▃▃▃▃▃ ‧₊˚⊹ ‧₊˚⊹ ▃▃▃▃▃
THE LAST KINGDOM
𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 ─── ❛ Dane slayer

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

In a tranquil oasis nestled within the embrace of nature, Athena bathed in the ethereal waters of a secluded lake in Winchester.

The surroundings echoed with a serene symphony of rustling leaves and the gentle whispers of the wind, creating a harmonious melody that enveloped her in a cocoon of tranquility.

The water, crystal clear and reflecting the azure sky above, caressed her skin like a lover's touch, imbuing her with a sense of profound peace and serenity.

As Athena immersed herself in the cool embrace of the lake, all worries and burdens melted away, leaving only a profound sense of oneness with the natural world around her.

She submerged herself into the water, closing her eyes as she let the water soak into her skin.

Athena raised back up, a sigh leaving her lips as she wiped her hands over her face, wiping the water from her face.

As she stood in the lake, the water reached up to her neck, embracing her body in a cool sensation.

Running her hands through her hair, Athena scrunched the water from her hair, her eyes fluttering shut with a sigh.

She continued to squeeze the water from her hair when she heard footsteps behind her from the land.

She ignored the presence, each movement she made created a gentle symphony of ripples around her.

"Did you come to stare or?" Athena kept her eyes closed, basking in the cool water and the sun, keeping her back facing the land.

Hearing the chuckle from behind her, she turned around, the water around her moving as she did so. "Well now, why would I do such a thing?" Finan asked, feigning innocence as he looked down at her.

Athena rolled her eyes with a faint grin, shaking her head. "Lying does not look good on you." She teased, dropping her hands into the water.

Finan let out a dramatic sigh, grinning down at Athena. "You caught me, happy?" Athena let out a hum, raising her brow. "You and Uhtred have been called on by Alfred."

Athena let out a groan at that, saddened at the fact her peaceful bathe had been ruined. "For what? She asked with pursed lips, looking up at him with pinched brows.

Finan shrugged his shoulders, holding onto the armour around his neck. Athena rolled her eyes at that, muttering words to herself. "Does not matter." She sighed, walking towards land. She looked up at him with a raised brow. "Turn around."

Raising a brow at Athena's demand, an amused chuckle left Finan's lips. "What?Nothing I haven't seen before."

A scoff left Athena's lips as she raised her brow once more at his words, unimpressed. Finan wasn't wrong.

Finan and Athena have had some...well, hookups. Nobody knew of the little 'fling' they had going on. Nor did Athena or Finan know what it meant, both never admitting how they genuinely felt, unless they were both drunk and couldn't remember what either person said in the morning.

"Alright, alright." Finan chucked at the face she pulled, turning around with his hands held in mock surrender.

Athena rolled her eyes as she pulled herself up onto land, a shiver running down her spine as she left the water.

She reached over towards her clothes, putting on her blue dress and trousers, along with her usual blue cloak.

Athena ran her hands through her wet hair, turning around. A sigh left her lips as she rolled her eyes, seeing Finan look over his shoulder at her.

She pulled an unimpressed look once more, shaking her head. "Do you ever listen?" Athena asked, reaching down to grab her sword, wrapping the belt around her waist.

Finan chuckled at her words, shaking his head. "Nope." He grinned as he turned around, making Athena shake her head with a faint grin. "Come on, can't keep the King waiting."

"I will, he interrupted my relaxing moment." Athena complained with a groan, crossing her arms over her chest as she walked side by side with Finan through the forest. "What would he need?"

"He did not say." Finan shrugged his shoulders, turning his head to the side to look down at Athena.

She shook her head. They had been staying in Winchester for a couple of years, Athena and Uhtred being Alfred's Oathmen.

Leaves crunching in the distance made Athena stop, turning her head to the side with a slight frown. "What—"

Athena cut Finan off as she hit him in the chest, keeping her eyes on the bush in front of her.

Slowly, she brought her hand to the hilt of her sword, quietly stepping forwards with subtle steps.

Athena watched as the bush moved, but she didn't expect for a small white kitten to jump out. Athena immediately let go of her sword, crouching down to the kitten. "Hello." She softly spoke, slowly reaching out a hand to pet the animal in front of her.

