▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐖𝐎 ─── ❛ oaths

SERPENTS TONGUE ₊˚.༄𖥸 ── 
𑁍₊𓄹 -- ❪ the last kingdom ❫. 𓄹
╭ ‧₊˚⊹    你好，欢迎光临           
╰ ✦ eye for a life╭ ᘒ ✦

Laughter filled Athena's ears. She had her eyes closed, letting Melusine braid her hair. She had missed Melusine's braids. She opened one eye, watching as Hild checked out Uhtred's arm.

"Has the moron broke his arm, Hild?" Athena snickered. But a hiss left her lips as Melusine tugged on her hair. "Ow." She quietly whined, missing Melusine's grin.

"He's lucky." Hild replied to the Dane, his hand on his arm. "Nothing is broken." She told Uhtred, shaking her head. "It'll hurt welding your sword, though." She added, sitting back down.

Melusine patted Athena's shoulders, signaling that she was done. Melusine turned to face the bench, but Athena moved to lay the back of her head on Melusine's shoulder.

"Well, we cannot wait for the wounded." Ragnar sighed, looking at his brother in front of him.

Athena looked at the pair, bringing the cup of ale to her lips. "You'll not have to wait for the wounded." Uhtred insisted, pulling his arm through his shirt.

"We should kill him." Brida suddenly said, making Athena turn her chin to face her. "Guthred, the turd King." She grinned.

Beocca looked at the Dane with disgust. "Do you never tire of menace?" Beocca asked, making Brida's grin drop.

"I do not."

"If we are successful in taking Dunholm, who gets to keep it?" Finan then asked, eating some of the bread he was given.

"Guthred." Beocca instantly said. "Guthred, naturally."

Athena frowned at that, looking over at the priest. "But, he head Eoferwic. The king cannot be in two places at once, Father." Athena merely shrugged her shoulders, taking a sip of her ale.

"Ragnar should have it." Uhtred suddenly said, his eyes on Ragnar. And Athena couldn't agree more.

Ragnar shook his head. "No." He uttered,

"It is Alfred's wish that it goes to Guthred." Beocca continued to voice his opinion, shaking his head.

Uhtred sighed, turning to the Priest with a frown. "Alfred has never set one foot in Northumbria, it is not his decision to make." He insisted. "Kjartan built Dumholm on the blood of Ragnar the Fearless. It belongs to his blood-son, Ragnar."

Uhtred knew Athena would not want to claim a place as her own. She didn't want the responsibilities for that. "As long as my sword finds Kjartan's heart, I do not care." Ragnar simply said, shrugging his shoulders.

"I care." Birda spoke from beside Ragnar. "The arseling is right..." she then turned to Uhtred. "For once."

"He is wrong." Æthelwold then said, making Athena turn her head to the boy with a glare.

"Do you want this knife through your eye?" Athena hissed at the man, raising the knife in her hands.

Æthelwold gulped, lowering his he's before turning to Uhtred. "Alfred has never set foot in Northumbria. He has no need." Æthelwold said, avoiding eye contact with the blonde Dane. "We are here, all of us, to do his bidding." He looked over at Uhtred. "And he knows how each of us will think, what each of us will do. Eoferwic can never be the seat of power in Northumbria whilst Dunholm remains strong, and so he allows Uhtred to attack."

"He allows nothing." Uhtred simply said, shaking his head at the Æthel-ling. "I'm here because it's my business to be here—"

"Uhtred, you are his man." Æthelwold firmly stated. "You more than anyone will bring about his dream of an England." He stated, making Athena roll her eyes, having enough of the man's voice. "Alfred's wish is for Guthred to broke the one true lord of the north, and you will make that happen." There was silence for a moment, until Æthelwold spoke once more. "I say it as I now see it."

"You have shit in your eye." Uhtred uttered, making Athena and Brida chuckle in unison.

Æthelwold stared at Uhtred for a moment. "I see it as a king would see it."

Athena groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. "Will you ever stop with the 'king' thing, bastard?" Athena wanted to stab her eyes out. "It's getting old." She complained, bringing her cup back to her lips.

