▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄 ─── ❛ king vs danes

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

Athena sometimes enjoyed silence—how the quiet soothed her. She sat on the floor of her tent, fidgeting with the many rings around her fingers.

Athena closed her eyes for a moment as fingers ran through her hair. Melusine sat behind her, carefully braiding her hair.

Braids were something she missed—dearly.

So when Melusine had walked in on Athena struggling to do one simple braid, she offered help.

Athena was hesitant at first, looking the nun up and down before accepting her help. "May I speak freely?" Melusine's soft voice made Athena raise her head.

"Of course." Athena uttered, carefully nodding her head as she spoke. "You do not need to ask permission to speak, Melusine." Athena couldn't help but grin, making Athena gently chuckle.

"Aren't Danes supposed to know how to braid?" Melusine carefully asked, wearily looking down at the Dane as she braided her hair.

Athena chuckled, nodding her head as she casted her eyes back down to her rings. "Some." She hummed. "I was too busy practicing my sword skills against my brother and father to learn how to braid."

"Uhtred?" Melusine asked with a fond smile, her fingers gracefully combing through the Dane's silver locks.

Athena bit the inside of her cheek, her smile slowly fading. "No. My older brother." Athena breathed in, slowly nodding her head. "His name is Ragnar." She sadly smiled as she spoke about her big brother. "We use to bicker and see who would be the best swordsman."

"I suppose you were?" Melusine couldn't help but smile, jesting with the Dane, who proudly hummed.

"Of course." Athena smirked, slightly looking over her shoulder at the brunette. "He may be older, but I knocked him on his arse every time." She chuckled once more, playing with her owl ring she had crafted. "Then when Uhtred came along, I had more competition."

"Did you defeat them both?" Melusine asked, smile still on her face as she tied one of the braids. Melusine was surprised at the fact the Dane was opening up to her so freely.

"Damn right." Athena smirked in victory. "Uhtred learned most of his skills from me." She shrugged her shoulders, slightly shivering as Melusine's fingers ran through her hair once more. "He had so much courage for a young Saxon child. And my family—mostly me—made him into one of the best Dane warriors."

Melusine smiled once more, finishing Athena's braids with grace. She had done two plaits, connecting it into one. Melusine hesitated before speaking: "So are they your only siblings?" She carefully asked, not wanting to intrude on Athena's life.

Athena's eyes saddened at that, heavily breathing in as she nodded her head. "They are now." She quietly said, her throat slowly closing up on her, unintentionally. "I had a sister."

Melusine took notice of how the Dane's shoulders had tensed, her whole mood switching. She felt guilty for asking such questions. "My apologies, Lady. I did not wish to upset you."

Athena merely shook her head once more, sniffling sadly as she carefully truthfully around. "You did not upset me." Athena uttered, looking up at her with a soft look. "It is good to remember the ones we lost." She nodded her head. "Thyra was the one whom braided my hair, before every battle."

"She sounds lovely." Melusine smiled sweetly at her. It was strange—A Dane and a nun. But they both didn't care. They both were kind, in their own ways. Maybe the two women were familiar in certain ways. "She'll be in a better place."

"I fear I think she isn't." Athena uttered, carefully standing up, wafting the dust off of her dress as she sat beside Melusine on the bed. "She did not die a warriors death. She was murdered by her own—Dane's. I do not know if she is in Valhalla."

Melusine hesitated, looking at the side of Dane's face. She took in Athena's features. A scar nearly decorated on her temple, the faint freckles on her face.

How her nose scrunched up every time she spoke. And how there was a dark colour around her eyes, like makeup, bringing out the blueness of her iris'.

Melusine slowly reached her hand up, hesitantly pressing her palm against Athena's back in a comforting manner. She couldn't help but smile as Athena didn't cower from her touch, but leaned into it. "Thank you." Athena mumbled, thankful for her comfort.

But their moment was rudely interrupted as the flaps of Athena's tent were opened. Both women turned their heads, looking over to see Leofric lower his head as he walked in.

"Yes, tall man?" Athena sat up, her soft features disappearing as she jested with the man. Melusine was surprised how quick Athena could mask emotions, she'd have to lean one day. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" She continued to jest, grinning even more as he let out a chuckle.

"Your brother pestered me to get you whilst he speaks to the priest." Leofric grunted, biting back a grin at her sarcasm.

Athena rolled her eyes, standing up and pulling Melusine up with her. "And my brother could not grace me with his presence." Athena tsked, reached over to grab her sword and sheath. "We must not keep him waiting, we have placed to me." She grinned, patting Leofric's arm as she left her tent, Melusine at her side.

Athena quietly sat on a horse, a horse that wasn't hers. She was upset, but she knew she'd find her horse.

Athena held onto the reigns of the horse, looking around as they came to Untred's home.

A frown graced her features as she looked at the bare village. "There is pain here for you, my love." Iseult uttered as she turned to Uhtred. Athena sucked in a breath as she turned to the woman beside her, then Uhtred.

Uhtred was quick to pull on the reigns of his horse, guiding it forwards in a fast manner. Athena and Leofric followed quickly, the others trailing behind.

