A/N: Hi readers, heres the next chapter, take it slow, there won't be another update until next Friday.

Chapter Thirteen:

Amidst the Furs.

'I could stand watch brother, while you take her.' Harald's offer had not gone without contemplation but she was no slave, nor a quivering, empty sheath fighting against his advances. Of course, such thoughts crossed his mind and any man with eyes would mull over the same ambition but the seer had foretold her coming to him by her own choice. His own brother had waited eight years for his wife to give in to his relentless quest for her affections and he had been rewarded with sons.

Halfdan would play this no differently, she may go to the former cripple and it would crush his pride for a short while until he manoeuvred his way to her. This was his gift for servitude to the gods, his Valhalla on earth but he questioned his limitations.

When he came upon her, howling at the moon he had wished that he gave his brother the clearance to stand guard. It would not be an impossible task, to fill her with his seed and abduct her back to their beautiful piece of Norway. She could assimilate herself and grow into her love for him and he would be uncompromising in the take to will her so. It would leave the Ragnarson's powerless against their army of berserkers with no inhibitions in battle, they would be forced to respect the old way.

There was still a lingering trace of fear in her amber eyes when he set his sights upon her, but that hardly made her weak. She was wise to feel some form of fright around him for she was ignorant to the level of ferocity and ruthlessness he was capable of. Halfdan would never think twice about correcting a woman with his fist, but he enjoyed her face to the point that he wouldn't think of marring it.

Her defiant nature was endearing at best, jovial and harmless but it was still a significant jolt to his perception of a woman's place. She had allowed him to guide her back to Kategatt and had listened to her eloquent tongue wrap around words like delicious vines winding about his ears. She spoke of why she enjoyed healing and her hopes to travel with raiding parties to use her skills and, discover new herbs to use in tonics. He had never been so appeased to listen to a woman's voice and he did just that, offering few words, but that was his nature. Action had always been favoured more than word but the gentle lull of her voice had been interrupted by the guttural rage of a mere boy.

It would have been enough to see her, more than enough to gaze at his woman completely void of harm but she was on his arm for the entire kingdom to observe and Ivar had lost whatever remained of his poise.

"What were you thinking, Lofn!"

She jumped at his raised voice, hardly surprised by his outburst but caught off guard nonetheless. She was understanding of his anger, to appear so carefree after he had been so panicked and with a man he had deemed an adversary must have pushed him off the edge. Now he was taking it out on her, in front of what felt like the entire world to see.

" I went for a walk. I lost track of time." He stared at her with heated blue eyes spelling out his disappointment. " I'm sorry to have caused any trouble." Her gaze followed those gathered around in several hunting parties.

"It took no time all all Lofn, Thank you Halfdan for finding my sons favourite playmate." Bjorn extended a hand in gratitude, the eldest of all the brothers simply wished to feast and drink and go to bed with his wife but Ivar was a quiver of loose arrows. Bjorn would be damned if he allowed the younger man's covetous madness to ruin the relationship between their most important ally.

" Thank you everyone, for your concern." She smiled at the men around her and they too dismissed themselves with an eagerness for food and drink. " Thank you Halfdan, for your company."

A friendly, flirtatious lift in her voice served to jar Ivar for his public belittlement of her. She was running on dangerous grounds. On one hand, her tone would only supplied more spirit in Halfdans pursuit but on the other, it served justice to Ivar for causing her to feel ashamed and unwanted by him.

" My pleasure, Lofn."

She tried to ignore the way he spoke her name, as if it were something he owned but she had been reminded of her anger towards Ivar and hastily pushed past him. She had left the two men, both attempting to kill one another with their eyes and while she deemed it flattering, the frustration it carried was not worth the ego boost. She wanted to clunk their heads together and promptly remind them of her own free will.

Lofn had to stop and apologize to all she could, but to her grandmother most of all. She found the head of grey hair and coiled her arms around her, silently asking forgiveness. Like so many times before, the older woman accepted it readily, as if it were as simple as a broken vase or spill.

The dark haired woman did not think she gave enough just yet, "I am truly sorry for my hurtful words."

The aging healer shushed the girl she had a difficult time picturing as a young woman. She was content to hold her a short while and felt secure in her safety, she could rest for the night now. Runa assured Lofn that she would be fine without the extra noise of boisterous, drunken Vikings and was eager to stay with an old friend. The young woman finally unravelled herself from her Amma, but her gaze had been caught against his, still a furious storm of fervour.