Æthelwold pulled an annoyed look at her words, casting his eyes down. Athena grinned at that, earning a nudge from Melusine. "What." Athena side-eyed Melusine. "He's irritating me." She uttered, bringing her knees close to her chest.

"Everyone irritates you." The Irish man spoke from the other table, grin on his face as he looked at the relaxed Dane.

Athena scoffed, looking over at him with an offended look. "Especially you." She jested, finishing the last bit of ale.

Finan then leaned forwards, locking Athena's legs off of the bench. Athena merely wafted his hand away, biting back a grin as she shot him a glare.

Melusine looked over to Sihtric, sharing a knowing look between themselves. The brunette shook her head, smile on her face as looking away from the Dane.

But Athena quickly sat up, her eyes on Guthred. "Uhtred." Athena called out, keeping her eyes on the king.

Guthred swallowed thickly, looking at the group. "Uhtred, will you join me, please?" He asked the Dane. Athena looked over at Uhtred, who did not move. "Please?"

Uhtred sighed as he stood up, looking over at the man with a frustrated look. Athena relaxed as Uhtred squeezed her shoulders as he walked past.

"I would love to stick my sword through his heart." Athena uttered, making Melusine give her a look. "What? He put my brother through hell." She shrugged in defence.

"He is a king, Thena." Melusine simply said, looking down at her hands. "You just speak with respect."

Athena rolled her eyes, muttering words to herself. She kept her eyes on Guthred and Uhtred, leaning forwards to take Finan's cup of ale.

Before he could take it back, a slap made everyone turn to Uhtred and Guthred. Athena sniggered, lowering her head as Uhtred dropped his hand from Guthred's face. "Uhtred!" Beocca instantly stood at that, yelling at the man. "No!"

"It's the least he deserves." Athena uttered, quickly downing Finan's ale and placing it back on his table with a grin. "Come, Mel. The hour grows late. I am tried." Athena sighed, standing up and holding out her hand for Melusine to take.

Melusine rolled her eyes, gathering her dress in her hand and accepting Athena's with the other, pulling herself up. "I promise I'll get you some more ale, Finan." Athena jested, quickly pulling Melusine away from the table.

In the heart of the tranquil woods, a serene hush enveloped the surroundings. The darkness, deep and mysterious, was only occasionally pierced by the soft glow of moonlight.

The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and pine. In this nocturnal oasis, a sense of peace pervaded, offering a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the day. The silent woods whispered secrets of ancient tales, inviting contemplation under the watchful gaze of the starlit sky.

Athena fidgeted with the rings around her fingers, her footsteps quiet. They were at Dunholm, hiding in the woods.

A small army walked through the silent woods, keeping their heads high. She walked in between her brothers, her eyes staring at the light in the sky.

The moonlight embraced her face, highlighting her features, the kohl around her eyes. Athena was in her element, fighting.

But, they came to an abrupt stop, Ragnar raising his hand to holt the group. "This is where we part." He uttered, his eyes on the building. "We will show ourselves only when we know the east door has been opened." He explained the plan. "We will attack. Then it is up to you to save us." He nodded his head at his younger siblings. "We will be theirs to slaughter."

"Lord, Lady." Both Uhtred and Athena turned to Clapa. "May the gods be with you." Athena smiled at that, nodding her head as she looked at Thor's hammer around her neck.

Beocca pushed past Æthelwold, moving to stand beside Clapa. "Er, God." He corrected, making Athena quickly chuckle at the priest. "May God be with them—us."

Uhtred chuckled, shaking his head as he turned to Ragnar. "You just watch over Ragnar." He stepped forward, grin on his face as he patted Ragnar's chest.

Athena softly smiled, watching the interaction beside Brida. "Good luck, little brother." He nodded at Uhtred, then turning to Athena. "And to you, my sweet sister."

Athena chuckled, moving to pull her older brother into a hug. "You keep yourself alive, you big oaf." She jested as Ragnar pressed a kiss to her head. "I will murder you twice over." She grinned, pulling out of the hug and punching his arm.

