wooo...here it is.

this chapter took me forever! sorry for the wait. I can't say I'm 100% please with it. but its posted.

I'm excited about the next chapter and really want to do it justice, but hopefully it will be done quickly.

I have a co-author for Deadly Words and a draft for the next chapter.

I also wanted to thank everyone for their feedback, via reviews and inbox messages, on my fics.

Dinner went along smoothly. Eric promised his father to talk about what goods he brought back. Eric and his father knew he was lacking in some items, but they decided to not ruin the celebration with that conversation. As people finished eating, they began to move about the hall. Eric looked at Aine, who wisely stopped drinking early on, and asked if she was finished. She told him she was and two slaves came to remove their plate and clean up the table.

Eric put his arm around his wife and went to mingle with his people. Aine was lead to a small circle of people consisting of Bjorn, Sven, tow women, and another man she didn't know.

"What are you talking about?" Eric inquired.

"Oh, just how you fell on your knees and begging your lovely bride to wed with you." Sven replied.

Aine's mouth fell open. She knew this wasn't true. She wondered how Eric would react. Would there be a fight? She didn't even pay attention to the comments of the other women, as she watched Eric's reaction.

"That's not how I remember it." He said evenly.

"How did it happen, Eric?" one of the women asked.

Eric smiled, and Aine tried to not let her nervousness show. "I was very much the gentleman and asked my lovely wife here to marry me. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, she agreed."

He smiled at Aine.

She tried to relax.

"No, no…that's not how I remember it at all." Bjorn began, "You asked and she made you wait. And then questioned you about everything you'd give her."

"Ah-" Eric tried to interrupt.

"I swear he all but promised her the stars and the moon before she finally granted his request!"

Aine began to feel her nerves increase once more. Why were his friends trying to make him look bad?

"Not to gossip," Began the other woman, "But I've heard some things about your marriage as well."

"Do tell." Sven urged her on.

"I heard that Eric got Aine in a Viking manner ; that he pulled her out of her home in the middle of the night and married her."

"That's true." Eric smiled.
Four pairs of eyes bulged out. No one thought such a rumor could be true. Aine wanted to run away.

"Wow…well…you really….!" The woman sputtered.

"How did you react?" The man asked Aine.

Suddenly all eyes were on her. Her mouth went dry, her heart began to pound, and she found it hard to breath.

"I…ummm…I..."

Eric couldn't stand to see her flounder. "She wanted to become my wife at dawn."

"Really?"

Aine saw her moment. "Yes, I thought it would be romantic."

The women sighed.

"Why wouldn't you do that for me!" the woman turned and poked the man, who was apparently her husband.

"Oh thank you Eric! Now all of the women will be yelling at us for not being like you!"

Eric laughed, "Don't they already?"

Aine relaxed and yawned. She was getting tired.

"I think we best retire." Eric said.

They gave their farewells and walked off to their room. Eric closed and bolted the door. He began stripping off his clothes and a tired Aine tried to get all of her jewelry off. Eric moved to his wife to assist her with only his pants on. Before long, her jewels were back in their boxes and she was shedding her gown. Eric paused before pulling off the last of his clothing and crawling into bed. Aine kept her shift on and slid in bed next to him. They found each other in the dark and he kissed her forehead.

"You did well tonight."

She sighed and snuggled against him, falling asleep within moments.

The next morning they were up early. Eric was very nervous, an emotion quite foreign to him, about his wife's first day away from him. He dressed quickly and eyed her pulling on one of her old gowns. He decided to leave it alone since she was going to be moving around today and he had more important things to worry about. He hoped there were no issues and she could maintain her façade of a well-adjusted new bride.

"After we break our fast, I'll go find the men and leave you with my mother and the other women." Eric told her.

"That's fine."

She didn't understand why Eric was so anxious. She was tempted to tell him that keeping a home was something she was very good at. Maybe after seeing the failing condition of her aged home and the cheapness of her stuff, he assumed she wasn't very good at managing a home. She hoped that wasn't the case. Although she didn't wish to wed Eric at the time, she was ashamed of how she and her home looked when he came to her. Eric appeared to be far wealthier than she was and to be in a position of power. She was just a country girl and a misfit.

