Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They had attracted quite the crowd by now, with their screaming and their insults. It didn’t help that they were in fact, not in the privacy of one of their rooms, but standing in the middle of the Longhouse. Eivor didn’t particularly care right now. Her people knew about her temper and how quick she was to anger, when someone accused her of something false and ridiculous. Furthermore it wasn’t her reputation that was taking a massive hit, but rather that of her brother, who had stuck his nose in matters that were of no concern to him.

“Damn it, woman!” Sigurd’s raised voice surely carried the words up to Ravensthorpe’s haven, scaring away potential newcomers, no doubt. “Can’t you listen to this once?”

“Don’t call me that”, Eivor bit back, just as aggressively. She hated being reduced to her gender. Women were just as strong and competent as men and they all knew it. “And no, I won’t, because it is none of your business!”

“It is! It is my responsibility to keep you safe and you running around bedding everyone who shows even the slightest interest in you, is not making my job easier!”

“I never asked you to keep my virtue safe. For your information, you are too late for that anyway. Not that this is any of your business either.”

Sigurd growled and his eyes narrowed dangerously. “I expect you to listen to my orders and to stay away from him!”

“What is so different about Basim?” she wanted to know.

The Hidden One was the cause of their recent argument, even though the man was at no fault. She had – in fact – not slept with him. The only physical contact between them had happened during a good natured sparring match which she had lost with flying colors. He had taught her one or two moves after that, with patience that only came with age and a lot of teaching experience.

“You never had a problem with whoever I invited into my bed before, so tell me why he would be different. Surely it can’t be his origins.”

“Stop speaking nonsense. I don’t have to give you any reason for my words and orders. You, however, have to listen to them!” His eyes shone with barely contained anger.

“Not when your orders are stupid and without reason”, she bit back.

Another growl escaped the furious redhead, who took a couple threatening steps towards her. Eivor didn’t back down.

“Basim is an important ally in what is to come and I won’t allow you to scare him away by being clingy and needy and a woman in heat!”

“How dare you!” she barely managed to grit out between clenched teeth.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Randvi and Petra – who had become close friends these last few months – gasp in shock at such words. A few of the men cringed and turned away; clearly uncomfortable with the words of their Jarl.

“How. Dare. You!” she repeated, much louder this time. “How dare you behave like a bacraut[1]? If you want to plow him yourself, then do so, but leave me out of it!”

Eivor knew, as soon as the words had left her mouth, that they had been a mistake and that she had taken things too far. She was proven right, when not a moment later; her brother struck her, hard and with so much force behind his blow that her head spun to the side from the sheer force of it. She gasped and tasted blood in her mouth. Her skin stung and burned where his hand had connected with her face. The female drengr had also taken a few steps back from the force. He had meant this. He had not held himself back.

Ever so slowly, Eivor raised her eyes towards her brother, willing away the tears that wanted to slip from stinging eyes. She barely realized that the whole hall had become deadly silent. It appeared, as if time had stopped and no one even dared to breathe. They all waited for the next thing to happen. No one would stop her. She knew that, if she were to attack the older man in front of her, no one would dare to hold her back. In fact, she was sure that some of her friends would even join and aid her. Some of them had their hands on their weapons and were staring in a mixture of utter shock and disbelief at their Jarl.

Eivor’s anger had vanished. It had been replaced by a feeling of shock and hurt. Of course her face hurt, but this wasn’t the cause of the pain she felt inside her chest. She felt betrayed. Hadn’t Sigurd just said that he was supposed to protect her? This surely was a strange way of showing it.

Her eyes met his and something in his abruptly changed. He blinked a few times, as if he only realized what had happened and what he had done just now. His eyes suddenly widened, in what was clearly shock.

“Eivor”, his voice had lost the dangerous tone and all the anger it had held before.

Eivor swallowed the blood in her mouth. A part of her had wanted to spit it right into her brother’s face. She did however, take another step back, as he reached out for her.

“Eivor, sister, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to”, he stuttered, searching for words.

She shook her head. A lump had formed in her throat, which kept her from speaking. She could have forgiven him, saved his reputation at least a little bit, but she couldn’t. The pain in her chest grew even stronger. She took another step away from him. She noticed how some of the spectators came closer to her aid. She was surprised to even see Dag among those who wanted to step between her and her brother.

“Don’t”, Sigurd pleaded. “Just... Please, say something.”