Athena moved to stand beside Uhtred, giving Brida a smile. "See you all in Dunholm." Uhtred told the men that were following Ragnar and Brida.

And with that, the army split into two, one following Ragnar and Brida, the other following Uhtred and Athena.

Athena walked behind Uhtred, climbing up the hill with ease. They all jogged in a line, their steps hurried. "We move quickly, we must be in place before dawn." Uhtred instructed them.

Athena held onto the trees around, using her strength to pull her upwards. She sighed as she they arrived to their stop. Athena crouched down first, her eyes on the wall in front of them.

The group stayed hidden in the bushes, waiting for a signal. Athena eyed the men in the building, watching as their backs turned around.

Athena looked over to Uhtred and Hild, giving them the signal to run forwards. And they did. The pair quickly ran towards the wall, placing their backs firmly against it.

Uhtred nodded his head towards Athena, making the blonde Dane turn to Sihtric beside her. She patted his back, signalling for him and Beocca to run forwards.

The get shared a look, before quickly running forwards. Athena cursed to herself, burying her head in her hands as she watched Sihtric trip over his own feet.

But the Dane quickly got himself up, placing himself against the wall. Athena watched the men above, watching as they turned back around.

Then, Athena turned to Steapa, nodding her head. She watched as Steapa quickly stood, rushing forwards. Athena frowned, spotting Æthelwold still crouched down. "Go, bastard." She uttered, pushing him forwards.

Æthelwold almost fell forwards at her force, but he kept himself on his feet, moving towards the wall beside Steapa.

Athena sighed, keeping crouched behind the grass. Now, they had to wait until dawn. Athena's eyes didn't leave the wall, waiting for any movement.

It was now dawn, and the group at the wall still stood. Athena watched them carefully, spinning her dagger in her hand in boredom.

Her knees started to ache from being crouched for so long. But, she couldn't wait to get into the building, find Kjartan and his son, and watching them die.

She turned her chin to the side, feeling an elbow nudge into her side. Athena looked over to Finan, who nodded his head.

Athena sighed, sheathing her dagger and turning to the bow-men behind her, nodding her head. It was time for the signal.

The man nodded his head, placing an arrow into his bow and setting it on fire. The man then raised his bow, firing the arrow into the air. She hoped Ragnar and Brida would see it.

Athena turned back around, her eyes on the group against the wall. She shared a grin with Uhtred, nodding their head.

They waited until they head people shouting from inside the building. The signal had worked. Athena watched as the men disappeared after the calls.

She then watched as the group againt the wall leaned off of the wall and running to the drop beside the wall.

Athena gripped the hilt of her sword, watching as the figures soon disappeared as they jumped down.

She sucked in a breath, turning to the Irish man beside her. Athena nodded her head with an encouraging grin. "Good luck, Irish man." She let out a breathy laugh, watching as his grin mimicked hers.

And in one swift motion, she stood up, running towards the drop. She unsheathed her sword, looking down at the drop, watching as the group fought against the people.

Athena sucked in a breath beside jumping down, her feet landing on the ground. She raised her arm, her sword slitting the back of a man's throat.

Hild panted heavily, looking over at Athena with a grateful look. Steapa opened the door, letting them quickly crouch through the door.

Athena kept her sword in her hand, walking through the halls. Athena knew what she had to do. She had to find Thyra.

Uhtred led the way through the halls, the group following. Shortly after, Finan and the rest of the men had joined them. "When we attack, Steapa—"

"I know, Lord." Steapa cut him off, nodding his head in agreement. "To the gate."

And when Uhtred unsheathed his sword, everyone followed. They walked up the steps to the opening, walking out and into the walls of Dunholm.

Athena looked around, trying to think of where Thyra would be. Once they were seen, the men started to attack them. Athena quickly moved through the people, looking around at the buildings. She needed to find Thyra.

Athena locked eyes with Uhtred, who nodded his head. "Find her!" He yelled, fighting one of the men off.