She knew Eric wanted and desired her. But she also remembered her father's words about her bride price. Did Eric really refuse a reasonable marriage payment? Did he originally deem her unworthy of an honorable bride price?

She shook her head and finished getting ready.

"All ready?" He asked and she nodded.

The new couple left their room with their arms around one another.

There was much to do and breakfast finished quickly. There was hardly no talking as people grabbed food and ate as they walked. Aine walked with Eric to the kitchen to meet with his mother. The women were polite and exchanged "good mornings". Eric took this as a good sign. Eric was informed that his father was looking for him. He knew he'd have to give inventory of their trip and account for what he didn't bring back with him. On that note, he kissed his wife and went in search of his father.

Aine looked around the room and asked his mom, Hida, how she could help with the daily chores.

Hida smiled and sad, "Come with me, let's find Ingrid, Eric's little sister, and get the slaves started on their work then we will talk while we work."

Aine smiled nervously and nodded.

Going into the cooking area, Hida instructed the slaves that they are to obey Aine just as they would Ingrid or herself. Aine did not feel comfortable with that, but would make an effort for Eric.

"Mrs. Northman?" Aine asked.

"Call me Hida, what is your question?" replied his mom.

"What would you like me to do?" asked Aine.

Hida smiled at her, pleased to see that she was willing to work and said, "You and I can go over to the table and we will talk about what work there is to do here and they we can decide what to do today."

Aine nodded.

"Ingrid, bring us a drink and join us." Hida said.

Ingrid left them to go after the drinks as Aine and Hida went to the small table in the cooking area.

"The biggest job we have is to make sure the meals are prepared, the small garden tended and the laundry is done." Hida said. "We also have to make sure the slaves do the cleaning, dishes, make the beds, shake the rugs, and empty the chamber pots every morning right after breakfast."

Aine only nodded in reply. As Ingrid joined them with the drinks, Aine began to feel uncomfortable. One on one was fine, but now she had two people in front of her that she needed to act well for so as not to disappoint Eric.

Hida and Ingrid could see Aine shrinking in her chair so they spoke softly.

"Aine, may I ask what types of chores you did at your house?" Hida asked.

Aine looked at her hands folded in her lap, bit her lip, and replied softly, "All of them."

Hida and Ingrid shared a look at that, but luckily Aine did not see it.

"Lets begin our day." Stated Hida after they finished their drinks.

Aine's first day began with a tour. She tried hard to memorize where everything was and found herself intimidated by the large keep. They went to the cooking area, both showing Aine where everything was. From there they went through the house, she saw each room and was told what went on in each. From there they went outside and looked through the garden. Aine really liked the garden. Saying as much, Hida told her that she could work there this morning and they would finish the tour this afternoon. Aine smiled at that, she was happy to be outside.

"The slaves helped us take care of the animals early this morning before you and Eric joined us, so we will tend to them again this afternoon. We also will do some

mending, weaving, and such after lunch. How does that sound?" asked Hida

Aine nodded but Hida saw a question on her face and asked what it was.

"I am afraid that I do not know how to weave very well. We did not have a loom and I did cleaning work in trade for fabric." She looked down again, ashamed of her home life. Hida smiled and said that it was fine. She took Aine's hand causing her to look up at her. "We will figure it out."

Aine nodded.

Eric sat across from his brooding father. They had enough goods to trade, there was no imminent fear of the impending winter, but there were concerns. The number of slaves was low and more needed to be traded at the market to compensate for the lack of goods Eric brought home. His father was yet to come up with a solution that would make everyone happy. The women and children wouldn't be happy if the men went raiding again; it was going to be hard enough to decide which men would go to the market. Although he hadn't said it aloud, no one doubted that Eric didn't wish to leave his wife.

"Alright, I'll think about this. Today let's double check what we take to the market and what we need to trade for. I'll check with your mother to see how the fields and harvesting is going, she might need extra hands." Gustav, his father, said.