The kitten looked up at her with wonder, rolling around in the grass, which made Athena's heart melt. "It's adorable." Athena looked over her shoulder and up at Finan.

She quickly turned back around, running her hand through the kittens white fur. The kitten quickly reached to her touch, purring and leaning into her hand. "I'm keeping it."

Finan crossed his arms over his chest, watching as Athena carefully picked up the small fur-ball. "What?"

Athena grinned, holding the kitten in her arms as she turned to Finan. "I'm keeping it." She repeated, watching as the kitten snuggled up in her arms. "And you—nor Uhtred, is telling me otherwise." She gave Finan a pointed look, cuddling the cat close.

Finan couldn't help but grin as Athena held the kitten in her arms, a gentle look on her face. "Tell Uhtred that." He shook his head as Athena grinned, running her fingers through the kittens fur.

"I'm older than him, I do not need his permission to own a kitten." Athena tilted her head to the side, continuing their path to the wall of Winchester. "Storria will love a kitten running around." She added, smile on her face.

"Come on, animal lover." Finan chuckled, moving her forwards with a grin. "You gonna name it?" He then asked, making Athena nod her head.

"Well, t'is a girl." Athena scratched underneath the kittens chin, earning another purr from the animal. "Snow." Athena then said with a grin, looking up at Finan. "It has white fur."

"Yeah, like your hair." Finan reached up to tug on the wet strands of her hair, making her let out a groan, pushing his hand away and watching as he grinned.

Athena had become more accustomed to Winchester whilst living there. She walked up the steps beside Uhtred, the pair bickering.

"You cannot keep the kitten." Uhtred told her, unsheathing his sword to give it to a guard.

Athena let out a whine, unsheathing her own sword. "I am. Stiorra already loves her, as does Mel." Athena shrugged, handing her sword to the same guard. "T'is final." She gave Uhtred a pointed look, making him sigh and nod his head, giving into his sister's pleads.

Athena grinned in victory, clapping her hands together as they walked through the halls, seeing King Alfred and Lady Ælswith watching their son, Edward, train with Steapa.

Athena watched with amusement, watching as Edward swung the sword around. The siblings moved to stand beside Alfred, watching the boy train.

"Uhtred, Athena." Alfred nodded his head at the pair. Athena flashed a small smile at the King and Ælswith, watching as the woman returned the gesture. "What is your opinion of Edward's sword skill?"

Athena turned back around to watch Steapa push Edward easily. "My opinion, Lord, Steapa is waisting his time." Uhtred simply said, making Athena purse her lips.

"Would you care to explain?" Ælswith immediately said, taking Uhtred's words with offence.

Athena shook her head at Uhtred, watching as he grinned. "I will, Lady." He simply said, stepping forward. "Steapa, stop." He said, walking towards the sword rack. "Stop this nonsense."

Athena rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "He cannot judge Edward's swords skills when he could barely hold a sword at your son's age." Athena jested with a grin, turning her head to the side to look at Alfred and Ælswith, watching as they both smiled at her comment.

"You should not be using swords." Uhtred said, picking up to staffs and throwing one to Edward. "Skills are taught with a staff."

"Thank you, lord."

"I prefer the weight of a sword." Edward complained with a pant, looking down at the staff in his hand.

"It is a sign of the Ætheling's bravery." Lady Ælswith stepped forward with a smile, looking over at her son.

Alfred reached out to stop Ælswith. "Let us watch, my dear." He quickly said to his wife. Athena bit her inner cheek as she looked back over to her brother and Edward.

"Show me what you've learnt." Uhtred nodded towards the boy, grabbing a shield as he stood infront of Edward.

"He learns by the day." Ælswith proudly said, clasping her hands together in front of her.

"Mother, please." Edward tilted his head to the side, shaking his head at his mother.

Uhtred slowly nodded his head with a grin. "Show me." He told Edward, raising the staff in his hand.

Athena watched as Edward swung first, his staff colliding with Uhtred's shield. She turned her head to the side when she felt someone beside her, immediately smiling when she saw the familiar priest. "Father Beocca." She politely nodded her head to the man.