Swallowing thickly, Athena squeezed her sword in her hand, running towards the main building. She carefully looked around, waiting for the men to come out of hiding.

But they didn't. Athena turned around the corner, freezing as she heard multiple barks. She gripped onto her sword, knuckles turning white.

Her eyes wandered around the hall, trying to find the source of the noise. She took a cautious step forwards, the floorboards creaking underneath her.

She slowly lowered her gaze, looking down at a hatch in the wooden floorboards. Her eyes widened, surely Thyra would be down here.

Crouching down, Athena's fingertips gripped onto the handle, a grunt leaving her lips as she lifted it up, the hatch falling onto the wood with a loud noise.

She hoped no one had heard that. Athena kept a strong grip on her sword, looking down at the steps beneath her. She sucked in a breath, biting her inner cheek as she slowly made her way downwards.

"Thyra?" She hesitantly called out, her eyes landing on some of the torches. Her footsteps were quiet as she walked down the steps.

The growls of dogs grew louder as Athena rounded the corner. Athena squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, her hands shaking.

She swiftly turned around the corner, her eyes landing on a cell. She lowered her sword, looking down at the variations of dogs. "Thyra?" She uttered once more, telling cautiously towards the cell.

Athena almost choked on her breath, her eyes landing on the familiar red locks. She didn't stop the tears that gathered in her eyes. She stood frozen, ignoring the barks of the dogs that quietened down. "My dear sister, Thyra." Athena choked out, pushing herself forwards, her fingers wrapping around the bars. "Sister, we are here to set you free."

Thyra slowly stood up at her words. Athena almost let out a cry at her sister's weak and starved frame. The bruises that littered her body.

Athena couldn't help the anger that arose inside of her—blood boiling. Her little sister had been wronged. And she would not let Kjartan or Sven get away with it.

"Athena?" The frail voice of Thyra spoke, dragging her feet against the ground. The dog's barks had stopped completely, looking up at Athena with wonder. "Is that really you?"

Athena nodded her head, biting onto her bottom lip. "Yeah." She breathed out, moving to open the gate. "It's me." She sniffled, opening the gate. "Come." She beckoned her sister.

Athena sheathed her sword, holding out her hands for her younger sister to take. Thyra hesitated, looking down at the dogs at her feet. "You left me." Thyra moved backwards, making Athena's heart drop.

Athena shook her head, sucking in a breath. "No." Athena uttered, her fingers resting out for Thyra, but all she felt was air. "No, we didn't. Thyra, please!" Athena pleaded, blinking the tears from her eyes. "Thyra." She cried, watching as her sister shook her head.

"You left me!" Thya's cries grew louder, pointing an accusing finger in the direction of Athena. "You left me! To suffer!"

Athena felt like her heart had shattered into a million pieces. Watching her sister look at her with such hatred—betrayal. "Thyra, no." She sadly smiled, her hand still reaching for her. "We didn't know you lived!"

"Go!" Thyra screamed, making Athena jump back, taken back by her sudden outburst. "I do not want you here! I have no sister!"

Athena felt limp. Her hand slowly dropped to her side, watching as Thyra backed away into a corner, furiously shaking her head. "Go! Please!" Thyra continued. Athena stepped back as the dogs growled in her direction.

Her bottom lip trembled. Athena brought her shaking hand to her cheek, wiping away the wetness of her cheek. "Just...just follow me, please." Athena begged, breathing in as she looked at Thyra. "You're my sister." Was all she said beside she turned around, practically running up the steps.

She let the tears fall from her eyes, she was upset. Her sister had endured so much pain, torture and sadness. Athena didn't blame her at all. This wasn't their fault, it was Kjartan and Sven's fault.

Athena swiftly pulled out her sword, walking up the steps and to the ground level. She could hear men's shouts. The battle was still happening.

But, Athena froze. Her teary eyes landed on a one eyed blonde.

Sven.

Her lips snarled in anger, her grip tightening around her sword. In the depths of her being, a tempest brewed within Athena, her anger a fierce flame that threatened to consume all in its path—Sven.

