of the men were eating or talking amongst themselves to approached the tent that Sihtric was held in. Two guards were outside the tent. You took the knife from his clapped a hand over one’s mouth and slit his throat. Dragging him behind the tent, you waited until the remaining guard rounded the corner.

He gripped his neck as you severed his corrotid. You glanced around before entering the tent, pressing your index finger to your lips when Sihtric’s eyes cut to yours. You quickly cut through his bindings and cut a hole through the back of the tent.

You peeked your head through the hole you made and ran like hell towards your horse. Brida caught movement in the corner of her eye, her jaw clenched when she saw you and Sihtric running towards the forest. “The traitors are getting away! Archers, kill them!” Brida orders.

Some archers rushed to their horses. You and Sihtric already mounted your horse. You took the reigns into your hands, turn the horse to move south when you felt a pinch on your arm. “Ah, fuck!” You looked down to see an arrow piercing straight through your arm.

“Y/N,” Sihtric says worryingly. You snapped the reigns and your horse dashed through the forest. You and Sihtric ducked to avoid anymore arrows while your arm throbs. When you cut through a path and lose the archers, your adrenaline slowly dwindled away and the pain took over.

“We should stop. Get you help.” He suggests. “We can’t. We need to keep moving. It’s fine as long as the arrow is still in my arm. The second you take it out, the bleeding will worsen.” “I’m sorry. This is all my fault.” “Stop that. Just.. hold me until we get to Durham.”

He nods in agreement, wrapping his arms around your and took the reigns into his hands. He places a kiss behind your ear. The peace of the forest, your horse’s soft clicks of her footsteps and chirps of the birds calmed your nerves. You closed your eyes for a moment, leaning further into Sihtric’s chest and thoroughly enjoying his warmth. “Why did you sacrifice the cover you’ve built for weeks, to save me?” He asks after a few paces of silence.

“I’ve seen enough death for a lifetime.. I didn’t intend to see another.” You explained softly. He cupped your chin and turned your face until you were looking over your shoulder. He rested his forehead on your, brushed the tip of his nose against yours.

“Thank you,” he pressed his lips to yours, humming into the kiss. “You saw what Haesten did, didn’t you?” You asked with a pained laugh. “I wanted to break his hands. You’re mine. Not his.” you let out another laugh, wincing when your arm flexed unintentionally. “So I take it, my cover was convincing?” He hummed in response, kissing behind your ear again.

#sihtric #sihtric x reader #the last kingdom #osferth #Uhtred #Finan

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ladykinrannoch · 1 year

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Hallelujah! Steady Eddy and Super Sophie have been recognised.

Published 9 March 2023

His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday.

The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness’s lifetime.

The Dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.

The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.

Background

His Royal Highness was created Earl of Wessex in 1999, on the occasion of his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones.

In 2019, Queen Elizabeth II granted The Earl of Wessex the additional title of Earl of Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 55th birthday.

The Dukedom of Edinburgh

The Dukedom has previously been created four times for Members of the Royal Family:

1726 - Prince Frederick, eldest son of King George II

1764 – Prince William, brother of King George III, as part of the joint title , The Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh

1866 – Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria

1947 – Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II

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emblematicemblazer · 7 months

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World building and theories of Engage

Alfred and Alfred the Great

Alfred, The Crowned Prince of Firene, has a real life inspiration, the Anglo-Saxon king Alfred the Great (849-899). Alfred the Great is probably best known for successfully defending his kingdom, Wessex, from Viking attacks. The surrounding kingdoms of Northumbria, East Anglia and Mercia had fallen and the odds were stacked against him, Alfred the Great and his father King Aethelred, were driven back into the heart of their kingdom and had to employ guerrilla tactics.

Alfred has similar claims to fame, with the help of the Divine Dragon he successfully defends his kingdom from attacks by the corrupted and Elusian forces.

There are other similarities between the two kings. When Alfred the Great was a young boy, he went on a pilgrimage with his father to Rome. This visit inspired a view of kingship based on religious morals and values. Alfred visited the Divine Dragon as a boy as well. These visits helped Alfred form a close friendship with the Divine Dragon.

Alfred the Great was a champion of education and taught himself Latin so he could translate important texts into English. He also set up schools to educate all young men. He also made military reforms which included: a rota systems fields were not neglected, fortified towns which formed the basis of the English system of boroughs and shires and strengthened the navy with the aid of foreign skilled craftspeople. To restore faith in the economy he increased the silver content in coins and created a new design, he introduced a fairer tax system, and introduced written laws. Alfred the Great was a reformer who improved his people's quality of life.

Alfred the Great had a condition with symptoms similar to Crohn's disease. He often went through periods of great pain and sickness, especially after grand feasts. He died early, (early 50s), but still managed to marry and raise an heir. Alfred has a similar condition and dies early because of it. His dislike of spicy food and strong tasting food could be because they make him unwell. There is no mention of Celine becoming Queen so I imagine that Alfred also married and had an heir.

#fire emblem engage #fe engage #firene #fe alfred #prince alfred

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firsttraintovictoriaville · 1 year

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Personification parent of the international countries frequently mentioned or that have physically appeared in WTTT

I wanted to figure out who would be Louisiana and Florida’s paternal grandparent and decided it wouldn’t be fair to the other countries. While there have been more countries mentioned than the one listed here; these are the countries that have appeared (Canada and Italy), mentioned multiple times (Spain and England), or were a running gag/important plot point/otherwise significant for another reason (Mexico and France)

I am a very strong proponent of each country having two government level personifications- one that handles national duties and one that handles international duties.

P.S Various sources are linked so history fans go nuts!

1) Canada - Prince Edward Island. Unable to link the main source which was the Founders’ Hall Exhibit in Charlottetown, PEI that I went to when I was vacationing there a few years ago. It was a fantastic museum that has sadly shut down. But we always have the Canadian government to keep the personified parent dream alive

2) Spain - Castile and Léon. This was interesting as, if Spain wasn’t mentioned to be Florida’s Dad (and Juan Ponce de Léon his step-dad) I would have gone with Andalusia due to the Constitution of Cádiz in which representatives from all over the Spanish Empire came together but Florida among others was already in existence when that happened. So I went with good old Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon forming a dynastic union and setting up the foundation for a unified Spain. Why Castile and Léon and not Aragon? Because Isabella was born first and the castle in which they lived in El Alcazar de Segovia is in Castile and Léon AND the rumored inspiration for Cinderella's castle in Walt Disney World.

3) France - Île-de-France. Because love is stored in naming your child junior. I’m actually beefing with the entire country of France right now because the French loved to centralize and decentralize their country. Philippe II was the first king to call himself “King of the French” and by the time he was in power France had long had Paris as it’s capital even if it wasn’t necessarily the geographic France that we know of today and Philippe II even lived in Paris in his castle which is now the Louvre

4) Mexico - Guanajuato. Guanajuato even rang church bells to celebrate Mexico’s birth. Also this has nothing to do with history and more to do with culture but Guanajuato has a Kiss Alley where couples go to smooch to ensure 7 years of happiness and I’m- 🥺

5) England- Hampshire. Horrible Histories might have helped us remember William the Conqueror as the first English king (although he came from France) historians actually say Alfred the Great was the first one and the unifier of Anglo-Saxon England either way, Wessex was the birthplace of England Winchester was the capital of Wessex and that is way out of all the counties that make up what used to be Wessex, Hampshire is home to Winchester

6) Italy- Piedmont. This is also controversial as I am going with the unification of the Italian kingdom as the birthdate which makes Piedmont home to the first capital of Italy. Consequentially for all you IDC/Inter Italy shippers (me, it’s just me, I know but that’s OK) this means that the USA was already independent and was even able to recognize Italian independence’s credentials. IDC’s a cougar but like we been knew

#also random fun fact: england is the only one that has not been played by someone and therefore have no actor and their pronouns to be based #or be able to infer their gender i.e Mexico being implied to be a man #welcome to the table #wttt #once again if anyone that lives or was raised in one of these countries has more accurate information please let me know!!#this will be a 'living' list like my characters of colors one and will be updated if more join #this was really fun please enjoy everyone 🥺👉👈

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teddyniffler · 23 days

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Mercy in Defeat

Chapter 12

Part 2

Years had passed since Alfred, the greatest king Wessex ever knew had passed, Edward had also died, killed in a battle in York with Vikings a few years ago. His grandson Athelstan had returned to Wessex now as a young man. He now sat on the throne against all odds. The young king was already showing signs of being the exact king that would have made his grandfather proud. He was translating holy books from Latin into English, continuing Alfred’s work to bring less power to the church over common people. His nobles said he was ill fitted for the throne, they wanted his younger brother, Alfweard who they claimed to be King Edward’s true heir, but he had died. They had no choice but to crown Athelstan when no other option arisen.

Hvitserk kept tabs on the young king of Wessex, he reminded him so much of Alfred, they even looked so alike, where Edward had light hair, Athelstan had his grandfather’s darker wavy hair. Hvitserk had seen him many times, back before he was crowned as king, he believed the boy would be a great man one day. Alfred’s dream of a united England still lived on, all kingdoms were now under Athelstan’s rule, having cleared out the Viking invasions up in York that had killed King Edward.

