Broken Crown || Finan x OC || Chapter 11
Summary : Since the day he has been enslaved, Finan never thought that he would have to face his origins. But when an old friend made her arrival to Wessex, the Irishman is forced to deal with his past.
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English isn’t my first language, if you see any mistakes, tell me :)
Warning : fluff ??
11|| FIRE
The tavern was calm, the silence only disturbed by the sound of the four warriors talking at a table in the back of the hall.
“Do you think he will accept, Lord?” Osferth asked, turning the content of his bowl with his spoon.
“It's not like he had other choices.” Shrugged Uhtred. “I doubt the Danes aren't already preparing another attack.”
“The walls are strong.” Sihtric noticed. Indeed, a great part of Navan Fort’s walls were in stone. In some parts rocks had fissured and logs were maintaining the ramparts, but it was still strong enough. “They could hold.”
Uhtred shook his head. “They would make a siege.” The Dane turned to Finan, next to him, who was half listening to the conversation. Feeling Uhtred’s gaze, he lifted his head. “The city lives of trades, without it, the population will starve.” He continued, tilting his head in wait for his friend’s approbation.
But Finan vigorously shook his head. “The city has been built to survive such situations.” His three friends stared curiously at him. He sighed and briefly looked around them, to be sure no one was listening, before leaning forward. “There's a crypt under the castle. By it, we can have access to a cave which opens in the forest at the north of Navan Fort.”
“But they could enter the city by this passage then.” Uhtred said, eyebrows furrowing in a skeptical expression.
“No. The opening is hiden behind a waterfall and just a small number of people knows the existence of it. And anyway, the cave is a real labyrinth.” He explained, waving his hand in the air.
“How do you know all of that?” Finan looked up to Osferth, the monk seeming surprised by Finan’s knowledge.
“As surprising as it seems, I had an education, Baby Monk.” He frowned, pointing the youngest warrior with his finger. Osferth playfully smirked at his friend before taking a spoon of his oatmeal.
Even though Finan always had been a reluctant student, he knew how to write and read which had intrigued Uhtred when he discovered it. He justified it by saying that his mom tried to make a monk of him. The explanation had always been enough for his Lord, who assumed that Finan’s battle planning skills only came from a sharper mind than he pretended to have. But the truth is that the Irish warrior had been raised to be a King. And even if it was true that his mother tried to instill him a pious spirit, his father inculcated him the art of battle. And as much as he had hated him, he knew he was still alive only thank to the hard training he pushed him to do.
Their discussion ended with the sound of the door opening. The light drew Ailis silhouette, her hair shining at the sun until the wooden door was closed again. Finan studied her as she walked toward them, the skirt of her dress waving at each of her paces. It wasn’t the first time she saw her rid of her armor, but yet he couldn’t help but relished how the cloth was perfectly falling on her hips. Ailis was a warrior and years of training didn’t gift her the heavy curves of some whores he had crossed the way, but the grace with which she walked played almost an illusion. Only the white lines on her bare arms could warn that a warrior was hiding behind those manners.
She took a chair on her way toward them and sat at the end of the table. A serious look was forged on her face as all the men stared at her.
“What is it?” Finan asked, concerned by her expression.
She suddenly seemed aware of her expression and so, she shook her head before sighing. “It’s nothing.” She smiled, but Finan could see the lie behind. However, he said nothing and just nodded. “You spent the morning here?” She asked.
“We did, Lady.” Osferth replied, pushing his now empty bowl. It was past midday now and it had been only few hours since the four men had woken up, enjoying the warmth of a bed after a long travel. “Not that we wouldn’t have enjoyed to visit, Lady.” The former monk smiled.
She smiled back at him, a more sincere and soft one that made thin lines appeared in the corner of her ocean eyes. “Well, I think you’ll have to visit anyway.” She leaned back in her chair to take a letter stuck in her belt. “I just got a word from the King. He organized a banquet tonight, and you must take part of it.” She explained, handing the letter to Uhtred.
Finan glanced alternatively to Ailis and his Lord until he gave back the paper. “Does it mean he’ll accept?” The Dane Slayer asked.
“I hope so.” She shrugged, her brows furrowing in concern.
“Have you talked to him?” Finan demanded then. She briefly looked at him before pinching her lips.
“I did.” Her answer was dry and he didn’t try to go further again. “Anyway, there will be some high Lords, you should all try to look decent.” She said, pointing their dirty clothes and faces, with an amused smile. “I’ll get you some clothes and you…” She stood up from the chair and walked to Finan, putting both of her hands on his shoulders. He turned his head to her, meeting her eyes as she leaned a little above him. “You should bring them to the river.”