The air around her crackled with tension, her eyes ablaze with a fiery intensity that dared anyone to challenge her wrath.

"Sven!" She hissed, watching as the man slowly friend around, his eye wide. "I will ravish in your death." Every word that escaped her lips carried the weight of her fury, each gesture sharp and cutting like a blade. Despite her outward calm facade, a storm raged within, a turbulent sea of emotions crashing against the shores of reason.

In that moment, she stood as a force of nature, her anger a powerful thunder echoing through the silence, demanding to be heard.

Sven almost fell backwards, watching Athena stalk closer towards her, each step threatening. He slowed thickly, reaching for his own sword. Athena's brow rose in interest. "You intend to fight for your life?" A sickening laugh left her lips.

Despite the tears that rolled down her pink cheeks, her eyes held anger, her eyes narrowed into slits. And that terrified Sven.

Without a warning, Athena charged forwards, swinging her arm around as her sword clashed against his. She let out a battle cry, pushing a firm hand into his chest, almost knocking him off of his feet.

Athena giggled once more, twirling her sword in her hand as she stepped back. "You fight like a little girl." She scrunched her nose up, jumping forwards to slash her sword against his arm.

Sven let out a battle cry, roughly grabbing onto Athena's hand and almost bending it in the other direction. But Athena had the upper hand, clenching her jaw as she raised her knee.

Her knee bashed against his crotch, making him hurl forwards in agony, dropping to his knees and letting go of her hand.

But Sven wasn't going down without a fight. He quickly grabbed onto her leg, pulling it towards him. A yelp left her lips as her back connected to the ground with a thud.

Athena let out a hiss in pain, her sword dropping from her hands. She panted heavily, going to sit up.

But Sven lifted his foot, standing on Athena's stomach with force. The blonde Dane let out a scream, feeling his foot dig into her skin. Sven with the armour on, she could fell the force of his foot.

Athena tried to sit up, but Sven pushed his foot deeper into her stomach. Her screams were loud, cursing to the Gods as she fought for her life. She didn't doubt that her screams were loud enough for the warriors outside.

She could not die. She had to avenge her family—her father.

Sven dropped his sword from his hands, moving to wrap his hands around her throat. Athena chocked at the sudden force against her neck, lifting her hands up to slap and push at the man above her.

He straddled her lap, putting all of his force into his hands. Athena felt weak. She could not breathe.

She tried to reach out for her sword, but it was too far away from her fingertips. A choked cry left her lips. She felt her eyes grow heavy.

She could not die.

She could not die.

Athena struggled to breathe, black spots flickering in her eyes. She reached towards her thigh, sneakily pulling the dagger from her sheath.

And in one swift motion, she raised her arm, stabbing it into Sven's remaining eye. She closed her eyes and mouth as the blood splattered onto her face.

Sven screamed out in pain, his hand going towards his bleeding eye. Athena heavily sucked in a breath, her hand going towards her neck.

She panted heavily, choking on the air. She sat up, watching as Sven spun around, completely blind.

Athena reached to grab her sword, ignoring the pain in her stomach and neck. She swiftly stood up, grabbing a hold of Sven, bringing her sword to his neck.

"Tell the Gods I said hello." She uttered into his ear, before slitting his throat. Athena blinked back her tears, grinning in victory as she pushed him to the ground, watching the blood pool from his neck.

She then crouched down, grabbing a hold of his air and cutting his head from his neck. She panted heavily, her chest heaving as she lifted up her arm, Sven's lifeless head in her hands.

She turned to the door, throwing it open with her hand. She watched as many heads turned to her. "Kjartan!" Her voice was broken, but she lifted her head high, searching for the man in question.

Both sides held a shield wall. She linked eyes with her brothers, who looking leave at her with worry. But she didn't show them any emotion as she turned to Kjartan's men, her eyes landing on the man in question.

"I have the head of your son!"

