▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 ─── ❛ battle of tenttenhall

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

Uhtred, Sihtric and Osferth had left Mercia and Athena, Finan and Melusine were left to make sure Æthelflæd was safe.

Athena and Finan sat outside of Æthelflæd's chambers. Athena sat cleaning her sword, a grin on her face.

It was not oblivious that Athena was more than thrilled that Æthelflæd now ruled Mercia. That is what she had wished for.

Finan glanced over at her, an amused look on his face as he watched her sharpen her dagger. He then chuckled before speaking, his voice soft and teasing. "You seem awfully happy today."

Athena looked up from her sword, grin still on her face as she nodded her head. "That I am. I am happy for Æthelflæd." She simply stated. "It is nice to see a woman in charge for a change."

Finan chuckled again, unable to hide the smile creeping onto his face at Athena's smile. He then leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he regarded her with a small smirk. "You seem to be taking the Edward situation particularly well." Athena glanced back up at him with a raised brow. "I expected you to be more...frustrated with Edward's actions."

"Of course I am." Athena nodded her head, sheathing her dagger as she looked over at him with furrowed brows. "But, he rules in Wessex, not Mercia. It will not last long."

Finan nodded, his expression contemplative as he took in Athena's words. He watched her sheathe her dagger, his eyes admiring the movement before shifting back to her. "You're right—hopefully." She rolled her eyes at that.

But, Athena hummed, slowly nodding her head as she pursed her lips. "I hope whatever Uhtred had planned, it will work." She sighed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"If there's anyone who can pull this off, it's Uhtred. It's like he has a talent for it." Finan said, trying to reassure Athena and himself.

Athena chuckled at that, nodding her head in agreement with a faint grin. "That bastard does use his brain once in a while."

Finan let out a small laugh, shaking his head in amusement. "That he does. One might call it a miracle."

"Athena! Finan!" The pair quickly turned her head at that, Athena raising her brow as she watched Stiorra, Melusine, Thyra and Atlas move towards them, grins on their faces. "You have to bring Lady Æthelflæd outside." Stiorra grinned, moving to stand beside Athena as Thyra sat on her back.

"She has to see what's happening." Melusine added, holding onto Atlas' hand with a grin. "Quickly."

Athena's brows pinched together as she turned to Finan, whom looked just as confused as her. But Athena did not question her niece as she stood, quickly knocking on Æthelflæd's door and informing her.

The seven all quickly rushed outside, moving to walk towards the rampart, where Edward and his men were already stood on.

Athena edged closer to Æthelflæd, her hand ghosting over the woman's arm as they walked up the steps.

They heard cheers from outside, which made Athena's brows furrow together. She watched as Stiorra placed Thyra on the ground and Finan picked her up and placed her on his shoulders.

The group moved over to the railings, Aldhelm joining them as they all look down. And Athena couldn't help but grin as she looked down at Uhtred, Sihtric and Osferth with an army of men behind them.

"Your fyrd are here for you, Lady of Mercia." Uhtred said in a taunting voice, looking up at Æthelflæd before side glancing Edward, whom was not best pleased. "Now you have enough men to fight your brother."

Athena's grin widened as she shared a look with Melusine as the fyrd cheered. "And what order would you like to give your army?" Uhtred continued.

"To remain calm!" Æthelflæd's voice grew loud over the cheers of the men. "I will not sacrifice a single Mercian life unless it is absolutely necessary." Athena glanced to the side with a proud smile on her face. "The fyrd will remain outside. But I have no doubt that Ægelesburg will soon be in Mercian control once again!" She then turned around to the other side, looking down at Edward's guards. "Open the gates for Lord Uhtred. There is no need for them to be closed any longer."

No one made a move, making Æthelflæd look over to her brother. "My lord, open them and you have my word that the fyrd will not enter the town without invitation!" She then shook her head. "There need be no conflict between us."

Athena pursed her lips as she looked over her shoulder at Edward, whom nodded down to his guards. His guard then gestured for the gates to be open, and they were.