She took a shaky breath, trying to fight for composure. The left side of her face stung and throbbed, reminding her of her brother’s slip-up. Something in him had changed, he had changed. The Sigurd she had grown to love as her brother, wouldn’t have done something like this.

“It’s my life and my body. It is none of your business'”, she somehow managed to speak coldly, “And were I to jump off the next cliff, it would be my choice. If I were to get pregnant by Gorm Kjotvesson, it would also be my choice. If I were to whore around all of England, this too, would be MY choice! You have NO right, neither as my brother nor as Jarl, to keep me from making my own choices. I am not a child, I am not your daughter... and I am certainly not your slave and errand boy, though that his how you treated me for quite a while now.”

“Eivor... this is not”, he began, but she interrupted him.

“No! You’ve said and done more than enough.”

For just a little moment longer, she kept her eyes locked with his. She saw hurt and guilt in them, as well as something she couldn’t quite name. She didn’t care. Her hands had balled into fists and it took all her self-restraint from beating him in front of everyone to a bloody pulp. She could do it, they both knew that she was the better fighter, but she would not lower herself like he had done. Instead, she turned around without another word and almost fled the huge hall and all the pitying and worrying eyes on her. She had felt suffocated by it all, which is why she needed to get out and away and not even Sigurd’s voice, pleading for her to come back, could stop her.

[1] asshole

Chapter Text

Eivor wasn’t really sure where she was, but it didn’t bother her much. She had gone, after her hasty departure from the Longhouse, towards the stables to get her horse. Léttfeti[2], as the white mare was called, had felt her owner’s distress and tried to comfort her. The female drengr had allowed herself to be nuzzled and comforted for a handful of minutes, before she had climbed onto the mare’s back. Léttfeti had chosen their path, while Eivor had lost herself in thoughts.

The mare, swift as the name suggested, had taken her quickly far away from the village. They had left the path at one point, which is why Eivor wasn’t sure where exactly they were. It didn’t matter. Sýnin would lead her back home, if she had the desire to do so.

She dismounted the horse without much grace and patted the mare’s side, allowing the animal to roam around freely if she so desired. Eivor herself let her feet carry her towards a small formation of rocks on which she settled down. It wasn’t the most comfortable place, but it would do and it also gave her the opportunity to be far away from the cause of her problems.

The sky was already darkening, when she heard silent footsteps approaching. She took a moment to try to figure out who they belonged to. They definitely weren’t Sigurd’s, which was good. She wouldn’t have been able to face him again, just now.

Eivor turned her head, just enough to look over her left shoulder. The other side of her face, which was probably sporting a hand-shaped bruise, remained in the shadow of her hood. She was surprised to see the cause for her and her brother’s fight.

“Basim”, she greeted the newcomer.

The Hidden One could have easily sneaked up upon her. The fact she had been able to hear him approach, was not a testament of her skills, but only because he had wanted her to hear.

“Eivor”, he inclined his head.

He stepped onto the stones and settled gracefully down next to her, his legs folded beneath his body. They were not touching, he made sure of that.

“I am not the best choice for company”, she said calmly.

Basim nodded slowly. “If you want to be alone, I fear that I will have to disappoint you. I will keep my distance and remain quiet and unseen, but I will not leave behind a woman in distress, not even one as strong and capable of defending herself as you.”

She knew a compliment, even a hidden one like this, when she heard it. She was grateful for the man’s company and for his offer to remain far enough away so he wouldn’t bother her. Whoever deemed it wise enough to attack her, would fall by a hidden blade, probably without her ever knowing, she had no doubt about that.

“You can stay”, she eventually said, answering Basim’s unasked question.

The Hidden One hummed in approval and followed her example, staring into the thick and quickly darkening forest. What he saw, she didn’t know.

“Have you come all this way without a horse?”

“No”, he only replied mysteriously, though there was a grin on his face.

Eivor was still debating if she should keep asking for more details, when she heard the neighing of two horses. She looked up and saw – between the branches of old trees – how her white mare was playfully chased by a black stallion. The intention of the two animals was clear, apparently even to Basim, who cleared his throat and made to get up.

“Perhaps I should separate them...”

“Don’t bother”, she stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Léttfeti will kick and bite you, if you try to keep her from her admirer.”

“Then I must apologize”, he seemed uncomfortable.

“Whatever for? She is strong-headed and would have found a way to find a mate one way or the other. She is known for breaking out of the stables, despite all our efforts”, she chuckled a little, “Which is the reason why I have two horses. If she is in one of her… moods, I have a spare one to ride and travel with.”