All except for East Anglia.

It had been decided that upon Hvitserk’s death, his children would renounce their titles as princess and princes, they would be the Lords and Lady of East Anglia rather than King or Queen. The Kingdom of East Anglia would merge into England as a whole. When that happened, Alfred’s true vision would be realised, it was just sad not Hvitserk or Alfred would ever see it, but their decedents would. Not that Hvitserk was up for too much these days. He had a much quieter life in his senior age, today he sat on his favourite bench outside of his court, enjoying the feel of the sun on his face.

His youngest grandson was fast approaching the age Hvitserk had been himself when he went to Paris on his first ever raid. He had dark hair and ice blue eyes, he looked so much like Ivar, as much as Hvitserk could remember Ivar looking. Naturally he would be the child of his youngest son, the one who hated everything about Christianity. Hvitserk often laughed at the irony, although only he understood. His other grandchildren had a more traditional Saxon look, although it was hard to tell as most children born today were a mix of Nordic and Saxon parentage. Some of the young people in Hvitserk’s kingdom didn’t even know they were of Vikings origin, but Hvitserk could point out a few young people right here now in the green who were the children and grandchildren of Northmen, but who believed their parents and grandparents were Saxons. He giggled to himself, just little things like that amused him to no end.

“Something funny Lord King?” Asked a young woman who had joined him on his bench. She placed a basket of food she had been gathering from the fields in her lap.

“Oh nothing, just little things” Hvitserk said softly.

The woman smiled “Your grandson is getting taller by the day, is his father still refusing to officially welcome him to the Christian faith?”

“Naturally” Hvitserk answered her, he lowered his voice. “Although my dear wife used to tell him to put his personal feelings aside and do it for his son.” He lowered his voice “Did you know my wife confirmed to the church that he had been christened in a private family service, but he wasn’t. It’s been eight years; I’m not going to force my son’s hand if he doesn’t want his son in the church. It shouldn’t be forced upon someone, it just causes resentment later on, I had this half-brother, well he claimed to be my father’s son, he hated how this faith been forced upon him. He viewed himself as Viking”

“You raised a terrible Heathen and now he himself raises a Heathen” The woman said.

Hvitserk laughed again.

“That’s not fair!” He protested, still laughing “I did the best I could. Just some people are of extra strong will. It’s not on me, I did everything that was asked of me.”

Two people walking by noticed King Athelstan sitting there on the bench again. They smiled at him politely and nodded their heads in respect, then they glanced at each other in concern for their elderly king’s state of mind, as he was talking and laughing to himself again. This wasn’t the first time he had done it, but it seemed more often now. The king was slowly loosing his mind to old age.

Or so it looked to them.

“Tell me Idunn, is my brother still alive?” Hvitserk asked, looking at her. It had been a while since he had asked about Ubbe, he always dreaded the answer.

The goddess lowered her vegetable basket.

“You brother has reunited with your family” She said simply.

“Oh” Hvitserk said. He closed his eyes for a moment. He knew this would happen eventually, but in the years since he learned Ubbe was still alive from the goddess he had felt comfort knowing his older brother was still out there somewhere. He wasn’t alone if Ubbe was out there.

“I had wished maybe, just maybe, he would have come back” He said regretfully. “I would have loved to show him my family, and seen his”

“Are you sure you don’t want an apple?” She asked “You know they will make you young and reenergised”

“Idunn, I’ve lived so many lives, I’ve lived longer as a Saxon than I did a Viking, I have seen five kings from the same family, from Ecbert to Athelstan. I have lost people I loved and I don’t recall their faces easy anymore. My children have children and one of those is mere days from becoming a woman, she wishes to marry a boy from an Northumbrian Lord. If I were to eat one of your apples, I would see my grandchildren’s children. I know you don’t want me too, but I am human and we die. You need to let me go, you have watched me all my life, but it needs to end, just rejoice in that, just let me live out the last of my days as my friend”

“As it pleases you” She started cutting carrots and letting them fall into her basket, just as Hvitserk’s daughter came over. The princess of East Anglia was bare a remarkable resemblance to Hvitserk’s own mother, but he could never tell his daughter that.

“Father, I think we should get you back to your study” Her face said everything, she had been alerted by the couple to the fact her father had been talking to himself again.

“Why don’t you leave him be?” Came a male voice, his youngest son had arrived. They had been a slight gap in years between both their births, meaning Hvitserk’s daughter always looked down at his youngest son.

His blue eyes flickered over to the spot where Idunn was sitting. “If our father wanted to go inside, he would, he’s not senile you know”

The two glared at each other, they had never gotten along. They were too different, his daughter an example of a Christian lady, his son the exact opposite, Hvitserk had often caught his son in his archives, looking at Pagan Saxon documents and other things Alfred had once sent Hvitserk to keep safe. The older son was currently broking a marriage deal for his oldest daughter in Northumbria.

“I was just about finished out here anyway, my son I want to see you in my study. Daughter, could you inform me what is said in the Witan later today?” Hvitserk told them. The tense exchange between his children was broken, as his son nodded and walked into the court.

“He can see you, can’t he?” Hvitserk asked Idunn. “How many times have you actually spoke to him?”

“Not many, I just normally watch him. He did ask me who I was before but I didn’t tell him. He thinks I’m a ghost”

Hvitserk sat quietly.

“When I’m gone, will you watch over him if he chooses to leave here?”

“I shall”

The sun was at the midday spot now, it would only get hotter from here. He had stopped being angry with Idunn many years ago, she had turned up to warn him of a Viking raid near his home, then she had returned with news that confirmed Ubbe was still alive. She would inform him of any threat to him or his family, allowing him to always stay ahead of any plot that should rise up, including an unexpected inspection of his archives by a suspicious and furious King Edward who had suspected Hvitserk had inherited his father’s own secretive personal archives. It had never been an issue before, not really, until Hvitserk had fallen foul of Edward for giving his son Athelstan shelter when the King was demanding his return to Mercia. Hvitserk was able to hide everything incriminating well before Edward turned up ‘unannounced and unexpectedly’ for an inspection, as king of the larger kingdom – as he had reminded Hvitserk – King Athelstan should agree. All Edward found was a few holy relics, religious texts and an over friendly dog greeting him. After that Hvitserk had viewed Idunn as his friend. He allowed her back into his life as his personal guardian. Time after time, she would visit him over the years, cooking food for him. Feeding him her apples in the dead of night on the eve of battles when his men were all sleeping.

After his wife has passed, she had brought flowers in her basket. He had felt guilty, sitting in church praying to his God while he knew a goddess from his past life waited outside for him. During confession, he knew he could never tell the priest who he had been talking too, so he explained himself to his God once alone. He was truly living up to the name Athelstan by being torn between Idunn and Christ, he didn’t know who his savour was anymore. As nobody could see her as she chose not to show herself, as he got older, people started to believe he was talking to himself.

She appeared more often to him now, telling him what he had already knew. The end was very near, but she could extend his life and return his youth to him if only he ate her apples once more, but he couldn’t. He had to die one day and didn’t want to go to hell, Alfred had already saved him once, he didn’t want to undo everything, as he had explained to God, he had only ate the apples to fight against the Pagans.

It had been a long time since he had eaten any apples, but the effects of them were still working on him now, he still had a sharp mind when younger men than he had already passed. He wanted to see Alfred again, he wanted to enter the twilight of his days without another Viking raids or plots, the younger generation could take over for him, he had done enough. He was now older than his father had ever been, older than Ubbe. Older than Bjorn.

He opened the door to his study, his son was waiting for him. His youngest son was in his mid-twenties. The woman he had loved had died in child birth, leaving him to raise their son alone. The final straw against Christianity for him had come when he had asked God to save his love, and then she proceeded to bleed out in front of him. Since that day, he had vowed never to follow the faith and he had taken his son and refused to let any priest near him.

In those years since being born, he had fought against everything the Christians stood for. He took too much interest in Saxon Pagans of the past, he knew so much about Woden he didn’t need to read any scrolls no more, he knew every single Roman god. Hvitserk looked at him, if Hvitserk had darker hair and his father’s blue eyes, with none of his mother’s features, then he would have looked like this. If he had looked like this, then maybe his own family would have taken him seriously.

Looking at his youngest son, he only seen a Pagan, not a Christian.

“All your life you haven’t fit well into this place, you hated going to church as a boy, refused as soon as you turned an adult, you had a child and you’re currently raising him similar to how a heathen would, I’m not saying this because I’m angry at you, I want to tell you something I can’t tell your brother and sister.”

His son looked at him, with a slight head title that caused Hvitserk’s heart to ache, he reminded him so much of himself, it was like looking at a mirror. The same image, only flipped. A Christian born young man who was seriously unhappy and unfulfilled in his life, always fighting with his siblings for being so different, looking for something he knew wasn’t quite right, he was lost.

“My name at my birth was not Athelstan, the name Athelstan was giving to me at a later date, a much later date. You once asked what were the marks upon my back and chest when we played in the river when you were younger and I told you they were old sword wounds, but I knew you were asking about the other marks, the faded ink in my skin. Those are tattoos, I got them when I was a young man. They did have a meaning once, but that message has been lost. The sword wounds I told you I got from fighting, from a battle. You believed I sustained them fighting the Pagans who came to these shores, the truth is I did get them in a battle, but the Pagans were not whom I was fighting with.”