Athena watched as Uhtred, Sihtric and Osferth rode through the gates, the fyrd staying outside as they cheered.

"That is amazing!" Stiorra chuckled, looking down at the fyrd as she looked over the railings, Melusine's hand ghosting over her back to make sure she didn't fall forwards.

Athena couldn't help but chuckle at her nieces words, nodding her head in agreement. "Your father has done it this time."

"Aye." Finan nodded in agreement, grin on his face as the group moved towards the steps, walking down them. "The bastard thinks." He added, placing Thyra on his hip.

Thyra giggled at her father's words, fidgeting with his armour as they all walked towards Uhtred, Sihtric and Osferth. "Bastard." She repeated with a grin.

Athena's eyes widened as her lips pursed, sharing a look with Finan as Stiorra let out a loud laugh, holding onto her stomach. "Oi, you can't be sayin' tha'." Finan playfully scolded, tickling his daughter's side as she giggled.

Melusine shook her head as she rolled her eyes, placing Atlas on the floor. "Trust you fools to raise a child together." She uttered, making Athena turn to her with a raised brow. "You will never repeat those words, yes?" She turned to Atlas, whom looked confused as he looked around.

"He says bastard more than I!" Athena said in a defensive tone, wafting Finan's other arm with her brow still raised. "I never curse!"

"Well, that's a lie." Finan turned to her, shaking his head as Athena wafted his arm once more.

Melusine rolled her eyes once more, muttering 'children' under her breath. But her unamused look soon turned into a grin as her eyes landed on Sihtric, whom got off his horse.

Stiorra turned to Finan and Thyra, holding her arms out with a grin. "Come to your favourite cousin, T."

Thyra giggled as Finan gently passed her into Stiorra's arms, wrapping her little arms around her neck as Athena softly smiled at that.

Athena turned her attention to her brother, her smile turning into a grin as she stood in front of him. "You have out done us all, brother." Athena patted his arm as a tsk left her lips. "Men of Cuccham?"

"That they are." Uhtred grinned, looking over his shoulder at the fyrd outside the gates. "I only hope I do not loose any men." He jested, making Athena chuckle, nodding her head in agreement. "Oh, and we brought something."

Athena's eyes immediately widened with interest, tilting her head to the side. "My cat?" She asked, hopefully. She had missed her cat and hoped Snow was well.

"No." Uhtred shook his head, making Athena let out a dramatic sigh, making Uhtred ruffle her hair up. "She is well and being looked after, but we had something made." Athena's interest was spiked once more, watching as Uhtred nodded at Osferth to come over.

Athena softly smiled at the boy, crossing her arms over her chest as she watched Osferth move from his horse, something wrapped in his hands. "What is it?" Athena raised her brow.

"Open it." Uhtred nudged her arm, grin on his face as Athena carefully took the object from Osferth's hands.

And Athena did not need to be told as she unwrapped the object, her eyes widening as she held onto the sword handle.

Uhtred's grin widened at her reaction, watching as she inspected the steel in her hand, and the stitching on the handle. "We had it made quickly, it was Osferth's idea." Uhtred informed as Athena spun the sword in her hand, grin painting her face. "He added the owl."

A disbelieved chuckle left her lips as she looked up at Osferth, whom softly smiled down at her, shrugging his shoulders. "It was nothing, really—"

His words were cut short as Athena embraced Osferth into a hug, a chuckle leaving her lips. "Thank you!" She sighed, pulling out of the hug as she looked back down to the sword. "I really appreciate it, Osferth." She added, taking out her old sword and handing it to Uhtred, so she could sheath her new sword.

"It is nothing, really." Osferth shook his head, smile still on his face as they watched Athena's child-like reaction. "Your other sword was special to you, it had a meaning."

Athena smiled up at him once more, pursing her lips as she nodded her head. "Oh, she is getting emotional." Athena turned around at Sihtric's words, tilting her head to the side.

"Shut it, rat-Dane."

Athena had decided to check up on her horse and feed it in the stables. She sat at her horses side, running her hand through the horses white mane.