She rose an eyebrow waiting to see if he knew what she was talking about. A warm smile grew on Finan’s face and she squeezed lightly his strong shoulders, however he felt like they could melt under her touch. “I will.”
The river wasn’t far from Navan Fort. It was running from the forest at the north, falling there in the waterfall Finan had mentioned earlier, to the south, crossing fields and little woodland. Some were beautiful and peaceful place he had enjoyed to go in his youth.
“Good.” She said, walking back. “Tonight then, before the sunset.”
…
“The ale is watered down.” Sihtric grimaced as he put down his cup.
“It’s war, the men need to be sober Sihtric.” The youngest warrior rolled his eyes.
“They are Irishmen, Osferth, they only fight when they are drunk.” The Dane replied, leaning toward his friend with a smirk.
The two laughed before looking at the third of them, but Finan was to focus to stare at the huge table at the other side of the room to laugh with them. Conall could be miles away from him, he’ll still find that he was too close anyway.
Sihtric and Osferth shared a concerned look. Only the three of them were at the guests table, with the lowest lords. Uhtred was next to Ailis at the royal table, probably discussing the agreement that Conall finally accepted.
“Finan… Stop staring at him like this or they’ll think you are planning to murder him.” Sihtric said, talking quieter.
“Maybe I am.” The Irishman snapped, stabbing his food with his fork as he narrowed his eyes.
“Stop troubling your mind with this Finan. If you do, you’ll be stuck in Hell with him.” Osferth whispered and it made Finan frowned. The only thought of being stuck in all eternity with Conall made him want to become a monk and pray until God forgives him for his sins.
Finan huffed before angrily bit in his meat. He used to love banquets, ale that flow afloat, the loud laughers and the unbelievable stories of the drunkest. But he could definitely not enjoy this, not even for old times’ sake.
In fact, nothing here gave him the want to cheer in memories of his life here. Years he wondered what he would feel if he ever had to come back here. He hoped that maybe, he’d feel like he was home, despite all the tragic events. When they bathed in the river earlier, like he had done a hundred times years ago, he didn’t feel any nostalgia. Maybe it was his anger towards Conall that was eating him from the inside, ruining all the good memories of a time he should cherish.
And as his eyes fell on Ailis, her face cold without her smile, he remembered her conversation with Osferth on the road to Aeglesburg. How she seemed so uneasy to call Navan Fort “home”. It was where they grew, where they learned what duty was and how their future was already written. And when Finan didn’t follow it, Ailis did and she seemed to be unable feel home here anyway. This castle, full of the ghosts of their joyful days, was now just a bunch of stones and woods.
The room suddenly ushered, bringing him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Conall up, rising his cup.
“Lords, friends, I’d like to thank my dearest friend, Lady Ailis, for the long travel she made to bring us the solution we needed.” Conall started a huge smile spreading his lips.
Finan’s grip on his fork tightened, his brother’s hypocrisy was angering him. Conall had no remorse of how he dared speak to her the eve and now, he was acting like nothing happened. No excuses were made, not even in private of what he knew. But Ailis simply smiled at him before turning to look away. Their gaze met, just a second, but well enough for her to see the irritation of Finan and give him a disapproving look. It didn’t last more, Conall continuing his discourse.
“I’d like to thank the men she brought back with her too.” He turned to Uhtred at his left. “Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his bunch of warriors.” The Dane Slayer bowed his head a little but Conall didn’t stop here. “What a strange band. A Dane, a monk and a traitor.” He smirked, looking toward Finan at one corner of the room.
All eyes fell on the three men. Finan’s blood was boiling, and Conall seemed to be more than amused to see it. Dealla, sit at the King’s right frowned, looking curiously to her husband.
“Isn’t it funny, an Irish slave saved from his tragic destiny by the Dane Ragnar Ragnarsson! The man he used to fight on the battlefield.” Finan’s mouth opened, not expecting Conall to say such things. Next to him, Osferth and Sihtric looked at each other, stunned, before turning to Uhtred who seemed as confused as them. Only Ailis was as pale as a ghost, her eyes opened wide in the void. “For how long have you been a traitor for him to have the kindness to save you?” Conall dared ask, taking care to look right into Finan’s similar brown eyes.
