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idkyetxoxo · 16 days

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One | Allure | The Last Kingdom

"Are you dead?"

"No, but you wish I was, don't you?"

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

The day of my birth was shrouded in suffocating air, the night darker than the deepest abyss, devoid of stars but illuminated by an entrancing full moon.

In the arms of my father, the great Earl Ragnar, I took my first breath. His eyes, ablaze with paternal pride, reflected a sense of fulfilment as he cradled his final child, his youngest daughter.

While the world labelled me with epithets of darkness and irresistible allure, my father saw only the radiance of his beloved daughter, the beacon of light amidst the shadows. Despite the whispers of others and the ominous aura that seemed to cling to me, my father's unwavering love shielded me from the darkness that sought to define me.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

I rode alongside my brother Uhtred and the men sworn to him. Osferth, the young monk who joined our group recently, exuded a gentle warmth that seemed out of place amidst the harsh realities of our world.

Finan, bound to my brother after surviving the horrors of the slave ship, was a constant reminder of resilience and loyalty.

Sihtric, however, was a different story. Our first encounter ended in violence, a dagger buried deep in my leg, leaving behind a bitter resentment that simmered beneath the surface. Our relationship was strained, to say the least, defined by a mutual hatred that lingered like a shadow between us.

As we arrived in Alton, greeted by the sight of the devastated village, my attempt at levity fell flat amidst the grim reality before us "How fun" I said. Uhtred's scolding glance and Finan's chuckle only served to underscore the gravity of the situation.

"Rest your dark little mind," Sihtric remarked, his words dripping with sarcasm as I dismounted from my horse, ready to face the aftermath of destruction.

"You're next," I retorted, pointing towards a fallen man nearby and then at Sihtric, the weight of our mission pressed down upon us as we discussed our plan of action. Osferth approached the group of Danes, leaving me to murmur to Finan in frustration.

"What the hell is he saying?" I grumbled, only to be met with Finan's hand covering my mouth, a futile attempt to silence my impatience.

"Yeah, most, some of you might run away, hopefully. I've got.. I've got a sword. A very sharp sword but I'd prefer it if you surrendered." Osferth declared, and now I was grateful for Finan's hand over my mouth, stifling the laugh that threatened to escape.

"Be quiet, will you," Finan murmured, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation as I responded with a playful lick of his palm, earning a grimace from him.

The chaos unfolded swiftly, the clash of swords and screams echoing through the air as the Danes fell before us. After the carnage, a figure emerged from the shadows of the church, a human heart clutched in her hand. Skade, the sorceress, exuded a chilling aura that sent shivers down everyone's spine, everyone except me of course.

The confrontation between my brother and the sorceress unfolded like a sinister dance, each step fraught with tension and menace. Their words clashed like swords in the dimly lit church, echoes of power and defiance reverberating off the stone walls.

"You now belong to me, and your spirit is mine to torment," Skade's voice dripped with malice, her words a chilling reminder of the dark forces at play. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her theatrics, the veiled threats failing to evoke the fear she intended.

As Uhtred issued orders for Skade's restraint, I watched with a mixture of disdain and resignation. Her bindings served as a physical reminder of the danger she posed, a manifestation of the darkness that lurked within her soul.

"Brother, are you scared?" I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. His knowing glance spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgement of the peril that surrounded us.

"Not when I have my own little devil," Uhtred's words brushed against my ear, his nuzzle against my hair a gesture of reassurance. I couldn't help but groan at his jest.

Upon our return to Aescengum, Skade in tow as our prisoner, we regrouped with Alfred, Edward, Beocca, Aethelwold, and Steapa. To our surprise, Alfred expressed a desire to delay the impending battle. He wished to confront Skade himself, to see the witch who had wrought such havoc with his own eyes.

Uhtred escorted Alfred to see Skade, leaving the rest of us to wait in anticipation. "What, they're alone?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I glanced back in the direction Uhtred had just walked from.

"Alfred wishes to hump the witch," Finan chuckled, his laughter infectious as I couldn't help but join in.

"What an unexpected turn of events," I remarked, sliding my arm around Finan's waist as he reciprocated by wrapping his arm around mine. "I don't blame him. I've always wanted to know what it would feel like to hump a witch," Finan quipped, eliciting a playful scrunched-up face from me.

"Maybe the one they call the devil will have to do," he added with a mischievous grin, prompting a gasp of feigned shock from me.

Before we could revel in our banter any further, Uhtred appeared behind us in a moment, his expression stern and unwavering. "Unhand my sister right now before I make sure you aren't able to hump another woman again," he warned, his tone laced with a hint of threat.

Finan, ever the jester, removed his hands and held them up in surrender as I pouted in mock indignation. "You can't blame a man for trying," he retorted, his tone light despite Uhtred's admonishment.

"I can and I will," Uhtred declared firmly, leaving me to sigh dramatically as the tension between us dissipated into laughter once more.

The night stretched on, devoid of sleep, as Skade's relentless cries pierced the darkness. Her ceaseless pleas for freedom echoed through the fortress, a reminder of the danger she posed.

"Someone shut her up before I do it myself," I grumbled, frustration seeping into every word as I pressed my hands against my ears, desperate to drown out the cacophony of her voice.

"Her screeching is deafening," Finan added, his head buried in his hands as he struggled to find respite from the relentless noise.

"Hah, she sounds like you then," Sihtric remarked, a sardonic smile playing at the corners of his lips as he pointed a finger in my direction. In response, I grabbed a fur and hurled it at him, the gesture a futile attempt to silence him.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the eerie silence of the fortress was shattered by the arrival of the witch's keeper at the gates. This time, however, he brought with him not just a message, but hostages, women, innocent victims caught in the tangled web of malevolence.

"Fucking coward," I muttered through clenched teeth as Bloodhair callously slit a woman's throat before our very eyes, his demands ringing out like a twisted melody of despair. Two more lives were snuffed out in an instant, their blood staining the earth as a grim testament to the cruelty that permeated our world.

Uhtred emerged from the fortress, Skade in tow, the air thick with tension as he made a show of punching and kicking her before the assembled crowd. Skade's twisted encouragement to Bloodhair hung in the air like a poisonous fog, her words dripping with malice and venom.

With a steely resolve, Uhtred issued his ultimatum to Bloodhair, his voice cutting through the chaos with a chilling clarity. He had until sunset or each man in their fortress would take their turn with Skade. The fate of the hostages hung in the balance, their lives dependent on the whims of a man driven by madness and greed.

Bloodhair's gaze ascended to the fortress, and our eyes locked for a fleeting instant. The smirk that danced upon his lips as his eyes roved over my form prompted a roll of my eyes, he was too cocky for my liking.

"How exciting for you, Finan. You might get to hump a witch after all," I remarked, my voice tinged with sarcasm as I scrunched up my nose in disgust. Finan's light push away from me was met with a half-hearted shrug and a small smile.

"Heard the little devil here likes taking control, even uses her daggers when the mood strikes" Sihtric's voice oozed with a sly tone as he emerged from behind us, his smirk palpable.

