#sihtric x ealhswith

[ulfrsmal]

🎶and every time we kiss I swear I could fly🎶

For @aelflaeds' 100 Followers Challenge, congratulations! Special thanks to @lauwrite1225 for the screen of Finan & Ingrith

I saw Cascada in the Feel Good Vibes section and immediately got an idea ⫽ song link for the road

#aelflaeds100challenge #the last kingdom #my edits #gisela x uhtred #alfred x aelswith #sigtryggr x stiorra #finan x ingrith #fingrith #brida x ragnar the younger #ealhswith x sihtric #aethelflaed x erik #i limited myself to canon couples ahah #made with canva #i have my gripes with this but i physically cannot fix it any more so here; hope y'all enjoy it!

[valeskafics]

"Does He Know" - Modern!Sihtric Kjartansson x Reader Drabble

a/n: songfic request from @out-of-life, hope you enjoy, my lovely!!!!! ❤️

Summary: Sihtric meets you at a club and is pretty sure your date doesn't know you the way he does.

TW: profanity, innuendo, she/her pronouns, AFAB reader, suggestive themes

Word Count: 900 words

Disclaimer: I do not own any of The Last Kingdom characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are never required but are immensely appreciated ❤️

Sihtric isn’t the type of guy to go to a club to find a random girl to hook up with. However, after his breakup with his longtime girlfriend, Ealhswith, Uhtred, Finan, and Osferth take it upon themselves to drag him out for a night of male bonding. And, of course, it has to take place at the hottest club in town so they can find girls to hook up with. Uhtred and Finan, ever the confident ones, find their companions for the night pretty early on. But Sihtric sits with Osferth at the bar, nursing his beer, sitting on the sidelines as he watches everyone dance under the fluorescent lights to some techno remix of a Frank Ocean song which he absolutely despises.

Then, you walk in. You, in your little black dress that hugs your curves, your strappy heels, the little purse hanging off your shoulder, with your group of friends. Osferth grins at Sihtric who stares at you in something akin to awe as you order a drink from the bar, a martini, he thinks, and hit the dance floor with your friends. He’s never seen anybody move quite the way you do and he’s fucking intoxicated by it. Sihtric’s eyes are drawn to your bare upper back, where he sees a rose shaped tattoo, one that probably doesn’t really see the light of day all too often.

Before he can overthink it, he gets up and makes his way across the dancefloor to you, eyes trained on you alone, something stirring in him that he hasn’t felt in quite some time. You smile at him as he approaches you, flashing him a cheeky little wink as you continue to dance, your hips swaying to the beat of the song. The song changes to something a bit sexier when he finally reaches you and he takes it as a sign from the gods that he was meant to ask you to dance.

Sihtric gives you a mischievous grin, moving his hands to rest on your hips as the two of you begin dancing together. You gaze up into his mismatched eyes, a coy little smile playing on your face as you move in time with the beat that Sihtric finds entirely intoxicating. His confidence grows as he realizes you feel the same way he does, and he spins you around, pulling you so that your back is flush up against his chest. Your hand reaches back to rest on his neck as you grind against him, the feeling of his hard-on against your ass spurring you on, making you giggle at his expense, not that he minds. He presses an open-mouthed kiss to your neck, prompting you to let out a soft little moan, the two of you continuing your little game until the song ends.

You turn around and grin at him, “Thanks for the dance,” you say in the most alluring voice he’s ever heard before you disappear into the crowd.

He watches, eyes wide, his mind racing as he tries to find you again. Osferth taps him on the shoulder, questioning who in the hell you were. Sihtric is unable to do much but smile and return to his beer.

At the end of the night, he sees you getting into an Uber with your friends. Before he can make it to you, you’re already in the car, giving him a cute little wave as you drive off into the night.

The next time he sees you is a couple of nights later, at that same club where he’s been dragged yet again by his idiot friends. He’s only come since he has the slightest bit of hope that he might see you again. With how comfortable you looked on the dance floor, you seemed like a regular there. And you are indeed. Except this time? You’re with some douchebag on the dancefloor who he assumes to be your date. Sihtric frowns slightly and feels a pang of jealousy, though he’s slightly comforted by the fact that you don’t seem nearly as intimate with this new guy as you were when you danced with him. As though you can feel Sihtric’s gaze on you, you turn and meet his eyes as you walk toward the bar. The two of you exchange no words and Sihtric watches as you walk back to the dancefloor, ignoring your date, only to grind on your friend, a cute little smirk playing on your lips.

Fucking tease.

Sihtric enjoys the show for a minute, lost in thought, before Osferth elbows him, “She’s walking over.”

And his friend is right. You take a seat at the bar beside him and smile.

“Hello, beautiful stranger,” he smiles at you, mind reeling.

You giggle, the sound being absolutely magical in your ears, “Hey, stranger. Never got your name,” you say, throwing back a shot.

Sihtric chuckles, “It’s Sihtric. And you?”

Before you can answer, one of your friends runs up to you and begins rambling, saying that ‘Iseult’ is in the bathroom, puking her guts out, and they need you. You nod and turn back to Sihtric, seeing the disappointment in his eyes.

You grab a napkin and a pen out of your purse, scribbling something down and handing it over to him.

“Later, handsome.”

Sihtric watches you leave, grinning when he sees your name and number on the napkin.

“Call me. Xoxo”

#sihtric x reader #sihtric kjartansson x reader #sihtric x you #sihtric kjartansson x you #sihtric x y/n #sihtric kjartansson x y/n #sihtric #sihtric kjartansson #sihtric the last kingdom #sihtric fic #the last kingdom x reader #the last kingdom fanfic #the last kingdom fanfiction #sihtric tlk #my writing #sihtric drabble #modern!sihtric #modern!sihtric drabble #songfic

[ladyfenring]

#I LOVE THEM #sihtric #ealhswith #young sihtric #sihtric x ealhswith #the last kingdom #my edits

[morosemagick]

After that scene in the church I need some Sub Sihtric. We all know he is a soft cutie🤭

So sorry this took me forever to get to. Sihtric's face is me when I can't find any gifs of him and Ealhswith 😠😭

Outside their home, he is a warrior. Strong and brave, who takes nonsense from no man. He is loyal to his lord, but his choices are his own. It is he who chooses for the True Lord of Bebbanburg, and he alone.

No man can tell him what choices to make.

Except... for when he's home.

When he is home, Sihtric is a slave to his love. His wife is his Lady and her words are his very command. He does as she wishes without a second thought as he loves every minute of it.

Anything for his Ealswith.

Here, anything she desires is hers. His sweet wife, as beautiful as a goddess and more pure hearted than any God man has ever seen. At the sound of her voice his heart bends to her will. All she needs to do is ask, and it is done.

And Gods, does she know it.

Ealhswith sits above him, riding him as she pleases whilst his hands stay tied above him. The control, the power, is in her hands as she brings him to the edge of pleasure without ever letting him fully reach his peak. It's a rush, for both of them, and Sihtric cannot help my squirm and moan as she uses him.

He tries to call out her name, but his words are twisted into a groan as she rolls her hips against him, making Sihtric throw his head back.

"Are you enjoying this?" Ealhswith asks him as she keeps her pace, "Do you want me to keep going? Or do you want me to stop?"

"No don't-"

"Don't... Keep going?" With a smirk, Ealhswith stops herself and Sihtrics' head shoots forward again to look at his wife with pleading eyes.

"Eal, please," Sihtric wines out, "I need-""

"Oh, I know what you need." Ealhswith smiles, her hands running up and down his chest, "The question is... can you be good?"

"Yes, yes, Eal, I can be good," Sihtric nods furious, "I can be- Gods."

Ealhswith picks up her pace, moving her hips faster than she was before. Panting and groaning as she works her husband to his edge. Sihtric is close, closer than he's been all night and he knows if she keeps this up he'll reach his peak in no time.

"Fill me, Sihtric," Ealhswith calls out to him with a moan, "Let go my love, it's okay-" Sihtric doesn't need to be told twice as he comes inside her, his hips trusting up as he rides the high of his release, "-Yes. There you go, my love."

Once he has stopped moving, Ealhswith does not get off of him. Instead she reaches to her side and grabs on of Sihtric's smaller blades and frees him from the bondage that holds him.

"Still breathing, sweet husband?" She asks him with a smile, and Sihtric nods yes.

Sihtric takes a few minutes to catch his breath, and then he sits up so he is face to face with his wife, "You did not finish."

"I did not," Ealhswith replies with a smirk, "So what are you going to do about it?"

A devious smile grows on his face as he pulls his wife closer and flips them over, making Ealhswith laugh. She giggles until she not, her laughter quickly switching to pleasure as Sihtric takes his time to repay his wife for what she's done for him.

Outside their home, he is a warrior.

But here in this bed, he is all hers.

TAGGED:

@solinarimoon ​ @thebohemianpenguin @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites ​ @unicornlovedust ​ @lalahmaria ​ @lauwrite1225 ​ @obipoelover @axe-does-writing @webreathfandoms @93xdiagonxalley @evelynshelby @shadow-of-wonder @geekandbooknerd @for-bebbanburg @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @mrsalwayswrite @poguesmaybank @nobodys-business-world

#that's my wife #you said sub!sihtric and this is where my head went #sihtric kjartansson #sihtric x ealhswith #the last kingdom #tlk #drabble #ask Mernie #prompt request #mcloveproductions #Sihtric Kjartansson

[limenal]

first line tag game

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Then tag 10 of your favorite authors.

i was tagged by @raincityruckus

i’m tagging idk anyone who wants to do this!

1. Maybe We Could Get To Know Each Other The Last Kingdom: Finan x OC and currently in limbo as my brain refuses to work “You are looking very Rosie the Riveter today.” 2. The Lion’s Roar The Last Kingdom: Finan x OC, complete She awoke before the sun.

3. Lover to Lover The Last Kingdom: Sihtric x Ealhswith, complete Ealhswith tilted her head back, her eyes fluttering shut as her husband nuzzled against the crook of her neck, teeth nipping at the soft skin.  4. How Deep Is Your Love The Last Kingdom: Sihtric x Ealhswith, complete It was a distinct kind of chaos that rippled through the upper levels of the inn, the hallways overrun with warriors and priests and men lucky enough to earn the right amount of silver to grant them access to the women upstairs.  5. Heart It Races The Last Kingdom: Sihtric x Ealhswith, complete It had been thirteen days since she last saw him- no, fourteen if she counted today- and as the sun was beginning to set, she did.  6. What Kind of Man The Last Kingdom: Osferth, complete There was a hint of pink in the sky, the sun barely ready for its descent but already finding its way to illuminate the horizon.

#the last kingdom #fan fic #finan #osferth #sihtric x ealhswith #i should write more lmao

[raincityruckus]

Since make space (if she don't mind) is one of my favorite stories ever, naturally that is what I have to ask about. Plus the title is pretty and poetic (but it was really your AO3 tags that made me click on it because they are Art.)

🥰thank yooouuu i love that stupid threesome fic so much. 

the title is from i don’t mind by kongos

The sun will rise and fall again Kick my shoes off and count to ten Get this girl closer 'til we're touching skin Making some space and if she don't mind

and tbh “why have a love triangle when you could have a threesome” is like my motto. it’s going on my crest. 

and like tbh it's been 30 000 years since i was in a fandom which actively supported OCs and i fucking missed it, i tell you what.

The truth is that Sihtric is mad at his wife. Frustrated with her at least. Æsa and Ealhswith are close, best friends like he said. They share things that he doesn’t share with either of them. But that doesn’t mean Æsa isn’t his friend too. She’s fit herself into his life and if that means that sometimes he wants things he can’t have from her well then he’ll live with that. So if Ealhswith chases Æsa away he loses her too.