He paused; he had never thought he would ever reveal who he really was, He had hoped he could take his greatest secret to the grave with him, but he owed his son this, if he could free his son from this life it would be worth it, this life was the one Hvitserk couldn’t have freed even himself from. He loved the family and life he had here, he had found peace and comfort from what Alfred had given him, he even liked God for that peace and love, but it wasn’t the life he was born into. His blood was the blood of a Norse God, he had Odin’s blood within his veins. He would have faced death if he had refused to join this faith, but his son could be freed. Alfred had told him all those years ago to set his son free if he didn’t find peace himself.

“I was fighting against the Christians”

His son’s mouth dropped in shock.

“But father, why? Was there a civil war or -”

Hvitserk smiled.

“No” He said before he could continue “The Christians were fighting the Pagans and I was with those Pagans, not the Christians.”

His son sat down on the sofa. He rubbed his head. Total shock on his face. Hvitserk could see it was the type of shock that confirmed something you already knew deep in your heart.

“I’m the son of the once king and queen of a place in Norway called Kattegat. I had an older sister I never met for she died in a plague before I was born. I had two older brothers and two younger. They are all dead now, I’m the last one that is left. My family all died because of our culture, either fighting each other or killed in battle. I came to England in my early twenties, just a few years younger than you are now, as part of a raiding party, my younger brother died in the battle and I was severely wounded. King Alfred spared my life. That is where the marks came from, they are from Alfred’s men, soldiers of Wessex trying to kill me. I wasn’t born into the Christian faith; I wasn’t born in this country. My family were Pagan, we were Vikings. My real name, the one my mother give me, was Hvitserk”

Now his son looked up, his hand over his mouth.

“Hvitserk, as in Hvitserk Ragnarsson?” He asked surprised, realisation slowly drawing on his face as he looked at his father. “He was mentioned in those accounts King Alfred written, then that means…?”

“My brothers were Bjorn Ironside, Ubbe, Sigurd, and my youngest brother was-“

“- Ivar the Boneless” His son finished, awe on his face mixed with shock and horror. “Are the stories true about him father?”

Hvitserk nodded. “As well as the ones unknown about him, the stories are all about his cruelty, but none about his kindness. Those ones never got out. I suppose universal hatred is easier if everybody thinks he was a monster. The brother I knew wasn’t a monster, he saved my life so many times, he died trying to save me. He did do bad things, but he changed. He loved a young Christian boy, he was a father who loved his child enough to leave it and its mother be. None of that is ever told”

His son leaned in closer.

“Ragnar Lothbrok? The famous Viking from all those stories?”

Hvitserk nodded. “He was my father”

Hvitserk sat down next to his son

“I’m telling you this now because I want you to have a choice. I never really had a choice you see. You can leave here if you want and go find out who you truly are. If you go to Kattegat in Norway and tell them you are the grandson of Ragnar Lothbrok, they will welcome you, my father’s name still holds meaning among them. If not, go to Gotland, your grandmother was a princess there. Idunn will watch over you, she’s the woman you’ve been seeing, she’s not a ghost, she’s a goddess, the goddess of youth. She has watched over me all my life and she said she will guide you and watch over you.”

His son twitched his fingers.

“There’s a man often in my dreams, he started showing up when I was really young, he’s surrounded by birds and he keeps saying my name, he has an eye patch, he’s Woden isn’t he?”

“Odin” Hvitserk corrected “Yes, you’re a descendent of Odin, so am I, so was my father”

Hvitserk touched his son’s hand.

“I won’t be here much longer, my time on this earth grows shorter. I have a matter of maybe days, maybe less. I’ve known for a while, I ate Idunn’s apples, it has been keeping me younger than what I should be for all these years, I should have died maybe ten years ago, but my life was extended maybe, I refused another apple from Idunn because it know it’s not right. If you want to go, it needs to be soon, in a matter of days because otherwise King Athelstan will come, he will make you a Lord of East Anglia and you won’t ever get away, if you want to be free, you need to go now and take your boy. If you go and it doesn’t work out for you, return here and tell them you’ve been on a holy pilgrim to Rome to find yourself in God, they will believe you, but you must go soon or you will be trapped here and in this life”

His son looked at him, there were tears in his eyes.

“I understand. I’m going to go father, thank you, I can’t stand another day living this life, it’s suffocating for me, it always has been. Thank you for telling me”

His son put his arms arounds Hvitserk and they embraced.

To everybody’s surprise the younger son announced he was going to travel to the holy lands with his boy at dinner that night, they would both find themselves on the journey as they had been lost for so long. Hvitserk’s daughter was pleasantly surprised, she guessed all her years of praying for her brother’s soul had finally worked. After dinner, Hvitserk took one last look at his youngest son as they both disappeared into the night on horseback, they were traveling down to Suffolk where a boat was waiting, it was a trading boat that was going to Denmark, however this one was also making a detour to Norway. The Danish crew had been paid for their silence. Hvitserk had hugged his son and grandson one last time, and as he did he noticed a beautiful woman waiting for them. She smiled one last time at Hvitserk, this would be their final time seeing each other for evermore. He nodded goodbye to the goddess.

Hvitserk turned away from them, he was beyond sad to see his son leaving forever, but most of him was filled with joy that overpowered him.

One of them could return home, to their people.

He pushed open the door to his chambers, his dog was already laying at the foot of his bed. She lifted her head as he came in, she rolled over with a loud sigh. He stroked her head before getting into bed. He lay there in the sheets and smiled, his son was free to live the life he wanted, he knew Idunn would look after them. He rolled over and closed his eyes. It had been a very long day.

The next morning, he woke to the sounds of the bells which confused him for it was not Sunday. They didn’t ring the bell often, normally for Viking invasions but nobody had come to alert him to such an attack. He had half a mind to go out there and tell whoever was ringing that bell to stop, but he wanted to stay in bed a little longer and admire the glorious sunlight that was filling his room, it was promising a beautiful day.

Then it came to him, he had somewhere to be.

He couldn’t believe he had forgotten, he had to go meet somebody on the hill outside of town. He couldn’t stay in bed, they would be waiting for him. As he sat up, he noticed his dog was no longer there, she was free to come and go as she pleased, but she was a loyal dog and never left him, he wondered for a few moments where she could have gotten too.

He didn’t dress, his night clothing was comfortable enough and nobody would really mind if the king had stepped out before dressing to find out what all this noise was so early. He left his room, it was time to go met somebody.

Out of his personal rooms, through corridors bright and warm with sunlight, he looked for his dog, he walked into the main throne room, which also doubled as a sitting place for his family and friends to gather, a few people were here but they didn’t pay the king any mind, he looked at the furs near his throne, she wasn’t there either.

He found her when he stepped out of the court, she was sitting outside the church, her golden fur shinning in the sun.

‘Odd place for her to be’ Hvitserk thought.

Even odder was the fact King Athelstan was standing in the green, talking to Hvitserk’s daughter and to his oldest son who had returned from Northumbria, his daughter had clearly been crying. Hvitserk paused as he watched them, he was making his way towards them to ask them what was going on, when it came to him again.

He had somewhere to be.

He was meeting somebody on the hill.

He glanced once more at his dog, her ears lifted and she sniffed the air, looking in his direction, but not moving.

They were waiting for him. He turned away from his children and made his way to the hill, it seemed to grow closer to him, far too fast than what it should have done. His feet barely noticed the gentle climb as he rose, there was a tree up there, he had somebody to meet at that tree.

He reached the tree and sat down in the shade, leaning back on the trunk, he looked out over the sea.

Home.

Home was far out there, where his father once lived in the Halls of Kattegat. He had been happy there as a young boy, playing with his brothers and being tucked into bed by his mother. He looked out at the water, his father had sailed this sea to find England, his horns blowing as his boat cut through the waves. If Hvitserk listened, he could hear his father’s horns blowing again, or so he thought. The wind blew his hair, the smell of the sea in his nose.

The horns were calling out across the water.

Calling out for him.

Calling him home.

“You look like shit” Came a voice to his left.

Hvitserk closed his eyes, half laughing.

“I feel like it” He replied.

He turned his head. There he was, the person Hvitserk had come to meet.

“Hello Ivar” He said. He broke into a smile. He had wanted for so long to see Ivar again, he looked at his brother’s face, taking it all in. He had forgotten the little details, the way his eyebrows slopped up, the bright blue among the dark hair.

Ivar looked back at him, a smile already on his face, then they both had tears in their eyes. They reached out to the other at the same time and held the other tightly, they didn’t let go.

“You got so old brother. What ever happened to not dying as old men in our beds, eh?”

Hvitserk rested his head against Ivar’s shoulder, his brother was warm, his arms around him held firm, as if Ivar had been waiting years, decade to hold him once more. Hvitserk held on just as tight.