She took in a deep breath and stormed away into her quarters, she was done for the evening.

He was not.

Ivar burst into her room after her and slammed the door with a mighty push. She turned to him with a daring glower brewing in her fiery eyes.

"What were you doing out there, hmm?" he growled. "Were you laughing about me while you fucked him?" He rounded on her, his body closing in on his prey and imposing his size and brawn to test her reaction but he was met with a hard, open palm across his cheek. He gritted his teeth and curled his lips into a dangerous smirk.

"What do you think I am? A whore?" She spat.

His head quirked to the side and hands gestured to something unseen.

" That is what it looked like, why else would you be hanging off him like a desperate fawn?"

"Get out!" She demanded, hearing enough of his insulting words. He didn't deserve to hear her reasoning now.

Was this the heartache the seer spoke of? Was she now to be subjected to his infamous cruelty whilst remaining thoroughly, wholly in love with him?

How could he be so vile in his word against her? She fought off the tears she had promised herself to no longer expel.

"No." His word was firm and left little room to counter but the opposition in her nature would not allow him to disregard her direction so easily.

"You will be known in the pages of history for your cruelty, but not with me." She paused, their eyes in a standoff with both parties unwilling to relent. "I will go then."

"You won't."

Another bout of indifference in his voice.

"Excuse me?"

" Why were you out there, Lofn? Why were you linked to Halfdan and gifting him your smile?"

She contemplated just pushing back with all her might, walking past him and away from this arduous life and living amongst the trees with her grandmother. Live out the rest of her days whelping babes, healing aches and pains, stitching away the agony of others whilst afflicting one of another sort upon herself. Nothing was simple anymore, and the uncertainty of each day was draining her nervous system entirely.

It was in the moment she looked up to him, his emotions and insecurities bare to her and worn completely on the sleeve of his armour that she decided against a cowardly way out.

Whatever he was and would become to the rest of the world in time, was irrelevant as in this juncture in time, he was himself. Ivar was a warrior, a militant strategist and man capable of such legendary barbarism that even the very act of love was treated as such. It was a feeling foreign to his being, and the risk of losing it had only served to amplify his rage.

"I went for a walk, and I was only talking to him. He was being kind."

"Halfdan. Kind?" His tone had softened only slightly but the intensity in his eyes had not yet vanished. "He is a dangerous man, Lofn."

She scoffed then, wishing to roll her eyes at the cliche spilling from his mouth. "And you, Ivar. You're even more so."

A smile spread across his lips, one that sent a chill formed from fear and craving down her spine. He began to move closer, slowly and at a meticulous pace, but so much weighed on her mind.

"I am sorry, Ivar. The seer-"

"Don't talk about the seer now." His pace halted, he interrupted and his face twitched with annoyance. He wanted to set the seer and gods completely ablaze now.

He didn't truly believe she had done more than speak to Halfdan but he was more concerned at her lack of preparedness. Not a single soul that met her, disliked her, in fact they often sought her company out whenever they could. He could blame no man, woman nor child that competed for her attentions, but he could not simply stand back and watch someone thoroughly unworthy of her heart steal it away.

Ivar knew this was a foolish thought to ponder for more than mere seconds, every bone in his body spoke to her loyalty to him and despite his resentment at most words the seer had spoken, her love had been clear. Whatever hardship or woe was planted in their way would be no match, they would uproot it and resow to their hearts content.

Ivar didn't know how to express himself, not well enough in the way she truly deserved but his selfish heart would never relent. He had felt a pain in his chest when she had rightfully accused him of wielding a torch of cruelty against her. He had meant nothing by it, his anger misplaced and he completely naive to its effect.

He had gone his entire life unaware of his nature, considering it would be a compliment to his culture and upbringing.

There it was again, the distress of her heart echoing through her body, dulling the light in her molten eyes. He was unsure of his next move, second guessing himself in battle would mean the sure death of both he and the men that followed but he did not favor the sadness she wore. Ivar was still at war, the opponent was the conflicting natures inside his chest; the monstrous fighter and a simplistic man in love. He couldn't tell her, he could only show her.

His look was unlike anything she had ever seen him wear but, it wasn't a gaze so foreign to her eyes. She wasn't naive, a man filled with desire is an easy thing to spot but, his dark eyes were stocked with more than just that. Lust, yearning, tenderness, familiarity, and love. It was the last emotion that caused her to both stand, and step back, his concern drove him forward to steady her shaking feet.