Both Finan and I swiveled to confront his smug expression. "Is that so," Finan chimed in, his grin widening mischievously.

I seized the opportunity to turn the tables on Sihtric. "Why have you been questioning what I'm like in bed?" I interjected, my tone dripping with amusement as I watched his smirk falter into contemplation, a pleasing moment of triumph.

"I suppose that's the closest you'll come to satisfaction, given I wouldn't entertain your touch even in dire circumstances," I added, a smirk playing on my lips as I casually turned my head to the side, anticipating his response.

"Come on, Irishman, let's leave this rat to his fantasies," I declared, my voice laced with amusement as I beckoned to Finan. He burst into raucous laughter, effortlessly falling into step beside me as we sauntered away, leaving Sihtric in our wake, visibly flustered.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

The Battle of Fearnham unfolded like a meticulously orchestrated play, each move calculated, each action deliberate. From the moment the clash of steel echoed across the battlefield, victory seemed within our grasp. Bloodhair, once a fearsome opponent, revealed himself to be nothing more than a coward, fleeing at the first sign of adversity. The satisfaction that filled me as I watched him ride away, his retreating form a symbol of his defeat, was indescribable.

Collapsed on the ground, my body heaving with exertion, I clutched my dagger tightly in my hand. Bloodied and bruised, every fibre of my being screamed with exhaustion, yet I was alive. A voice broke through the haze of fatigue, kicking me lightly as I groaned, turning to meet Sihtric's gaze "Are you dead?" he asked.

He looked down at me with those same bright, two-coloured eyes, a glimmer of amusement dancing within their depths. Despite my hatred for him, I couldn't deny the undeniable allure of his rugged features. It was as though the gods themselves had sculpted him from the very essence of masculinity.

"No, but you wish I was, don't you?" I retorted, the words dripping with sarcasm as I met his gaze head-on. Sihtric feigned contemplation for a moment before nodding, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

In a swift motion, I kicked his legs out from under him, a fleeting moment of triumph before I scrambled to my feet and fled, his angry protests fading into the distance as I disappeared into the field.

The journey back to Winchester started light-hearted and jovial, but the mood quickly soured as Skade's incessant chatter grated on my nerves. "Shut your trap woman, I'm tired of your screeching," I erupted, unable to tolerate another moment of her relentless talking, yet she remained unfazed by my outburst.

Upon our return to Winchester, Hild awaited our arrival, her sombre expression signalling that something was amiss. Uhtred's crestfallen face confirmed my worst fears as Hild delivered the devastating news.

Gisela, beloved by Uhtred and cherished by all who knew her, had succumbed to childbirth. Even in death, she had given Uhtred another son, but the joy of new life was overshadowed by the weight of our collective grief. Days had passed since her burial.

My heart sank as I turned to face the others. The smirk on Skade's face, a cruel mockery of our anguish not gone unnoticed by me fueled the flames of my rage until I could bear it no longer.

Without hesitation, I lunged at Skade, my fury propelling me forward as I delivered a stinging blow across her face. Sihtric's swift intervention prevented me from inflicting further harm, his grasp firm as he pulled me back from the brink of violence.

"You little bitch," I muttered through clenched teeth, tears threatened to fall down my face but I remained composed, she wasn't going to get the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I pushed Sihtric away and stormed off in the direction of Uhtred.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

"Are you alright?" Sihtric's voice, tinged with concern, reached me from behind, his gaze fixed on the night sky above. "I don't have the energy for you right now, leave," I replied curtly, my words laced with a rawness born of grief and sorrow, before retreating into the darkness.

That night, as Uhtred mourned by his wife's grave, I found solace in comforting my niece and nephews, their innocent presence a balm for the constant ache in my heart.

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

an enemies to lovers slow burn 🤭 ALSO had to be season 3 sihtric because like have you seen him???

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aetheling · 1 year

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I finally finished the thanuri/urithan fic I started in august 2020! thancred and urianger tease each other over the course of shadowbringers and its patches...

#figured I'd share this here too!#thanuri #urithan #ffxiv fanfiction #aethelfic

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bievanbuckley · 4 years

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I am in some Facebook groups and people really dislike aethelfaled. Like why hate a woman just because she is the queen instead of the male. She did the right thing for Mercia and her feelings were put aside for now it doesn’t mean she is evil or uncaring it probably means she is selfless.

Honestly... people who dislike Aethelflaed because she chooses her duty over her happiness and because she is the queen instead of a man (and doing a much better job at it) are so ridiculous. I’m sorry, i don't have time to reason with people who don't see reason.

Like you said, if this whole season showed us anything, it's how selfless Aethelflaed is and how she's wiling to sacrifice herself for the greater good. If people somehow translate that into Aethelflaed not having a heart and not caring, then they have zero braincells. I've said it before and I'll say it again: having a sense of duty and being raised to put your country first DOES NOT diminish your ability to love and care. One does not exclude the other.

Also, if Aethelflaed was a man, people wouldn't even think about it twice. They would automatically justify her behavior and think it as normal. But hey, she's a woman so she HAS to put her feelings first, right? Because a leader should be strong and be able to make hard decisions without showing feelings, AS LONG AS he's a man. If it's a woman, then she's selfish and a monster who doesn't feel or care. This is honestly so fucked up.

#the fact that it's 2020 and people still think that way EW #the last kingdom #tlk #aethelflaed #ask #replies

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nxrdist · 4 years

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These are the fandoms and characters I’m currently up to write for. Italics are my strong suits. Requests are open via inbox or im and can be of any nature though I do not write smut heavy pieces.  The Last Kingdom/The Saxon Stories- Uhtred, Finan, Ragnar, Sihtric, Aethelfed, Alfred,   Z Nation- 10k, Citizen Z,   Vikings- Bjorn, Ragnar, Ubbe, Torvi,  The Hunger Games- Finnick Odair, Annie Cresta, Haymitch Abernathy, Johanna Mason, Cato, Peeta Mellark, Original Characters

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idkyetxoxo · 18 days

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Allure | The Last Kingdom

The youngest daughter of Earl Ragnar, Y/n finds herself in a tumultuous relationship with Sihtric Kjartansson. Their violent first meeting sparks hatred. Amidst chaos, they forge an unexpected bond, blurring the lines between enemies and lovers.

Prologue, One, Two, Three, Four, Five

sihtricxreader (the last kingdom series)

This story is also available on wattpad - Allure | The Last Kingdom by @Unofficalavenger3000 🤍

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idkyetxoxo · 12 days

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Two | Allure | The Last Kingdom

"What do you know about Freyja?"

"Enough to know that she is the cause behind such unparalleled beauty,"

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

Hild stood beside me, offering quiet prayers, as Uhtred and Finan solemnly dug up Gisela's body. Tears streamed down Uhtred's face as Gisela's body was engulfed in flames. I held him close as he mourned the loss of a woman so deeply cherished.

Beocca eventually approached Uhtred to discuss the grave we had just disturbed, and I joined them. Despite the circumstances, Uhtred insisted on expressing his remorse and offered his apologies.

