Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ

❝... ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ ᴏꜰ ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ ʟɪᴇꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ʜɪꜱ ʙɪʀᴛʜ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪɴ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ..❞

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA It was the same as battle. He did not stop to reason or doubt, he listens to the warrior inside of him. His heart no different. It knows what it feels and he’s learned to trust it.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA Around others he kept the mask firmly in place, but in quiet moments like this, he let it fall. Her question brings him to silence while he weighs his answer. When he finally speaks it’s low and matter of fact.

“Because they do not come from my head. They come from my heart.”

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA that I will gladly carry.”

Reaching out to run his fingers through her hair.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA up his eyes are bestowed the great pleasure of seeing her. Something tightens in his chest at such a sight. Marveling at the way her hair curtains over her shoulders. It’s enough to cause him to suck in a breath as he looks up at her.

“For moments like this, it is a blame

[❛ æthelflæd . @OFMERClA]

I place all blame entirely on lord uhtred.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

Perhaps I have corrupted Lady Aethelflaed.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA cause a low hum to slip from him. Oh, such a dangerous woman she is. Lips stretching into a devilish smile.

“What would your mother say if she was aware of such thoughts?”

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA “I fear you have been spending too much time with me, Lady Aethelflad, though you are Mercian it seems you have the thoughts of a Dane.”

Pausing for a moment when he feels teeth sink into the flesh of his skin. Not enough to leave a mark but more than enough to

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA A moment of peace without a threat looming over them. Without them having to hide what they feel for one another.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

@OFMERClA That comment alone earns a solitary brow lifting and then a rich chuckle vibrates from him.

“Well now I am curious. What turns in that beautiful head of yours?”

The pad of his thumb lightly strokes along her shoulder. The Dane releasing a sigh of content. This, this is nice.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

“I take it all has been well here?”

He hadn’t gotten news of any attacks. Threats? Always lurking in the shadows but for now, he feels settled.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

He inclines his head in respect though his eyes do not lower.

“I have ridden through mud and blood to stand here agin. If I have been absent, it is because the fates demanded my sword, not because my thoughts have strayed from you.”

A breath passes between them, noticing

[❛ æthelflæd . @OFMERClA]

bones far from weary —— his strides are as sure and confident as ever. hers with an eager bounce she attempts to hide behind that regal posture she’s come to perfect.

“ you are here now. that is all that matters. ”

the smile •

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

the way that her eyes are slowly roaming over him, doing a slow appraisal to make sure he is in one piece.

‘I assure you, Lady I am fine, but if you insist on checking everywhere I would not be against it.”

Flashing her his impish smile before he grows serious.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

What a sight it is when his gaze finds her approaching across the yard. A slow battle worn smile touches his mouth, the kind that is earned, not given.

“Duty kept me from your side, Lady. Not by choice, never by choice.”

[❛ æthelflæd . @OFMERClA]

what trouble did you get yourself into, @ThatHeathenMan .ᐣ surely that must be what has kept you away from me for weeks.

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

She’s a Queen in the making and it’s that reason alone for why he can’t look away. The clang of swords fade into the distance. One quick sweep of the courtyard and he sees that no one else is around. Sheathing his sword he slowly approaches her.

“Good morning, Lady.”

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

𝓤𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓜𝔂 𝓦𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱
with @OFMERClA

[Ｌｏｒｄ Ｕｈｔｒｅｄ @ThatHeathenMan]

She’s cloaked in dark green wool and her hood is thrown back. The way the early light catches her is enough to cause his breath to hitch. She moves slowly but her chin is high and her spine is straight.