Beocca nodded his head at Athena with a slight smile. "Lady Athena." He greeted her, then turning to Alfred. "Lord, that grubby Dane, Hæsten, is here." He said in a quiet whisper.

Athena immediately narrowed her eyes slightly at the mention of the man. She did not understand why Alfred accepted him as a trusted man.

Athena despised Hæsten from what both Æthelflæd and Melusine had told her about him. And she didn't trust him one bit.

"Put the child on his arse." Athena turned her head when she heard the irritating voice of Æthelwold, who leaned on the wall with a smug impression.

"It is not your place to speak." Ælswith immediately glared at the man, making Athena grin as Æthelwold's smug look disappeared.

"You told him, Lady." Athena uttered with a proud look, nodding her head as she looked over to the woman, who smiled back to her.

Uhtred continued to test Edward's sword skills, hitting him with the staff and pushing Edward to the ground. "Oh, bad luck, Edward." Æthelwold made fun out of the boy.

Athena raised her brows as she looked over at Æthelwold. "Perhaps you should go up there and train against my brother—or me, for that matter." Athena faked a smile, watching as Æthelwold's grin dropped once more. "Would you?"

Æthelwold lowered his head at her words, crossing his arms over her chest. "I am in no mood, lady."

Athena hummed, nodding her head with a grin. "Precisely what I thought." She looked away from the man, not missing the thankful look Ælswith sent her way.

"Uhtred, we have a visitor." Alfred then said, making Athena roll her eyes. "An old friend of you and your sister." 

"Can hardly call him a friend." She uttered, looking over to Uhtred with a displeased look, beside following Alfred.

Alfred had warned Athena to be respectful towards Hæsten, practically pleading with her to make no comments against the man.

Athena complained at first, but promised she wouldn't unless he stepped out of line, which Alfred was grateful for.

"His name is Sigurd." Hæsten spoke, talking about a Dane whom was a new enemy. "His men call him Bloodhair." He added, biting into his food.

Athena raised her brow, bringing her cup close to her lips as she stared over at the man. "I do not wish to know why." Ælswith sighed with a look of disgust. "Something depraved, I'm sure."

"We have a man watching Bloodhair's camp, Lord, but I'm curious, he hasn't ask you to join, Hæsten?" Uhtred asked, reaching for his own cup.

"He has." He suddenly said, making Athena narrow her eyes, not trusting him. "I declined." He simply said, pointing to the two siblings. "Like you two, I have given my word." He lowered his chicken as he continued. "Unlike you, I've accepted the King's missionary."

Athena shook her head, placing her cup down on the table. "Your word means nothing, Hæsten." Athena cleared her throat, sending him a fake smile.

"Does the leave among us not hold?" Hæsten asked with a smug look, making Athena bite down on her tongue. "Do my wife and children not wish to become Christian?"

"They do?" Ælswith asked with a frown.

Hæsten nodded his head. "They do, lady. I've asked the priest to arrange it." He pointed over to Beocca.

Ælswith smiled at that, looking at the man beside her. "That is good news."

"It is certainly news." Beocca uttered with surprise, looking over at Hæsten.

"It should be an occasion, Lord." Ælswith reached out to hold Alfred's hand.

Alfred slowly nodded his head. "I will consider it, my dear. Just as soon as we are done with Earl Sigurd, Bloodhair." He looked over to Hæsten. "Will he attack or raid?"

"He will raid, Lord, to assess your strength and readiness." Uhtred answered, seen as though Hæsten was stuffing his face. "It is you whom must attack." Alfred closed his eyes at that. "Destroy his army and send message to all Northmen."

Alfred shifted, clearly discomforted as he suddenly got up, exhaling sharply as he stood up, turning around and vomiting.

Athena sat up in her seat, her eyes wide as she looked over at the king. "Has my lord eaten something that does not agree?" Lady Ælswith immediately said with worry, reaching out towards her husband.

Athena bit her inner cheek as she watched the king. It was no news that Alfred had grown sickly, it was evident. "Too much wine, lord?" Hæsten subtly jested, making Athena turn to him with narrowed eyes.

Alfred slowly stood back up, bringing a shaking hand to his mouth as he looked down at the table. "Uhtred, you are right." He exhaled quickly as he leaned on the table. "Sigurd landing his ships on Wessex soil is unacceptable. We will attack where the winter bites."