However, the peace was short-lived as Brother Godwin, driven by arrogance and bigotry, began disparaging Gisela, labelling her a pagan whore unfit for blessed ground. His disrespectful words cut through the sombre air, provoking my ire.

"Shut your trap, you pathetic excuse for a man. You've got bigger worries than your endless whining, like the fact that you're as useless as your withered limbs" I snapped, the sharpness of my tone cutting through the tension. Aelswith gasped audibly as I offered her a mocking curtsy.

When Godwin persisted in his insults, Uhtred finally snapped, striking him down in a fit of rage, unintentionally killing him. Alfred's men moved to seize Uhtred, but he managed to flee the hall, with me hot on his heels as an "oh shit" slipped my lips.

Alfred's command echoed through Winchester, ordering the city to be locked down and Uhtred to be brought to him. Outside, the tension thickened as Steapa's presence loomed near. Yet, Finan and Sihtric stood firm, denying him entry.

As I stepped outside, Hild entered, exacerbating Steapa's frustration. "Uhtred!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the air. I feigned irritation, covering my ears dramatically.

"Shh, shh, shh, you're annoying our little devil," Finan quipped, gesturing towards me with a knowing smirk and a finger over his lips. "Uhtred, don't make me step on your Irishman," Steapa persisted, his words heavy with veiled threat.

"That's not nice," I rebuked, my tone laced with sarcasm, "you could do so much more than just step on him," I teased, meeting Steapa's narrowed gaze with a mischievous twinkle in my eye.

I trailed my finger teasingly across his chest, meeting his eyes with a sultry stare as I slowly bit on my lower lip.

His discomfort was palpable, his grip tightening as he squirmed. With a swift movement, he grabbed my hand and pushed me away, a mix of annoyance and uncertainty flickering across his features.

"You're no fun, big man," I grumbled, shooting Sihtric a wink as he bristled. With a flirtatious gesture, I blew Steapa a kiss before following Beocca and Aethelwold back toward the house, leaving Steapa to stew in his annoyance.

As we entered the house, tension thickened in the air, spurred by Uhtred's terse warning to Skade "I will kill you if you speak again." I couldn't help but find amusement in the situation, a flicker of a smirk gracing my lips as I glanced at Skade, whose expression betrayed a mixture of defiance and irritation.

Alfred's demands unfolded as expected, he wanted Uhtred to swear an oath to Edward. Beocca interjected, reminding Uhtred of the opportunities Alfred had afforded him in Wessex, emphasizing the weight of the choice before him.

Reluctantly, Uhtred handed his weapons off to Finan and Sihtric, signalling his intent to comply with the king's summons. As he informed Steapa of his decision to go peacefully to the king, a sense of unease settled over the room.

"Uhtred, what are you doing?" I couldn't help but voice my concern, meeting his desperate gaze. There was something in his eyes, a silent plea hinting at unforeseen consequences.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

Outside, I paced restlessly, my impatience evident as we waited on Uhtred. "Stop that, it's distracting," Sihtric grumbled, and I paused momentarily before resuming my restless pacing.

"You're pacing like a caged animal," Sihtric remarked with a mocking sneer, his voice dripping with disdain "And you're talking like an imbecile," I shot back.

"Save your wit for someone who cares to hear it," he retorted, his eyes narrowing into a glare. "I'll save it for when I need to remind you of your place," I snapped, my words slicing through the atmosphere.

Uhtred's arrival interrupted the exchange, his presence commanding attention and quelling the venom that had momentarily permeated the air.

As we mounted our horses and prepared to depart, I couldn't ignore the visible signs of Uhtred's discomfort. "Uhtred, you're injured," I gasped, concern etched into my voice as he grunted dismissively, brushing off the notion with a wave of his hand.

Skade, ever the cunning manipulator, continued her sinister game, weaving tales to ensnare Uhtred further. "Should you continue to deny me, you will remain cursed," she hissed, her words dripping with malice. I couldn't help but exhale loudly, exasperated by her relentless manipulation.

"You're sounding increasingly desperate," I retorted, meeting her sneer with a defiant gaze. "Go ride alongside Sihtric and annoy him," I ordered, nudging her horse forward with a forceful gesture.

"He's just as desperate as you, wasting all his silver on women who don't want him," I added, throwing a sly wink in Sihtric's direction as he rolled his eyes.

Turning to Finan and Uhtred, I listened as Finan voiced the question burning in all our minds. "Why isn't she dead yet?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration. Uhtred's response was cryptic yet revealing, hinting at forces beyond our comprehension.

Despite the urge to lash out at the absurdity of the situation, I maintained my composure, the weight of our predicament settling heavily upon us as we rode on.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

Uhtred's condition worsened with every passing moment, a growing worry gnawing at my heart. When he vomited and tumbled from his horse, it was the final alarm bell, jolting me into action. With a surge of urgency, I reined in my own mount, sprinting to his side in a whirlwind of concern.

"She is squeezing the life from me," Uhtred said, his voice strained with pain. I shook my head firmly, pressing a calming hand against his chest. "You are going to be just fine. We'll get to Brida, she'll know what to do," I reassured him, my voice laced with determination as I glanced between Finan, Osferth, and Sihtric.

Despite my attempts at reassurance, the worry in my eyes betrayed the facade of hope. We all knew Uhtred's condition was dire. Taking a moment to gather ourselves, I quickly prepared a bowl of broth, passing it to Osferth to bring to my ailing brother.

"He's going to be fine, right?" Finan's voice trembled with concern, his worry noticeable. "He is strong. He will be just fine, he's a Ragnarsson, it's in our fate," I replied, offering him a weak smile.

"So you didn't inherit the strong quality then?" Sihtric's jest sliced through the tension, drawing an irked scowl from me.

"Sleep with one eye open, rat, maybe I'll have to show you just how vicious I can be," I shot back, my tone sharp as I pivoted toward Uhtred's side.

"God, she was truly created by Freyja herself," Finan mused as I stepped away, his admiration laced with a reverent tone.

"What do you know about Freyja?" Sihtric's astonished query lingered in the air as I walked off, his gaze fixed on my departing silhouette, taking in every movement.

"Enough to know that she is the cause behind such unparalleled beauty," Finan sighed, redirecting his focus to the horses. "That she is," Sihtric murmured in solemn agreement before joining Finan, a contemplative expression etched across his features.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

Gratefully, Brida arrived at our camp and guided us toward Dunholm.

"Ragnar!" I exclaimed with unbridled joy as I leapt into his arms, allowing him to twirl us in a circle before gently setting me down.

"Any of these men giving you trouble?" Ragnar inquired, casting a casual glance toward the group. I feigned contemplation for a brief moment before shaking my head.

"Hmm," I hummed playfully, "You know well and good that no man would even dare to give me trouble," I answered, falling into step beside him as we walked, eager to catch up.

It took time, but Uhtred eventually recovered from his sickness, and Skade was securely locked away with a Nithstong buried opposite her to nullify her powers.

We gathered in the grand hall, nursing drinks and engaged in conversation while Cnut questioned Uhtred about his reputation.