Uhtred swiftly got off his horse, Athena and Leofric trailing behind as he walked in a rushed manner.

Athena bit on her inner cheek, looking around at the scattered bodies. Uhtred moved around to check who lay dead on the ground. "Do you know them?" Leofric asked.

"Tenants." Uhtred uttered, taking out his dagger as he wearily looked around. Athena swiftly took out her own sword, following behind her brother.

Uhtred stepped into his home, looking around. Athena could tell he was nervous, as was she, but she masked it better than he ever could.

Athena and Leofric watched as he looked out one of the windows and his face dropped. He swiftly moved past them, walking outside and around the house.

Athena sucked in a breath once more, her eyes landing on the small grave. Her heart dropped.

Uhtred hands dug into the fresh mud in a fast manner, eager to see who lay underneath the earth. Athena slowly brought her hand to her mouth, realisation hitting in.

This was his child's grave—her nephews grave.

Uhtred slowly picked up the wrapped up body, his body shaking as he placed it on the ground. He had lost his first son.

A cry left his lips. A father morning for his child. Athena's eyes watered, her hands slightly shaking. Death had taken the child—his child.

Athena's feet were glued to the ground, like an invisible force was stopping her from comforting her brother.

A soft hand on her back, the comforting hand that belonged to Iseult urged her forward, a look of sadness on her own features. "He needs you." Iseult whispered, her words full of knowing as she urged Athena to walk towards her brother.

And as if the invisible force had disappeared, her feet and legs moved on their own, carrying her to her brother.

Athena fell to her knees beside her brother, slowly reaching to hold his arm and press her forehead against his shoulder.

No parent should ever have their child pass before them. But the world was cruel. Fate doesn't always work the way people plan.

Athena held onto Uhtred, afraid if she'd let go, he'd break. She squeezed into his arm, blinking away her own tears. She should not mourn a child that wasn't hers.

She had looked after her nephew numerous of times, helping Mildrith with whatever the child needed. She cherished her nephew and it broke her to see such a devastating thing.

"We shall bury the dead and pray for their souls." Alfred spoke behind them, watching the scene with a sad look of his own.

"When you are ready." Beocca was quick to add.

Athena squeezed her eyes shut, silencing her own cries as she held onto Uhtred. "I am sorry, brother." She uttered, sniffling as she blinked away her own tears—her selfish tears.

Why should she mourn a child that wasn't hers? She thought she should grieve, but she couldn't help it.

"I would like to say a prayer for Uhtred, son of Uhtred." Beocca continued, his voice slightly breaking at the scene before him.

Athena didn't leave her brother's side, holding onto him as he leaned into her. She was there to comfort him, holding him as he cried. All Athena could do was hold him, muttering words to try and comfort him.

Uhtred was grateful to have her at his side, grateful for his younger sister's presence. Athena was the only family he had left now. And like she would, he would protect her.

He was with Thyra now, and their family.

That night, Athena couldn't seek sleep. She tried everything, until she had finally drifted off.

Only to be rudely awakened as someone shook her awake. Without opening her eyes, she grabbed her dagger on her desk, skilfully placing it againt the persons throat.

When she opened her eyes, she let out a groan, placing the dagger down and sitting up, turning her head back to Uhtred. "Why must you wake me? Is everything alright?" She ran her hands over her face, her voice soft.

"Thyra lives."

Athena stiffened at Uhtred's words, her eyes wide as she stared up at him. "What?" She uttered, a lump stuck in her throat as she watched him say down.

"Iseult saw it. She's alive." Uhtred repeated, his eyes full of hope as he looked at his older sister.

Athena had frozen at his words, holding onto the fur around her body. Was it true? Was her little sister really alive? "Where?" Was all she could muster up.

"The north." Uhtred breathed in, a small smile on his face as he looked at her. "She lives, and after battle, our destiny is to travel north—to get her."

Athena let out a scoff, not a bitter one, but a hopeful one. Her sister lived. Athena couldn't help the smile that rose onto her face at the news of her sister.

Athena swiftly sat up, wrapping her arms around Uhtred in a hug. She was thrilled. Thyra was alive and well, none of her siblings were dead—they were all alive.

"Where is Iseult?" Athena then asked, keeping her chin on Uhtred's shoulder. "I'd like to show my thanks."

"She's asleep. I must go back." Uhtred then said as Athena nodded her head, understanding, pulling out of the hug with a smile.

"When she awakes, tell her I said thank you." She pressed a kiss against Uhtred's cheek, squeezing his arm. She then let out a dramatic sigh, falling back onto her bed. "Now, if you'll excuse me, brother, I am tried and seek sleep." She nudged him with her leg, making him chuckle as he sat up.

Before he left, he leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, wishing her a good sleep.

Athena did find sleep that night. Thyra was alive. And Athena would do anything to glance upon her sister—hold her again. They could be a family once more.

The sun beamed down on the village, a glistening gold glaring down at them. Athena couldn't help but bask in the sun and warmth, her hand on her new horses snout.