"Soonest, lord." Uhtred nodded his head, looking up at Alfred with a hint of worry. Athena nodded her head in agreement, her features softening as she stared up at the sickly king.

"Then we march." He simply said as he turned to Beocca. "Beocca, send word to Æthelred of Mercia." Athena subtly grimaced at that. "This is a threat to both our lands. Our allies must join together with the guard of Wessex."

Beocca instantly nodded his head. "Yes, lord. I will draft the letter at once."

"Inform him, we shall join him at the Burh of Æscemgum." Alfred added as Beocca nodded once more. "I will now, uhm...take some air." He breathed in, flashing the table a small smile before leaving the table.

Both Beocca and Ælswith stood at that, but Lady Ælswith nodded her head at Beocca, signalling him to sit down. Athens softly smiled to the woman as she watched her leave with Alfred.

"How is the Lady Æthelflæd these days and the child?" Hæsten suddenly said, making the three remaining turn to him. "Who does the girl resemble—"

"You will watch your tongue, Hæsten." Athena immediately said with a glare, turning to him with a pointed look. "You utter one more word about the Lord's daughter and his grandchild, I will not hesitate to drive my knife through your neck." She calmly threatened as she gripped the knife in her hand, making Uhtred squeeze her arm.

"Oh, I am saying nothing that her husband, Æthelred, is not saying." Hæsten chuckled with a grin, making Athena clench her jaw, leaning forwards to stab the table between his fingers.

"Need I remind you, that you are in Æthelflæd's debt, Lord?" Athena tilted her head to the side, watching as he gazed down at the knife, then up to her. "You have men and ships because of her, solely because she did kill your Lord, Sigefrid."

Athena leaned back in her chair, pulling her knife with her as she watched Hæsten's eyes narrow at her words. "I have not forgotten what the bitch did." He harshly said, making Athena raise her brow. "I will never forget."

"That is enough." Uhtred warned the Dane.

"Tell her, I pray our paths will meet once again." He pointed a finger at both Athena and Uhtred.

Athena kissed her teeth at his words, crossing her arms over her chest. "I will tell her nothing of the sort. But, I will tell her that the man whom threatened her is dead." Athena shrugged her shoulders, offering him a grin. "She'll be pleased to hear that."

Uhtred squeezed Athena's arm once more, making her lean back in her seat, sending daggers to Hæsten as he continued to eat. "Bloodhair has a woman you would like, Uhtred." Hæsten then said, making Athena raise a brow. "Skåde. Her beauty blinds you like the sun, yet she has all the darkness of the night." He looked over to Athena for a moment. "She's a lot like you, Lady."

Athena couldn't help but be interested in that, leaning forwards onto the table. "She's a seer." He then said, making Athena tilt her head. Hæsten then turned to Beocca. "Shes of the devil, Father."

After the 'lovely' meal, Athena and Uhtred made their way to his home, seeing his children, Gisela and Thyra inside.

"What's this, Gisela?" Uhtred asked as he closed the door behind him, looking over to his pregnant wife. "We have servants to prepare food. You should be resting." He said, moving towards his son.

Athena grinned as Stiorra walked over to her, the kitten, snow, in her arms. "Have you been taking care of her?" Athena asked, crouching to Stiorra's level.

Stiorra grinned down at her aunt, nodding her head. "Of course, aunt Athena." She said, holding the kitten close to her. "Mother let me feed her!"

Athena chuckled at that, looking up to the smiling Gisela, who was placing the food on the table. Athena cupped Storria's face with a smile. "Help your mother prepare the meal." She quietly said, making Stiorra nod her head, carefully placing Snow into Athena's arms.

Athena stood back up, holding the kitten in her arms with a smile, watching as she got comfy in her arms. "He will be the last." She listened back into Gisela and Uhtred's conversation.

Athena softly chuckled, walking over to Thyra with a smile. "What are you making, sister?" Athena asked with interest, looking over Thyra's shoulder.

"Why, are you hungry?" Thyra asked with a smile, turning around as she moved to place the food on the table. "I could serve you some food, there is plenty."