"Cnut, if you're questioning him, then you're questioning me," I remarked absentmindedly, spinning a dagger between my fingers.

I knew all too well that Uhtred didn't particularly enjoy the nickname Dane-slayer.

"We all know questioning me never ends well," I added with a grin, landing the dagger into the wood of the table inches away from his hand.

"I never understood how she's related to you two," Brida commented, settling beside us and gesturing between Ragnar and Cnut. "The gods knew they had to bless our parents with at least one decent child," I quipped, smirking as Ragnar tossed a piece of bread in my direction.

"Truly, the gods were weaving mischief on the day she graced us with her presence" Ragnar chimed in, prompting me to throw the bread back at him.

"Come, Brida, let's pay a visit to the little witch. I'm tired of gazing at these heathens," I declared, pulling her up as we strode towards the cell.

"She is powerful," Brida remarked as we approached the cell door. "She's nothing but a fluke," I retorted, peering inside to see Skade grumbling in her cell.

"Oye, Jackdaw, wake up and do your job," I ordered, nudging the sleeping Dane, who grumbled as he positioned himself back in front of the cell.

I smirked at Skade, blowing her a kiss as she snarled in response.

"I have also been cursed," Brida confided as we began to walk back. "I cannot bear children," she continued, and a frown creased my brow at her words. "I'm sorry," I offered sympathetically, stopping her from walking but she casually brushed off my concern. "Do not worry, I am content enough with Ragnar," she assured, and I smiled.

"I'm glad," I began, sincerity lacing my tone. "If he ever wrongs you, you tell me, and I'll ensure he regrets it," I vowed, prompting her laughter as we returned to the hall.

"It will draw many Danes," Ragnar remarked as Brida and I settled back into our seats. "What will?" I inquired, seizing Cnut's drink and taking a sip myself.

"Alfred without Uhtred," Ragnar explained, and I turned to Uhtred, eyebrows raised in curiosity. Clearly, we had missed a significant portion of the conversation

"If Uhtred is to truly be a Dane then he must undo the past and destroy Alfred" Brida supplemented.

From the expression on Finan's face, it was evident that he did not endorse the idea in the slightest. However, I tabled the matter for the time being, aware that a more extensive discussion would unfold later.

The night carried on with an abundance of ale coursing through everyone's veins, fostering an atmosphere of revelry.

As a game unfolded, so did the tension and teasing between Sihtric and me.

With each toss of the small pebble into the cups of ale, our taunts flew across the table like arrows in battle, adding an extra layer of amusement to the spirited contest.

With a sardonic smirk, I raised my cup, the glint of defiance dancing in my eyes. "Careful, Sihtric. I wouldn't want to bruise that delicate ego of yours any further," I taunted, my voice dripping with venom as I prepared for my next shot.

Sihtric's response was swift, his retort sharp and cutting. "Ah, so the little devil fancies herself a competitor now? Pity you've always been better at running your mouth than skill," he jabbed, his words like daggers aimed at my pride.

As Uhtred and Ragnar observed the intense exchange between Sihtric and me, a subtle yet unmistakable tension lingered in the air, charging the atmosphere with an undercurrent of intrigue and rivalry.

Their eyes met in a silent exchange, speaking volumes without the need for words. Ragnar's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze flickering between Sihtric and me as if deciphering the hidden dynamics at play.

"Are they...?" Ragnar's voice trailed off, his words laced with curiosity as he sought Uhtred's perspective on the matter.

Uhtred shook his head with a knowing grin, dismissing any notions that Ragnar might have entertained. "No they've always been like this," he replied, his tone light yet tinged with a hint of mischief.

Despite Uhtred's reassurance, Ragnar couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the verbal sparring between Sihtric and me than met the eye. Nevertheless, he accepted Uhtred's explanation with a nod, content to leave the matter be for the time being.

As the game continued Ragnar's mind occasionally wandered back to the subtle nuances of our interaction, pondering the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and perhaps even a hint of unspoken attraction that lingered beneath the surface.

"Keep dreaming, Sihtric it's the closest you'll ever get to victory," I fired, my tone laced with icy disdain as I released my next pebble with calculated precision.

Sihtric's laughter echoed through the hall, a mocking symphony that grated on my nerves like sandpaper. "Victory? You wouldn't know victory if it struck you in the face, little devil," he jeered.

As the game raged on, so too did our verbal onslaught, each taunt and insult fueling the flames of our rivalry.

"Game, now drink," Sihtric taunted with a smirk, his eyes dancing with mischief as he threw the final pebble with ease. With a roll of my eyes, I reached into the cup, retrieving the winning pebble with a flick of my fingers.

Raising the cup to my lips, I tilted my head back, allowing the liquid to cascade down my throat. Some of it escaped, trickling along the contours of my chin before tracing a tantalizing path down the curve of my neck, disappearing into the valley between my breasts.

As the cup met the table with a resounding slam, I wiped the remnants of the drink from my mouth with the back of my hand.

Glancing up, I couldn't help but notice Sihtric's unwavering gaze fixed upon me. His eyes lingered on the escaped ale, following its trail as if ensnared by its journey down my chest, a mixture of fascination and desire evident in his gaze.

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

medieval beer pong anyone 😝😝 ALSO thank you for all the support on the first part I'm so grateful but also kinda nervous now because I don't want to disappoint with the rest of the parts 😭

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idkyetxoxo · 4 days

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Four | Allure | The Last Kingdom

"Ah she's always had fire in her, which is why Ragnar and Uhtred shielded her, treasured her like a prized possession,"

"All the more reason for me to claim the prized woman for myself,"

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

"If you speak of this to anyone I will gut you" I warned, my breath steadying as I wiped away the last remnants of tears. Sihtric, withdrawing with a grin, reassured me, "Fear not, I am not eager to incur your wrath in its full fury," he quipped, guiding us back toward the others.

"I mean it," I cautioned, halting him in his tracks with a firm grip on his arm, perhaps firmer than necessary. He brushed my hand away with an irritated exhale, striding ahead.

As we approached the group, the cacophony of fighting and shouts filled the air. Uhtred and Bloodhair clashed fiercely, vying for the favour of Skade. The onlookers goaded them on, while Ragnar, observing in silence, deliberately avoided meeting my gaze.

Bloodhair's men resorted to deceit, attempting to strip Uhtred of his weapon.

I swiftly intervened, reclaiming Uhtred's weapon and returning it to him, despite Brida's disapproving glare and Ragnar's scoff.

Just as Uhtred seemed poised for victory, Ragnar interceded, declaring an end to the conflict, asserting, "I will not waste warriors before the true battle begins."

Addressing Uhtred, Ragnar ordered, "Take Skade and leave," then turned his attention to me. I waited, hoping for a sign, a word, anything to indicate he didn't mean what he said, but he merely averted his gaze.

With a heavy heart, I drew a deep breath as Finan offered a comforting touch on my shoulder. Shrugging him off, I mounted my horse and departed Dunholm, without a backward glance.