Athena raised her arm, the head of Sven in her hand. She merely tossed it to the ground in front of the men. "Your son was weak, as are you." She hissed, watching as Kjartan's face dropped, his eyes on his son's head. "You are beaten." She uttered, gripping her sword as she moved towards her people.

She moved to stand beside Uhtred, looking down at her bloodied hands. She got her revenge. Now it was time Kjartan joined his son.

She did not miss the worried glances sent her way, but, she blinked back her tears, lifting her head high as she looked over at Kjartan's men.

Athena watched as Kjartan pushed through his men, standing in the middle of the shield wall. "You wish to fight me, baby Ragnar?" Kjartan threatened, dropping his dagger to the ground.

"No, I wish to kill you." Ragnar simply said, his words threatening.

Kjartan nodded his head, dropping his axe to the floor. "Drop your weapons, it's over." Kjartan told his men, unsheathing his sword. "Shield!"

"Ragnar, no." Birda turned to her lover. "No, Ragnar, don't give him the chance." The woman pleaded, holding onto his arm. "Burn the bastard!" Athena held onto Brida's arm, pulling her close to her side. They watched as Ragnar stepped forwards. "Ragnar!"

"You and me." Ragnar raised his sword and shield, his eyes on Kjartan.

Uhtred looked at the two woman beside him, before turning to the men around them. "Move! We make the square!" Uhtred instructed.

Athena pulled Brida backwards, holding onto the girl for each others comfort. Her eyes kept on Ragnar. She didn't mean for her grip to be strong against Brida's arm, but Brida did not care.

Ragnar and Kjartan stood in front of each other, swords and shields raised. "Your sister..." Kjartan uttered. "Made a good whore!" He yelled, hitting his shield against Ragnar's.

Athena clenched her jaw at that, her nails practically digging into Brida's arm. They needed Ragnar to win. She needed to see Kjartan dead.

Athena anxiously watched as the two men fought back and forth, squeezing her eyes shut at the words Kjartan hissed about Thyra.

She watched as Ragnar's sword flashed against Kjartan. "Come on, Ragnar!" She yelled out, her voice raspy. "Kill the bastard!" She encouraged.

But she sucked in a breath, watching as Kjartan pushed Ragnar to the floor. "Get up!" Brida screamed, her eye wide as she held onto Athena.

"I killed your father!" Kjartan hissed out, throwing his hand around as his sword connected with the ground. "I burned your mother!"

"Get up!" Athena yelled once more, watching as Ragnar rose to his feet, fighting off Kjartan. "Kill him!"

Ragnar blocked Kjartan's attack, hitting the shield from his hands with a yell. Athena grinned as Ragnar hit him to the ground.

Ragnar brought his shield against Kjartan, making the man lay on the ground. Ragnar raised his sword, stabbing it into Kjarta's arm.

Athena couldn't help but grin at the cry that left Kjartan's mouth. They had won. "Finish it, Ragnar!" She yelled, watching as Ragnar threw away Kjartan's sword.

Ragnar stepped on Kjartan's arm, pulling his sword from Kjartan's wrist. "For Valhalla you must give me my sword!" Kjartan cried out. "I won't beg you!"

Athena kept her eyes on the scene. She had been waiting for this moment—the death of Kjartan.

She watched as Kjartan raised his hand, only for Ragnar to lower his sword into his hand. But, Ragnar didn't stop.

The Dane continued to stab his sword into Kjartan, even when the man was dead. He didn't stop. Athena stepped back, her breaths heavy as she grinned at the scene.

But her face slowly dropped as Ragnar kept on going, showing no sign of stopping. He dropped his sword to the ground, unsheathing his dagger and lowering himself to the ground, as he continued to stab into his chest.

Athena's body trembled, blinking every time the blade stabbed into Kjartan. Ragnar was broken. Perhaps they all were.

Atlas, Ragnar dropped the dagger from his hand, his chest heaving up and down as he stared at Kjartan.

Athena slightly flinched as Ragnar let out a broken yell. Athena's bottom lip trembled as she watched her brother.

She didn't hesitate to step forward, dropping her sword to the ground. Her footsteps were slow as she moved towards her brother.