"Lofn" He breathed her name.

With a audible growl he claimed her lips with the hunger of ten starved men. If it wasn't for his firm grip on her slender waist, her knees would have given way. She succumbed to his tongue, willingly revelling in the sweet and spicy taste of him, what she had longed for since the very second she had laid eyes on him. The kiss turned into something more. An entity of its own slow, sugary and, meant to portray every emotion, for every year they had been apart.

Ivar's hands began to roamed the body he dreamt of many nights with the fever of a teenage boy. Her curves were the most delightful gift, made by the Gods. She felt too perfect to be real and he had to pull back a moment to make sure. Her earthy waves were tousled, a flush to her cheeks, full lips parted. Her beautiful, ochre eyes fluttered open, she whispered his name with a throaty purr as if to give permission. Ivar gently griped her hair, kissing her once more. Both sets of hands moved with fervour. They fumbled with each others clothing with need and desperation. They breathed heavily, only parting for a short while to admire their bareness before connecting once more. She cried out with joy when his heat covered her body. She marvelled at the feel of every firmed muscle created by battle, every ripple of heated flesh that excited her. Lofn felt his hardness against her hip then, the overwhelming desire to touch. She found her courage, gripping his shaft and stroking gently. It elicited a sharp moan of pleasure from his throat as he broke from her lips.

"I don't know if I'll last long with you doing that."

It was a wonder as to how he even got out the warning, the swirl of raw, unclouded passion coursed through his veins. He had to prolong this for as long as he could, live in this moment as if it were the first and last time he would ever have her this way. He pulled back, too far it seemed as her face dropped at the loss of warmth.

She whimpered out, softly. She was aching for him, wet, empty, and in love but, he assured her with a wickedly devious smile, cupping her flushed cheeks in his hands.

"I don't want it to end quickly."His voice was hoarse with the flood of everything, all at once.

Lofn smiled at his confession, her hands played at the thick, coarse unkept stubble of his strong jawline then into the dark hair free from his growing, warriors plait. He closed his eyes as she massaged away the tension in his scalp. She had to feel his lips once more, to show kissed lightly at first, her full lips pecking away, she licked the opening and his beautiful, blue eyes darkened by lust shot open and he latched onto her mouth with a wistful embrace. Breathless, she pulled back.

"Ivar" She whispered.

Then, before he could reply, she took hold of one of his hands and, brought it to her entrance. Courage in blind lust had taken hold of her completely now, he had to feel the influence his very presence had on her body.

He didn't need further instruction as he plunged one, then two calloused fingers inside her slick sex. She cried out and grabbed onto his shoulders to steady herself. He held her steady, the bed seemed too far away but he made it there and pushed her back onto the soft furs.

She was empty again and gave a frustrated groan. Ivar grinned at the protest, but he wasn't done with her just yet. He wanted to taste her, but was reminded of her upbringing and the protest she may have towards the act. When he caught sight of her there, on his bed, completely bare before him, he lost his mind.

He loomed over her and began to kiss every inch of her neck, then to her graceful shoulders. Below them, beautiful, full breasts and perked nipples just awaiting his hot mouth. Lofn shuddered and moaned against his lips, digging her hands into his scalp with a desperate need. He could have stayed there longer but, his kisses didn't stop there, slowly easing his way down to her flat stomach and round hips.

He found his way to her most sacred place, the smell of her arousal intoxicating and spurring him onwards. He wouldn't have heard a protest if he wanted to, in the haze of worship at the hairless entrance. He didn't question it, he assumed it to be a mark of her refinery and cleanliness, but he was grateful for it. Ivar began to nibble at the flesh of her thighs, teasing and testing.

Her hips bucked, he held her steady, and pushed her knees upwards, then indulged himself in a taste. Like the sweetest honey, almost floral and he was completely lost within it, suckling, plundering every, slick, aching part of her core.

Lofn was caught off guard by his actions, surprised they were even privy to sexual knowledge like this but she would hardly move to stop him.

Like the rest of her body, she was bare down there, she knew it was odd, of course, but enjoyed the way silk felt against hairless skin. It was all pointless to think of anything other than the blinding pleasure being experienced between her legs. Ivar was expertly swirling his tongue around her slick, heated core and a pressure was mounting against it. Every muscle began to tense, her moaning and breathing became louder, and laboured. Hands gripped at the furs beneath her and she, absent from her mind began to plead for him to cease but, secretly hoping he wouldn't.