Beocca and Thyra soon followed suit. While Beocca and Uhtred conversed, Thyra guided me away, affirming, "No matter what Ragnar says you will always be my sister." Her words threatened to unleash another torrent of tears, but I steeled myself against them.

"He despises me now," I murmured, plucking at blades of grass, while Thyra deftly fashioned a string of daisies.

"He does not despise you he is ensnared by the manipulation of those greedy men," she reassured, weaving the daisies together. "If he truly hated you both, he would not have allowed Uhtred to depart alive," she reasoned, settling the daisy chain upon my head, a ritual we had shared since childhood.

"Did I do the right thing?" I questioned, meeting her gaze as she admired her handiwork. "You did the right thing," she affirmed, rising and gently pulling me to my feet.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

The nunnery in Wincelcumb yielded easily to our intrusion. We lingered in the kitchen while Uhtred made his presence known in the hall. "So, little devil, how does it feel to be in a nunnery? Does your skin burn yet?" Finan jested, eliciting a faint forced smile from me.

The absence of my retort didn't escape notice, but no one pressed the matter.

Exiting the kitchen, I turned to Aethelflaed. "Your men lack the skills of true guards. You'll require stronger protection when the Danes inevitably invade," I remarked, sinking wearily into a chair.

Amidst the chatter and dining, the discontent of the nuns echoed until the abbess rushed in, heralding the arrival of the Danes.

Uhtred proposed sending the abbess to parley with them, as they remained unaware of our presence. Despite hesitation, the abbess assumed the responsibility.

From a small window, I witnessed Haestan and Dagfinn demanding Aethelflaed's presence from the abbess, met with steadfast refusal. Their demand escalated to bloodshed as they slew guards and the abbess in their quest for her.

"Perhaps I should surrender myself," Aethelflaed suggested, prompting my exasperated response. "And how would that help us now? All those lives lost for nothing," I retorted sharply, met with wide-eyed surprise from her.

"Just go back inside," I directed tersely, the others maintaining a tense silence.

As Haesten and Dagfinn led their men through the first gate, chaos erupted into a violent clash. Seizing my dagger, I swiftly engaged a Dane who lunged towards me, skillfully bringing him down before another assailant knocked me to the ground from behind.

With my dagger just out of reach, I resorted to defensive manoeuvres, using my limbs to fend off his axe swings as he loomed menacingly above me. The whistle of the axe dangerously close to my head was abruptly silenced as Sihtric's axe found its mark in the Dane's body.

"You need to go back inside," Sihtric urged, concern etched on his face. I shook my head stubbornly, refusing to yield. "I can handle myself," I insisted.

Sihtric's eyes narrowed, "You're not focused, you'll get yourself killed," he admonished. Pushing him away with defiance, I retorted, "So, you don't care whether I live or die?"

Anguish mingled with anger as I confronted the unresolved turmoil within me.

"Don't act concerned now just because my brother saw fit to strip me of my lineage," I added bitterly, delivering one final shove before storming away.

Restless pacing consumed me within the confines of the nunnery kitchen, my head buried in my hands as the cacophony outside echoed our predicament. The realization gnawed at me, how could I, renowned for my undefeated prowess and skills in battle, succumb to vulnerability to the extent that Sihtric, of all people, had to come to my rescue?

"Get a grip," I muttered to myself, steeling my resolve before emerging from the kitchen to witness the front door open and a shield wall forming.

I pushed forward to witness Uhtred handing Skade over to Haestan in exchange for Aethelflaed. Skade's displeasure was evident, yet she complied without protest.

Dagfinn's gaze locked with mine, a smirk playing on his lips. "If Haestan gets the seer, then I want your sister," he declared boldly. My blood boiled at his audacity. "I would sooner impale myself with a spear than walk willingly to you," I spat, my defiance met with Haestan's mocking laughter.

"Ah she's always had fire in her, which is why Ragnar and Uhtred shielded her, treasured her like a prized possession," Haestan remarked, his tone dripping with contempt. Dagfinn's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with possessive intent.

"All the more reason for me to claim the prized woman for myself," he declared, his words laden with sinister implication.

"She's only under the protection of one brother now though," he added provocatively, goading me further.

Ignoring the shield wall, I surged forward, my fury unchecked. "Say that again, you coward," I threatened, my voice a low growl. Uhtred intervened, pulling me back by the arms, his whispered insistence falling on deaf ears.

"I'll return for you, little fighter," Dagfinn proclaimed as they departed with Skade in tow, a tension lingering in the air. Sihtric and Finan, visibly seething with anger, exchanged glances laden with silent fury.

Finally, Finan's voice sliced through the tense atmosphere like a blade. "You're venturing on dangerous ground, Dagfinn," he warned, his words sharp with indignation.

Sihtric's expression mirrored Finan's resolve, his jaw clenched with barely contained rage. "Your words will not be forgotten" he declared, his voice a low, ominous rumble.

Dagfinn's smirk faltered, momentarily replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. However, he quickly composed himself, his arrogance undiminished. With a dismissive wave, he scoffed, "Empty threats from cowardly pups."

Ignoring the jibe, Sihtric's eyes narrowed with a steely resolve. "Watch your back, Dagfinn," he warned his voice a chilling whisper that hung in the air long after the Danes had vanished from sight.

"I can handle myself, thank you very much," I asserted saracstically, pushing through the crowd of men. Despite the footsteps trailing behind me, I ignored them striding forward until a firm grip seized my arm, halting my progress.

Turning, I met Uhtred's concerned gaze, irritation simmering beneath the surface. "What?" I snapped, my patience worn thin as he guided me towards a secluded spot.

"You're not alright," he stated plainly, his worry etched into his features. I rolled my eyes in response. "What's your point?" I retorted, frustration tainting my tone as he exhaled heavily.

"I need to be certain that you're truly ok, that you don't regret forsaking your blood ties to stand with me," he implored, his words tinged with genuine concern. My expression slightly softened at his sincerity.

"Uhtred, you're my brother just as much as Ragnar," I confessed, a hint of vulnerability seeping through my facade. "Truthfully, it offends me that you'd doubt that," I added.

He drew me closer, enfolding me in his embrace. "I do believe it, I just question whether making Ragnar our enemy was the wisest choice," he confessed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"The gods work in mysterious ways," I murmured against his chest, finding comfort in his embrace.

"I'm grateful to have the little devil by my side, though," Uhtred admitted, his words carrying a mixture of sincerity and fondness. His admission elicited a grin from me.

"Finan and Sihtric are worried about you though, they think you're not yourself," he continued, his voice tinged with concern. My smile faltered at his words the stubbornness and wounded pride returning.

"Finan might be, but concern for me isn't exactly Sihtric's thing," I remarked, a dry chuckle punctuating my words. Uhtred's expression softened, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"You might be surprised," he countered cryptically, leaving me to ponder his words. A furrow formed on my brow, curiosity gnawing at me as I wondered what lay beneath Sihtric's facade.