Athena crumbled to the ground, her knees digging into the ground as she looked at Ragnar.

She let out a muffled cry, resting her forehead against Ragnar's shoulder. Uhtred didn't hesitate to follow, holding onto both of them as they cried. "It is over." Uhtred muttered, holding onto his siblings. "It is over."

Athena let out a cry of her own, gripping into Ragnar's shoulder. She didn't want to let go. She did not want to loose anyone else—she couldn't.

She felt Uhtred freeze, his eyes elsewhere. "It's Thyra." He uttered. Athena lifted her head from Ragnar's shoulder. Her eyes slowly looked over to Thyra, her heart breaking once more as she looked over at her.

Uhtred was the first to stand, his eyes on Thyra. Athena stayed on the ground, her nails digging into the ground beneath her.

"You left me." Athena squeezed her eyes shut at the familiar words of Thyra. "The three of you, you left me!" She cried out, looking at her siblings.

Uhtred and Ragnar now stood, but Athena reused to move. "Thyra, no." Uhtred shook his head, his eyes watering at the sight of her. "I swear, we did not know you were alive."

Thyra shook her head, the dogs barking at her feet. "You are no better than the bastards who whored me." Athena lowered her head in shame, blinking away the tears.

"Thyra, please!"

The barks grew louder and louder. Athena couldn't bare it. "The price for my life is yours." Thyra stepped forwards, her words cold.

Athena abruptly stood up, her legs almost giving in as she watched her sister. She could not bear it.

She sucked in a breath, wiping at her eyes as she moved away from the scene, ignoring her brother's calls.

This was her fault. Thyra hated them because they didn't save her. Athena should have done more.

She let her feet take her where ever, she couldn't be there. She couldn't look at the hatred in Thyra's eyes.

Athena's eyes stayed on the sunset, not wanting to tear her gaze away. She tried to scrape the dried blood from her hands.

But she gave up, hanging her head in defeat. She had not spoken since she had seen Thyra. She couldn't face her sister.

Athena had failed to protect her little sister. She couldn't protect her. She didn't even realise tears had fallen from her eyes, but she felt the droplets fall onto her hand.

She did not raise her head as she heard footsteps, knowing who they belonged to. She kept her eyes on the sunrise, not tearing her gaze away. "Did my brother send you?" She uttered, her voice strained.

She stayed sat, her back against the wooden wall. She had remained in that position for hours, not moving. She just wanted to stay with her own thoughts.

"No, he did not." The rough voice of Finan made her turn her head, blinking her tears away. She watched as he pulled out a sword—her sword. "You left it."

Athena swallowed thickly, raising her hand to grab the hilt of her sword. She gently took it from his hands, moving to place it on her lap. It was still coated in Sven's blood. "Thank you." She muttered, her eyes glued to her sword.

She cleared her throat, looking up at him with a sad smile. "Do you, uh..." She sniffled, looking back down to her sword. "Have something I could clean this with?" She asked him.

Finan shook his head at her words, looking over his shoulder. "No, but I'll go get something." He offered, pointing behind him as Athena nodded, a grateful look on her face.

She watched as Finan turned in a hurry, leaving Athena in her thoughts once more. She looked back down at her sword, her brows pinching together.

In the midst of her anguish, Athena fought valiantly to stem the tide of tears cascading down her cheeks, each drop a poignant testament to her inner turmoil.

She did not like to feel weak, show people how weak she could be. She hated feeling weak. As she struggled to regain composure, her trembling hands reached up to brush away the evidence of her sorrow, yet the tears left their mark, glistening like dew on delicate petals, smudging the kohl around her eyes.

The tracks they etched upon her face told a silent tale of heartache and resilience, a poignant reminder of the depth of her emotions.

Despite her efforts to contain the flood of emotions, the stains of her tears remained, a bittersweet reminder of her vulnerability and strength intertwined.

She looked up from her sword when she heard Finan return, bowl and cloth in hand. He carefully kneeled to her side, placing them in front of her. "Thank you." Athena muttered, sending him a sad smile, that did not reach her eyes.