“You know Æsa is your friend,” he says again, giving his head a shake. His arms loop around her waist and he shifts her on his lap so she’s facing him more fully, “were you testing her?”

It doesn’t seem right though. If Ealhswith had truly worried she wouldn’t have hovered, leaving them alone would have been more effective. And there’s no jealousy in her face, no anger. If Sihtric’s honest she has cause for jealousy.  

Everything about Æsa cutting and braiding his hair was intimate. When he felt her breath against his ear it was a monumental force of will not to crush her mouth against his and take what it is he wants from her. Worse because the heat in her pale eyes told him she would have let him. Begged him to.  His wife has every reason to be angry and jealous. 

Instead she gives him a sweet smile, shaking her head like he’s said something foolish. 

“I don’t want a friend,” she tells him, leaning close not to kiss him but to speak against his mouth, “I want a wife.”

i don’t know when i’ll update again but i did update last week in case anyone was wondering. you can read the most recent chapter or start at the beginning

#tlk #sihtric #sihtric x ealhswith #sihtric x ealhswith x oc #sihtric x oc #tlk fanfic #the last kingdom #pokeasleepingsmaug

[hecohansen31]

Since I am lazy a bit egoistic and procrastinating stuff.

Here comes a list of which song of Taylor Swift’s latest album I relate to my fics

(You are all very welcome)

‘The Last Great American Dynasty’ (To Kill A King)

“She had a marvelous time ruining everything”

“Exile” (Loving You Is A Losing Game)

“You were my crown, now I'm in exile, seein' you out”

“Invisible String” (Royally Screwed)

“All along there was some Invisible string Tying you to me?”

“Cardigan” (Maybe In The Next Lifetime)

“ 'Cause I knew everything when I was young I knew I'd curse you for the longest time”

“Hoax” (From Eros To Filia)

“Your faithless love's the only hoax I believe in”

“Peace” (The Tinder Date That Changed Everything)

“And you know that I'd swing with you for the fences Sit with you in the trenches Give you my wild, give you a child Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other Family that I chose, now that I see your brother as my brother Is it enough?”

“Betty” (Not The Right Time)

“The worst thing that I ever did Was what I did to you” 

“The 1″ (I Know The Signs Of The Ancient Flame)

“But we were something, don’t you think so?”

“My Tears Ricochet” (Don’t Fight Fire With A Sword)

“I didn’t have it in myself to go with grace ‘Cause when I’d fight, you used to tell me I was brave”

‘Mirrorball’ (The Princess & The Hacker)

“I'll show you every version of yourself tonight I'll get you out on the floor Shimmering beautiful And when I break, it's in a million pieces”

Seven (Heavy Is The Heart Of A King)

“Please picture me in the weeds Before I learned civility I used to scream ferociously Any time I wanted I, I”

August (Werewolf AU)

“Your back beneath the sun Wishin' I could write my name on it Will you call when you're back at school? I remember thinkin' I had you”

This Is Me Trying (Bad Kind Of Butterlfies)

“I’ve been having a hard time adjusting I had the shiniest wheels, now they’re rusting I didn’t know if you’d care if I came back I have a lot of regrets about that”

Illicit Affairs (Money Don’t Buy Class)

“And you wanna scream Don’t call me “kid,” don’t call me “baby” Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me”

“Mad Woman” (In Darkness I Saw Your Face)

“And there's nothing like a mad woman What a shame she went mad No one likes a mad woman You made her like that”

Epiphany (Only Destiny Can Judge Us)

“Only twenty minutes to sleep But you dream of some epiphany Just one single glimpse of relief To make some sense of what you've seen”

#Taylor Swift #Folklore #Ivar #Ivar The Boneless #Ivar x Reader #Alfred #Alfred The Great #Alfred x Reader #Michael Langdon #Michael Langdon x Reader #Duncan Shepherd #Duncan Shepherd x Reader #Skade x Brida #sihtric x ealhswith #Vikings #AHS Apocalypse #House of Cards #The Last Kingdom

[goldentailedmermaids]

Let’s be Danes: Opening Ceremony.

— prompt: “ “Sh! Stop moving! I’m just braiding your hair.”  — pairing: Sihtric x Ealhswith — wordcount: 3,9k — @ceridwenofwales @pokeasleepingsmaug @whenimaunicorn 

He heard her inside the room above the alehouse, the sounds of her voice drowned amidst the grunts and moans of a man. Sithric's hand gripped the flowers he bought tighter. At least she was alive and well and soon she would return to Coccham where she would be safer. He trusted Hild would see that his family was well and that Eahlswith would run her own alehouse. If anything she would thrive there, that was, if Uhtred's plan did not change and he did not have to move his family to Bebbanburg. In any case he would follow him and fight. He was a warrior after all.

A loud bang drew him out of his thoughts and he heard her scream.

“That's enough.” his voice quivered as he uttered the words and burst into the room, carefully placing the flowers where they ought to be. He drew his sword.

He saw her half naked on a raw bed and a man over her, his cock about to be thrust inside his wife. Eahlswith gasped when her eyes fell upon him, she drew back and steadied herself when she realized he finally had come home, her lips twitching thin in anger and he found her even more beautiful. He suddenly grew soft, his lips spreading into a smile full of devotion. She was beautiful his wife: curvy, dark-haired, fierce. She knew what she wanted in life and was a challenge itself. Sithric chose her because of that; she was graced by Freya and he worshiped Idunn.

“You look like a soaked rat.” she said scowling.

“Oh gods I missed you!” fondness filled his voice as he melted at her sight. He grew cold as the man who was fucking his wife a moment before stepped towards him with an angry face.

“Leave us boy! The whore's mine! Take your turn later!”

Sithric's smile grew threatening at the sight of this old bulky man, sulky-mouthed, fat, red with ale, staggering and bellowing. Sithric grew steady, eyes sharp, smile sharp, sword sharp. Eahlswith rolled her eyes, sighed and shrugged in annoyance, as though she knew what would happen.

“Call my wife yours one more time and I'll slit your balls and leave them hanging on that very door.” he set the tip of his blade near his crotch.

The man gulped. “You wouldn't do that.” he reeked fear. “I- I am a man of God.” he stammered.

“Even better.” Sithric smiled, glad of his little effect. “I am a Dane.” in his mouth it sounded somehow more feral, more threatening. It sounded a death sentence. “Now, go.”

“I- I'll refer to the king!” the old man almost choked with outrage.

“And I'll tell him you were fucking the wife of another man and when you will leave his palace I'll have you dragged into Danelaw so I can kill you myself.” he was calm, but his knuckles told of his anger, all white, clasping his blade. “Now get out!”

The old man, red with rage, staggered on wobbly legs towards the exit when Sithric stopped him, his fist on his chest. He glowered at him as hard as he could.

“Aren't you forgetting something?” Sithric asked, his voice calm and edged with something dark.

“What?”

Sithric tilted his head to his wife. “Pay her. Handsomely.”

For a moment the man looked around, shaking with nervousness and fright as what this dark-haired Dane would do to him. He walked towards Eahlswith to give her a few pieces of silver.

Sithric growled. “Is that all? You fucked the most beautiful woman on Midgard. You fucked my wife, my beautiful lovely wife. Surely for her good graces you can produce more silver.”

“Thief!” the man spat.

Sithric pinned him against the wall. “Be glad we are at Winchester!” he pressed a dagger on his throat. “Be glad I let you live with some silver to spare for your ale and whores, priest!”

Reluctantly, the priest complied and gave Eahlswith a few coins more, enough to buy a small farm, now, with what Sithric had brought with him; a farm where their son would live and play. She thanked him and gave her husband an annoyed glare.

“I could have handled this.” she seethed when the door slammed behind the man.

Sithric sheathed back his sword. “I know you could have.” he grinned. “I couldn't help it.”

He hopped on the bed and crawled to her to take her head in his hands, losing himself in the deep brown of her eyes, a wide smile largely spread on his face.

“You look like an idiot, you know that?” her lips twitched, hardly hiding her smile.

“An idiot who love you.” he lay beside her, marveling at her face, forehead pressed on hers, embracing her as she coiled around his slender figure.

“An idiot who kept me waiting.”

“I've brought you flowers.” he showed them on the table.

“Not enough.”

“Woman, I'd cover you with silver it it could make amend.”

She smiled. “You are here. I missed you, even if you are still an idiot.”

Sithric chuckled as he kissed her fingers. “Did I mention I missed you?”

“Once or twice.” her smile grew gentle and soft. “Where were you all that time? I couldn't bid you farewell and no one would tell me where you went. I was afraid you were dead.” in her voice shone a gaunt ordeal picturing a life without him.

Sithric kissed her forehead. “We had to flee in haste so that we would not be killed. Uhtred was wounded and cursed. We went north – to Dunholm.”

“I thought you wish never to return there.”

“I did. But Uhtred needed to be cured. The sorceress I told you about, that who cursed us, she was here too, pawning the warlords there. We played games, drank and fought, until Beocca came by and told me that you had came back to the alehouse.”

“I was serving ale for a time and I wouldn't whore myself no more so long as our son was there.” she said, on the defensive.

“I know. You did what you had to do.” he kissed her cheek. “Our son-”

“He is with Uhtred's children. The crown wouldn't let me keep him knowing I am the wife of a Dane.”

“Half-Dane!” he corrected, a tad too loud.

“Half-Dane.” she gave him a gentle look. “Abbess Hild promised me she would keep an eye on him. She told me of his health as frequently as she could and was a comfort. He was taken away from me barely a month after you left.”

“Hild is terrifying.” Sithric shuddered. “I once saw her beat a man in front of a church after she attempted to negotiate for the life of a woman. I saw her kill Danes and throw spears and pray thereafter.” he whispered, “I saw her beat Finan in an ale contest.”

“Now that inspires fear.” Sithric nodded, eyes wide opened. “You were gone a year at best. Couldn't you have come back?”

“I could have, but I was tied to Uhtred and his promise to rescue Aethelflaed, and then I was tied by my mission as a spy amongst the Danes and then I was tied by the curse his sorceress threw on him. I couldn't come back until he freed me. Uhtred is my lord, I must abide by him.” he kissed her jawline. “Now I am here and I have never loved you more.”

She squirmed under his kisses. “That sorceress... You went to rescue her.”

“To retrieve her for Uhtred to get rid of the curse that hanged over us. I confess she was a beauty, enticing, enthralling. She managed to keep every single Dane under her yoke, but not I, I promise. I had a talisman for that.” he bumped his forehead against hers. “You. You are my wife and I keep hearing your voice at night. You are a whisper that follows me everywhere. I love you so much.”

“You didn't have sex with any other woman, no doubt?”

“I drank ale, but Finan took all the women for himself, so no, sadly I didn't get that chance.”

She slapped his arm. He chuckled. “I should thank Finan, then.”

“Thank my heart, Eahlswith. It's yours. I swore it to your god and mine.”

“Did Uhtred set things aflame this time again?”

“Alehouses, boats, tents – The man cannot help it.” Sithric snorted.

“Did you fight well?”

Sithric shook his head, offended. “If I fought well? I thought you knew I did. My love, where is your trust?”

She dug her fingers through his black hair, marveling at his eyes, one that bore the color of a dark wine sea, the other that was the color of forests in autumn. She frowned. “Did you wash? You smell so good.”

Sithric gave a beaming smile. “I did. I tried to look good for you so that you won't hate me.”

She laughed. “Do you truly think I can hate you?” she cuddled against him. “You are my husband. I can be mad at you, but I will never hate you.”

“Did I mention I missed you?”

“Once or twice.” she smelled the air. “Oh God.” she grumbled, standing up. “I reek that priest's smell.” she walked towards a bucket of clean water and some soap Sithric once bought from a Spanish merchant.