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

arms 👀

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idkyetxoxo · 7 days

Text

Three | Allure | The Last Kingdom

"No, I would never fall for your seductress traps,"

"You just might darling you never know"

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

I sat outside, the metallic clang of my blades against the whetstone echoing in the air as a man approached, urgency etched into his features. "Forty, maybe fifty men, marching toward us on horseback," the Dane announced, directing his words toward Ragnar, who rose from his spot beside me.

"Close the gate and await their approach," Ragnar ordered briskly. The messenger nodded, hastening to carry out his assigned task. With practised precision, I carefully sheathed my daggers, their edges gleaming in the fading light, before rising to my feet.

Soon enough, the silhouette of approaching riders emerged, led by none other than Bloodhair himself. They sought food, shelter, and parley, seemingly willing to negotiate their grievances with Uhtred through peaceful means.

Ragnar, to my dismay, ordered the gates opened, allowing the Danes entry. I shot him a frustrated glance, my disapproval evident as they strode in unimpeded. "That man knows no honour," I muttered under my breath, my irritation simmering just beneath the surface as Ragnar glanced at me and then simply walked away.

A dry laugh escaped me as I spotted Aethelwold among the Danes. Turning to Sihtric and Finan, I voiced my exasperation, seeking consolation in their shared disbelief. "Surely, this is ridiculous," I remarked, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

"They're your brothers," Sihtric reminded me, his words carrying a hint of resignation and accusation. With a heavy sigh, I acknowledged the truth in his statement. "They'll be the death of me," I muttered, watching with a mix of resignation and apprehension as Uhtred entered Skade's cell, walking straight into her web of manipulation.

"Another fun night?" Sihtric's voice caressed the air as Finan departed, leaving behind a trail of lingering intrigue. My brows knitted in curiosity until his gaze slid down to my neck, where the bruising lovebites peeked out from beneath the exposed skin.

A smirk played on my lips as I crossed my arms, "Jealous it wasn't you?" I teased, my tone dripping with mischief as I raised an eyebrow in challenge.

His response came swift and sharp, a tut of denial escaping his lips. "No, I would never fall for your seductress traps," he retorted, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

A low chuckle escaped me, laced with allure. "You just might darling you never know" I whispered, my breath teasing his ear as I leaned in, a suggestive pat on his shoulder accompanying my words.

With a coy smile lingering on my lips, I glided away in the direction of Uhtred, ready to scold him for whatever dalliance he found himself in with Skade.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

In the grand hall, a cacophony of cheers echoed as my brother, Haestan, Cnut, and Bloodhair forged an alliance, pooling their strength to lay claim to Wessex.

Beside me stood Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and reluctance toward the impending conflict. "As their sister, I should be standing with them, but I can see this will not end well," I remarked, taking a measured sip from my cup.

"You're the only one with sense in this lot," Finan quipped, earning a smirk from me. "Aren't I just the complete package, then?" I teased, eliciting laughter from him. Sihtric interjected quickly, "Maybe if you weren't so evil."

"Am I evil?" I asked, turning to Osferth, who shook his head vehemently. Leaning back with a satisfied grin, I responded, "See, even the baby monk knows better."

Sihtric's retort came swift and practiced, "he fears the darkness of your mind and what you might do to him if disagreed with," he added, eliciting a wide-eyed response from Osferth.

With a reassuring pat on Osferth's shoulder, I leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "Rest assured, Osferth, I only reserve my darkness for the deserving." Tousling his hair, I added with a mischievous glint, "The only one in danger is the rat over there," casting a pointed glance at Sihtric, who rolled his eyes.

"Beauty and brains, what more could you want?" Finan's voice, smooth as honey, accompanied by a grin as he leaned towards me, wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me closer. With a wink directed at Sihtric and Osferth, he seemed to revel in the attention his teasing garnered.

"A woman who can also behead a man with a weapon smaller than the palm of your hand," I countered in a low whisper, gently moving Finan's hand from my side to the sheath holding my dagger at my waist. Fluttering my lashes at him, I watched as amusement flickered in his eyes before he teasingly pushed me away.

Turning towards Sihtric, I couldn't resist the opportunity to provoke him further, sticking my tongue out at him as he rolled his eyes once more. The tension in his clenched jaw betrayed his inner thoughts, his gaze fixed on the exchange between Finan and me.

Before our banter could escalate further, one of Ragnar's men seized my arm, pulling me into the midst of my brothers' celebration, where the revelry and anticipation for the battles ahead were notable.

Yet, even as I celebrated with the man at my side, my gaze continually drifted towards Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth. They stood apart, their expressions guarded behind tight-lipped smiles.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

I watched as Ragnar warmly greeted the two newcomers, and my heart leapt with joy once I recognized Thyra's familiar face. "Thyra!" I exclaimed, rushing to envelop her in a heartfelt hug.

"I've missed you terribly. These men give me nothing but headaches," I teased, prompting laughter from her as she held me affectionately.

The joyous reunion was swiftly interrupted by Beocca's solemn announcement to Ragnar and Brida. He had come to fulfill the king's order, to formally banish Uhtred and myself from Wessex. Yet, I sensed there was more to his visit as Thyra instinctively guided us away.

Alone with Beocca, we received alarming news of Aethelflaed's peril, orchestrated by Aethelred. Aethelwold's visit to Aethelred hinted at a treacherous bid for the Wessex throne. With Haesten's imminent return, Aethelflaed's hiding place was at risk of exposure. Beocca reiterated Uhtred's promise to Aethelflaed and her unwavering trust in him.

"Uhtred, you cannot turn a blind eye to this," I implored softly, meeting his frustration with understanding. "I know you cannot forsake Ragnar, he is my brother too, but this army he's assembled is not going to stand," I reasoned.

Uhtred's conflicted expression mirrored the turmoil within him as he deliberated, eventually deciding to confer with Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth as well.

As Uhtred departed, I lingered with Beocca, noticing the conflict etched upon his face. He acknowledged the inner struggle I endured, torn between the loyalty to my brothers, grappling with the weight of a decision made difficult by the relentless pull of destiny.

I made my way to where Ragnar and Uhtred stood, having savoured some much-needed moments with Thyra. As I approached, Ragnar's sharp words cut through the air, questioning Uhtred's allegiance. My steps quickened, sensing tension in the air.

Uhtred echoed my earlier sentiments, asserting that the hastily assembled army was bound to crumble. Ragnar's anger flared as he demanded Uhtred's unwavering loyalty. My gaze shifted between them.

Just as Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth entered, Uhtred declared his intent to rescue Aethelflaed. Ragnar's hurt was unmistakable as he confronted Uhtred, revoking our name for betraying their bond. He was no longer Uhtred Ragnarsson.

"Ragnar do not do this" I interjected, pleading with him to see reason. "These men will only tear you apart further, you're brothers," I implored, gesturing to the men gathered around us, hoping to appeal to the bond that once united them.

Ragnar remained resolute. "My decision is final," he declared firmly. His words cut through the air like a blade, leaving a tension in their wake.

Unable to contain my dismay, I confronted him. "So you would deny your own sister as well?" I questioned, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, a shield against his rejection.

"If she wishes to side with the traitor, she is no sister of mine," he declared, his tone final and unyielding. Thyra's gasp of shock echoed my own disbelief, a testament to the rift that had formed between us.