“Even more than two, if I can believe Rowan”, Basim gazed at her.

Eivor shrugged, “I love animals, always have.”

The Hidden One hummed and watched the two horses continue to chase each other a bit more, until they completely vanished. “It will be a strong foal”, he eventually said, “born from strong and reliable parents.”

Eivor nodded and let her thoughts wander. How strange this seems, to be sitting here, with Basim of all people, allowing their animals to connect, following their natural call and animalistic instincts. It could have been them, she realized. The stallion, strong, proud and graceful, reminded her of Basim, with his charming personality, his slightly darker skin tone and his gracefully yet strong moving body. The mare resembled her, wild and almost uncontrollable, hard to calm down, full of fire and the wish for more, for freedom.

“Why are you here?” she asked, trying to think of something else.

She actually wanted to ask how he had found her, but she refrained from doing so. She knew of his talent to avoid questions, especially if he had no desire to give an actual answer. He usually avoided questions concerning his methods and techniques.

“I heard of your disagreement with the Jarl and I came to see how you are faring.”

She sighed. “And what are your thoughts on this... disagreement?”

Basim’s face showed a rare spectacle of emotions. “I found his implications disgusting.”

“So the thought of... us together... disgusts you?” She raised an eyebrow.

Basim sighed and it apparently took much effort for him to say the next words. “You are a beautiful woman; cunning and dangerous and wise. Every man who is allowed to call you his, should be grateful and thanking his god.”

“But?” she urged him on.

Another sigh escaped the man’s lips. “I am an old and branded man, Eivor. I have many scars, both visible and hidden. I have a past that formed me; damaged me even, in ways that can never be mended. It wouldn’t be fair if I were to burden you with my past and myself. It wouldn’t be fair of me, to be able to call you mine, while you could never truly call me yours.”

“Oh”, she was surprised, not quite knowing how to respond, but the Hidden One wasn’t finished.

“I had a wife once”, he turned his head to capture her gaze, “a wife and a son. Both of them... died. My mentor, the man who I trusted most, betrayed me and caused their deaths. My heart, despite all the years and the distance, still loves them and it is something I can never change.”

“Why should you? I mean... they may be gone from this world, but will surely await you in the next. They will be part of you, forever. It wouldn’t be right, if you could just stop loving them. It would only mean that you never truly loved them to begin with.”

Basim blinked a few times, his surprise barely hidden by his beard. “Those are... very wise words.”

She gave him a small smile. “You never truly answered my question though.”

“Ah”, he pondered and thought for a moment, before an amused grin appeared on his lips. “No, Wolf-Kissed. It doesn’t disgust me. His words however, and him insulting you, did.”

The female drengr nodded slowly and she lowered her gaze back to the ground. Despite her fleeing the village to find solitude, she was grateful that he had come after her, to look out for her and her safety. It meant a lot. Without really thinking about it, she leaned against him; her head came to rest on his shoulder, which slightly stiffened.

“Eivor”, he began, voice just the tiniest bit unsure.

“I don’t love you”, she immediately interrupted. “I won’t deny that you are good-looking and that you can be quite charming if you want to... but I have no desire to lie with you either.”

She felt his body relax under her and he breathed out. Then he shifted and his arm came to rest around her shoulders. The glittering of his hidden blade caught her attention and she reached out to touch the metal in admiration. His blade was decorated much more than her own. He allowed her curious inspection without a word.

“I consider you a good friend, someone I would be able to call brother in arms and in soul. The thought of bedding you doesn’t feel right.”

“I share your sentiment”, he confessed, clearly glad.

The female drengr felt a smile forming on her features. “Good. And since this is settled”, she turned her head so she was able to glimpse at his bearded features, “we should talk about your contribution towards the extension of the stables. We are expecting new blood after all.”

Basim snorted. “In a year, if it worked.”

“I have no doubt in your horse’s abilities”, she slightly nudged him, which earned her another amused huff.

“I will see what can be done.” And Eivor took his word for it.

-------------------------

[2]Light-foot

Chapter Text

When they returned to Ravensthorpe, it was already midday of the following day. They had continued to sit in the forest, though they had changed their position to elsewhere. Basim had hunted and searched them something to eat and also prepared it – he had not doubted Eivor’s abilities to do both, but he had asked to do it, so he could make sure that the food was halal and therefore safe for him to eat – while Eivor had done her best to get a fire going and to prepare some makeshifts beds for the both of them. Perhaps their beds were slightly closer than was necessary, but Basim hadn’t commented on it, which Eivor was grateful for.