She undressed and Sithric rubbed his thumb on his lips, lost in the vision of his wife's gentle curves, of her ass, her breasts, her hair. She hardly hid herself, but why should she? He was her husband and she loved him as much as he did her. With a cloth she chased filth and smell, shivered at the coolness of the water, let drops drip down her spine, let her hair flow down her back, her slender figure a spell like nothing else. Had Skade wanted to entice him, she would have had to shape-shift like Loki and even then he wouldn't have yielded; his wife's feisty nature was something that did not stand comparison.

She grew aware of his eyes on her and grinned to herself that he lost himself in the sight of her. She peered over her shoulder and saw him, intensely looking, almost agape, mesmerized, hunger and arousal glimmering in his eyes. He licked his lips. He did missed her.

He fell back on the bed, a wide smile spreading still on his face, a smile of satisfaction, of bliss. He laughed at something only he knew, arms crossed behind his head.

“Is there something funny?” Eahlswith asked as she cleaned up her cunt.

“I was only thinking how fortunate I am.”

“Flatterer.” she sprinkled him with fresh water that made him yelp. “Soaked weasel.” she taunted him, giggling.

Sithric laughed. Once cleansed she put on another dress, a blue one; one that Sithric had bought in Danelaw, and combed her hair as she sat on the raw bed.

He twirled the locks of her chestnut hair around his finger and watched as goosebumps spread across her neck, which he kissed, groaning his pleasure to as much as touch her.

She sighed. “Now what?” her voice was graver. “What will become of us? Shall I stay in Winchester? What if you leave never to return? Am I to remain here until I make myself a whore again, risking never to see our son again?” fear echoed each of her words.

“That will never happen.” he kissed her shoulder. “Not if I can't help it.” he set himself straighter. “Now we follow Uhtred to retrieve his children, we take back our son and we return to Coccham where we buy a farmstead for you to oversee, where I fight for lord Uhtred-”

“The fire-loving heathen.”

He laughed. “The fire-loving heathen – Where our son grow up strong and sturdy and where he will be taught how to fight, where I pour my income in your good care and where hopefully, we have another child.”

She rose an eyebrow. She always did that and it made him crazy. “Another child? Did you miss me that much?”

“Oh yes.” he laughed. “I want a daughter. A beautiful perfect fierce daughter to take after you.”

“Take me back to Coccham and we shall see.” she gave a sad sigh, her shoulders lowering. “I will miss Gisela there. She was always a delight to be around.”

“There will be Hild there.”

She shrugged. “At least, yes.”

Bearing a mischievous smile, Sithric produced from his purse a necklace made of silver and blue glass; a rich gift he had brought from Danelaw thinking it would adorn his wife as well as a queen. While she still combed her hair, he fastened it around her neck and felt her startle under the cold of the silver. She turned to him, aghast.

“What is this?” she marveled at the glimmering blue pearls.

“I stole it from a Dane lord. I thought it would suit you.” he smiled again, proud of his surprise.

Her fingers traveled along the sterling line of blue glass, lingering on her breasts. Sithric took her hands just as gently to kiss her knuckles.

“Do you like it?” he inquired.

“This is too much.” she gave a sharp breath. “Sithric, this is too much.”

“Nothing is too much for you.” he shrugged. “Besides, the man I stole it from will soon be dead.”

“You will return it.” she was astonished.

He rolled his eyes. “No. It's there around your neck and there is no taking it off.”

She slapped his arm. “You could at least have stolen something less.”

He rubbed his arm where she had slapped him. “This was the least extravagant necklace around. Gods woman you hurt more than a shieldwall.”

“I thought you were a warrior.” she rose an eyebrow.

“I am, but I am also your husband.”

“Need I to slap you more?”

“Only if you love me.” he rose an eyebrow, a habit he got from her.

“Ha! Who told you I love you?”

“Your eyes did.”

“Oh really? Then what is to say about your love?”

He leaned back on the bed. “I am not scald enough to sing you songs, but can't you see the longing in my eyes?”

“One tells a story, the other another.” she twisted and leaned to his lips, grazing them. “That is why I love you.”

“So you do love me.” his smile grew giddy.

She shook her head. “You are a child.”

“I like to think myself a fool.”

“Then you are a fool.”

“A fool who loves you.”

She turned back, combing her hair. “How many times must you say it?”

“As long as I live and breathe.”

“You are impossible!”

Sithric chuckled. He reached up her neck, parted the curtain of hair from her shoulder and gently kissed her bare skin, his lips grazing the silver he had hung around her neck. She shivered under his lips and gave a sigh of pleasure. He loved her sighs. He was the only one she showed pleasure to, he tried to convince himself. Eagerly, he trailed kisses along her neck to her jawline, fiddling her wild strands of hair.

His eyes suddenly lit with an idea. He grinned to himself and settled behind her, both his eyes riveted on her familiar figure. He parted locks of hair, dividing her manes and began to twist them, entangle them, braid them.

She squirmed. “What are you doing?” her voice more like a squeal than anything.

“Shh, shh... I'm just braiding your hair.” his voice was deep and steady.

He felt her sit still and noticed a faint discomfort in the way she held her shoulders. He could almost tell she worried her teeth on her lower lip. Perhaps she wasn't as used to it as she was before. Perhaps she had lost a few of their habits. Sithric brushed off theses concerns. She would recover them all soon enough.

Gently, with all the care in the world, he twisted and wrung her hair in two side braids up to the crown of her head which he gathered into two thick intricate braids on the back of her head, each of his touches on her scalp making her moan and release what she had been holding with delight. She released the tension in her shoulders, goosebumps sent, smearing across her bare skin, and Sithric held his breath, mesmerized at the way she moved.

He braided her hair on the top of her head into small and loose braids, up until he reached the crown of her head, intertwined it into a thick loose plait he framed with the two small braids that sourced from the side of her hair. He found himself holding his breath, entranced by the way he seemed to sway her, and eagerly attempted to kiss her before he held back, afraid to ruin the magic of the moment. Still, she was beautiful, her hair shining with all the grace of the sun, warm, gentle, soft, shimmering like a steady sea. His heart seemed to race harder in his heart, while he felt dizzy, giddy, full of a childish glee at the softness of her hair, the frame of her whole.

She shivered again, moaned, breath sharp and short, savoring the warm feelings of his fingers gently brushing her scalp, letting go of every thing, every threads she had clung to when he was gone; every fears that he would die, every concerns that had nibbled at her for so long. She let go completely under his expert hands; let go and drifted in perfect delight that at last her husband had returned.

He let strands hang loose on top of her mane and a few others near her ears. She gave a sharp breath as his hands left her scalp followed by a spasm across the whole of her body.

Sithric released this breath he had been holding, marveled at his work, marveled at her, slowly turning to face him, eyes brown, hair brown, chestnut and fertile land. She frowned at his frozen face.

“What is it? Do I look bad?”

He shook his head, closed his mouth and gave a smile. “No. You are perfect.”

“Can you show me?”

“I have no mirror.” in his mouth it sounded like an apology.

She crawled upon him. “Describe it, then.”

His eyes sparkled, one shimmering sea, the other one burning embers. “You look like – You look like- You look like a Dane.” he gently brushed her cheek. “Fierce. Unforgiving. Beautiful. Freya incarnate.” he chuckled. “It suits you.” he tucked a wild lock of hair behind her ear. “You are enthralling.”

She frowned. “I won't be able to walk the streets looking like this heathen goddess of yours.”

He shrugged. “You can wear a cross – as big as a man.” he turned her around so that she lay on her back. “And even so, I will not leave your side until you are back in Coccham where Hild can defend you. The abbess is a force to be reckoned with. As for now, anyone who tries to do you ill will not live to see any more winter.”

“You wouldn't!”

He shrugged. “I could. But I won't. I care too much about our peace here to do that and it would do Uhtred ill. I couldn't bear seeing him banished twice; not on my account that is.”

“You care about him.”

“I do. He gave me a place when he should have killed me.” he chuckled. “A chance my mother gave me one of her eyes so that her fucker won't claim me whole. Uhtred might have confused us both otherwise.” his chuckle grew sour.

“I am grateful she did.” She brushed off some strands of hair that stuck to his skin and pressed a kiss on his forehead. “I have missed you. My life wouldn't be half the bliss it is without you in it.”

“What did I do to deserve such a beautiful, such a perfect wife?” His smile beamed.

“I have a thing for idiots that looks like wet weasels who happens to be Danes.”

“Half Dane.”

“Half Dane.” she rubbed her nose around his grazing his lips with hers, tempting him with a kiss.

He fiddled with the necklace hanging from her neck, drew her to him just as gently as he loved her, and she leaned to his face, to his mouth, smiled a warm smile and gazed, lost for a moment in his eyes; his eyes, so alive, warm, welcoming, entrancing lit by the dim light of a late afternoon. He went agape as a ray swarmed the room, making her wild hairdo glow fallow, her eyes turn pools of honey, her skin grow as warm as summer. He gave a soft chuckle, barely audible and brushed her lips with his thumb, slowly, gently, a feather against her skin.

“I missed you.” he murmured.

Her lips grazed his. “I know.”

“I love you.” he rose an eyebrow.

She chuckled. “I know.”

“What else do you know?” his voice was soft, almost inaudible.

“This.”

She dipped to him, kissed him, claimed his lips, brushing his growing beard with her hands, combing his hair, entangling them, kissing him again and again, losing herself in his scent, in his moans and groans, in his sighs, in his face; losing herself completely to the soft magic of the moment. He came back; he was there; he was warm. It felt as though everything was revived now, her former life, her marriage, love, hope. He was here now and it was all that mattered – that and his promise to take her back to Coccham as soon as possible. He was back and she kissed him harder as his hands went on her waist, clasping her, drawing her firmer against him, roaming her thighs, her ass, everything he had not claimed yet.

She felt him hard against her and drew back. “Listen now, I just washed scum from my body, I won't let you make me wash again. I have had enough for today.” her voice had a scared edge to it.

Sithric closed his eyes and nodded. “I understand.” he sat back. “Does that mean you must stop kissing me?”

She giggled. “No.”

He nodded. “Good.”

He turned her around and resumed his kisses, the soft ones, the passionate ones, the sultry ones. She laughed and giggled as his hands roamed every single part of her, brushed her scalp or her ass, moaning, sighing whenever he made her do so. He kissed her for so long her lips grew sore, but not long enough for her to be bored of his presence. She needed more. She needed him, his calm, his foolishness; she needed him and the laugh he brought her.

“I can't wait to get back to Coccham.” he breathed as he shifted on his back.

“Oh yes?”

“Yes.” he kissed her again. “I want a daughter.”

“A sweet little daughter.” she tapped the tip of his nose. “Once we are both back in Coccham, we shall see – Once we are home, we shall see.”

“Eahlswith?”

“Sithric?” she mock-shook her head.

“Is it weird?”

“What?”

“That being in your arms feels like home.”

She chuckled, tears rushing to her eyes. She chuckled and shook her head, placing a tender kiss on his lips as his hand rested on her cheek. “No.” she shook her head. “No that is not weird.”

He gazed at her for a moment, wiping off the tears that pearled in the corner of her eyes and kissed her in return.

“Good. I am back then. I have come back home.” he kissed her forehead. “Where I belong.”

She gave a moved laugh. “Welcome home.”

Then, she embraced him.