With a heavy heart, I made my own declaration. "Then I suppose I am no sister of yours," I declared, my voice quivering with wounded pride. Swallowing back tears threatening to spill, I turned away, unwilling to let anyone witness my vulnerability.

Retreating to the solitude of a secluded corner, I leaned against a sturdy tree trunk, allowing the weight of my emotions to overwhelm me. Tears lightly marked my cheeks as I sank to my knees, the weight of betrayal pressing down upon me like a suffocating blanket.

Tears rarely stained my cheeks, even in the face of physical torment. I often find humour in pain, a trait others found disturbing, even barbaric or creepy at times but pain has become all too familiar, something I've learned to embrace.

Yet, this moment was different. One of the few men other than my father who embraced the darkness the world draped upon me, who accepted me despite the labels, treated our bond as if it were nothing. As if I were nothing.

The sound of approaching footsteps snapped me out of my reverie. As I quickly brushed away my tears, I locked eyes with Sihtric, bracing myself for his reaction. I anticipated mockery, jest, anything but what followed.

Without a word, he knelt beside me, awkwardness evident in the air between us. With a hesitant gentleness, he pulled me into his embrace, and though I accepted it, the unfamiliarity of the gesture left a lingering sense of apprehension.

Despite the discomfort, in that moment, as he held me close, I allowed myself to surrender to the pain, as he held me close.

He was personally experienced with the anguish of being treated harshly or forsaken because of titles, if anyone understood that pain, it was him.

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

Ragnar said not today sis 😔 and dw they aren't getting together for a while there's still a lot more suffering and challenges before they even contemplate any meaningful connection.

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idkyetxoxo · 6 hours

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Five | Allure | The Last Kingdom

"One way or another, you will be mine,"

"The only way she'll be yours is if you can pry her from the cold grip of death, and even then, you'll find yourself in a fight you won't win,"

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

Returning to Aethelflaed's estate in Mercia, I tended to my horse with the same care Uhtred bestowed upon his own steed. As Aethelflaed entered the stables, I stole a glance at her, then at Uhtred, and sighed before withdrawing to afford them privacy.

The intensity in Aethelflaed's gaze spoke volumes, she had succumbed to my brother's charm.

Seated on the ground, absentmindedly pulling blades of grass while Osferth and Finan honed their skills in the distance, a solitary figure on horseback caught my attention. Brida's silhouette emerged into view.

I rose, moving towards her as Uhtred joined me. Brida's visage was contorted with anger, her eyes ablaze with a raw, unfiltered fury.

"What's wrong?" I pressed urgently. "Ragnar waited years for you both to return, only for his younger siblings to forsake him days after," she spat, her words laced with venom. "You should have left Aethelflaed to die," she cried out, igniting a pang of apprehension within me.

"What's happened?" Uhtred inquired, and the ensuing revelation sent shivers down my spine. "Ragnar is dead. He does not feast in Valhalla. Instead, he lies beneath a mound of stone. There was no honour in his death," she disclosed.

At first her words didn't quite register, but with each passing moment, the truth dawned on me. The weight of her revelation settled heavily, undeniable in the honesty etched on her face and the anguish in her expression. I knew without a doubt that her words held no deceit.

My body betrayed me, collapsing to the ground as sobs wracked my frame. My heart thundered in my chest, threatening to burst free. Brida's accusations blurred, her blame falling upon us for Ragnar's untimely death.

"He's gone, and it's my fault," I sobbed, my voice trembling. Uhtred knelt beside me, his anguish mirroring my own. "He's gone," I repeated, the words echoing in the desolate recesses of my mind. "He's gone because we abandoned them," I cried out, pushing Uhtred away with a force borne of despair.

"We allowed it to happen," I continued, swiping harshly at my tears. "It's not..." Uhtred began, but I shook my head vehemently, rebuffing his attempts at consolation. I lashed out, striking his chest repeatedly until someone pulled me back.

"Do not blame yourselves" Finan interjected, attempting to console Uhtred, but my anguish refused to be placated. I shoved away the others, refusing to accept their hollow comfort.

"It is our fault" I declared, rising to my feet. "I will ensure every man involved will be held responsible" I vowed, dismissing Finan's suggestion of Skade's involvement with a vehement retort.

"We march to Alfred, and we gather an army in Aegelsburg. I will not rest until my brother's killer is brought forward," I screamed, my voice raw with anguish, tears streaming down my face like a torrential downpour.

With every fibre of my being shattered, I pushed past the trio and strode away, consumed by an overwhelming sense of heartbreak and a fierce determination to avenge Ragnar's unjust death.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

The journey to Aegelsburg stretched across several agonizing days. Every fibre of my being urged me to press forward, but the relentless march of time forced halts upon us. Reluctantly, we paused, weary souls, seeking respite amidst the trials that beset us.

"Will you bring this to her?" Uhtred's voice cut through the silence, nudging a bowl towards Sihtric. The latter raised his hands in surrender, his countenance reflecting apprehension. "She hates my guts. She won't accept food from me," he confessed, a hint of resignation lacing his words. Uhtred sighed heavily, weariness etched upon his features.

"She hasn't eaten in three days. Everyone has tried. You are my last resort," Uhtred implored, his voice tinged with desperation. With a reluctant nod, Sihtric accepted the bowl, no longer resisting the plea that hung heavy in the air. With measured steps, he ventured towards where I lay amidst the grass, my gaze fixated upon the darkening sky above.

"Here," Sihtric murmured softly, collapsing beside me and extending the offering. I turned away, unwilling to confront his presence. "Please," his voice pleaded, punctuated by a note of earnest concern.

I drew a sharp breath, his words piercing through the veil of my anguish. "You haven't eaten, haven't slept, haven't spoken to anyone," he observed, coaxing me gently into awareness.

"I can't, Sihtric. I just can't," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's gone. My mother is gone. My father is gone but I remain, tethered to this realm as if the gods themselves delight in my torment," I lamented, the weight of loss bearing down upon my soul. His expression softened, an understanding gaze meeting mine.

"The gods aren't torturing you. They have greater plans for you," he reassured his words a balm to my fractured spirit. I drew my knees close, seeking solace amidst the turmoil that engulfed me.

"You need to eat. If not for yourself, do it for Uhtred. He is consumed by worry," Sihtric urged, nudging the bowl towards me.

With trembling hands, I accepted the offering, the weight of sustenance a burden I could scarcely bear. "Finish that before Finan scours around for remnants," he jested, a fleeting smile gracing my lips.

"Sihtric," I called out, halting his departure. As he turned towards me, I felt the weight of gratitude pressing on my tongue, but the words remained trapped, unspoken. Instead, I shook my head slightly and murmured, "Never mind."

A glimmer of appreciation flickered amidst the shadows that engulfed us. With a smirk, he acknowledged the sentiment, though it was left unspoken.

Upon our arrival in Aeglesburg, we were cautiously permitted entry by Aldhelm, Aethelred, and Steapa, albeit without our weapons.

