Vagabond | The Last Kingdom

Fourteen

"I'm serious, there are plenty of other men who would compete for my affections,"

"Tell me who these men are, they need to understand that you are mine,"

─── ✦⋅ ☆⋅✦ ───

Several years had elapsed since Uhtred's ascension to the position of Lord of Rumcofa, where he commanded his men as garrison, steadfastly safeguarding the northern border of Mercia. In tandem with this responsibility, he devoted himself to the upbringing of Aethelstan, shaping the boy's skills with the intention of moulding him into a formidable warrior akin to himself.

While I like to believe I played a significant role in Aethelstan's upbringing, often assuming responsibility for his care during breaks from warrior training, he gradually began to regard me as his mother. Our bond extended beyond mere caretaking, it was a profound connection that contributed significantly to shaping his identity.

As the years passed, Finan and I exchanged vows in a ceremony radiating intimacy and warmth, surrounded by a select few cherished friends. Our wedding, conducted in accordance with Christian traditions, reflected Finan's deeply held beliefs, intertwining threads of tradition and faith into the fabric of our union.

We pledged our love and commitment to one another, symbolizing an eternal bond that would endure through time. The day remains etched in the tapestry of our memories, a celebration of love, unity, and the promise of a shared future.

Amidst the vibrant festivities of the Red Moon festival, Aethelstan insisted on participating in the revelry this year.

"Lord," Osferth's urgent voice interrupted my observations, pulling me away from my thoughts. "I need your help," he said, his tone tinged with anxiety, signaling yet another disruption amid the commotion of women embroiled in conflict.

Uhtred and Finan promptly stepped in, deftly separating the brawling women while exchanging heated words of reprimand. I couldn't help but chuckle, finding the situation somewhat amusing, as I reached out to tousle Osferth's hair in a gesture of reassurance.

Uhtred asked once the women were finally parted, his tone a mix of curiosity and amusement. "I don't know," Osferth stammered, clearly flustered, before hastily retreating from the scene.

"It's because all the good men are spoken for," Finan remarked with a mischievous grin as he sauntered over, his tone laced with playful charm. As he leaned in provocatively, I leaned back, issuing a cautionary response, "If those good men wish to be unspoken for, that can certainly be arranged," which earned hearty laughter from Uhtred.

With a resigned sigh, Finan attempted to close the distance once more, but I gently halted his advance with a finger pressed against his lips. "I'm serious, there are plenty of other men who would compete for my affections," I teased, enjoying the bemused expression that crossed Finan's face.

"Wait, what?" he exclaimed, trailing after me as I started to walk away, a mixture of confusion and determination in his voice. "What men?" he persisted, quickening his pace. "How many men?" he added, his determination evident. 

"Tell me who these men are, they need to understand that you are mine," he declared, prompting only laughter and playful evasion from me as I walked away.

── ✦⋅ ☆⋅✦ ──

Navigating through the woods alongside Finan, the cacophony of hoots and cheers echoed around us, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.

"It seems this festival holds significant importance," I remarked, breaking the silence as we trekked deeper into the forest, the flickering shadows of the trees casting an ethereal glow around us.