Her verbal turmoil only urged him on, probing her with his tongue, lapping her sensitive bud, knowing full well her completion would arrive shortly. Her legs clenched tightly around his head and she worried for a moment that she may crush it but the velvet enveloping her clouded that judgement. She came hard and, fast against his face, her screams could be heard through the halls.

The thought of every ear outside her door hearing his claim only aroused him more, igniting a fire he had never felt before. He came up from the delicious meal he had devoured to find her breathing heavily, a soft glow emitting from her skin and caught in the aftermath of a blissful orgasm. One of his doing and he smiled, wiping the remaining nectar from his stubble, he kissed her warm stomach, slowly inching his way to meet her lips. She tasted herself on his tongue she silently worshipped, the bulk of his necklace rested against her thumping heart.

There was something so naturally animalistic about the rise of heat and need for him, her body moved like a skilled soldier, gripping her long, curvaceous legs around his hard, lean torso and twisting herself.

She was on top of him now, admiring every hard line of well earned muscle and every scar that made it all the more appealing. She wondered if he had even noticed the token of hate she wore on her own body. She would not linger on it for long, there was the most pleasurable of work to be done.

She rocked against him, and he growled her name in warning. She rocked again, breathing laboured as she rocked against his fully roused member. Ivar sat up, kissing her chest and holding her firmly against him, attempting to control her torment as she rocked back and forth, teasing his arousal, "Fuck me" her crude words were utterly beautiful as she growled into his neck.

He groaned out, losing control by the minute, ready to take something he had been yearning for as long as he had the desire to do so.

"Fill me, my love", It was a whisper so quiet into his ear but it spoke louder in his mind and body. He held her and twirled around, slamming her down onto the bed, he needed to be on top as their bodies intertwined. Ivar entered her in one quick motion, covering her moan with his own. He could have finished right then at the feeling of her warmth, her tightness around him, made for him, like the rest of her lustrous form. She gripped onto the battle hard muscles of his broad back and braced herself.

His forehead fell against hers, heat and sweat began to mix as he began the rhythmic dance between them began. Ivar felt not one ounce of sympathy for anyone listening in to the lovers embrace. The pride he felt at the noises on the lips and the sight of her arching form was overwhelming, spurring him on further more than any fight. He imagined that must be how a goddess must look in the throws of passion, glowing and kissed by the love. It was becoming more difficult to hold himself together, his release was near but, his deliberately slow thrusting was meant to give more pleasure to his Lofn.

He was pulled from his brief thoughts back to his lovely woman, her nails creating a pattern of crescents in his broad back. She nodded, he picked up the pace, his grunting became coarse, booming, her moans were plentiful, filled with unquestionable lust. It was in silence that their eyes conveyed their conclusion, as they contracted in orgasm together.

Moments passed with silence as the lovers caught their breath, unwilling to move from their embrace. Ivar rolled onto his back and brought Lofn's body along with him. He peppered light kisses along her hairline and held her closely. She lazily traced the scars on his lean and powerful torso, she would memorize them and remember to inquire when her wits were back about her. The young Viking and his woman were still swirling in a pool of pleasure, consumed by flames.

"It is hard for me to say it."

Ivar had broken the comfortable silence.

Lofn shifted onto her elbows to look into his face, it was a serious gaze as he lazily, tracing circles against her luscious, round backside.

"I know it." she paused, suddenly remembering her fears. " I'm frightened of what fate the gods have given me."

"Fuck the Gods!"

He had shot upright, catching her off guard in his brewing storm of well placed disdain but he held her face, forcing her focus.

" I will not let anyone tell me what to do. We control our fate."

She wanted to believe him, he wanted to believe himself. After now having had her in the most intimate of ways, he didn't want to picture a future without it.

The look in his eyes made her truly want to affirm it all, but they both knew better. His gaze still spoke defiance and Lofn readily joined him in it. They would have to fight for it, but there was nothing in this world more worthy of that cause.

With his grip firm he pulled her back down amidst the furs, and held her in a gentle possession waiting until she fell asleep to whisper words he could not yet speak to her lovely face. 'I love you'

The barely audible string of three words had reached her ear before she drifted off into a dreamless slumber.