I drew my sword and handed it to Steapa, who positioned himself in front of me, expectant. "I don't have anything else," I fibbed, meeting his scowl with a nonchalant gaze. "We both know that's a lie. You carry at least four different weapons on you at all times," he retorted, his tone stern. I rolled my eyes in response.

Reluctantly, I retrieved the dagger concealed at my waist and extended it to him. However, Steapa remained unmoved. "I don't have anything else. So unless you plan on conducting a thorough body search, this is the best you'll get," I asserted, my patience waning.

"Don't argue with her, big man. We both know who will lose," Finan interjected. Steapa, hesitatingly, allowed me to proceed, acknowledging the futility of further resistance.

"No one wants to experience the wrath of the little devil today," Sihtric remarked, his smirk trailing along as he followed behind us.

The summons to the witan, where Edward stood in lieu of the king, prompted my inquiry. "Has Alfred finally bit the dust?" I asked only to be met with reproachful gazes from Beocca and Pyrlig, to which I merely shrugged, unfazed by their disapproval.

Aethelflaed's report of nearby Danes, accusing Haesten of assault, incited further tension. Aethelred and Aldhelm's interrogation of Uhtred, suspecting his collusion with Haesten, only deepened the animosity in the air.

Alfred's confrontation with Uhtred marked the breaking point.

"Ragnar is dead," I declared, watching as Alfred's countenance faltered. "My brother is gone, I'm sure it brings you joy," I sneered, my voice laced with bitter conceit. "The Dane army is now halved," I added, the desperation in Uhtred's plea resonating in my own heart.

Despite the raw truth laid bare and Uhtred's desperate plea, Alfred rejected our proposal. He then offered us the ambiguous refuge of outlaws under Aethelflaed's protection, allowing us to depart at will.

With raw, bitter truth and the searing fury of a woman scorned, I unleashed my condemnation upon Alfred.

"Your dream of a united England will remain just that, a dream," I hissed, each word dripping with the venom of betrayal. "You are a cowardly king, unwilling to take risks and relying on others to pave your path to success." My words cut through the air like a blade, leaving no room for misinterpretation as I stormed away from the witan, knowing no words could assuage the gaping wounds in my heart.

"Well, Alfred surely felt the weight of your fury," Sihtric remarked, settling across from me in the alehouse with Osferth by his side and Finan at mine.

"Uhtred has offered nothing but his unwavering support, and this is how he's repaid," I spat, my voice laden with disillusionment and resentment.

"I pray the gods grant him no mercy, for his path leads only to death," I confessed, the fervour of my words echoing the depths of my despair. Around the table, silence reigned, and all I could do was bow my head, closing my eyes against the tumult of emotions swirling within.

──☆⋅☾⋅☆──

As the haze of sleep lifted, I found myself roused by the insistent shaking of my shoulder. Blinking groggily, I peered through half-opened lids to see Sihtric standing before me. "What?" I grumbled, my voice thick with drowsiness.

"Edward has pledged his support to Uhtred. Expect an army at Beamfleot," Sihtric announced, his words snapping me to full alertness. With a sense of urgency coursing through my veins, I rose to my feet, brushing aside stray strands of hair that clung to my face.

"Uhtred, Finan, and Osferth have already departed they're convincing Haestan to fight," Sihtric continued, his tone brimming with determination. Without hesitation, I declared, "I won't waste another moment waiting. Let's move" and with that, I set off, Sihtric close on my heels.

As we joined the others, gathered in anticipation of Haestan's arrival, I couldn't help but inquire about the time spent in idle vigil. "How long have you been waiting?" I queried, drawing my horse alongside Uhtred.

"Half a day," came his weary response, prompting a resigned sigh to escape my lips. Dismounting, I allowed Finan to tend to my steed, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"Why wasn't I woken up for any of this?" I demanded, turning my gaze to Uhtred, who met my inquiry with a knowing look. "You hadn't slept in three days, and I could handle it," he explained, a hint of weariness in his voice.

"Well, then I'm ready to shed some blood let me have at the men whose greed caused my brother to leave this world thinking I betrayed him," I said determination in my eyes.

"She looks like she's ready to carve up anything in her path," Finan muttered to Osferth, a wry smile playing at his lips. "I'd tread carefully if I were you don't let her mistake you for one of them," Sihtric added, eliciting a nervous glance from Osferth as he clutched the cross around his neck.

The tension hung thick in the air, anticipation mounting as the silhouette of Haestan's approach loomed on the horizon, signalling the imminent clash that awaited us all.

He finally arrived, accompanied by Skade and an imposing army. Uhtred's command was clear. Form two lines, build a shield wall, prepare for the impending clash. Yet, despite our efforts, the odds stood dauntingly against us. Our numbers paled in comparison to the enemy's, and the realization weighed heavy upon us all.

Haesten's offer of surrender hung in the air like a foul stench. "I would sooner face death's embrace and the halls of Valhalla than kneel before you," I retorted, my voice dripping with defiance. My gaze pierced through the ranks, landing squarely on Dagfinn, whose smirk only fueled my ire.

"Don't think I've forgotten about you," I growled, levelling my sword at Dagfinn, whose grin only seemed to widen in response to my challenge.

"I haven't forgotten about you either," he retorted, his voice dripping with sinister intent. "In my dreams, you belong to me, you do everything I desire," he added, his words laced with a twisted fascination. "One way or another, you will be mine," he proclaimed, his tone leaving no room for misunderstanding.

"The only way she'll be yours is if you can pry her from the cold grip of death, and even then, you'll find yourself in a fight you won't win," Sihtric interjected, his voice a low growl that resonated with an undeniable authority. His gaze burned with an intensity that matched the fiery chaos surrounding us.

As the words left his lips, Sihtric found himself grappling with a profound sense of confusion. He couldn't quite comprehend why he felt compelled to make such a promise, especially for someone who, by all accounts, has considered him his enemy.

Yet, in that fleeting moment, it felt unquestionably right, as if some unseen force had guided his actions and imbued them with a sense of purpose beyond his understanding.

Perhaps it was the shared moments experienced in the face of adversity, or the unspoken bond forging. Whatever the reason, Sihtric knew one thing for certain, despite our differences, he felt a newfound consideration for me and felt a desire to defend me.

With Haestan's command, the battlefield erupted into chaos. Men clashed with the ferocity of beasts, steel meeting steel in a cacophony of violence and death.

Every fibre of my being thrummed with a potent mixture of fury and rage as Haestan's men pressed their assault. The air crackled with the intensity of battle, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I fought.

Amid the frenzy of combat, a grim realization settled upon me like a shroud, our forces were being slaughtered, the men falling before the relentless onslaught of Haestan's. The bitter taste of defeat hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over our once defiant resolve.

Where was Edward ? Where was the promise he had made? The questions lingered like a bitter refrain, echoing across the blood-soaked battlefield, as I grappled with the harsh reality of our desperate situation.

───☆⋅☾⋅☆───

it's so hard trying to write his feelings because the whole story is written in the first-person BUT Sihtric realising a little something at last, it obviously isn't love (yet) but at least he knows he wants something😋

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