Many eyes were on the two riders when they returned. Basim ignored all of them, even when he gave his horse back to the stable master. Eivor however, greeted everyone. They all seemed happy to see her return.

“Eivor, Basim, I am so glad to see you both. Thank you Basim, for finding her and bringing our drengr back to us”, Randvi greeted them, just as said drengr slid down her own horse.

The raven handler whispered a few words towards Rowan, informing him that he should have a close look on her horse’s state, before turning to her sister in law.

“Randvi”, she began and embraced the other female.

Meanwhile Basim bowed and bid his goodbye, leaving the two women to their own devices. He clearly didn’t want to get more involved. Now that he knew Eivor was safe and back at the village, he was content to return to his apprentice and his bureau. Randi followed his retreating back with a thoughtful look on her features.

“You haven’t sent him?” guessed Eivor, from the other woman’s reaction.

Besides, Basim would have mentioned it yesterday, had he been sent. He might be a man of many secrets, but he definitely wasn’t a liar.

“No, I did not. Does it matter?”

Eivor shook her head. “How is Sigurd?”

Taken aback by the sudden change in topic, Randvi didn’t answer immediately. She shuffled a little bit on her feet, then she sighed. Her gaze returned to the blonde female.

“He is insufferable. He feels guilty, he knows that he overstepped. He wanted to greet you too, but I told him to stay behind.”

Eivor nodded, actually surprised that her brother had done what was asked of him. Usually he ignored such warnings, even more so, when they came from his wife. This time however, he had apparently deemed it wiser to stay behind, let his wife test the waters, before following. “Since he seems to listen to you for once, tell him that Basim and I are friends and allies, nothing more and there will never be anything more in a romantic way.”

“You should tell him yourself”, Randvi began, clearly searching for reasons and arguments to make her point come across, but Eivor wouldn’t let her.

“I am not going to see him. He can wait and suffer, for all I care.”

“The villagers are unhappy with him”, it didn’t stop Randvi from trying to be the voice of reason.

“As am I. Tell me, is my happiness less important than your husband’s image?”

“This is not what I am saying”, she quickly shook her head. She surprisingly added: “You are right Eivor, let him suffer for this one. You have forgiven too easy and fast in the past. Make him work for it this time. And as you asked, I will tell him of you and Basim.”

“Thank you”, the female drengr took the offered arm, but she pulled her sister in law into a firm hug.

“Just... I want you to know that he barely slept last night, if at all. He was running circles around the longhouse. I am sure he would have followed you, had he know where you went.”

The female drengr tilted her head. “I had no real goal in mind, I let Léttfeti decide.”

Randi nodded and stepped closer to the mare, which was happily munching on an apple Rowan had just given her. She raised her hand and let it run through the white fur.

“Good girl, for keeping our beloved drengr safe.” The horse neighed in agreement, nudging the female slightly, in search for more delicious treats.

“She was a gift from Sigurd”, mumbled Eivor, who stepped next to her sister in law.

“Well, at least he has good taste in females”, Randvi said in a dead-pan voice, making Eivor chuckle.

“One of his few quantities”, the female drengr joked.

“Don’t let him hear that.”

“Never”, Eivor readily agreed.

“Where will you stay?” Randvi eventually asked, after they had kept stroking white fur for a while.

“Don’t worry about me”, Eivor grinned, while already turning away from Léttfeti, “I will find a place or two.”

“I have no doubt about that. Just... promise me that you won’t leave the village again. We worry about you, whenever you are gone and this upset.”

The blonde nodded. “I promise. Don’t worry.”

“Alright”, Randvi sighed. She wanted to say more, do something, but knew when to step back. “I hope to see you again soon...?”

Eivor just nodded, turning away from her brother’s wife and the stable while doing so. With sure steps, she descended down towards the village, further away from the Longhouse. She pondered a moment about where to stay.

Petra would surely take her in, but her hunting hut was way too close to the Longhouse for comfort. Basim had already proven to care for her, but the Bureau was cramped as it was, with the two males. Not to mention that Hytham was always so easy embarrassed around her; he was truly shy by nature.