She only looked over her shoulder as she heard heavy footsteps, her shoulders relaxing as her eyes landed on Young Uhtred. "To what do I owe the pleasure, dear nephew?" She softly smiled, standing to her feet.

Young Uhtred fidgeted with the cross around his neck, an unsure look on his face as he looked towards Athena. "Stiorra said you would be here. I wanted to speak to you."

Athena placed down the hay in her hands, placing it down on the ground as she turned her full attention to Young Uhtred. "You have found me. What is it you would like to speak about?"

"I am to leave, go back to my church." He admitted, making Athena raise her brow with a small frown. "I wanted to say my farewell before I leave."

"Does your father know about this?" Athena softly questioned, tilting her head to the side. But Young Uhtred shook his head, making Athena purse her lips. "He will be devastated if you leave without saying your farewells to him."

He slowly nodded his head at that, a sigh leaving his lips. "That I know." He let go of his cross around his neck. "I do not want him to stop me."

"Why would you leave?" Athena asked, her voice gentle as she stared at her nephew with a gentle look. "Is it something your father did? Was it the baptism?"

"No." Young Uhtred shook his head, a troubled expression on his features. "It is true my father tests my faith." Athena slowly nodded her head in agreement. "But, I must follow my calling, aunt. To serve God and only God."

Athena nodded her head once more in understanding, a soft smile on her lips. "If that is what you must do, I will not stop you." She shook her head, gently reaching out to hold onto his hand and squeezing it. "You must never forget your faith, never. And if that means returning to your church, then so be it."

Young Uhtred reciprocated her smile, grateful for her understanding his faith. Athena had never judged him for his faith and never would. She had her Gods and so be it. She had grown to understand that people had other faiths and belief's. Perhaps that was because of Melusine and Osferth, the most religious people in their group, but she had grown to understand.

"Thank you for understanding." Young Uhtred held a look of gratitude as he softly smiled. "I will miss you."

Athena tilted her head with a soft look, stepping forwards to pull Young Uhtred into a hug. "As will I." She said as Young Uhtred accepted her embrace. "You have grown, your mother would be proud of the man you have become." She added, pulling away from the hug as placing her hand on the side of his face. "You have her heart, but your father's looks." She teased, making Young Uhtred roll his eyes. "You will be careful, yes?" Athena's face went serious for a moment.

"I swear it."

"If not, I will hunt you down." She sent him a pointed look. "Why don't I take you back to your church so you are not alone." She then quickly said, shrugging her shoulders.

Young Uhtred chuckled at her words, shaking his head with a smile. "I will be fine."

"Swear it to me again. Your father will have my head if he finds out you are hurt and I let you leave alone."

"I swear."

Athena slowly nodded her head, a hum leaving her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Good, good."

Giggles left the children's lips as they all crowded around Melusine and Eadith. Thyra and Ælfwynn huddled together, sitting in front of the two women with a look of awe painted onto their faces.

Atlas and Æthelstan ran around them, playing a game as they ran around the tree. The two girls watched as Melusine and Eadith picked up flowers and created a bracelet.

"Can you make me one, aunt Mel?" Thyra asked, lying flat on her stomach, her chin in her hands as she stared up at the older woman.

Melusine softly smiled at the young girl, nodding her head as she concentrated on the daisy chain she was making. "Of course. We will make one for both of you."

"And Atlas and Æthelstan?" Ælfwynn added, a childish giggle leaving her lips as she pointed towards the boys.

Eadith nodded her head, a chuckle leaving her lips as she looked over at the two. "If they do wish to have one, yes."

"They will love it!" Thyra giggled, leaning into Ælfwynn's side with a mischievous look. "They can be princesses!"

Ælfwynn bursted into laughter at that, nodding her head as the two older women shared a look of amusement.

"Thyra, hold out your arm, sweet thing." Melusine softly said, making Thyra sit up as she reached her arm out.

Melusine leaned forwards as she tied the daisy chain around Thyra's wrist. Thyra's grin never faltered as she looked at the daisy's around her wrist. "It is beautiful, aunt Mel!" Thyra giggled, twirling it around her wrist. "Thank you!"