#my writing #the last kingdom #sihtric x ealhswith #let's be danes #let's be danes: opening ceremony #sihtric

[iseultdeservedbetter]

The Princess & The Hacker

Hacker! Sihtric x Sex Worker! Ealhswith (Modern AU)

Chapter (2): The Subway

 (Previous Chapter)

SUMMARY: Ealhswith broken apart between needing and wanting, she find herself more and more fascinated by the hacker with a sweet heart and the most beautiful eyes in the whole universe…

WORDS: 4,8 K

WARNINGS: Mention of Sex Work, Revenge Porn, Sex, Mention of Past Child Abuse, Hacker, Incorrect Techonology Knowledge

She watched attentively the conversation going on between Sihtric and the blonde girl.

Or it was better to say that she spied the conversation between the two.

A blonde girl with the whole new ‘age look’, comprehended with a facial tattoo of a half-moon on her forehead, with what looked and Ealhswith hoped was henna, since it was colored.

And if it wasn’t, Ealhswith, personally, would have undoubtedly wanted her money back from the tattoo artist.

But maybe she was simply acting on her idiotic jealousy.

Something that had no reason to exist since she wasn’t in a relationship with Sihtric.

And it was the last thing she needed.

Although it was the first thing she wanted for herself.

But she couldn’t deny the obvious uncomfortableness shown by Sihtric, and you slowed your movements, meanwhile you collected your belongings, rearranging your backpack a few times, before you eventually noticed that the Sihtric looked like he could use an help.

And faking of getting closer to the projector where a few slides were still going, she moved closer to hear better what they were talking about, since the blonde had stormed in, right after Sihtric had finished his lesson.

Eahlswith had actually been attending his informatic lessons both because she had been harboring a crush on the black-haired boy, but more importantly because she found them interesting.

Almost as much as she found adorable the man holding them.

Sihtric wasn’t an imposing teacher and he seemed much more an interesting life motivator, explaining the set-up of computers and encouraging his students through problem solving for  suggesting to use that approach for everyday situations, other than the ones they went through at lessons.

She honestly enjoyed computer science and knowing Sihtric she was always able to exchange a few words like a true teacher’s pet, meanwhile ‘the teacher’ blushed adorably and explained rambling on about the concept and what she might be interested in, adding a few websites where she might find some more info.

He was always open and attentive to everything people had to ask him, although he seemed shy most of the time.

But whenever he was surrounded by computers, he seemed at complete ease.

And he smiled so prettily…

Ok, she had to stop daydreaming about him.

She had promised herself not to delve further in that crush she had.

And that was what she was doing.

Even more when she casually listened in to his discourse with the pretty blonde.

“… for the last time! I won’t hack in Brida’s computer for you!” shouted loudly Sihtric, enough to startle even Ealhswith, something definitely unlike his soft-spoken character, and immediately an ashamed blush coated his full cheeks as he lowered his voice “… why would I even do that?”.

“… because I’ll pay you?” suggested the blonde girl, raising a light eyebrow at him as if to say ‘are you serious, dude?’ “… c’mon, Sihtric, I know that you don’t mind doing this for Finan, so pretty please, be a sweetheart and hack in Brida’s computer from me, so that I can see if she has gotten me anything for our anniversary”.

Oh.

Oh.

Shit.

Was Ealhswith a weirdo if she had just taken a breath of relief at knowing that the blondie had already a girlfriend?

“You can ask her” shot back Sihtric, as he moved to collect his own things, moving to switch off the projector “… you know… talk with her… like real people do”.

“Do I look like the type that cares about what ‘real people would do’?” replied sassily the girl, moving to push herself in front of him, to stop from leaving and Ealhswith couldn’t help but almost intervene, mostly because Sihtric seemed truly panicked, but he quickly ducked to the side of her lithe body.

“… she’ll get pissed to see you probing around in her computer, even if I am the one doing it” replied tightly Sihtric, switching off the projector and switching on the light, making Ealhswith continue her snooping faking her interest for her phone.

“… better!” replied blondie, a smart smirk on her face, her mouth becoming a soft shape, a sensual expression on her pretty face, as her light eyes shone with the artificial light of the only lampshade in the room “… when she is angry, sex is amazing”.

Ok, she had to intervene, because Sihtric looked so red that he might as well have been a few minutes from passing out.

“… Sihtric!” she called out, pushing herself to the side of blondie, who shot her an annoyed look and opened her mouth, probably ready to retort that ‘she was interrupting serious business’ “… we better hurry up or they’ll give away our reservation”.

Thank God, Sihtric’s face was shaped to normally be expressionless, so no surprise at her excuse appeared on his face, making her words effectively the truth in front of the other girl’s eyes.

“Oh” was the only thing blondie was able to utter, her mouth curling in a kitten-like expression, as she shot a ‘I-know-what-you-did-last-summer’ look at Sihtric, taking in Ealhswith and a shiver of uneasiness fell down her spine, as she wondered whether she might have recognized her as a sex worker.

The fear of being outed as such was a dear company of Ealhswith, having happened much more than she had thought when she had first started.

At first it mostly happened, when she was on ordinary habits and although no man would have straight up approached her in a supermarket with his family in toll.

But they certainly smirked like they held some kind of power over Ealhswith for their knowledge.

And those were the moments were in which she felt the dirtiest.

Although she had no reason to, because she tried to hold her head high in each moment, or self-pity would have completely destroyed her.

“… didn’t know you had a date” commented the girl, as she swiftly shifted her eyes from her to Sihtric, an obvious show of wanting to tease him further, but she quickly brought him closer to her with a teasing smirk straight up to the girl.

“… and you are ruining it” she shot back, knowing pretty well that when people were put up with their annoyingness they had to eventually back off.

Although they looked to be enjoying it as much as blondie.

But she eventually raised her hands as a sign of surrender, shaking her head, although her own mission didn’t seem to be finished, as she moved a small card towards Sihtric, with an IP address on it.

That you took, before Sihtric, could and threw away, somewhere in the small room that Sihtric rented in the local oratory, since he knew the priest that worked there, being’ a friend of a friend’ as he had told her, as soon as he had noticed her weirded out look at the whole place, at the first lesson she had attended.

‘I was just worried that I’d be set on fire if I walked in’ she had retorted, stealing a small look from Sihtric, and the man himself had commented that ‘if my friend Uhtred can walk in, so can you, believe me’.

“I’ll leave you to it” blondie’s smile was now more of circumstance as she moved out of the way with a swagger in her step, almost as if she had been wounded by the words of Ealhswith and was now redoubling her flare attempts to impress everyone on her walk.

“… thanks” uttered Sihtric once she was out of earshot, scratching his neck, as his entire body did again that futile attempt at appearing much smaller than it truly was “… Skade is a rough type, we call her ‘the witch’ among us”.

“That seems like a cool nickname truly” she returned loudly “… and you are welcome, I was worried that you might magically transform in a tomato, seeing your red face and unfocused stare”.

“I blush that much, don’t I?” shot back loudly Sihtric, as he sucked on his tongue, a mute sound escaping his mouth as he fought to keep it in.

And you fought to keep in your thought of how adorable Sihtric truly looked.

Time to change the subject.

“… oh by the way” she then moved to get something out of her bags, showing Sihtric a small wrapped up gift she had bought with herself to that lesson “… I thought of you, when I saw it”.

Sihtric looked truly surprised, and although many faked being truly surprised by some gifts, there was some kind of childish innocence in the way he took in the gift, leaving it in Ealhswith’s hands for a moment longer than it was proper and the woman quickly had to push it onto his hands, gently closing them around the wrapped object.

“You shouldn’t have” and he meant it.

He didn’t understand in the slightest why you felt like giving him that small thoughtful piece.

“… oh, don’t worry, I actually… I was actually at a used books market a few days ago and I thought that you might have liked the theme” Sihtric didn’t look less convinced “… ok I’ll admit it, I mostly bought it because I want to read it too, but before… I need to know if it historically accurate”.

The joke was a bit strained, but Sihtric’s curiosity got the best of him and he opened quickly the present, being careful with the paper, which was something that was strange for his big hands, but somehow the man had never acted like he truly knew of his strength.

Guarding it attentively, almost as if he was some kind of Hulk, ready to explode.

Almost as if he hid something.

But she tried not to push him for it, it was obvious that he felt uncomfortable still so she tried to keep herself smart and sharp around him, extremely attentive at what she said and the way she acted.

But at the same time, she couldn’t deny that she felt comfortable with him.

It was as if they were dancing on opposite sides of a tightrope, one wrong step and they would have fallen out, but at the same time they both played this game.

She had found the book meanwhile she was browsing a used books bookstore for some university books, since they were usually cheaper there, and she had found the book interesting.

She had immediately linked it to Sihtric and his lessons, when he had explained that Ada Lovelace, mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron, had been the first programmer of the whole history.

Before electrical computers were ever born.

And she had thought about Sihtric when she had found a book about her life, already adding the money for it as she paid for the books she had found, thinking about how happy Sihtric would have been of receiving it.

And right now, as he looked painfully awkward and uncomfortable, she couldn’t help but think that maybe she had thought wrong.

In the end there wasn’t much she knew about Sihtric.

She knew what he let go: that he was a shy hacker, who liked hosting lessons about computer science, being an awesome teacher and interested in knowing more and more.

And he certainly wasn’t somebody who backed up from a challenge, no matter what.

She might not have known much about him, but she admired him.

Sihtric finally managed to unwrap the wrapping paper, and although the moments before had been painfully awkward, his eyes shone with happiness as he took in the name of the book, definitely childish excitement appearing in his face, as for a moment his eyes met hers.

And he seemed truly happy.

“… how did you…” he was a bit of too taken aback to answer properly and talk, and she couldn’t help but smirk lightly at that cute embarrassment coating his face “… Gosh, this is honestly amazing”.

“I do hope that you know how to read…” she shot back, trying to diffuse the heavy air that now was set between them “… because if not there was an adorable books with drawings and…”.

“I do like this one” he laughed, as he turned the book between his hands “… but you shouldn’t have”.

“You let me come here for free lessons, so don’t worry, I do think that this makes us equal, in paying and such…” she said, knowing that although many paid to attend Sihtric’s lessons, he had insisted on her not paying him, since she was a university student.

‘And that gives you a special discount’ he had joked, one of the rare times it had happened, and Ealhswith had been honestly surprised by the fact that he hadn’t tried the ‘you get a discount because you are pretty’ or ‘you get a discount if you get me off’.

Which was putting her even more on edge.

She liked this guy, although she wouldn’t let it get far.

And he hadn’t still shown what he wanted to do with her.

Because every man wanted something from her.

She just had to figure our what Sihtric wanted.

“… you shouldn’t have” repeated Sihtric, but he still set the book down, as he searched for her eyes to express his true gratefulness and she was the one left embarrassed and uncomfortable, unsure of what to say.

“It’s a small thing” she muttered “… and don’t worry, I actually saved up this week since my car decided to break and I got to use the subway and such. Certainly, saved up on the gasoline…”.

And Sihtric’s eyes had become then focused and she had detected something that had made a shiver fell down on her face.

“… you take the subway tonight?” he asked, as he started to also get ready “… want some company?”.

And then he had finally done that misstep.

“I can take care of myself” she simply answered, not knowing truly how much where those words came from “… don’t worry, I have done this for a very long time, I don’t need any knight in his shining armor coming to…”.

“I didn’t mean it that way” Sihtric took a small step back, and Ealhswith felt guilty.

She had been trying to desperately push him in a far corner, but she hadn’t had much territory and much to work on to start, since Sihtric didn’t seem to have any of the flaws that made other men act like true idiots for her.

He didn’t think that being a sex worker was only something ‘fun’ and neither he had a ‘convert the whore’ complex.

But he might have had a ‘knight in shining armor’ complex.

And yet she immediately felt bad for accusing him that way.

She must have sounded like a hysterical bitch…

“I actually didn’t mean to imply anything about you not being able to take care of yourself…” he explained and as much as Ealhswith hated that his words sounded desperately true “… I just wanted to spend some time with you”.

Shit.