“I didn’t leave you” Ivar said, his voice was shaking, in a way that Hvitserk had only ever heard once, when they had said goodbye all those years ago. “Mother, father, they all told me to come away, to leave you be. They said watching you will only break my heart, I’ve stayed with you this whole time. When you were crying for me, when you tried talking to me, I was right there with you, you were never alone Hvitserk, I could never leave you, I just couldn’t reach you. Father came to see you a few times, so did our brothers, they told me to come back with them, I refused each time. I didn’t want to leave you; we were always meant to be together”

Finally, reluctantly, they let go of each other. Ivar touched Hvitserk’s face

“You’re so old” He said, he reached into his pocket and took out something, he dangled it in front of Hvitserk. Hvitserk looked at it.

It was his pendent.

In a moment Hvitserk blinked. He reached out a hand for the pendent and noticed smooth skin, his arms had been bruising easier as he got older, but now they were clear, his skin looked soft and hydrated and as he looked down, he felt the feel of braids once more in his hair, the slightly blurry vision he had grown used to vanished as he felt his energy levels rise, he felt he could leap around once more. There was a tingle on his face and elsewhere across his body as the scars also vanished, leaving clear skin in their place, as if they had never been there. His clothing also changed, he was wearing very familiar clothing, although he hadn’t seen them in a very long time. His favourite clothes from his youth.

“That’s better” Ivar beamed “You look like yourself again. I’ve missed you brother”

Ivar’s face was shining with tears.

“I missed you too” Hvitserk echoed, his tears running down his neck.

Ivar pulled the pendent over Hvitserk’s head, finally Hvitserk recognised himself again, he felt whole.

“I kept it safe for you”

“Thank you Ivar”

In the distance, the bells still rang from Norwich, but it felt like it was happening in a different life, a different place.

“Ivar, is this Valhalla or is it Heaven?” Hvitserk asked, he was unsure. If it was Heaven then why was Ivar here, if it was Valhalla, how come nobody was fighting, there were also no gods here.

Ivar shrugged “It’s neither. It’s not Valhalla nor is it the Christian heaven either. I was asked to collect you, to bring you home. Father was going to come for you, but he felt I was the right person to bring you back. He was concerned you would refuse if it were him. They are waiting for us, just over there, beyond the horizon. I mean everybody. Everyone is there. Father and mother, our brothers. Even the Christians are there, Igor and Dir are there if you want to see them, and -” Here Ivar give Hvitserk a look “- Alfred is there too” He pulled a face, then laughed “Athelstan is there, never away from our father, he and Floki are now friends. Mother and Lagatha put aside their grudges; they often weave together now. They are all waiting to welcome you home”

“Even our brothers accepted me back the second I came. I spoke to Sigurd and he forgive me for killing him, even Bjorn! They want to see you too, Ubbe and Bjorn. Father is holding a gathering to celebrate you coming home at last, but I wish to ask you something” Ivar spoke. He looked at Hvitserk, he knew this was a big thing he was asking.

“Before we met again, back when I was staying with the Rus, Prince Oleg asked what wishes everybody wanted for Christmas, they asked me even though I was Pagan. I asked to walk again”

Then he did something Hvitserk never expected, he stood up.

Hvitserk looked at his legs, noticing now for the first time something that should have been obvious all along.

There were no leg braces on Ivar, nor were his eyes blue anymore.

“Ivar, you’re standing” Hvitserk gasped in shock.

“Nothing gets passed you” Ivar rolled his eyes, he held his hand down to pick Hvitserk up from the ground. “So, mother, father, our brothers, everybody else, they are all waiting for you, even Thora is there, she has waited for you even longer than I, she still loves you even after all this time, but I want to ask you something first”

He hesitated, he wanted to ask, it was always his dream to walk, to run with his brothers. He wanted to swim in rivers, he wanted to run across sand, he wanted to climb a tree, to jump and leap just like his older brothers, little simple wants that had been denied to him while he had been alive.

“How about we don’t go straight there, what if you and I were to disappoint our family one last time? We can go out there and see the world, go anywhere we want, just me and you. The entire world is out there for us to see, if you want to? Mother and father won’t be impressed, but they’ve waited a long time to see you again, what’s making them wait a little longer? But if you want to go see them all, I understand.”

Hvitserk thought for a moment, he wanted to see everybody again, knowing he could see them again so soon, speak to them, hold them again was making him dizzy with glee. He wanted to hug his mother, hug his father. Then he looked at Ivar, his little brother. His little brother who had always loved him, no matter how much they had fought. Ivar who had always protected him, nursed him when he was sick.

His little brother who had died for him, to save him.

Now Ivar was asking Hvitserk for this one little request and the look on his face said he didn’t believe Hvitserk would grant it.

The answer was simple for Hvitserk.

“Where are we going?” He grinned at Ivar.

Ivar grinned back at Hvitserk.

“Family disappointments” Ivar laughed.

Hvitserk nodded.

“Sorry excuses for sons of Ragnar” He laughed back. Then they both laughed, imagining everybody’s faces when they didn’t show up.

“Mother will be sitting there looking furious” Ivar remarked, pulling a crude face that mimicked their mother.

Arm in arm across their backs, for the first time they walked together without Ivar using any aids, the sun bared down on them, blue skies above them, an endless world all around them just waiting to be explored. Hvitserk and Ivar set off as they had so often in life, they set off as brothers across the land.

For their family waiting, it didn’t take too long for them to realise Ivar and Hvitserk weren’t coming.

Ragnar Lothbrok stood up at the table in the Halls of Kattegat which somehow also looked like the Villa of Wessex at the same time, in the warm glow of the fire he looked around all his family and friends, Pagan and Christian alike, gathered around.

“Well, we were gathered here to welcome my son back among us where he belongs, but it appears both my sons had other ideas.” He looked at Aslaug who sat there with a stern expression on her face and everybody gathered there, waiting for the no-shows. He pulled a face and mouthed ‘oops’ to loads of laughing and he raising his cup.

“To Hvitserk in his absence, Skol!”

“Skol” The people around the table echoed.

Bjorn shock his head and looked at Ubbe.

“I worked so hard deciding what I would say to him” Bjorn said to his younger brother.

“Same” Ubbe said “I guess now we’ve got more time”

Athelstan touched Ragnar’s back as he sat down, as Alfred from his other side reached over for some meat, he loved eating a range of foods now his stomach could handle it. Ragnar beamed at the both of them, as Floki ducked his head between Alfred and Ragnar.

“Hello Priest”

“Floki, how are you?”

They were all good natured with each other now, they all drank and ate together, wondering where Ivar and Hvitserk were now.

Time had passed, a long time that also felt short. the brothers were together in the cabin up in the hills. Bjorn, Ubbe and Sigurd had arrived first, then they were joined by their sister, Gyda, who had caught them fish to go with their meat.

It was a normal day, they had been hunting with their father, they had swum in the lake. They were sitting at the table and laughing together. Gyda was braiding Sigurd’s hair by the fire as Bjorn told them of how he had finally lured Rollo from his castle and convinced him to join Bjorn for a walk, how he had ‘accidently’ trapped dear Uncle Rollo in the makeshift log ‘Christian jail’ they had all made earlier in the woods, before their father set him free.

For a while they couldn’t stop laughing, then the door creaked slowly open. They all glanced around, still laughing, expecting their father to come in, but instead it was Ivar.

The room went silent, Ubbe leaned forward in his seat and raised his arm up to his chin, they had not seen Ivar in some time. Bjorn stood up as Gyda looked between her brothers, she had only met this brother once before, he had never wanted to stay, always wanted to watch over their living brother.

“Hello Ivar” Bjorn said carefully, trying to see if anybody else was with him. Ivar looked behind him as he stepped through the doorway.

“It’s ok, come” Ivar said gently to somebody standing outside. “Come”

Bjorn a deep breath slowly. He knew exactly who was with Ivar, he suddenly thought of everything he had wished to say to his younger brother when they met again. He had talked to his mother when he had arrived here and got the fully story of what happened that night. He understood now how her death wasn’t Hvitserk’s fault, he was as much a victim as his mother had been. He had been grieving, hurting, everything had gone wrong for him and he had taken it all out on his baby brother, the one he used to hold in his arms. He hadn’t even went to speak to Hvitserk, get his side of the story, he had just thought him guilty and dragged him from his sickbed, determined to beat the truth out of him. Bjorn had sat by Hvitserk’s side up on the hill when his little brother spoke to his tomb. He sounded so miserable, he had looked much better in appearance, but Bjorn could see the damage he had inflicted upon his wellbeing. His little brother had ran off with the Christians in order to heal his broken spirit and that was on Bjorn.

If he could take it all back, he would never have put Hvitserk through that execution. What sort of monster does that to his own brother? If he knew what he did now, he would have gone outside into the woods to find his brother and bring him home.

All this he wanted to say, but Bjorn found his voice failed him as Ivar beckoned again to the person outside to come in. All he could do was stare as Hvitserk slowly walked through the door.