"That is truly beautiful!" Ælfwynn added, brushing a finger over the daisy chain. "Is mine ready?"

Eadith nodded her head with a smile, leaning forwards as Ælfwynn outstretched her arm, watching as the older woman tied the daisy chain around her wrist.

"I love it!" Ælfwynn giggled, admiring the flowers around her wrist as Thyra put their arms together. "We are the same! I am never taking mine off!"

"Neither! It is like we are sisters!" Thyra added, nodding her head with a smile. Melusine and Eadith watched with a smile, knowing the two children's friendship was strong.

Everyone looked over their shoulders as Æthelflæd and a guard walked towards them. Ælfwynn and Thyra jumped to their feet, grins on their faces. "Mother, come sit with us!" Ælfwynn spoke, holding onto Thyra's hand. "We are making daisy chains! Thyra and I are matching!"

Æthelflæd softly smiled at that, nodding her head. "In a moment. First I must talk to Eadith." She nodded towards the redhead, whom stood to her feet with Melusine.

"I will play with the children." Melusine softly smiled at Eadith, squeezing her arm as Eadith nodded her head, walking towards Æthelflæd. Melusine turned her attention to the other four, watching as Atlas and Æthelstan stopped their game. "Should we play hide and seek?"

All four children cheered at that, nodding their heads with an eager expression. Melusine chuckled as she nodded her head.

Athena sat with pursed lips, looking around the table and the miserable faces. She pulled an awkward look as she looked down at her cup of ale.

Uhtred also looked around the table, his eyes landing on Athena. Athena turned to him, subtly gesturing to the group, making Uhtred sigh. "I know you think we lost out on wealth and power." The other four turned to him at his words. "But, we have something greater than that."

"Please do not say our friendship." Finan groaned, dropping his hands from his face as he turned to Uhtred.

The table let out quiet chuckles at that and Athena grinned, nudging Finan's arm with an amused look.

Uhtred let out another sigh, resting his chin in his hands. "We need more ale." He said, pointing to the empty jug.

"If that will make you miserable bastards happy." Athena teased, carefully standing to her feet as she leaned her hand on Finan and Osferth's shoulders. "More ale it is, then." She hummed, reaching to grab the ale jug.

"And I thought you never cursed." Finan mocked, making Athena roll her eyes as she hit the back of his head, moving away from the laughing table.

She made her way through the alehouse, carefully loving past the rowdy men as she walked towards the front.

Athena softly smiled at the woman, placing the empty jug down on the table. "Another jug of ale, please." She said, looking over at the table. A sigh then left her lips. "Make it your strongest ale."

The woman nodded her head, grabbing into the jug as she turned around. Athena pursed her lips, leaning onto the table as she looked down at it.

A coin was then placed in front of her, making Athena glance at the coin, then to the side to see Eadith. "I will pay for your ale." The redhead started, making Athena raised her brow as she turned her body to the side. "And when you leave Ægelesburg, you might slow me go travel with you, for safe passage."

Athena tilted her head to the side as she looked at Eadith. Athena had grown to like the woman. So, a hum left her lips as she nodded her head. "Another woman with the group would be nice." Eadith grinned at that. "Then, make it two jugs of ale." She turned to the barmaid, whom nodded her head.

Eadith rose her brow at that, making Athena turn to her with a shrug. "I am stuck with a miserable bunch, free ale will make them happy."

— madeleines notes.

RAH FINALLY POSTED AFTER SEVEN DAYS OOPS.

Your girl has been busy with Halloween and college so my apologies.

But I have a maths re sit exam today so wish me luck. *CRIES*

But I can't believe ive almost finished season four CRIES.

But it gets juicy in the next couple of chapters, TRUST ME. Especially with Sigtryggr... HEHEHEH.

But I hope you liked this calm chapter bc it had no drama, just happy moments!!

BUT ATHENA HAS A SWORD!! We thank Osferth. And we know it's gonna hurt when season five comes. CRIES

ANYWAYS!!!

6th November 2024
4227 words.