It was now morning and she had awoken early, tending to her horse with a smile. Her smile hadn't faulted since the news of Thyra.

She felt an arm nudge hers, turning to see Leofric move to stand beside her. "What's got you in a cheery mood, Dane?" Leofric asked, making Athena roll her eyes, her smile not faltering.

"I am merely enjoying the sun, tall man." She smirked, raising her brow as she turned to him, looking up at him as he chuckled at her comment.

Athena turned when she heard more footsteps, seeing Melusine walk towards her with some water. "Here." Melusine held out the cup for her to take.

Athena nodded her head with a grateful smile, taking the cup. "Thank you." Athena smiled, bringing the cup to her lips as she turned back to the horse.

Leofric waited for Melusine to walk away before speaking up once more. "I didn't know Danes be-friended nuns."

Athena turned to him once more, shaking her head at his comment. "Oh, do not worry, tall man. You are still my friend." She jested, nudging his arm with her own.

"Unfortunately." Leofric uttered, making Athena turn to look up with him with a raised brow.

She merely hummed, turning back to her horse as she gently stroked its head. She bit back a grin, holding the cup of water in her hands.

Before Leofric could even comprehend her scheme, the water in her cup was now slashed onto him. "That is what you get." She childishly, watching as he wiped the water off of himself. "For being so rude to your only friend."

Before Leofric could get payback, Uhtred and Iseult had walked towards them. "Morning." He offered them a nod, placing his sword and fur down.

Athena turned to Iseult, her grin widening as she looked at the woman. Iseult immediately knew, mimicking her smile.

But Athena's smile soon dropped, a hiss leaving her lips as her hand came to hold the back of her head. She quickly turned, seeing Leofric place his hand down, looking away.

Athena rolled her eyes, watching as Halig placed something down. "He means did you hump well?" Halig jested, grin on his face as he joined the conversation.

"I know what he means." Uhtred uttered, casting Halig a look as Iseult walked towards Uhtred.

"Sleep well, lady?" Halig continued, nodding his head at Iseult as Athena merely shook her head, biting back a grin at the bickering.

Leofric rose his hand once more, slapping the back of Halig's head, just like he had Athena, but more rougher.

"Hurts, doesn't it." Athena uttered to Halig, still holding onto the back of her head as Halig chuckled, walking away with a nod.

"If I may speak to you all." They turned at Alfred's voice, Father Beocca and the other priest behind him. "We are yet to complete the first segment of our journey and reach Odda, it's important we begin the second." Alfred spoke as they formed a group in front of him.

Athena flashed Melusine another smile as the brunette stood beside her. "Word of our army's gathering point must be dispatched to further reaches of our land." Alfred continued to speak to them, hands clasped in front of him. "Brother added here will be my crush messenger." He pointed to the priest on the right of him.

Alfred then stopped forwards, nodding towards Halig. "Halig." He uttered.

"Yes, lord." Halig immediately said, his eyes wide as he spoke to the king.

Alfred continued to step towards him, gently placing his hand on Halig's shoulder. "You will also be my voice."

"I will, Lord." Halig smiled, nodding his head, as if he had been given an opportunity of a life time.

"And me, Lord." Hild stepped beside Halig, looking up to the king.

"Hild?" Alfred turned to her, a gentle look on his face as he raised his brow.

"Lord." They all turned to Leofric. "She is a woman." Athena narrowed her eyes at him, roughly nudging his side.

"I'm as good as a horseman as anyone here." Hild defended herself, lifting her head high as she spoke. Melusine couldn't help but admire her friend at her braveness, something she never thought she could do. "If it means more Danes will die, then I'll do it."

Alfred slowly nodded his head. "Yes, Hild." He gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "You will."

— madeleines notes

Second go last chapter of season one YAY.

Ugh. One death is gonna break me. So I had to write some scenes of friendship *cough cough* Leofric.

Me and Jordan was just speaking about this and she hates me.

Sorry Jordan, lots of love 😖🫡🙌🎀

But yeah, IN LIKE 3 CHAPTERS, HUBBY WILL BE INTRODUCED YAYAYY. AND SO WILL SIHTRIC. Ugh sorry.

But Athena's and Uhtred's sibling bond, UGH FUCKING CRYING MY HEART OUT, IT MEANS THE WORLD!!!

Sorry :(

But let's ignore the fact it's almost 5 am and let's be glad I have updated a chapter. YAY 🎀🫡

But your girl was so happy, finally got to play until dawn ( wanted to see my bbg rami malek and Hayden and Brett and Jordan . ) BARK BARK

Sorry. I'm ranting but who cares yall love me and my rants🎀

But oh god, I am dreading. It's August so.. results day..

Lord give me the STRENGTH.

I beg I have passed everything or I'm going to cry in that hall. And if I see anyone sad that they didn't get a nine, I'm gonna throw hands bc I know I'm barely scraping a 4 in maths and science, AND I NEED THEM BOTH!?!?

Can we pls go back in time when GCSEs didn't matter. I want to work with sea animals and animals, thank you.

Okay enough ranting I need sleep <3

2nd August 2024
3030 words