Shittest shit.

She didn’t know if she preferred him as misogynist asshole or as a genuinely interested human being.

Either way she was thoroughly screwed.

Which was something she should have been used since she did it as a job.

“Oh” that was all that she was able to utter.

“I must have sounded like a creeper…” and as soon as he had opened up about himself, he was back to that defensive stance he always had, making Ealhswith inevitably feel guilty for her behavior, but words wouldn’t rush out of her mouth “… I just… Gosh, you probably have things to do…”.

“I have a thesis to avoid” she commented, finally having regained her voice, able to word out the phrase because it regarded something mundane on which she could find her focus on “… so… I’d like to spend more time together, if you… I mean if you don’t have better things to do”.

“I actually have a date”.

Shittest shit, again.

“… understood” she replied, unable to think about the fact that maybe she had sounded too eager for everything, which evidently made him uncomfortable, even more if he had a partner on the side.

“… but I have a bit of free time before it, if you want” he explained softly, almost if he hadn’t noticed Ealhswith’s surprise.

As if he hadn’t just given the worst news ever.

And she seriously needed to stop crush on him.

“I have to take the red line” she sputtered out, again focusing on mundane things instead of the fact that the guy she had been crushing on for a few weeks had a partner, probably somebody who made him smile enough to make his beautiful mismatched eyes shine and that made him feel at ease.

Ealhswith had truly been an idiot for thinking that her, a sex worker with a problematic relationship with math could be his type.

She barely liked herself.

He certainly couldn’t have liked her.

“Oh, I also have to take it” he commented, completely not noticing her uneasiness “… till the last stop so we can share our busy time for a bit”.

She simply nodded, pushing herself slightly away from him.

The fact that he said he wanted to spend time with her didn’t mean that he necessarily meant that in a romantic way.

In the end he might have found interesting their convos, but they didn’t chatter together daily.

They didn’t know anything about each other.

Although Ealhswith could have sworn of having confessed him everything, he hadn’t opened up that much with her, and there must have been a reason behind it.

A partner seemed a pretty obvious reason.

Gosh, why hadn’t she thought before about that?

Still, although she was painfully awkward by the recent discovery, she tried her best to have a polite conversation with Sihtric and she was glad when their talk moved onto the lessons: if she was enjoying them and if she had checked out the sources and books he had suggested, having searched a few links between math and computer science for her.

And then moving onto what had happened to her car, something that did help her focusing on one thing at the time and ground her on more terrene thoughts.

Even more when she discovered that the tube of the red line would have had a delay of thirty minutes, making her wait in its hallway till the entire thing was set up and basically rebuilt again for technical problems that had brought themselves up at the last minute.

Leaving her to stand in a painfully awkward conversation with Sihtric, the man seeming quite annoyed by the last-minute problematic, but not enough for somebody who had a nice date.

And Ealhswith’s noisy ass had to comment.

“… don’t you have to let your date know?” she hadn’t meant to sound noisy or bitter, but still it caught Sihtric’s attention, as his eyes set up on her, making a shiver come down her spine, with a playful intensity that made her nervous “… about the delay”.

“I do think she can wait” there was a glint of sadness in his eyes, still, although he held the tight answer.

And she thought that he might not exactly be looking forward to his date.

“… you can get a cab, if you have to go, I seriously can handle myself and my thirty minutes wait” you tried to convince him, wanting him to get away from you and at the same time to stay with you for those minutes.

To choose you over whoever he had to meet.

Although it was a horrid thing to wish.

“I don’t think that she’ll stand me up” he commented, again that blackish tone in his humor that made you feel almost as if he was teasing you withholding some knowledge.

“… never be late for a date” she chastised him, but he just shook his head.

“Let’s just say that you can never arrive late at a date in a cemetery”.

And that shook Ealhswith to the core, turning to face Sihtric.

Who instead turned his head to the ground.

“… oh”.

Couldn’t she have seriously come up with something smarter?

She was finishing a degree in math for God’s sake!

But no matter how smart or how dumb you were, love fucked everybody up.

“I am visiting my mother at the cemetery” now he seemed the one who had to babble everything up “… I do it every month, at least once, to change the flowers and check in with her, although it might sound crazy”.

Ealhswith was silent a moment too long and this was a mistake.

Because Sihtric started to ramble, distancing himself from her physically and mentally.

“… yeah, I know that what I just said might have made me sound like a creeper” he muttered, biting his lower lip, nervous and tense, enough that she couldn’t help but notice a slight tremble in her hands “… but I swear I have no bad intentions”.

“You asked me an ice cream in exchange of deleting a video that could have potentially ruined my life” she found herself muttering, finally able to reply with the doubt she had had for her whole life “… I don’t think that you are even capable of bad intentions”.

Sihtric seemed taken aback.

And Eahlswith had to ramble a bit more.

“You might have this ‘cool emo’ look but believe me I do know that you are as soft as a teddy bear, inside” she should have shut up her mouth “… you aren’t a bad guy Sihtric, although you might think you are. And believe me I do know an awful lot of bad guys”.

Dudes that thought that just because of the job you did, it was alright to call you names or take advantage of you in any way, form or shape, rendering you the shell of what you had been.

“… thank you” it was again worded as if he didn’t deserve it and it took everything in Ealhswith not to simply hug him on the spot, not because she had a crush on him or his expression was sadder than a kicked puppy.

But because he seemed like he could use a hug.

“… so I don’t find you creepy for visiting your mom” she explained softly, suddenly realizing the heaviness that had fallen between them, bringing them closer, as if they had been tied with weights around their bodies and thrown at each other.

The hit was inevitable.

“… and I am sorry to hear about your mother”.

Sihtric scratched his head, showcasing he wasn’t comfortable, but still nodded his head in an acceptance of your thoughts.

“She had a… a sickness and the troubled life that my father brought her in certainly didn’t help” again that sad smile and then he wetted his lips, and Ealhswith noticed that they were horridly chapped and she thought about getting him a lip balm.

She seriously should have considered sticking her nose in her own business.

But yet Sihtric’s confession brought her to realize he had opened up with her, something that had obviously made him feel on the short end of the stick, uncomfortable and awkward and if Ealhswith had learned anything in her line of job, it was that sharing information always required two people.

“I understand it…” she bit her own lips, trying to focus on the words of her declaration, because if she thought about them too much, she would have lost herself “… my brother, I have a younger brother, he… he kind of… he had leukemia, we found it out when he was five and from then on it was a downward road…”.

She damnably refused to face Sihtric’s face.

“He is a sweetheart and he is so so active when he isn’t in the hospital, but he has spent so much time there that… it was expensive on my family and it is the main reason why I joined the sex work world, to support myself on my own and not weight on my family… but…”.

Shit, he would have thought she was a creeper had she started to cry.

“Is he…?” instead that was Sihtric’s question, a clear sign of worry in his tone.

“No, no, he is in remission… he has been for five years, but cancer can be a bastard, can’t it?” she was choking on the words, perfect…

… she must have sounded so pathetic.

In her line of work, she wasn’t allowed to even shed a tear for herself, so the fact that she was doing it right now, made her feel like utter shit.

What would have SIhtric thought?

That she was some crazed mad woman.

“… I am glad to hear that” he said instead, and awkwardly he gained the distance she had pushed between themselves “… is it… is it alright with you if I hug you?”.

And she didn’t know why she nodded immediately, something that made her probably seem even more pathetic.

He had just confessed that his mother had died, and he was visiting her at cemetery and yet she was the one who was being hugged close.

Sihtric wrapped up in her arms, awkwardly at first, but then she also leaned in it, calmly and softly, his head lightly easing up on the crook of her neck, meanwhile she was faced with his chest, because of the height difference.

And then the subway’s natural noise appeared.

And they were startled apart, by that, red-cheeked and with their eyes on their shoes.

They entered the tube in silence, soon discovering they were alone, which made the entire background seem like the one of a post-apocalyptic movie, making them both share a hysterical laugh.

“… thank you” she commented immediately “…and sorry for being an idiot”.

“I don’t think that you are an idiot” Sihtric’s voice was as calm water before the storm, unrelenting and strong, but also calm and brewing inside “… you are one of the smartest person I know”.

“Don’t even try to start” she threatened him jokingly “… I am barely able to function”.

“… and yet you are the best human being I have ever talked with”.

The confession knocked the air out of Ealhswith and honestly her first instinct was to run the shit out of there, but she couldn’t, hence she was pushed to look at Sihtric in the face, straight up to him and not a single trace of dishonesty was marked upon his face.

And she was broken apart and undone again.

“… what is your secret, Sihtric?” her voice was barely a whisper, as she found herself moving  closer to him, a moth driven to a flame truly because no man can truly be that perfect without a skeleton in his closet.

“I might have a small crush on you” Sihtric’s comment was so honest that it definitely shattered anything that she might have known “… but you must think that I am some kind of creeper, I just… I just felt like I needed to let you know, so that you won’t feel forced to comfort me or…”.

And if there was one thing that according to Ealhswith never failed was the physical contact.

And she kissed him, since she was a mess with words.

There was a reason if she studied numbers.

And the kiss felt good, it felt much better than torturing herself with the thought of what Sihtric truly felt with her.

And he seemed to understand her, completely, as he gently moved to reciprocate the kiss, shy as he always appeared, and yet so strong and stable in himself that she anchored herself to him, almost desperately, as the kiss deepened.

And then the intercom announced her stop.

And she awkwardly separated from Sihtric, knowing that she had only a few minutes till she had to get off the subway, and that she could have used them to run away, as fast as she could, and never turn back.

But she might have acted like a coward.

And if there was one thing she wasn’t, was a coward.

“… I do know that you said you had a date, but… would you like some company after it?” Ealhswith was a mess, she was definitely appearing like a huge creeper to him “…I mean… this might… I should shut up”.

“I’d like that very much” simply replied Sihtric, moving closer to her, to kiss her lips swiftly, one more time “… never in a million years I thought that I’d get a date with you”.

“Oh, believe me, sweetie… I thought the same”.

#Ealhswith #Sihtric #Ealhswith x Sihtric #Ealhswith/Sihtric #Ealhswith\Sihtric #Ealhswith Imagine #Ealhswith Fic #Sihtric Imagine #Sihtric Fic #The Last Kingdom #TLK #The Last Kingdom Fic #TLK Fic

[mystic-shadows42]

Falling For You

Pairing: Sihtric x reader

Warnings: None

Summary: Sihtric has always been fond of you. He shows what he’s willing to give for your love in return.

Being a barmaid in Coccham wasn’t much of a life to begin with, but it’s all you’ve known since you were a young girl. It was better than prostituting yourself to some of the more aggressive men that came by.

Your closest friends would do what you wouldn’t and they’d always go to you to nurse their wounds after dealing with such rough men who’d been on the road far too long to be gentle.

The idea of prostituting yourself for extra money did occur to you but the men that came through were sleazy. It just didn’t sit well to share your body with men who you didn’t love or share any type of bond.

Just like any other day you were serving drinks when everyone grew quiet at the sight of men on horses. You’d all come to find out that the man named Uhtred Ragnarsson was to be the new lord of Coccham.

His men were often at the tavern wanting ale but one, in particular, would refuse drinks from everyone but you. 

His name was Sihtric.

When you first met Sihtric serving him his ale, he was quiet. There was always that feeling of being watched whenever you were around him. You had to admit that you always were nervous when serving him.

Word from the women was that he was a dane. He dressed like one too which made you apprehensive. Some women wanted to bed him while others were afraid. Uhtred was a good lord so you’d hoped his men would be just as behaved.

Though, Sihtric proved that he didn’t act at all like a dane. Whenever you locked eyes he’d give you a gentle smile. When you served him he’d brush his fingers over yours and thank you.