Finan suddenly stood from his chair, making it fall behind, a loud noise echoing in the throne room. He was holding the fork, still in his hand, with so much strength, his knuckles were white. He wished he could jump over the tables and threatened to kill him with it, as he saw Uhtred do with Guthred years ago. But instead, he stuck it violently in the table before leaving the room.
He walked in the corridor, his fists so tight his nails were sinking into his flesh. He heard footsteps behind him coming fast, but he stopped only when his name was shouted. He turned back to discover Ailis, her breath heavy after running to him and a confused expression.
“Finan…” She started but he cut him.
“How does he know? Who told him?” He asked, almost shouting as he raised his hands in the air.
Ailis remained silent for a moment, looking everywhere but not him. “I am sorry. I… I didn’t think he would turn it against you.” She said making him huffed of exasperation.
“What did you expect Ailis?” She looked up to him as he walked a little toward her. “He hates me as much as I hate him.” He articulated.
She said nothing but Finan could see the pain behind her eyes. The pain of the horrible truth and hearing it was making it even more real. He sighed, knowing she didn’t mean any of it.
“Ailis, things will be never be like they were before. We both made unforgivable mistakes.” She folded her arms and looked down. Finan made a step toward her, comforting her by putting his hand on her arm. “When all of this is over, I’ll leave with Uhtred.”
She suddenly raised her head. “You’ll leave?” She asked, almost gasping.
“Of course, I will.” He confirmed. “I am no fool Ailis! The longer I am here, the closer I am to death. So, what could keep me here?” He questioned her, his finger graving the bruise on his cheek remembering the strength with which Conall punched him.
She opened her mouth slightly, but nothing came out of it. Instead, her hand joined his, her delicate fingers meeting his on his bruised cheek. Her blue eyes were more mesmerizing than ever as she brushed his skin, careful not to hurt him. And suddenly, Ailis crashed her lips against his. He froze, the only feel of her mouth, soft and hot, having importance.
The sensation slowly faded and his eyes were meeting hers again. His heart was beating so hard in chest, he thought it could explode. She was still close to him, enough for him to feel her breath. He was confused, by this kiss and yet, when her fingers left his cheek, he knew he needed more.
He took her face between his calloused hands and kissed her. She gasped, surprised by his move, but she quickly kissed him back. Lips dancing, fingers sliding in strands of hair, they were alone in this corridor, but if they hadn’t, it would have made no difference. This feeling that neither of them had ever felt for each other was consuming them and nothing could stop the fire.
After a moment, both of them breathless, they parted. Slowly, they were drifting back to reality. Finan removed his hands, letting one ran along her arm, his fingers caressing hers.
“I should go back.” She said softly stepping back.
She didn’t let him time to add something, she was already walking to the room, leaving him alone in the corridor.
…
Ailis fingers traced the curves of her lips, deep in her thoughts, she could still feel Finan’s ones even though they only kissed the eve. The scene repeated itself in loop all night in her mind and each time, she knew she shouldn’t have done it. Now her feelings weren’t a small ember, it was a big fire, invading her heart and head. But Finan was right, he would leave soon and she couldn’t hold him here.
“Lady Ailis.”
She blinked several times before crossing Sihtric’s gaze. The Dane was handing her a flask of water.
“Oh, thank you Sihtric.” She took the flask before hanging it to the saddle of her horse.
She and the four warriors were at the stables near the gates, readying their horses to leave for the south. Conall having accepted the peace King Edward proposed him, they now had to go into the lands the Danes had established and start negotiations.
She unlaced the reins of her horse and joined Uhtred outside, avoiding Finan who was staring at her from where he was patting his mare. She frowned at the sunlight but quickly got used to it.
“Ready to leave.” Uhtred asked her, already perched on his mount.
“I would have enjoyed some more days here, sleeping in a real bed.” She joked, passing the reins over the horse’s neckline. “But I guess we don’t have much time.”
Uhtred chuckled lightly while shaking his head. “With luck, we will be back soon.”
“Let’s hope.” She finally said, in a sigh as she mounted her horse.
A/N : FINALLY THEY KISSED !!!!! Jesus chirst, i wrote this scene months ago, having a total other idea of how it would happen, but I’m well satisfied by this version hehe. Next chapter will be from interesting POV (still 3rd person, eh don’t worry lmao)
Tag: @geekandbooknerd @sihtric @queen-manning @naihqh @kelly-fasel @cloudjuumpers @limenal @amyyreblogss @othermoony and @queerbroceliande
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