Eivor hummed in thought, her eyes finding her Longship. She could join her Jomsvikings in their barracks, but the idea of snoring, loud and often smelly warriors wasn’t too appealing either. On the other hand, Vili would be there. They were still close and she could always count on him. He wouldn’t mind if she crawled into his bed to allow herself to be held. She felt safe with him; he had saved her in many adventures after all, like she had saved him.

Yes, Vili was definitely an option.

A rich and deep laughter reached her ears. Eivor stopped and looked around. Soon her eyes found the source of the sound and a fond smile appeared on her features. Tarben, the village baker, was joking and playing with the children, who pretended to attack him with swords – while in truth they held sticks – and one of them was sitting on Dwolfg’s back. The tall white wolf was wagging her tail, which defeated the whole purpose of the fearless and fierce warrior on his trustful ferocious steed.

Tarben finally pretended to freeze in shock, before he surrendered with raised arms and the promise of a reward for his life. The children agreed and where finally sent away with some baked treats. The laughter sounded through the whole village, brightening the spirits of those, who heard them, Eivor included.

“Teaching the young how to plunder and pillage, I see?” Eivor had made her way towards the tall baker, slightly startling him.

He actually flushed a bit red and scratched the back of his head nervously.

“The sooner the better, right?” he grinned sheepishly. “I am glad to see you returned, Eivor.”

“It is good to be back”, she agreed, gifting him a small smile, yet it didn’t fully reach her eyes.

“I’ve got a batch of new pastries. Would you like to try one?”

Eivor gazed up into soft and open dark eyes. She wasn’t really hungry, she and Basim had eaten the rest of their late night meal before departure, but nodded readily.

“Gladly.”

Tarben’s bearded features turned into a big, bright small and he beckoned the smaller female to follow him into his hut. She let her eyes wander. The hut was cramped by ingredients, baked goods and the few pieces of furniture he possessed. It was cosy and warm, the latter probably because of the oven from which a rich smell emanated. Eivor felt immediately welcomed.

Chapter Text

Tarben moved the chair so she could sit down. He was a gentleman through and through.

“Please, sit... Do you also want something to drink?” The man seemed surprisingly nervous.

He was busying himself with the pastries and had therefore turned his back towards her, taking her opportunity to see his face.

“Yes, thank you”, she took the offer and moved closer towards the small table that was clearly meant for only one person.

She didn’t mind, not even when he put a mug and an interesting looking pastry in front of her, before settling onto the ground beside her.

“This is very kind of you”, she said, trying to thank him, but searching for words.

“You are welcome”, he grinned, clearly pleased with herself.

Eivor inspected the pastry, before bravely taken it in her hands and trying it. A delighted moan escaped her at the taste of it. Tarben was not only skilled as a baker, he was truly incredible.

“Tarben... by Thor’s beard... this is good!”

“I am pleased to hear that”, the baker said in a strange tone, making the female look at him.

The tall male was not looking back at her. Instead he gazed down at his hands, which were nervously fidgeting in his lap. Eivor narrowed her eyes. Something wasn’t right, but she had no idea what it was.

“I have to confess something”, the tall male began, causing Eivor to tense. “I... I’ve kept so many secrets in my life; I don’t want another one to darken my days.”

He peered back up at her, nervousness and uncertainty in them. Eivor bit the inside of her cheek, waiting anxiously.

“I care for you, Eivor, deeply. I find myself thinking of you, at every waking hour. I... dream of you, when I’m asleep. Ever since we burned my name that day... I feel connected to you...”

Eivor swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Why... are you telling me this now?”

Did he think she was vulnerable and open for this kind of influence? Or was this a sick trick of Sigurd to test her? No, she didn’t want to believe that Tarben would readily agree to this.

“I told you, because I can’t bear the thought of never telling you and of continuing to live a lie. And why now... because you are sitting here, in my hut, looking like you belong here. I don’t want to... I don’t want it to appear as if I am using you. I mean... perhaps this is ridiculous, but it feels wrong, having invited you within my walls, without you knowing how much I care for you. It feels... as if I am deceiving you.”

This was truly unexpected and the female drengr blinked in surprise. She hesitated and searched her own feelings. She liked Tarben, he was attractive, good with children and animals alike and he made forbidden good pastries. She tilted her head, observing him and his unsure shuffling. It was... endearing. Eivor was used to men who were cock-sure and knew what they wanted. Tarben was neither really. He hadn’t even properly named his feelings.