He was a watchful protector of yours when the men at the tavern would touch you. He’d be up in an instant pushing a drunk man back and placing you behind him. Your heart would race at the notion.

No one had ever done anything like that for you before. You grew to like him more for it especially when he’d check to see if you were okay. He’d be sure not to touch you unless you allowed him and he’d give you the softest of looks while lowering his voice as if he didn’t want to scare you.

It was heartwarming, to say the least.

Whenever he’d come back to Coccham, you always found yourself trying to look for him. 

Like today, for instance, Sihtric had just come back and was already visiting the tavern.

“He’s asking for you again,” Ealhswith spoke, sighing out. She’d been trying to bed him since he first arrived but he’d always refuse much to your delight.

You grabbed two cups of ale and walked to where Sihtric was sitting with the other warrior, Finan. Once you placed their drinks down you looked at Sihtric with a small smile gracing your face.

“I heard you were refusing service from the ladies?”

“I’d much rather be serviced by you,” he spoke, boldly. 

You knew he spoke of more than just-drinks.

Finan cleared his throat and continued on drinking his drink. He was often the bystander whenever Sihtric decided to flirt.

He took a sip of his drink and swiped his tongue across his bottom lip. “Do you have any freshly brewed ale?”

“Uhhh let me go check,” you hurried inside and slammed the door closed making the women look at you strangely. “He wants fresh ale. I thought it was fresh but it’s not. Why do I feel so flustered all of a sudden?” You ranted, fanning yourself down.

Siv held you by your arms. 

“The ale is freshly brewed. He’s trying to make his move.”

“He is? What do I do?”

The women all surrounded you. They put your hair down and unlaced the top of your dress to show some cleavage. You took the cup of ale in their hands and tried downing as much as you could for some liquid courage.

“Quick get her to the back and we’ll go fetch him for you.” The thought of being alone with Sihtric was both exciting and nerve-racking. 

“You’ve all yet to tell me what to do when I’m alone with him?” It was hard to speak to them when they were preoccupied with tidying you up and ushering you to the back.

“Be sexy.”

“Take him on the ride of his life.”

“Kiss him like he’s the last man left alive.”

“Let him take control.”

“No, she should take control. He’ll like that.”

Your eyes were going back and forth with everyone talking at once. It was hard to pinpoint who you should listen to with them practically speaking over each other.

They fluffed your hair out then stood back to admire their handiwork. They all nodded and muttered in agreement. They all bid you good luck before leaving you alone in the room. 

You started fidgeting with your hands and even more so when you heard Sihtric.

“She’s waiting for me?”

“Yes.”

Suddenly, he was pushed into the room where he looked back at them in confusion and also irritation before they slammed the door shut. He shook his head then stopped when he turned to see you.

He looked over your appearance that the girls touched up. When his eyes reached your noticeable chest he visibly swallowed. You watched how his Adam’s apple moved, along with the fast movement of his chest.

“The girls told me that the ale is freshly brewed.”

His eyes locked with yours, encasing you with them. Just outside he had seemed bolder, now the tables had turned.

“Must have been a bad batch.”

You took a deep breath trying to remember what the girls would do with the men to entice them. There was a cup of ale on the table so you quickly snatched it in your hands and took a sip.

You gestured Sihtric over with your finger and he came forward as if under a spell. Once he was close you gently brushed his bottom lip down with your thumb. A small gasp of surprise left his lips that you used to your advantage.

You placed your hand at the back of his neck and brought him forward towards your lips. Ever so slightly you brushed your lips against his then slowly let the liquid drip into his mouth.

He opened his mouth wider then slid his tongue over yours. The kiss was slow and sensual. Your energies were matching each other just right. You wrapped your arms around him to deepen the kiss further.

The sound of your lips smacking together was eternal bliss.

You could feel his hands shaking in fists at his sides trying to control himself. He broke from the kiss looking into your eyes.

“Can I touch you?” He asked, breathily.

“Yes,” you answered just as out of breath as him.

Immediately, he picked you up and placed you on the table where he stood in between your legs. He went no further than kissing and holding onto your waist.

You wanted to feel his body but he had on all his armor along with his fur-lined cloak. He moved your hair to the side where he kissed your neck and started to suck on your neck.

The feeling was astounding. His facial hair was tickling you which made you smile. You simply brushed your hand up the back of his neck into his thick wavy hair. You both were enjoying each other’s company until someone walked in.

Sihtric stopped and stood up while you turned to see who it was. It was one of the women who’d come back after being in the presence of one of the men.

“I did not mean to interrupt. I’ll come back.”

As much as you wanted this to continue with Sihtric, you had never denied a sister in need. They had always looked after you so you always did the same for them. They were family.

“Wait, I’ll help you.” You sat up and got off the table facing Sihtric. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yes, yes, of course.”

You brushed your fingers ever so gently across his jawline where he visibly shuddered at the contact.

“I shall be awaiting for tomorrow to come then.”

“As will I.” He started to back up towards the door to leave but couldn’t find himself to look away from you. 

He bumped into the table leg then tried regaining his composure then stumbled over his own foot. You had to cover your mouth as you giggled.

He looked cross between being embarrassed and bemused at his own antics. He pointed his thumb towards the door.

“Uhhhm, good day.”

He opened the door surprised to see the girls on the other side of it. He straightened himself then walked past them all.

The girls screamed in excitement asking for all the details but you gave them none. This experience, let it be only a kiss was for you to hold onto.

That same night you laid to rest, Sihtric plagued your dreams. You placed your fingers over your lips remembering how they felt against your own. The feel of his hands resting on your waist had made you feel wanted and protected at the same time.

He had warped his way into your mind and heart rather quickly.

When you awoke in the morning you were disappointed to find that Sihtric wasn’t at the Tavern. Your mood had quickly dampened.

It happened to be a rather cold day so hardly anyone visited. Slow days called more for the women in men’s beds so you went out to fetch wood.

You had brought a small cart and an ax. It was something you had done before but would always be time-consuming. When you found a small tree that you might be able to cut down, you stopped.

The sound of a twig snapping had brought your attention elsewhere. In the cold, you could see your breath appearing before you as you started to breathe heavily. Perhaps it was a mistake to come out alone.

You took the ax from the cart and raised it close to your chest. As you slowed your breathing, you started to hear a little more clearly. There were careful footsteps coming from just behind.

When the person reached you they held onto your upper arms. Instinctively, you tossed your head back making them release you.

You turned and swung the ax only for it to be stopped with their hand over yours on it. Your eyes widened when you saw Sihtric with blood coming out of his nose but giving you a pleasing smile.

“Sihtric!” You put the ax down on the floor and started to slap him with your hands. “You crazy man. I could’ve killed you.” He blocked your hits while still having that smile on his face.

When you stopped and shook your head at him, he took that as an opportunity to kiss you.

“You’re the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met.”

You grabbed a piece of cloth and wiped the blood from his nose. Your focus was on cleaning him up while his attention was all on you.

A strong gust of wind blew by making you shiver whether it was simply the cold or from Sihtric’s close proximity He took notice and took off his fur cloak, placing it on you.

He adjusted it making sure it covered every inch of skin exposed to the chilly air. You placed your hand just over his necklace to capture his attention.

“You’ll freeze.”

Sihtric took your hand and brought it up to his lips while he looked into your eyes.

“I won’t.”

He brought you to the cart making you take a seat while he picked up the ax from the floor.

“How’d you know I was here?”

“I asked the tavern keeper. She spoke of you fetching wood all on your own. You could imagine my concern when I heard that.”

He examined a tree circling it. He knocked on it placing his ear close to it. Once he was satisfied he swung the ax towards the base of the tree where he could get the best cut.

“And where’ve you been?” You didn’t mean to sound so accusatory.

He simply turned his head with a smirk at your concern. “I was with Uhtred.”

“All day?”

“I was bargaining.” His short responses were doing nothing but raising more questions.

“Sihtric will you stop being short and talk to me about what’s been keeping you?”

He dropped the ax to the floor. He brought forth a bag and poured the contents in his hand. He watched your reaction as the most beautiful pieces of jewelry were displayed.

“I was bargaining with every man to give me the finest jewels to gift my woman.”

“Oh, Sihtric. I cannot accept these beautiful gifts.” His face dropped at your refusal. You placed your hand on his shoulder and clarified for him. “This is your share of the plunder.”

“There’s no one else I’d let take it. You can rob me blind and I’d let you, happily. Take all that I have. My feelings for you are strong and if it is misplaced then I should continue to gift you with all that I have to offer.

You placed your hand on his cheek and he closed his eyes leaning into your touch. “I’ll accept your gift only if you keep the majority of them. In case you need silver in the future.”

He nodded adamantly. The rest of the time you watched Sihtric cut down tree after tree. You admired the way the muscles in his arms would strain at the slightest of movements.

Whenever he’d look back to check on you you’d rest your chin on your hand and act innocent though he probably knew you were watching his every move with the little shake of his head.

After thanking Sihtric profusely for helping, you walked side by side while he pulled the cart full of wood.

Once Sihtric stopped pulling the cart and stood in front of you it became real. He had this presence about him that simply made your heart beat out of your chest.

He trailed his finger down the necklace he had gifted you. He had trailed it to the tip of the jewel that sat just before the valley of your breasts.

He watched your lips part at the movement and leaned for a kiss.

“Y/N!” It was the tavern keeper, Claudette. “You should not be fraternizing with a man let alone with a dane when there is ale to be served.” 

She wasn’t at all fond of any danes.

“Miss, she is my woman.”

Claudette pulled your hand with hers. She wasn’t at all mean. She just didn’t like being in his presence for long.

“She is unmarried and as long as she is to stay like that then she is not your woman! You best be off, Lord Uhtred has been wondering where you’ve been.”

You looked over your shoulder mouthing ‘sorry,’ over to him with a remorseful look.

The rest of the evening you served food and ale to the men. You still had Sihtric’s coat on which kept you warm. His scent was also left which was a calming fragrance.

What surprised you greatly was Lord Uhtred gracing all with his presence at the Tavern. Since he’d been married to the beautiful lady Gisela, he hardly ever stopped at the tavern. He would only come to collect his men.

He took a seat and looked around while Finan whispered in his ear and pointed to you. When his eyes met yours the palms of your hands became sweaty.

Had you done something wrong?

He gestured you over in which you took a deep breath before walking to him. You placed a cup of ale down giving each man one.

“Lord Uhtred. It’s so nice of you to visit the tavern once more.”

“Sit.”

You sat down immediately, rubbing your hands together underneath the table. His piercing eyes were making you feel inferior.

“That’s a beautiful necklace.”

“Thank you, lord. Sihtric gifted it to me.”

“Sihtric is quite taken with you. Does he give you silver as well? Working at a place like this doesn’t pay too much.”

“No, lord. I made him keep all that is his.” You looked down placing your interlaced hands on the table. “I don’t have much but I wouldn’t take from Sihtric. I care for him greatly and if you’re insinuating I’d sleep with him or any other man for silver, then you’re wrong.”

Uhtred nodded slowly and looked like he was trying to hold back a smile. It frustrated you how he went from speaking so serious to almost laughing. Was he trying to make a mockery of you? He looked up at the sky then back to you.

“It is almost sunset. Sihtric is waiting for you.” He stood up then stopped. “Be sure to take your time going to him.”

You didn’t understand what he meant especially when the men started to laugh. You took Uhtred’s advice and took your time to change into one of your finer-looking dresses with the help of the women.

The anticipation of what Sihtric was waiting for made you smile like a fool. Once you looked over your appearance the women ushered you out to look for your man. They teased in all good fun. They were happy for you.

When you finally found Sihtric he sat on the floor with his head casted down. He had flowers in one hand as he carelessly held them.