Finan nodded his head, a look of worry on his face as he stared at the Dane girl. His eyes flickered down to the growing bruise around her neck.

He had heard the screams that came from inside the hall, as did everyone. It was evident that it was her screams. But when she walked out, Sven's head in her hand, covered in blood, she had survived a fight against the man.

Athena carefully reached for the cloth, dipping it into the water and placing it against her sword. She heard Finan stand back up, making her lift her chin to look up at him.

"Stay."

Athena did not know what came over her as she reached to grab his hand, making him stop in his tracks and turn back around, looking down at the fragile woman.

She felt vulnerable. She had only shown her family her weakness, nobody else. She didn't know how to describe it, but she felt an odd comfort being around the Irish man.

Finan didn't question her request, but he nodded his head, moving to sit beside her. Athena gave him a thankful look, her eyes returning to her sword.

They sat in a comfortable silence, Athena washing the blood off of her sword. The only sound was the occasional splash of the water.

Athena swallowed thickly, her hands slight shaking as she placed down the cloth. "How are my brothers?" She muttered, placing eh sword down beside her, turning her face to the side.

"They're fine." Finan nodded his head, his eyes taking in every detail of the Dane's face. Her eyes were red and slightly puffy, tears staining her rosy cheeks.

Even with the kohl smudged around her eyes and cheeks, she looked mesmerising. Especially with the golden rays illuminating her features.

"And Thyra?" Athena almost choked on her own breath as she thought about her little sister. "Is she alright?"

Finan let out a sigh at that, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at the side of her face. "She's with Beocca."

Athena nodded her head, biting her inner cheek. She was glad that someone was with her. She sniffled, looking down at her blood stained hands.

Athena did not say anything as she reached for the cloth once more, her hands shaking as she brought the wet cloth against her hand, trying to scrape the blood off of her hands.

Finan watched her with a pitiful look, watching as her hands shook, failing to clean the blood off of her hands. He let out a sigh, gently reaching for her hands.

Athena stiffened for a moment, feeling his hand on top of hers. She did not pull her hand back, keeping her eyes on their hands. "Let me help ya." Finan offered, his tone gentle as he looked at the Dane.

Athena hesitated at first, watching him carefully. She slowly nodded her head, letting him turn her body around to face him.

She stared down at her hands, watching as Finan carefully held onto her hands, his torch tender, as if she was made out of porcelain.

In this peaceful interlude, the unspoken words danced in the stillness, creating a profound intimacy that only a tranquil silence between two souls could foster.

Athena felt a weight lift from her shoulders as the blood soon disappeared from her hands, painting the water a crimson colour.

But the Dane didn't expect for him to lift the cloth to her face, making her move backwards slightly, her eyes wide.

But she soon relaxed, her brows slightly pinching together as she stared at him. She didn't know what it was, but the gentle look that he sent her, she knew he meant to harm—she could rest him.

She breathed out, nodding her head as she leaned forwards, her eyes fluttering shut as she felt the cloth against her cheeks.

Finan tenderly brushed the cloth against her face, wiping off the blood that decorated her face. Athena shuddered at the contact, keeping her eyes closed as she relaxed.

Athena was thankful for his presence and help. She wanted to be alone, but she felt comfort from being with Finan.

— madeleines notes.

MY BABY GOT HER REVENGE UGH.

it makes me so sad bc their family is so broken, but they love each other dearly, that's why it breaks her when Thyra looked at her with betrayal.

And she's gonna break even more after the seasons...

UGH.

But Athena finding comfort in someone who's not her family or Melusine!?! The way she just freely opens up to Finan bc she feels safe UGH.

Love them to bits already.

But they will be slow-ish.

They are gonna be both in-denial. The "just friends" coded, but everyone else sees it but them. HAHAAH.

But Nah, I'm watching American horror story, season three, aka the coven. AND UHTRED IS IN IT!?!? HASHA

SORRY MADE ME GIGGLE

9th August 2024
6213 words