His green eyes took in Bjorn with nervousness, uncertainty, he looked afraid of him. Bjorn knew Hvitserk would be apprehensive at seeing him again, he had been anxious himself about this moment, but to see fear in his baby brother’s eyes made him feel even more ashamed of himself. He had never wanted his brothers too look at him like that. It was clear Hvitserk still expected Bjorn to be beyond furious, same as with Ubbe. Hvitserk’s eyes flickered over to Ubbe, wondering if he would speak to him or if he would pretend Hvitserk wasn’t there. He didn’t want to be cast out from his brothers all over again. As he was looking, Ubbe lowered his arm and also stood up from his chair. Nobody said anything as they were taken back by the sudden and unexpected arrival of their runaway brothers. For Hvitserk, all he heard was laughter that stopped the moment he and Ivar arrived and now his brothers were just looking at him. He didn’t even notice the giant smile on Sigurd’s face, or the unknown girl, he was just focusing on Bjorn’s hand, sure he was going to be hit. Ivar had talked him into coming here, he didn’t want too, it was far too soon, they would still be angry. They should have waited like he wanted too.

To Ubbe, Hvitserk looked just like he had that day, so long ago, when he had returned from the trip to the Mediterranean. His checks were full, his hair clean and braided, his clothing tidy and not full of vomit and mud, he looked healthy, as if he had never touched drugs or alcohol in his life. He looked like the Hvitserk he knew and loved. Leaving Hvitserk to his fate had been one of the hardest things Ubbe had to do, he had loved him so much, but he knew he couldn’t help Hvitserk, seeing him so unwell was killing him just as much as the mushrooms and ale were killing Hvitserk. Ubbe knew the brother he had once cherished was no more, a violent drunk had taken his place, however looking at the young man who was standing in the doorway, looking like he wanted to flee from them all, all Ubbe could see was his treasured little brother.

The silence in the cabin was deafening.

“Hello” Hvitserk said hardly louder than a whisper, just to break the silence.

Bjorn wet his lips, he needed to make things right. As the oldest brother, it was on him to make sure his siblings were okay, but his mind was still blank.

He moved slowly to Hvitserk, who tried to stand his ground. He didn’t want Bjorn to come any closer, sure he was going to grab him by the hair, pull him close and break his heart one more time by telling him he wasn’t forgiven. Bjorn’s hand reached for him, Hvitserk tensed, waiting for the blow and then-

The tightest hug of his life.

Bjorn’s arms were fully around him, over his back, over his shoulders and neck. Hvitserk’s arms were pinned into place as Bjorn scooped him up as if he were a boy again.

“Hvitserk!” Ubbe roared in happiness, elated to see his brother again, as Bjorn’s fingers held Hvitserk’s head next to his own.

“I made a mistake and I’m so sorry. I love you and always have, you’re my little brother, we’re family. I shouldn’t have done what I did and I’m so sorry” Bjorn spoke quietly while holding him close.

Hvitserk nodded, he was numb which had nothing to do with the crushing hug. These were the words he needed to hear without knowing it. He tried to wiggle his arms free from Bjorn’s grip. Bjorn let go slightly hurt, thinking Hvitserk had rejected his embrace, but Hvitserk leaped up, throwing his own arms around his brother, his feet almost leaving the floor as they both cried out in joy. Part of him, the part that had been hurting ever since Bjorn and Ubbe casted him out, healed. He had never known the feeling of relief this strong; His eyes were watering and it had nothing to do with sadness or pain, he was happy, the happiest he had ever been in so long.

He had his brother’s back. They didn’t hate him.

He buried his face into his brother’s neck and closed his eyes tightly to dry them up, he didn’t want them to see him crying as Bjorn still hugged him, this was how it had always been, he felt like a boy again, being held by his big brother, his protector and his friend all in one.

He felt Ubbe’s hands clapping on his shoulders. They would be time to hug Ubbe too, but for now he let himself be freed from Bjorn’s embrace as he smiled over at Sigurd.

“Welcome back” Sigurd smiled to him, then he noticed there was a small girl in the room with them. He didn’t know who she was, maybe a daughter of Ubbe?

Gyda smiled at Hvitserk. It was a very happy smile, the type you give somebody who you were happy to see. He didn’t know this girl, so he was a little confused, something the rest of his brothers all noticed

He smiled back to be polite.

Ivar opened his mouth to explain to Hvitserk just who Gyda was.

“No Ivar! Don’t tell him, let’s see how long it takes until he realises who she is” Sigurd said with a large grin.

“You’re mean Sigurd” Gyda said, she came closer to him and he noticed something, they had the same green eyes. The same green eyes Hvitserk never knew how he got, as both of his parents had blue.

“Hello sweet Hvitserk, I have waited so long to finally met you. You were such a cute baby” She told him. Hvitserk confusion only deepened, not a child of Ubbe then. Who was this girl? He had never seen her before in his life so how did she know him? Then it clicked into place. The eyes. The way she looked at him, as if he were somebody special to her and not a stranger. He knew now who this was, even thought he had never seen her before in his life, she had died even before Ubbe was born.

She gently reached up on her tiptoes and hugged him.

“Wait, you’re Gyda aren’t you?” He asked her “Our sister?”

Her smile confirmed it as his Sigurd moaned, disappointed Hvitserk had realised so soon. She only looked twelve at the most, but he knew she would have been a similar age to Bjorn had she lived.

“I always wanted a sister” He told her. His brothers all made noises of protest.

“You don’t want a sister” Ubbe cautioned with a small smile.

They all sat around the fire and brought furs to sit on as they exchanged stories of their lives. They asked Hvitserk about his life as a Christian or Ubbe to explain how the new word worked.

“-A woman turned into salt! Good if you have fish to keep fresh I guess –“

“ – It is called a Moose and it stands taller than a man. And just as long! – “

“-No, Floki got that wrong, they don’t actually eat people, it’s just bread –“

“ – This waterfall was so big, Jormungandr could have fitted his whole body within it!” -

“-Ubbe, don’t mention Jormungandr to Asa, she still is afraid of him-”

Hvitserk smiled as his brothers all talked to him, to each other, it had been so long since he had been around these people, the ones he loved.

“I must say Hvitserk, our mother is not impressed that you and Ivar did not show up as expected, tread carefully” Ubbe advised.

“We already seen her” Ivar winched.

“She told us both off, then hugged us” Hvitserk giggled nervously. “Although father seems to find it very amusing. He asked what we had both seen and discovered out there, what lands we visited”

The night stretched on, Hvitserk watched the flames. He would go see Alfred tomorrow, they had reunited briefly when he had arrived, Hvitserk smiled remembering the way Alfred had suddenly ran to him, shouting his name, his real name, to embrace him, however he had been with his brother, and King Aella. It was awkward for both of them as the last time Hvitserk had seen Aella, they had tortured him to death. Alfred had asked him to come to the Villa, so he could introduce Hvitserk to his family, they had heard a lot about this son of Ragnar from Alfred.

Hvitserk caught Ivar’s eye as his youngest brother lay down in his ‘bedroom’ at the corner of the cabin, he seemed exhausted and Hvitserk suddenly wondered if Ivar had ever slept while he watched over him for all those years. They exchanged a smile before Ivar closed his eyes, only now could Ivar finally settle and rest with his family, now his brother was there with him. Bjorn and Gyda were pranking Sigurd, who had already fallen asleep, it seemed like a normal thing and Hvitserk suddenly wondered if having a sister really was a good thing.

He was feeling tired himself, he had not slept in a while and the fire felt warm. Ubbe came and sat down next to him on the furs. Ubbe hesitated for a moment as he tried to pick up on Hvitserk’s body language. He had a blanket under his arm, he offered half of it to Hvitserk, before putting his arm around his brother and Hvitserk leaned into him. When they were kids, they would sit like this before sleeping, it was their way to wind down for sleep once their father had left and their mother had long stopped telling them stories. Ubbe would stroke his hair as Hvitserk slowly dosed off to sleep, then Ubbe himself would sleep. They had once been so close, Ubbe had been everything to Hvitserk, the brother he loved most, the one he always went to for support. Things had changed a lot in the years, Hvitserk had moved closer to Ivar. Ubbe to Bjorn. They had damaged their relationship to the point they both only brought pain to the other, but now this blanket, his warm hold once more on Hvitserk, it all told Hvitserk he was loved, he was accepted once more by Ubbe.

Hvitserk lifted up. He had almost fallen asleep before saying goodnight to Ubbe. He leaned his head forward automatically without thinking and Ubbe did the same a second later. They held their foreheads together. Hvitserk had his eyes closed.

There was no need for words. That embrace said everything they needed too.

‘I’ve missed you’.