You tilted your head wondering why he was upset. The sun was setting and the glow illuminated his entire body perfectly.

“Sihtric.”

At the sound of your voice, he popped his head up and scrambled off the floor. He held the flowers up and his eyes visibly brightened looking at you.

“You spoke with Uhtred?”

“Yes. What’s the matter? What’s going on?”

“Be my wife.” It wasn’t a question it was a statement. It took you by surprise, no less. 

It was hard to think of words while seeing him with the biggest smile on his face that was directed to only you.

“Uhtred has to approve first.”

“And Uhtred has. He said he’d speak to you and if he approved then he’d send you here before sunset. It’s sunset,” he rasped, not seeming to take a break in between his words. “Claudette put things in perspective for me. I want you as my woman and why not make it official? I swear to you to be a good husband. Give you children if you shall want any, of course. Be mine, always, and forever.”

His eyes desperately searched yours. He looked so lost and innocent. A warrior who showed his vulnerability while awaiting your answer.

You wrapped your arms around Sihtric and kissed him slowly savoring this moment with him. He followed the same rhythm.

“I need your answer.”

You smiled and moaned as you continued to kiss him. You gave him one last peck on the lips and brought your heads together.

“My answer is yes. I’ll be with you always.”  A life with him was more than what you could ask for. 

He sighed in relief then picked you up as you both continued to look at each other. He’d changed your perception of what people deemed him to be. Now he was an everlasting impression.

He was going to be your lifetime of happiness.

#Sihtric #Sihtric Kjartansson #Sihtric tlk #sihtric the last kingdom #tlk #The Last Kingdom #The Last Kingdom fanfic #Sihtric x reader #Sihtric imagine #Sihtric x you #Sihtric Kjartansson x reader

[lauwrite1225]

A beard's story || Finan x OC

A/N: Mark posted a story in which he had shaved his beard, and well, this came to my mind! Enjoy lmaooo!

tags : @geekandbooknerd @solinarimoon @morosemagick @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites @poguesmaybank

Finan splashed his face with more water, his beard now wet enough to be cut. During the past months travelling all around England, he didn’t have the time to shave his beard in a while. With the small mirror in front of him, he grabbed his dagger and started to shorten it. He didn’t look away from his reflection when he heard light footsteps walking in the bedroom.

“What are you doing, Dada?” Edwen asked curiously, stopping next to Finan’s chair in front of the vanity.

Finan frowned as he tilted his head to let the blade run along his jaw, seeing the top of his daughter’s dark hair in the mirror. “I’m tryin to look less like a bear.” He muttered, concentrating on his task.

Edwen giggled at his answer and then turned away to walk around the bedroom and when she approached where he had rested his weapons and armor on the bed, out of the sight the mirror allowed him to have, he couldn’t fully focus anymore. He tried to look at her from the corner of his eyes when her footsteps stopped, knowing she had set her eyes on one of his weapons and his piece of armour.

“Edwen, don’t touch-”

“What’s that?”

Finan immediately turned his head, worried she had taken something and would hurt herself, the blade cutting his beard but also cheek in his movement, making him hiss at the small sharp pain. And indeed, she was holding a carved bone he usually stuck in his belt to easily stab a man in the neck when he was ripped off his sword or seax. Seeing his daughter, so innocent and ignorant of the horrors of battles, holding a weapon he had used to kill more men than he could count, was giving him a weird feeling. He paused a moment before blinking and standing up, resting the dagger on the vanity.

“It’s dangerous, sweetheart, ya’re not allowed to touch it.” He said in a firm tone, taking the bone from her hands kindly. Edwen pouted and Finan crouched in front of her, his fingers turning her face to his. “It’s not somethin’ to play with, ya could hurt yourself.” He explained to her, but her blue eyes left his own to stare at his cheek.

“Like you?” She asked, pointing at the left side of his face.

Her father frowned again and passed his fingers over his cheek to feel blood. He grumbled something in Irish as he walked back to the mirror.

“Jesus Christ.” He growled, not for the blood but for the hole in his beard, the area shaved so short that his skin was almost smooth under his fingertips.

The hole was literally in the middle of his beard, making it impossible to catch it up. Finan dropped in the chair with a loud exhale, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, Edwen was back at his side, an amused smile on her face.

“You have a hole here, Dada.” She giggled, her finger pressed against his cheek.

Finan rolled his eyes as he sighed. “Aye, I noticed.”

…

“I’m home!” Saegyth shouted in the house as she removed her cloak and rested it on a chair, expecting to see her daughter run out of her bedroom to greet her.

But Edwen seemed to take her time, so she decided to head toward her room to see what she was doing, her hand curving under her heavy belly. But before she reached the half opened door, she heard her hurry behind her.

“Mama!” She shouted.

Saegyth crouched just in time to catch her daughter and kiss her cheek. She had left early in the morning to spend some time with Ealhswith and Hild and hadn’t been here when Edwen had woken up. But it didn’t seem to have disturbed the little girl as she grinned broadly at her.

“Dada doesn’t look like a bear anymore.” She chuckled, pulling her hand to drag her toward her parents’ bedroom.

But Saegyth frowned confusedly and before she could ask what her daughter meant, Finan was standing in the bedroom doorway to give her an answer. Her mouth fell open as she stood up, eyes wide and brows raised as she tried to take in the face of her husband without a beard. The bottom of his face was perfectly shaved, disturbing her as she had never seen him like this before, and even if she could recognize his eyes, the shape of his nose and the scars slashing his skin, it took her a moment to not feel like staring at a stranger anymore.

Edwen was still giggling next to her and Saegyth couldn’t help but join her daughter in her amusement. Obviously, Finan didn’t share their laughter and started to grumble something inaudible, making him look more like a pouting teenager than anything else.

“God, what happened?” She asked him as she walked closer and realized how shaving his beard really took a handful of years away from his face.

Her fingers grazed on his smooth skin, stopping at the cut on his cheek. “It wasn’t on purpose. I turned my head to see what Edwen was doin’ and cut it too short.”

“I see.” She chuckled. “Well, it’s strange.” She commented as she continued to study his face, Finan glaring at her. “You look like a teenager but you don’t look that bad.” She smirked to annoy him, but to be honest, she would find him handsome no matter how he looked.

“Thank ya, I guess.” He muttered and she kissed his cheek, taking in the absence of the usual scratch of his beard.

“You know Sihtric and Osferth won’t miss an opportunity to tease you about it.” She warned him.

“I’m not goin’ to step out of this house until it has grown back!.”

#tlk finan #finan fic #finan x oc #the last kingdom #finan x saegyth #someone to stay #finan #finan the agile #drabble

[emilyhufflepufftlk]

a quick note:

Hello lovely people, those who are currently reading Walk Through Fire will already know that I'm going away for a few weeks. I have so many things on the go writing wise right now, so here's a rough list of things I'll be working on when I get back.

Walk Through Fire: I only have a few chapters left and I really want to get this done.

150 Celebration requests: thanks to everyone who sent in prompts, I will get round to doing them all I promise.

Other requests: thanks to the people who have sent in requests, If I haven't answered your ask be assured I have got it and I'll work on it as soon as I get time.

Sihtric x Ealhswith Pretty Woman AU: as promised I am working on this. The first chapter is about half done and hopefully it won't take too long to finish. I think it will be three chapters in total.

Osferth only one bed for the bingo: half written

I want to work on some Thyra/Hild ideas I have, although I haven’t planned anything properly yet.

Lots of Finan/Lucinda AUs and one shots that are planned but not yet started.

Young and in Love: there is one chapter left and is half written. I’m definitely going to finish this at some point.

@morosemagick @magravenwrites @solinarimoon @lauwrite1225 @thebohemianpenguin @93xdiagonxalley

#writing update

[ariadnethedragon]

I want a baby: TLK EDITION

Uthred x Gisela

Brida x Young Ragnar

Stiorra x Sigtryggr

Also Stiorra x Sigtryggr

Finan x Eadith

Sihtric x Ealhswith

Osferth x his S/O

Erik x Æthelflæd

#i want a baby #the last kingdom #the last kingdom season 4 #the last kingdom season 3 #uthred ragnarson #uthred of bebbanburg #uthred #finan #finan the agile #finan x eadith #sihtric #sihtric x ealswith #brida #young ragnar #stiorra #sigtryggr #stiorra x sigtryggr #osferth #eadith #gisela #uthred x gisela #erik x aethelflaed #aethelflaed #the saxon stories

[ladyfenring]

found the place to rest my head

He’s not much more than a boy, this Dane who comes to the alehouse. Ealhswith has had her share of boys who are trying to be men.

But he isn’t trying to be a man, and maybe that’s why she notices him.

Rated M

tw for past rape and attempted rape

written for @tlkfanficfest bingo

read it on ao3 if you wish

He’s not much more than a boy, this Dane who comes to the alehouse. Ealhswith has had her share of boys who are trying to be men.

But he isn’t trying to be a man, and maybe that’s why she notices him. Even though he doesn’t call for her to fill his cup, even though he doesn’t pull her into his lap like so many men do. He doesn’t call for any of the girls or pull them into his lap. Ealhswith would swear he doesn’t even like girls if she had not seen him disappear up the stairs with Eadburga one night.

“What was he like?” she asks the other woman in the morning. “The Dane?”

“Sihtric?” Eadburga repeats.

Sihtric. A strange name. A Dane’s name.

“Yes. Him.”

Eadburga smiles. “He was…gentle.”

“Gentle?” That’s not a word many of the girls give to their patrons.

“Yes. Gentle.” She laughs. “He kept asking if I liked it. I told him if he liked it, that was good enough for me. He wasn’t satisfied with that. He wanted me to like it. I almost felt bad taking his silver.”

“You still took it, though,” Ealhswith points out wryly.

“Well of course I did—I’m not stupid!”

They both share a good laugh over that, but it makes Ealhswith wonder over this boy.

Sihtric.

She watches him whenever he comes in now, follows him with her eyes as he and his Irish friend take their seats. The Irishman is loud and boisterous where Sihtric is quiet and reserved, hiding his smiles behind his hand. Every few minutes, his eyes will flicker around the room, almost as though he’s on the lookout for something.

A girl?

No, he’s too alert, his eyes narrowed and jaw slightly clenched. He isn’t looking for something he wants.

He’s looking for danger.

She knows, because it’s the same look she had on her face after her first time, that rough deflowering that had left her surprised, scared, and ashamed. That was the moment she had realized that no one was going to take her hand and lead her gently into womanhood. No one was going to look out for her and keep her from harm. She would have to figure it all out herself.

So she did.

She sees that same learned survival in Sihtric, that same instinct to always be on your guard. It’s been years since she was that frightened young girl, but the instinct to glance over her shoulder, to take stock of possible escape routes, remains with her.

His eyes, doing another circuit of the room, land on her, and she freezes when she realizes he’s caught her staring at him.

She holds his gaze for a long moment. Then, tentatively, she offers him a smile.

To her relief, he smiles back, and he doesn’t hide this one behind his hand. She likes his smile, likes the way it lights up his whole face. She wants to see more of it, and picks up a pitcher on the pretense of filling his cup so she can talk to him.

He never takes his eyes from her, and when she reaches his table, he stands up suddenly.

Eahlswith blinks. “Would you...like more ale?”

“Yes,” he says at once. He has different colored eyes, she realizes now that she’s up close; one brown, one green. She could get lost in those eyes. She would like to.

For now, she bites back a smile, leaning over to top up his cup--which is almost full anyway.

“Will you...sit with us?” he asks, but his companion, the dark-haired Irishman, is preoccupied with Aethelgifu.

She bites back another smile. “Yes, I will.” She sets down her pitcher, sitting on the bench beside Sihtric. She notes that he waits until she’s seated before he takes his own seat, as though she were a proper lady and not an alehouse whore.