The tall baker also had a troubled past, but so had she. Almost anyone she knew had a troubled past. He had been a warrior once, but he had learned and earned himself a second chance at a new life. He was full of compassion, he was patient and well liked among the settlers. He was tall as a giant, yet gentle as a butterfly. She had already seen him at his worst and it didn’t frighten her.

He was devoted to his job, but also enjoyed the simplicities of life. She fondly remembered when he had taken her for a fishing trip. He had opened himself and his heart even more to her. He had given her the gift of trust and honesty. And even now he was honest and his motivations were honorable. To think that he was feeling guilty for having her over without knowing his feelings about her... he was a ridiculously gentle giant and she liked that about him very much...

Eivor realized she had waited too long for her answer. Tarben looked pale and as if he was about to take back everything he said to flee.

“Tarben I...”, she began slowly, only now realizing what her own feelings were, “I... care about you too.”

She was just as surprised as the tall man, who was still sitting before her on the ground. He shook himself out of it and quickly scrambled to his knees. He moved forward, until he was kneeling right in front of her and hesitantly took her much smaller hands in his own.

“Eivor... it, I...”, he was clearly lost for words.

The female drengr took pity on him. She chuckled lightly, feeling much better than she had at the beginning of the day and shifted forward on her seat. She felt his breath against her lips, his steely eyes finding hers, before darting towards her lips and back again. He wanted to kiss her, but held himself back. He was a noble man, despite his past.

The corner of Eivor’s mouth twitched. She tilted her head a bit more and only then, sealed his lips with her own.

A small sigh escaped the taller man and he let his eyes fall close, while returning the kiss. She took in his features. His hair was slightly messy from his playful brawl with the children. The bun, which was usually neatly, partly undone and hair obviously covered in flour. He had a small scar on his cheek; it looked relatively fresh, but would undoubtedly heal without leaving any trace of his slightly darker skin.

They pulled apart, barely enough to take a breath, before connecting their lips again in a more heated version of a kiss. She took back her hands, only to frame his head and to feel the softness of the scruffy looking beard. He sighed again, as he felt her hands and he moved to copy the gesture, but Eivor abruptly pulled back.

She had been startled by the burning pain against her cheek, which is why she had instinctively pulled back. She had almost knocked the chair and herself over, hadn’t it been for Tarben, who had reached for the piece of furniture.

“I’m... sorry”, she mumbled, ashamed of her reaction. She turned her head away so that she didn’t need to look in his probably disappointed eyes and to hide away the pulsing bruise on her face.

“Don’t be. It was my fault”, his voice was full of understanding, “I forgot you were injured. Would you look at me?”

Eivor hesitated, but turned her head. She was rewarded by an encouraging smile. He slowly reached up with his hands, but stopped right before he came into contact with her skin. He waited until she nodded and only then he carefully let his fingertip run over undamaged skin.

“My brave heart... allow me to take care of you, yes?”

It sounded... nice, this endearment coming out of his mouth. “Don’t worry, it will heal.”

“I could get some ointment for it”, he offered.

“I know what would really help”, she grinned, as he gazed questioningly at her, “Kiss me again.”

Tarben laughed heartily. “That I can do, my love.”

Chapter Text

When Eivor awoke, the sun had risen at the horizon. She usually was already up at this hour, but today was different. She sighed in content and buried deeper into the furs that smelled of baked goods, as well as a certain baker, who shifted behind her and pulled her closer to his bare chest. Another sigh escaped the drengr as his warm skin connected with her almost bare back. They weren’t fully naked; in fact they were still in their undergarments. Even her breasts were still covered by a cloth that was tightly tight around her.

“Good morning, my heart”, the deep voice rumbled deeply into her ear, making her slightly shiver.

“A very good one”, she agreed readily.

She had spent the rest of the last day in Tarben’s company. She had watched with growing fondness, how he worked and baked. She had even allowed him to teach her a thing or two. She wasn’t really good at it, but she had certainly enjoyed his body pressing at her back, while his hands engulfed hers, guiding her and showing her how to knead the dough. He had enjoyed it as well, even though she had made sure that she was more of a distraction than any actual help. It had made him laugh and therefore had been worth it.

The villagers, who had spotted her in the bakery, hadn’t said anything. They had just smiled at her, waved and made their way back to their own duties. All of them, except Vili. He had raised an eyebrow, his eyes flickering between the tall baker and the female drengr.
He had finally shrugged and said: “Good for you, raven-brain.”