#MIDAHFABL

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brookstonalmanac · 4 months

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Events 1.4 (before 1950)

46 BC – Julius Caesar fights Titus Labienus in the Battle of Ruspina. 871 – Battle of Reading: Æthelred of Wessex and his brother Alfred are defeated by a Danish invasion army. 1642 – English Civil War: King Charles I, accompanied by 400 soldiers, attempts to arrest five members of Parliament for treason, only to discover the men had been tipped off and fled. 1649 – English Civil War: The Rump Parliament votes to put Charles I on trial. 1717 – The Netherlands, Great Britain, and France sign the Triple Alliance. 1762 – Great Britain declares war on Spain, which meant the entry of Spain into the Seven Years' War. 1798 – Constantine Hangerli arrives in Bucharest, Wallachia, as its new Prince, invested by the Ottoman Empire. 1853 – After having been kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American South, Solomon Northup regains his freedom; his memoir Twelve Years a Slave later becomes a national bestseller. 1854 – The McDonald Islands are discovered by Captain William McDonald aboard the Samarang. 1863 – The New Apostolic Church, a Christian and chiliastic church, is established in Hamburg, Germany. 1878 – Russo-Turkish War (1877–78): Sofia is liberated from Ottoman rule. 1884 – The Fabian Society is founded in London, United Kingdom. 1885 – Sino-French War: French troops under General Oscar de Négrier defeat a numerically superior Qing force at Núi Bop in northern Vietnam. 1896 – Utah is admitted as the 45th U.S. state. 1903 – Topsy, an elephant, is electrocuted by the owners of Luna Park, Coney Island. The Edison film company records the film Electrocuting an Elephant of Topsy's death. 1909 – Explorer Aeneas Mackintosh of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition escaped death by fleeing across ice floes. 1912 – The Scout Association is incorporated throughout the British Empire by royal charter. 1918 – The Finnish Declaration of Independence is recognized by Russia, Sweden, Germany and France. 1944 – World War II: Operation Carpetbagger, involving the dropping of arms and supplies to resistance fighters in Europe, begins. 1946 – The first day of a three-day “disastrous” tornado outbreak across the south-central United States leaves 41 people dead and at least 412 others injured. 1948 – Burma gains its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming an independent republic.

#Events

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sasa-chans-random-history · 1 year

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January 08

[871] Battle of Ashdown: Ethelred I of Wessex and his brother Alfred the Great beat invading Danish army.

[1297] Monaco gains its independence.

[1310] The Great Frost: In London the Thames River froze so thickly bonfires were lit on it.

[1499] King Louis XII of France after papal divorce marries Anne, Duchess of Brittany to keep duchy for the crown.

[1806] Lewis and Clark find the skeleton of 105' blue whale in Oregon.

[1811] US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19).

[1835] President Andrew Jackson achieves his goal of entirely paying off the United States' national debt. It was the only time in U.S. history that the national debt stood at zero, and it precipitated one of the worst financial crises in American history.

[1930] Belgium Princess Marie-Jose weds Italy's Crown Prince Umberto.

[1948] Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands signs death sentence against Ans van Dijk for treason.

[1959] A triumphant Fidel Castro enters Havana, having deposed the American-backed regime of General Fulgencio Batista.

[1961] The French vote for Algerian independence from French rule in the wake of seven years of guerrilla war.

[1963] At the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, is exhibited for the first time in America.

[1978] Harvey Milk becomes the 1st openly gay person elected to public office in California.

[1998] Comedian and actress Roseanne Barr files for divorce from 3rd husband Ben Thomas.

[2001] The identities of 2 boys who murdered a toddler in 1993 will be kept secret, the High Court rules.

[2018] Puerto Rican singer and actor Ricky Martin (46) reveals he has wed Syrian-Swedish painter Jwan Yosef (33).

[2020] Duke and Duchess of Sussex announce they are stepping back as "senior" royals, will work towards becoming financially independent.

[2021] Twitter bans US President Donald Trump permanently "due to the risk of further incitement of violence".

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therealcalicali · 3 years

Photo

Ferdia Walsh-Peelo - King Alfred the Great

#king alfred the great #king alfred of wessex #king alfred #prince alfred #prince alfred vikings #king alfred vikings #vikings

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bonniebirddoesgifs · 4 years

Photo

Bonniebirddoesgifs:

Æthelred, Queen Judith and Alfred (Vikings) - Credit if using

#Æthelred #vikings #bonniebirdgifs #Alfred #King Alfred #prince alfred #queen judith #judith of wessex #aethelred #prince aethelred #aethelred vikings

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thorsevilchild · 4 years

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Did my gay son Alfred of Wessex just cut his hair cause Bjorn cut his?

He went all "oh you cut your hair? Well I'll cut mine so I can be one of the cool kids too"

#king alfred #prince alfred #alfred of wessex #vikings #vikings rewatch #bjorn #bjorn ironside

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mrsalwayswrite · 3 years

Text

Hvítr gown, nýr life (Ubbe x Reader)

This is my contribution to @geekandbooknerd 2k followers challenge! Congrats again, my dear!

My prompt was: "People aren't born good or bad. Maybe they're born with tendencies either way, but it's the way you live your life that matters." - Cassandra Clare, City of Glass.

Couple notes for this fic- Bjorn & Torvi are still together because reasons. Italics mean speakers are using Old Norse.

The title means ‘White Gown, New Life’ in Old Norse.

Also, this is my first time writing Ubbe so.... hopefully its not OOC?

Words: 4800

Warnings: one or two swear words. implied sex. I think that’s it???

Tag List: @youbloodymadgenius

"You cannot truly be considering this!" Bjorn thundered in the small, enclosed room.

Ubbe observed his elder brother- a man he had aspired to be like his whole childhood, a man he still looked up too, regardless of his faults. "Of course I am."

Bjorn slammed his hand on the wooden table, making it shake, as his voice shook like thunder in the room. "You are throwing your future away!"

"I am protecting our future!" Ubbe snapped, finally rising to his feet, irritation leaking into his tone. He met Bjorn's incensed blue eyes with his own resolute gaze. "We need allies, alliances, everything to make father's dream come true. If this is the price I must pay to fulfill Ragnar's dream, then I will gladly do it. It is not about me. It's for our people."

After a long, tense moment, Lagertha pushed off the wall she and Torvi were leaning against. Gliding closer, she moved to stand in front of Ubbe, tears swimming in her eyes. Gently, she cupped his cheeks. "Your father would be so proud of you, Ubbe. I pray the gods bless you with happiness in this."

"Thank you, Lagertha." Relief swelled in Ubbe's chest. If he had Lagertha's support, he knew Bjorn would come around.

Since they fled Kattegat and came to England, he had watched the shieldmaiden age before his eyes. He could not help but wonder if her soul yearned for Valhalla and to be reunited with Ragnar. Not that he could blame her. To hear her speak of Ragnar and his approval of Ubbe's actions, it only further solidified his choice.

Torvi spoke up, surprising him. "I think Ubbe should do it." When Bjorn opened his mouth to interject, she snapped her gaze over to her husband. "This is his decision, Ubbe. He has asked for our advice but it is up to him. We need security and this, though we don't trust them, this can provide that security."

Bjorn huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Fine! Do what you want!"

"Thank you." Ubbe softly said, looking at all the family he had left in this world. "I'll go inform King Alfred now."

With a firm stride, he left the quarters they had been given in Wessex. After some time trying to locate the young king, a passing servant was able to tell him Alfred's location. Thankfully the king was in his private study, reviewing petitions from the worker's guild. The guards at the door allowed Ubbe entrance only after the king called out to allow him entrance. With a look of unrestrained animosity, almost begging him to give them a reason to throw him out, the guards opened the door for him to pass. Ubbe nodded his thanks, but never removed his hand from the sword at his side until the door closed behind him.

Straightening in his chair, Alfred looked up from the papers spread out over his desk. "Good afternoon, Ubbe. I suspect you have sought me out because you have an answer for my proposition."

"I do, your highness." Ubbe paused, knowing how his life was going to irrevocably change once he answered. "And I will accept. I will take a Saxon wife to further the alliance between us."

"I am greatly pleased by your decision." The dark-haired man pushed away from his desk. He moved to a nearby table to pour them both a cup of wine, something these Saxons seemed to favor, as he continued speaking. "Alliances must be built on trust and understanding. A political marriage certainly helps solidify that trust."

Ubbe received the cup, missing the taste of ale from his homeland. After taking a small sip, he stared at Alfred. "So what do we do now? Do I meet some potentials or is there a matchmaker?"

"No, I already have someone picked out for you. My cousin." Alfred answered without hesitation before pausing in contemplation. "What your father and my grandfather would think of this arrangement….our families tied by blood."

"Yeah…. What is her name?"

"My cousin? Lady Y/N. Fear not, she comes from a well-respected family and with a substantial dowry. She has spent most of her life at a nunnery, so there is no fear of her virtue being tainted."

"Great." Ubbe sighed out. Though he knew Alfred meant all that to be reassuring….it felt anything but.

*****

It was not until almost a month later, Ubbe met his intended bride; with the wedding set for three days after her arrival. Apparently King Alfred and some of the Saxon noblemen were keen on the arranged marriage happening as soon as possible.

Ubbe stood off to the side in the throne room. With his hair freshly braided and pulled back and wearing one of his nicer tunics, he hoped he appeared princely. Even if by Saxon standards, he knew he fell woefully short. Lagertha had given him a nod of approval as they waited in the throne room. Though outwardly he kept his face passive and calm, his insides twisted into knots and his hands were clammy.

"Are you still certain about this, brother?" Bjorn clapped Ubbe on the shoulder as he whispered, eyeing the Saxons standing around.

The flaxen-haired Viking glanced over at King Alfred, who sat on his throne, talking in hushed tones to one of his advisors while his mother looked on with a sour expression.

Ubbe answered solemnly. "Aye, we need this alliance."

With a grunt, Bjorn removed his hand but stayed at his brother's side. Something Ubbe appreciated. Although Bjorn had no issue airing his thoughts on this foolish alliance and how Ubbe was making a mistake in regards to choosing a wife again, he kept his complaints behind closed doors. In front of the Saxons, they presented an united front.