“I am Sihtric,” he says, straddling the bench so he can look at her.

She doesn’t tell him she already knows that. Instead, she tells him, “I am Ealhswith.”

“Ealhswith,” he repeats, as though he finds her name pretty. To her relief, he doesn’t ask the usual question (“Ealhswith? Like the queen? Does that mean you’ll give me a royal fuck?”) . Instead, he asks, “What does it mean?”

She laughs. “It means ‘lucky’. Or so my mother told me.” She reaches for Aethelgifu’s abandoned cup of ale, taking a sip. “And Sihtric? What does that name mean?”

“It means ‘true victory’. Or so my mother told me.”

She laughs again. “And have you had many true victories?”

He smiles, ducking his head. “The lord I serve has. And have you had much luck in your life?”

She gives a small shrug. “Some, but not as much as I would like, or else I would have as much silver as the queen I share a name with.”

He laughs at that, and she feels absurdly pleased at coaxing a laugh from him. “Your fortunes may change, you never know.”

“True,” she allows. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll really be a queen someday.”

He laughs again at that. She likes his laugh, and starts to tell him so when Eadburga appears at her shoulder, leaning down to murmur, “Your father’s here.”

All the warmth and happiness leaches out of the room as Ealhswith turns to see him standing by the entrance, that telltale unsteadiness that comes from frittering away his silver on drink all night.

She breathes deeply. He had to choose tonight, of all nights, to harass her.

“I have to speak to him,” she apologizes to Sihtric, reluctantly getting up from the bench. “I...I’ll be back. If…”

“I’ll be here,” he says quietly, his eyes searching hers.

She gives him a small, forced smile before she turns and heads for her father.

He’s not really her father, thank God. Her real father died when she was in the cradle, killed in battle. Her mother married Wulfstan when Ealhswith was still young, needing the support and protection that only a husband can offer.

She may as well have remained widowed for all the good it did her.

All the good it did them both.

Ealhswith feels her fists clench involuntarily as she comes up to Wulfstan, ignoring his leer. “I don’t have enough.”

“No? These men don’t pay you? Your cunny gone sour or something?”

She grits her teeth. “The alehouse keeps most of what I earn, and the rest goes to food and clothes--”

“What does a whore need with clothes?” he laughs. “Should I tell your mother that her fancy daughter spent all her coin on clothes and didn’t spare a thought for her poor, sick mother?”

“It’s a sad day when a man has to come crawling to an alehouse whore for money because he can’t support his own wife.”

Wulfstan’s face darkens, his hand twitching with a remarkably restrained slap.

Ealhswith’s victory is short-lived; she knows she’s going to pay for that comment, one way or another, and if not out here, it will be in her room.

Sure enough, Wulfstan grips her upper arm, steering her through the hall and to the back corridor. She hates that even here, even now, he makes her feel as frightened and uncertain as though she were a little girl again.

He opens the door to her room, shoving her inside before closing it behind him.

“Now,” he growls, “you gonna give me silver or what?”

“I told you already, I don’t have enough--”

“And that’s supposed to be my problem, is it?”

“It’s not your silver!” she shouts. “It’s mine! I earned it--”

“On your back, letting men rut into you,” he finishes for her. “Who taught you to do that, eh?”

She clenches her fists, blinking back tears of shame. “Get out.”

“Give me your silver and I will.”

“And then you’ll be back again--in a month, in a week, in a day.”

“Ealhswith,” he says loudly, using the scolding tones he’d used on her as a child, “the silver. Now.”

She clenches her fists so hard her fingernails bite into her palms, drawing blood. “No.”

She thinks she’s prepared, but she still cries out when his fist slams into her cheek, sending her reeling backwards. Wulfstan takes advantage of her momentary disorientation, pushing her face-first onto her bed. She kicks and flails and screams, even though she knows what’s going to happen, because it’s the same thing that’s been happening for years. No matter where she runs, no matter where she hides, he will always find her.

Suddenly, the weight bearing down on her is gone, and over Wulfstan’s cry of outrage, she hears, “Get off her!”

Ealhswith sits up, gaping as Sihtric sends Wulfstan skidding across the floor. Her stepfather climbs unsteadily to his feet, his eyes wide as he takes in the sight of the young Dane.

“You will never touch her again,” Sihtric says, his voice shaking with a quiet sort of fury.

An ugly grin unfurls on Wulfstan’s face. “Who’s gonna stop me? You?”

“Yes,” Sihtric says without hesitation.

Wulfstan draws himself up to his full height. Funny, Ealhswith can’t help thinking; she remembered him being taller.

“She’s only a whore.”

“And you are less than a worm.” Sihtric takes a step forward, forcing Wulfstan to press back against the wall. “Now go.”

Wulfstan opens the door, but not before pointing a quivering finger at Ealhswith. “He won’t always be here to protect you.”

“I said go,” Sihtric snaps, shoving him out the door. He closes and latches it before turning to Eahlswith. The scowl on his face melts, his eyes widening as he looks at her. “Are you alright?”

She doesn’t know how to answer that, and maybe he realizes it, because he looks down at his feet. “I had…a cruel father, too.”

She understands now. The hidden smiles, the constant glances around the room, the fury in his voice when he’d told Wulfstan he would never touch her again.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

He shakes his head. “He’s dead now. He can’t hurt me anymore.”

She glances at the door.

Wulfstan is still alive. He can still hurt me.

“He won’t hurt you anymore, either,” Sihtric says, and she realizes he’s followed her gaze.

“You can’t promise that,” she points out.

He considers her. “I can for tonight.” He sits slowly, carefully, on the edge of her bed. “I can stay with you. If you like. Keep you safe if he comes back.”

“Why?” she asks, disbelieving. “He’s right; I’m just a whore.”

Sihtric’s eyes harden. “You’re more than what he says you are.”

Eahlswith looks at her hands. “You don’t even know me,” she says quietly.

“I would like to.”

She bites back a smile. “You’re stubborn.”

“You have no idea.”

.

They spend all night talking. About their fathers, and their mothers, and the children they once were. He tells her that his father was a Dane with a hard heart and harder fists, and that his mother was a slave girl who died defending her son. She tells him that Wulfstan is her stepfather, that he raised her as though she were his own little girl; and as soon as she wasn’t a little girl anymore, he stopped being a father to her and became something much worse.

They talk about happier things, too. His adventures with his lord, Uhtred, and his friend, Finan. Her failed attempts at being a scullion and a laundress before she settled on being a whore.

They talk until the early dawn, when the first rays of morning light creep into her room. They’re both lying down on her bed by now, heads turned to face each other.

“Well, you were right,” she says, her voice rough from talking all night. “He didn’t hurt me again last night.”

Sihtric is quiet for a long moment. When he speaks again, he turns onto his side, looking at her fully. “What if...I stopped him from ever hurting you again?”

She gazes at him for a long moment, looking into his brown eye, and then his green. “You mean,” she says slowly, “kill him?”

He doesn’t say yes, but he doesn’t say no, either. He just looks at her, waiting.

His offer should upset her, but the truth is, it doesn’t. She’s wished death on Wulfstan more times than she can count; she’d even thought about doing it herself in the early days. Sometimes the thought still passes through her mind, when he pushes her onto her bed and makes her feel like a frightened young girl again.

If anyone deserves to die, it’s Wulfstan. Wulfstan, who took everything from her, and continues to take from her. His death is the only thing that will free her.

But it isn’t his death that gives her pause.

It’s letting Sihtric do it.

She’s only just met Sihtric; even with all that they’ve shared, even though she knows that he’s like her, that he understands, he did not even know her name before last night. How could she possibly let him do this thing for her?

“Why would you kill a man you don’t even know for a whore you just met?”

He reaches out, taking her hand in his. His hand is rough and calloused, but his touch is gentle. “I know Wulfstan, because I knew my father. And we may have just met, but I know you, because you and I are the same. I wanted my father to die, but I couldn’t do it myself. You want Wulfstan to die. I can kill him. I want to kill him. I want you to have the same freedom that I do.”

She joins her other hand with his. “If you’re sure…”

“I am, Ealhswith.”

She bites her lip. “Well, then.”

“Do you know where he is now?” he asks quietly.

“No,” she says honestly. “But he can’t be far. He’ll probably come back tonight.”

“He can try.”

She lays her hand over his cheek, not knowing what else to say.

Sihtric moves his head, kissing the palm of her hand.

She can’t remember the last time a man kissed her like this; on the hand, with no expectations. She can’t remember the last time anyone offered to do something for her without wanting something in return.

And she can’t remember ever feeling this way about another person before.

.

She sleeps through the day like any other; by the time she wakes, she can’t help but wonder if last night really happened, or if it was just a dream.

She puts it from her mind until Sihtric comes to the alehouse late that night. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t smile, just gives Ealhswith a look.

She leaves the table she’s entertaining, following him to her room. He closes the door behind her, pulling something from his belt.

“He’s dead,” he says quietly, pulling a dirk from its sheath. The candlelight is low, but even by the dim light, she can see the blood on the blade. “I caught him on his way here. He’s lying in the street. I can take you to him, if you want.”

“No,” she whispers, taking the dirk from him. She turns it over in her hands, looking at the red. “I believe you.”

Wulfstan is dead.

He will never bother her again. He will never harass her for silver, he will never drive her from her home, he will never steal from her, he will never rape her again.

I am free.

She raises her eyes to Sihtric’s and sees him watching her with a wary expression, almost as though he’s afraid that she’ll suddenly regret letting him do this.

She winds her arms around his shoulders and kisses him.

She sees now what Eadburga meant, about how gentle he is. He kisses her slowly, carefully, letting her set the pace, and when she pushes him back onto her bed, climbing into his lap, he pulls back with wide eyes.

“Ealhswith, you don’t…you don’t have to—”

“I know I don’t,” she says simply, already tugging her dress over her head. “I want to.” She takes his face in her hands. “Don’t you?”

He kisses her, those rough hands holding her so gently she could cry.

He isn’t much more than a boy, this Dane. But then, he isn’t trying to be.

#sihtric x ealhswith #tlkfanficfestbingo #the last kingdom #fic by me

[limenal]

“Do not be careful with me-”

Her words were a demand, permission for her husband to loosen his inhibitions, to give himself the pleasure he was so desperate for. He pulled his head back to meet her gaze and there was a hunger there she had not yet seen before, a need behind his eyes. He always put her first, always sought her direction- but she knew she would give him everything he asked for tonight.

“I have missed you,” Sihtric said, voice rough.

“I am here,” Ealhswith told him, softly.

@tlkfanficfest​

#the last kingdom #fan fiction #tlk sihtric #sihtric #sihtric x ealhswith #one shot #tlkfff2020 #tropes galore #destiny is all

[raincityruckus]

make space (if she don’t mind) rated m, sihtric/ealhswith/ofc why have a love triangle when you can have a threesome?

chapter 5 you can never really go home again

“I can be charming,” Uhtred says when Æsa asks that they let her do the talking. She can hear the smile in his voice. She’s sure if she looked at him his eyes would be dancing and she has no doubt that his charm has worked well for him before.

“It’s uncanny, really,” Finan says from behind them and Æsa rolls her eyes. Even after the day she’s had there is an ease about them that is contagious, “with women anyway. Doesn’t work so well on jealous husbands and angry fathers.”

for @pokeasleepingsmaug​ because comments really are the best way to make me write. Also oops Uhtred’s a heaux.

ch 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

edited because i can’t be trusted to queue anything at 2 am

#tlk #the last kingdom #tlk fic #sihtric #uthred #ealhswith #sihtric x ofc #sihtric x ealhswith #sihtric x ealhswith x ofc