“Get lost, arse-stick”, she had pouted, which had only caused the taller drengr to erupt into loud laughter, before he took his leave, clearing thinking he had won this one. She would make sure he would pay, somehow.

But for now, she was content with continuing to lounge in this small bed with a certain tall man behind her. She felt safe in his arms. It felt good being held. It was also very nice to know that someone cared this deeply for once, without having any kind of expectations. Eivor had expected Tarben – he was just a man after all – to initiate something more intimate and while they had shared some stories, a lot of kisses and eventually some shy and exploring touches, he had never gone further than what she had given him. He had appeared just as happy with her only being here, in his company.

He hummed in content; not making a move to pull away. He was a cuddly person, it seemed. Eivor had to stifle a chuckle; that was a rare trait in men, at least from her experience. She liked it.

She turned, until she was facing him. She found his steely eyes, adoringly glancing back at her. His smile was soft and content and she found herself returning it. She pushed his dark strands of hair behind his ears. She had been curious yesterday and freed the black strands from their prison. She had not been disappointed, he looked even better without the bun.

Tarben leaned into the touch, his eyes briefly fluttering shut.

“What a sight to wake up to”, the blonde mumbled and before he could answer, she searched his mouth with hers.

It was a lazy kiss, not as heated as the ones they had shared yesterday, but still full of emotions. Tarben only slightly deepened it, his tongue leisurely dancing with her own. His hands traveled over her back, slightly massaging, while she moved as close as humanly possible. Not a single leave would fit between them now.

“What a way to wake up”, the baker grinned, after they pulled away from each other to breathe.

Eivor chuckled. “I certainly could get used to this.”

“Oh? That sounds promising”, the baker grinned stupidly.

“Now I only need to find a tall, handsome baker, who is willing to invite me into his heart and home”, she blinked innocently up at him.

He raised an amused eyebrow. “If I find one, I will send him your way.”

“Good”, Eivor laughed, while cuddling back into his chest that was also covered in some dark hair.

She ran a hand through it, enjoying the sigh that escaped him. She closed her eyes, a grin still on her lips. She intended to go right back to sleep and since Tarben had apparently nothing against spending the day with her in bed, there was no problem with it, right? The man had baked a lot yesterday, till the moon stood high in the night sky. His goods were ready to be bought and picked up and from the sounds of it; the settlers were happily serving themselves, leaving bags of coins behind. In this village, nobody would steal. But it probably helped that Dwolfg was sitting outside, guarding her unofficial owner and the bakery and probably expecting some kind of treat for it afterwards.

Eivor knew the wolf was there, she had seen the enormous animal come to her in the middle of the night. The predator had huffed and lowly growled upon finding not enough space in the small bed for her own form, but had eventually settled in front of the still warm oven. Tarben had been surprised by the wolf’s sudden appearance, but he had quickly settled down, after Eivor had reassured him that Dwolfg always slept near and close to her.

The voice of a certain someone, made Eivor suddenly tense, which earned her a questioning and concerned look from her baker.

“Hey girl... What are you doing here? There is no baker in sight... Tell me, is my sister around here somewhere? Or is she out with the baker, helping him with his deliveries?”

“Sigurd”, Eivor breathed out quietly.

She hadn’t expected the tall baker to hear it, but apparently he had. Or he just reacted to her distress, by pulling her close to himself, engulfing her in a bone-crushing hug. He was shielding her from the world, she knew that. He would hide her, if she wanted that... but that wasn’t the way for a warrior to act.

“I should talk to him”, she mumbled, her forehead pressed against his broad shoulders.

“Only if you are ready to face him”, Tarben replied. “Whatever you decide to do, I will be there for you. I will be at your back and side and I will gladly step in front of you. Your brother might be the Jarl, but I will not allow him to hurt you ever again.”

Moved by his words, that were a declaration of love if she ever heard one, she searched his eyes. She found nothing but fierce honesty and determination in them.

“Thank you, love”, the word slipped easily from her lips and she wasn’t surprised to discover that she actually meant it.

She stole another kiss, his beard scratching against her skin in a pleasurably delicate matter, before pushing the furs aside. She stretched, pulled on her breeches and got up. She found Tarben doing the same, though he pulled on the rest of his clothes, while Eivor decided to just step out like this. This was her home and she had no reason to wear her armor today. She wanted to enjoy the fresh wind and the warm sun on her skin for once. Besides, a certain baker would probably appreciate the sight.