"As much as I'd love to, I have already eaten." Athena squeezed her arm dish a thankful look, pressing a kiss to her sisters cheek.

Thyra nodded her head at Athena, moving to place some food in front of Stiorra. "Will Snow be staying with me when you and father go?" Stiorra then asked from her seat on the table. "I will take good care of her, I promise. As will my brother!" She nodded over to Young Uhtred, who grinned over towards Athena.

Athena raised her brow, grinning at her niece and nephew, titling her head to the side as she held her kitten in her arms. "Well, I was going to ask aunt Melusine..." Athena trailed off, watching as Stiorra looked up at her with a pleading look. "Fine, how can I resist your puppy eyes." She faked a defeated sigh, watching as Stiorra grinned in victory. "You have to take good care of her, okay?"

Stiorra nodded her head eagerly, eating the food in front of her. Athena smiled at her niece, running her hand through her kittens fur. "I promise." Stiorra mumbled, her mouth full of food.

"Stiorra, you will eat with your mouth closed." Gisela slightly scolded her daughter, moving to stand beside Athena.

Stiorra pouted, nodding her head as she stared up at her mother. "Sorry, mother." She said, scooping so more food into her spoon. "Brother, come and eat." Stiorra called over to Young Uhtred, watching as he moved to pet the kitten.

Athena chuckled as she watched she nephew with the kitten. "Athena, I swear you have turned my children into animal lovers." Gisela uttered to the woman beside her.

Athena shrugged her shoulders with a grin, patting Young Uhtred's cheek and signalling him to sit with his sister and eat. "What can I say, sister? I am an amazing aunt." She grinned, making Gisela roll her eyes, grin matching Athena's.

"And I'm sure you'll be an amazing mother." Gisela then said, taking Athena by suprise as she pursed her lips.

"I would not recommend you say that, Gisela." Uhtred said from behind them, a mocking look on his face.

Thyra nodded in agreement. "I have tried to have that conversation with her." She added, making Athena let out a sigh.

"I have no husband to bare children with." Athena pursed her lips with an awkward look, missing the side glance Gisela gave her.

Gisela was not blind. She and Melusine were the first to suspect something between Athena and Finan, but never voiced up upon the matter, knowing Athena would tell them about it when the time was right. It was not like they were hiding it very easily, even Uhtred started to suspect something.

"Who needs children when you have a kitten?" Athena quickly said, clearing her throat as she looked down at the sleeping kitten in her arms.

Gisela chuckled at Athena's words, knowing how much Athena avoided that conversation. "You have had that animal for less than a day." Gisela looked down at the kitten, running her fingers through its white fur.

"It was destined to be." Athena shrugged her shoulders with a smile. "She came straight to me. And even if she didn't, I would have made Finan chase after it." She grinned, pressing a kiss to the kittens head.

Gisela rolled her eyes at her good-sister, having put up with her antics long enough to know that her words were true. "Yes, you would've."

— madeleines notes.

FIRST CHAPTER OF SEASON THREE WAHOOO

just told Jordan that I had to write some funny and cutsie scenes before the depressing shiz starts.

ATHENA AND HER KITTY, SNOW.

That kitten is staying, literally scrap me.

And Stiorra will look after that kitten I swear 🙌🙌

I love writing Athena with Storria and Young Uhtred bc the season four plot with them are gonna be adorable.

Also....

YES. I have finally made Athena and Finan have a cheeky hook up, well, PLURAL. But they are pussies to express how they actually feel.

So they're friends with benefits guys🥺🥺 until one of them has the balls to tell the other how they feel.

Like everyone knows that something must be going on between them, they're just waiting.

But the wait will be no longer guys!! I PROMISE.

but this season is gonna be so depressive....

Like so many people die.... Like close to home...

ANWYAYS. It is 4 am so have this chapter, that is probably rlly bad but AYE WELL, I'm just a girl 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺😁😁😁😁

Nah this chapter was basically just Athena beefing people!! BAHAH. Nah she genuinely despises Æthelwold it makes me laugh.

They have had a hatred for eachother since season one HAHAAH. Athena's always just seen him and gone "I don't trust this son of a bitch, he is sus."

BAHAA. But I hope you all liked this chapter, lots of love <3

25th August 2024
4030 words