The large doors to the throne room opened with a groan. All eyes turned to witness as a sole figure cautiously yet gracefully walked forward, head held high and hands clasped in front of her.

"Cousin!" King Alfred exclaimed, rising from his throne, arms spread wide. Immediately, he descended the few stairs with a fond smile on his face. "Your presence has been missed here at court."

The woman dipped into an elegant curtsey, her dress gliding around her like water. "You are far too kind, my king."

As King Alfred embraced his cousin in a warm hug, Ubbe could only stare in shock. Standing there in a deep red gown, the woman looked like a goddess. Ubbe had prepared himself mentally for his intended bride to be marginally pretty like most of these Saxon women, but someone he easily overlooked. Not her though. Without even saying a word to him, he felt beguiled by her. It was more than just her physical beauty, it was in the way she carried herself, with grace and a nobility. It reminded him distantly of his mother. A woman who knew her place and dignity. This woman, his intended bride, was truly stunning. He could not help but wonder if the true reason for her prolonged residence at a nunnery was not because of piety but to preserve and protect her. Something he was suddenly immensely grateful for.

"This is your betrothed." Alfred walked her over to where the Vikings stood, at the bottom of the steps leading to his throne. With a pleased smile on his face, he introduced the two. "Ubbe, son of Ragnar Lothbrok, this is my cousin, Lady Y/N."

She curtsied to him, her movements so graceful like they were part of a dance. When she spoke, he was further enchanted, for even her voice was beautiful. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Ubbe."

"It's just Ubbe. Since we are to be married, we can skip the formalities."

A coy smile played on her lips. "As you wish….Ubbe."

"Excellent." King Alfred beamed. "Perhaps a walk in the gardens to better acquaint yourselves would be desirable?"

Before Ubbe could whole-heartedly agree, wishing to learn more about his intended bride, a sickly-sweet voice interrupted.

"Y/N has only just arrived. We have wedding plans to finalize and she must try on her dress." Princess Judith interrupted, wrapping an arm through her niece's while pointedly ignoring the Vikings. "Maybe another time, but I am sure y/n will be quite busy with preparations. Come, my dear."

With that, she swept her niece out of the throne room as if the Vikings had the plague and she refused to breathe the same air as them. But before y/n disappeared, she peeked over her shoulder and met Ubbe's gaze with a tender smile teasing her lips, then disappeared from view.

"There is much to finalize and my mother wants to ensure the wedding will go smoothly. You and y/n will have time after the wedding to become acquainted." Alfred said, studying the direction his mother and cousin vanished. With a sigh, he pulled his gaze back to Ubbe. "Now that introductions are made, I have matters with the clergy to attend to."

Ubbe barely paid attention when Alfred walked away, returning to his throne and listening to some priests whine about something petty.

A bump of a shoulder against his own drew Ubbe's attention back from thinking about y/n.

Bjorn leaned over to whisper conspiracingly in his ear. "Well, at least you won't have a problem bedding her."

*****

The wedding ceremony was outlandish and dragged on for entirely too long. Between the many prayers of the priests and the rigid formality of everything, Ubbe was ready to draw his sword and spill some Christian blood, just to break up the monotony. Even Lagertha appeared ready to fall asleep from where she stood.

The only aspect that kept his attention was his bride. Watching her walk down the aisle, he almost swallowed his tongue, leaving him gaping at her in a slack-jawed awe as she slowly approached. In her flowing wedding dress, a crown of flowers in her hair and eyes alight, she appeared ethereal. Standing in his nicest tunic and pants, he knew he paled in comparison to her, but he did not mind.

When the priests tried to forcefully convince Ubbe to dress in Saxon clothing for the wedding, he not-so-subtly threatened to decapitate them if they mentioned it once more. He was a Viking and would dress as such. Besides this was to be a physical representation of an alliance between Saxon and Viking, it would make no sense for him to dress as a Saxon.

Thankfully Alfred agreed with his thoughts, so the clergy kept any further comments to themselves.

Once the wedding concluded with Ubbe and y/n proclaimed man and wife, the couple was escorted to the celebration. The following feast was beyond lavish, with drink and food in overflowing abundance. To his dismay, Ubbe found himself unable to converse with his new bride. Either Alfred was introducing him to someone new, some nobleman pestered him with questions or worst of all, Judith purposefully continued to make excuses that pulled y/n away. When their eyes met, he could see the apology in them, which lightened the stone in his heart.

As the feast progressed, Ubbe found as more time passed, the more his gaze drifted to his bride. The gods had truly blessed him with this marriage. Watching her, he was captivated. Although, he found his hand frequently shifting to reach for the hilt of his sword no longer strapped to his side. All the appreciative or lustful looks she received from other men did not go unnoticed, and if one of them tried to lay a hand on his new wife, he would not be held accountable for his actions. His fists could be just as deadly as any weapon.

Finally, the time was called for the bedding ceremony.

Alfred and some of the clergy explained to Ubbe what happened during a bedding ceremony when he was learning about the wedding's customs and the vows he would have to recite. To say the Ragnarsson was shocked was an understatement. It sounded barbaric…. and him and his people were called the heathens. But he understood the need to maintain protocol for building the alliance and the trust of the Saxons.

So that was how he found himself walking down a corridor with Bjorn at his side, while the feast and celebrations continued on without him.

"Are you sure about this?"

Ubbe rolled his eyes at his elder brother, his stride never faltering. "You did not have to agree to it."

Bjorn scoffed, keeping pace. "And miss out on all the fun?"

The two brothers laughed, the sound loosening some of the tension in the bridegroom's body. When Alfred told Ubbe he needed a witness to represent his people at the bedding ceremony, Bjorn was the only option. When Ubbe initially told his brother about the tradition and asked for Bjorn's presence, the hulking Viking had doubled-over in laughter, followed by making several crude comments about the need to instruct Ubbe on how to properly bed a woman. The discussion ended in a brotherly tussel but Bjorn agreed.

Especially when Ubbe explained his plan.

The bedroom was in the wing of the royal families' rooms. Since y/n was related by blood, she was given a room there whenever she came to visit and naturally, this meant it was where the marriage would be consummated. Several candles were lit but the bedroom was kept dim to give an illusion of privacy. A quick glance at the bed made Ubbe raise an eyebrow at the generous size and the curtains draped around it. A fire burned in the fireplace providing warmth in the bedroom, a sharp contrast to the stern, cold faces of the clergy who waited.

The bishop who married them stood off to the side with two other clergy, all in their robes and barely suppressed looks of disgust on the priests' faces. Two female attendees fussed over y/n, clearly everyone waiting for Ubbe and Bjorn. Once again, Ubbe had to force himself to keep his eyes from staying glued to his new wife. She stood there in a thick robe, with her hair falling about her shoulders loosely, free from the bridal veil. Her gaze jumped from Ubbe to the clergy and back as she nibbled on her bottom lip, clearly nervous about what was to occur next. Cheekily, he sent her a quick wink, hoping that would help settle her nerves. If the blush that grew on her cheeks said anything, at least she was not repulsed by him.

The bishop stepped forward. "Are you prepared to consummate your marriage to Lady Y/N before God and man?"

"I am." Ubbe defiantly met the man's eyes.

"Then by the power given to me by the Holy Church, let the two become one in the sight of God and these witnesses and the marriage shall be complete." With that, the man drew their strange cross sign in the air and stepped back to rejoin his fellow clergy.

The two attendees helped y/n out of her heavy robe, revealing a thin, white nightgown that seemed to only enhance her beauty and innocence. Desire thrummed in his blood at the sight of her, but Ubbe ignored the sensation for the moment. The heavy robe was laid on a nearby chair and the two women left the room with a quick curtsy, leaving only the men and y/n.

After a shared look with Bjorn, Ubbe walked over to his new bride, keeping his movements slow so as to not startle her. Her hands were clasped before her, but even as he approached, he could see the faint tremble in them. Her gaze never strayed from the floor. The confidence seen previously in her seemed to have melted away into anxiety, making him think of a skittish colt. He could not help but wonder what changed, if it was due to him or what was supposed to occur between them.

Standing before her, he gently reached out to take her soft hands in his own larger, calloused ones, pleased when she did not flinch at his touch. Although her gaze remained downward.

"Are you alright?" He whispered, aware of the four pairs of eyes watching their every move.

"Of….of course, my lord husband."

"Remember, I told you to call me by my name."

That caused her head to snap up and meet his gaze. Now he could see the tears welling up in her eyes and her swollen bottom lip from constantly worrying it.

"It'll be alright." He tugged her bottom lip from between her teeth. The way her breath hitched at the intimate touch made his heart pound. He gave her hands in his, a quick squeeze. "Trust me, yeah?"

After a moment, she gave a faint nod, still eyeing him warily but appearing less like she wanted to flee, mutely squeezing his hands back.

A voice broke the stillness in the room, immediately causing her to tense again.

"The two of you must proceed to the bed to finalize the union. We do not have all night to wait for confirmation of her virginity and consummation." One of the priests drawled with an apparent undertone of disdain.

"Then it is a good thing you don't have to wait any longer." Ubbe retorted, narrowing his eyes at the priest. The man huffed but a quiet rebuke from the bishop had the priest pressing his lips together. With one final, assessing scan, the flaxen-haired Viking shifted, pulling his new bride into his side and wrapping an arm around her waist. He felt her tense against him but ignored it to stare at the three clergy with a mocking smirk. "Bjorn."

At the sound of his name, his brother moved from leaning against the doorframe. A scowl on his face, and with the shadows cast over him, made him appear more looming and menacing. "Everybody out."

The three clergy looked back and forth between the two Viking brothers, clearly confused and intimidated.

"You can't….we must witness…."

"I SAID EVERYBODY OUT!" Bjorn roared, pulling the axe from his side and waving it in the air. "OR DO I NEED TO SPLIT YOUR SKULL TO HELP MY WORDS REACH YOUR TINY BRAINS?!"

The three scrambled, eyes wide in terror, tripping over their long robes in a pathetic attempt to reach the door faster. The bishop turned around, hands grasping the golden cross hanging from his neck. "King….King Alfred will hear of this." He stuttered out in feigned confidence.

A deafening war cry from Bjorn practically shook the room in answer. That was enough to silence the bishop and have him flee, following his companions.

At Bjorn's roar, y/n began shaking like a leaf, her hands tightly holding onto Ubbe's arm wrapped around her. He further pulled her against him, providing shelter from his brother's fury. Even as the room fell back into silence, he could still feel her trembling in his arms. He prayed to the gods that this did not darken her view of him and cause her to fear him.

Once the room cleared and the pounding footfalls of the clergy could no longer be heard, Bjorn turned around with a grin, scratching the back of his neck with his axe. "You know Alfred will be upset when he finds out."

Ubbe smirked. "We can't let him have everything he wants, yeah?"

That made Bjorn chuckle. "I'll go guard the door." He pointed his axe at Ubbe, still grinning. "You owe me for this."

"Scaring priests shitless isn't enough for you?"

Bjorn scoffed. "I can do that whenever I like."

"We'll name our firstborn after you."

Bjorn waved him off, opening the wooden door and stepping out. When the door closed, the echoing sound seemed to fill the empty space in the room.

Ubbe peeked down at the woman in his arms. "Are you alright?"

"Your brother….is….frightening."

"Aye, don't tell him that though. It would only inflate his ego more."

Once he was certain she was steady on her feet and would not faint, he pressed a chaste kiss to the side of her head before striding away to the other side of the bedroom. Quickly he pulled off his tunic and boots, tossing them onto a nearby chair and then flopped onto the massive bed in only his pants. If nothing else could be said for tonight, he knew he would sleep well. The bed was comfortable, even rivaling his own bed back in Kattegat. With a pleased groan, he tucked an arm under his head and settled under the covers. A wave of exhaustion crashed over him, his eyelids sliding closed. Even though he felt like he spent most of the day standing around and kneeling for the wedding, it was still tedious and draining. Thank the gods it was over.

"Um, my lord…."

"Ubbe." He interrupted, lips twitching in amusement. "Or husband. Whichever you prefer."

"Ah, Ubbe….are we not….?" Her hesitant voice trailed off, but the unspoken question lingered in the air.

He snorted. "I have no plans to force myself upon you just to appease your priests and bishop."

"But we must consummate the marriage."

"I will only have sex with you if you desire me as your husband and not just to fulfill an obligation."

The following, prolonged silence caused him to open his eyes and look over at his new wife. It was apparent she had not moved from where he left her. He expected to see fear on her lovely face or revulsion at the idea of her ever willingly wanting him to touch her. Instead, she seemed to be studying him with a mixture of curiosity and respect. That confident woman he had previously met, making a reappearance.

After holding her gaze for a moment, he patted the bed next to him. "Come lay down. I doubt standing there all night will be pleasant."

With a soft smile, she stepped over and crawled under the covers, but maintained an arm’s length distance between them. They both laid on their backs, together yet alone. The only sounds were of the crackling fire and their breathing.

Before he realized it, Ubbe found himself speaking, filling the silence with his babbling but strangely felt he needed to share these thoughts with the woman beside him, the woman whose life was now tied to him, whether she wanted it to be or not.

"I doubt this is the marriage you were dreaming of as a little girl. Probably expected some prince or lord….not a Viking. Your people only see us as heathens, as barbaric devils, at least that's what one of the noblemen said. That we cannot stop the evil and destruction we cause because we are possessed." He snorted, rubbing a hand down his face. After a deep breath, he turned his head to look at her, amazed to find her already watching him. His tone softened as he continued. "I'm sorry you were forced into this marriage. I know it might not mean much to you but I vow I won't ever physically harm you or force myself upon you. After all the wedding ceremonies, you can return to the nunnery if that is what you want."

Her eyes widened momentarily, then drifted away as she worried her lip once again. As he waited for her to speak, his gaze traveled over her face, taking in the small details that until now he had not been able to observe. It would be a blatant lie to say he did not desire to lie with her, to touch and taste her. The current state of his manhood was evidence enough of how simply gazing at her beauty affected him. He made a vow to her. If nothing else, he hoped they could be friendly to one another.

To his shock, she rolled onto her side, facing him completely, hands tucked under her cheek. Without hesitation, he mirrored her action, but kept his head cradled on his arm.

"I have not traveled much," she quietly said, almost shyly, "but there is one thing I've learned through my studies and the observation of others. People aren't born good or bad. Maybe they're born with tendencies either way, but it's the way you live your life that matters." She paused as if choosing her next words carefully. "I do not think you are a barbaric devil or….or possessed. I think…."

"What?"

"I think you are very brave and strong. Not many would seek an alliance with those that fervently claim them as an enemy….nor be kind to a simple noblewoman."

He smirked, finding himself charmed by her honesty. Carefully, he reached over and brushed a thumb over her cheek. "You are no simple noblewoman, my lady."

"If you are just Ubbe, then I request you call me, y/n."

An unexpected, loud banging on the door startled them both. Y/n gasped and rushed to sit up against the headboard, eyes wide with fright. Ubbe immediately pushed himself up, making sure to put himself between his wife and the door, unsheathing a dagger he had subtly slipped under his pillow.

"Are you two done yet? Some ugly priest out here wants to know!" Bjorn shouted through the door.

Ubbe groaned, putting the dagger away, before calling back. "No! This woman is insatiable! Tell the priest to come back in the morning! Hopefully I can still walk!"

A harsh bark of laughter preceded loud arguing, which could be heard through the door. Raised voices crept underneath the door frame, the loudest being that of Bjorn. Ubbe stayed perched on the bed, to assist his brother if the need called for it. No matter what Alfred or those whiny clergy ordered, no one would be witnessing any consummation of his. Ever. Eventually, the voices dwindled like a dying flame until only silence could be heard from outside. Ubbe figured Bjorn must have won the argument, or used enough threats of bodily harm, since no one entered the bedroom.

The dagger returned to its sheath under his pillow. A habit he had since childhood. A glance to his side showed his wife still shifted as far away from the door as possible, hands clutching the sheets in a tight grip. He reached a hand out to her. "It's alright. Bjorn won't let anyone in."

She took his hand, still eyeing the door warily. "What did you say to him?"

"Ah, nothing important. Just to keep the priests away."

"Ok."

"We should go to sleep. Today has been long." He stated after he coaxed her back under the covers and no longer sent glances towards the door. Only after she was settled did he relax. Laying on his back, an arm behind his head, his eyes closed almost instantly. He could hear her shuffling occasionally but he paid it no mind. Sleep slinked into his mind, hovering on the edges.

"Ubbe…." A barely-heard whisper pulled him from the brink of sleep.

"Yes?"

"What if….what if I want to."

"Mmmm?"

"Um, fulfill our marital duties."

Well, that got his attention. He turned his head to the side, noting how her gaze traced over his bare chest slowly then lifted to meet his gaze. "Are you asking me to have sex with you?"

"Yes." She bit her bottom lip, even as her eyes never strayed from him.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

"Hmmm….well, I may be convinced but….you have to kiss me first."

Cautiously yet deliberately, she scooted closer until they lay side by side. In a graceful movement, she leaned over and pressed her lips to his in an innocent, chaste kiss. Her lips were softer than even the pillow beneath him and by the gods, she was going to be his undoing. After a moment, she leaned back, gazing down at him with a nervous yet endearing smile. Before he could say anything, to encourage or instruct, her lips descended on his once again, but this time hungrily. His initial surprise transitioned to a carnal satisfaction when a soft moan slipped out of her after he tugged on her bottom lip. Their mouths connected with a needy kiss, sending a jolt of electricity through him. All thoughts of sleep forgotten.

Suddenly, he flipped them over, pinning her underneath him, taking charge of their love-making. She giggled at the abrupt action but that was quickly silenced by his mouth crashing against hers and thrusting his tongue into her mouth.

As she kissed him back passionately, he wondered if maybe this marriage was not such a bad idea. If the way her lips eagerly sought his, her hands gripped onto biceps as if to keep her steady, her back arched as he trailed open-mouth kisses down her neck….maybe the marriage could be more than just political.

Soon enough, all thoughts vanished from his mind that were not related in regards to exploring the exquisite body of his Saxon wife and listening to her moan his name repeatedly.

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