Eric nodded and kept thinking about their situation as he went off to work. He was unhappy with his behavior that had put them in this situation. It was going to be a rough fall between his lapses while going a-viking and trying to aid his wife.

Hida watched her daughter-in-law through out the day; usually from afar. She wasn't sure how she felt about her yet. She did feel compelled to comfort the timid girl when they toured the keep. At first, she was quite worried about this girl's ability to one day be the mistress of a keep and run her son's home. She felt some relief later in the day when one of the ladies came to assist Aine in the garden. They were actually laughing and talking about animals and telling stories.

She went to monitor the cleaning and readying of the hall for the evening meal. Eric found her soon after with a look of worry spread across his face.

"How is my wife?" He asked without preamble.

"Fine."

"What has she done today? How was she treated by the women?"

"She was fine, Eric." His mother replied exacerbated. What was the matter with him lately? She still hadn't decided if she was going to yell at him for getting married, but she was fairly certain that a few more days of him worrying over his wife, she'd scream his ear off.

"Can you please tell me how she got along with everyone?" He said as kindly as possible. He was so anxious to find out what happened to Aine and wished his mother would just tell him already.

His mother looked at him and decided to just answer him. She was starting to get worried about her son's actions.

"She's...a sweet girl." She paused to gather her words. "She's quiet and very independent."

"How so?" Eric asked, slightly relieved.

"She moves from one task to the next."

Actually, she worked silently and faster than everyone else. Hida couldn't keep up with her and doubted most of the others could either.

"I don't want her to work too much."

"Oh! Eric! What do you think I'm working the poor girl to death!" His mother said angrily.

"No…no, I don't think that." Eric corrected himself. "But she will. She'll keep working if you let her. I don't want that."

Hida was very concerned at this point. What was going on with her son's marriage? With his wife?

She remembered Aine's words about doing everything at her old home. She wondered how she'd get her son to tell her what was going on. If Eric didn't come out and say something, it usually meant he was unwilling to share it, even if asked.

"She seemed fine today."

Eric knew a dismissal when he heard one.

Hida had to finish getting the hall ready and didn't want to speak to Eric until she had a better idea how she felt about Aine.

Sven and Bjorn found time to talk amongst themselves. They both worried about Eric and Aine. They had quelled a few gossip trains and redirected conversations away from the topic of Eric & Aine. they walked and stopped when they saw Aine working in the garden. She had a determined look on her face and her hands were working furiously in the dirt. She had mud coating her arms up to her elbows. They could see sorted piles of fruits, vegetables, and waste from the garden (weeds, access leaves from the crop, sticks, stones, ect). Eric's father came to stand by them. They changed the topic of their conversation.

"How will Eric feel about his wife working the garden?" His father asked.

"I don't know…we'll find out tonight I'm sure." Said Bjorn.

"Speaking of tonight, I'll go tell her it's almost time to eat." Said Sven excusing himself.

Gustav wasn't a stupid man. He noticed how quiet the two were speaking together and how they evaded his question. They were there when his son met Aine and they knew more about the marriage than anyone else, save the bride and groom.

"Tell me the truth…" He said looking at the man in front of him as though he was still a boy, "Should I be concerned?"

Bjorn could almost feel the sweat form and drip down his brow as Eric's father stared at him. He had to choose his words wisely.

"No…Eric, wanted to get married. He hasn't changed his mind."

"And Aine?"

"He makes her…happy."

Bjorn honestly didn't know how to describe how Eric made her feel. But how could someone not be happy to be with someone who provided for them, cared for them, and didn't harm them?

Gustav nodded and accepted his response. He wasn't completely at ease but knew Eric had friends to aid him if need be.

Sven walked to Aine and noted how she didn't even notice him until he got right behind her.

She turned and looked at him, with her hands still in the ground.

"We're getting ready to eat?"

"When?" She asked with a slight panic to her voice.

"Soon. Why don't you go clean up?"

"I'm…I'm almost done. Is Eric waiting for me?"

She was scared of what would happen if she had to be at dinner before she finished working. Sven could see the fear on her face. He crouched down to her eye level and lowered his voice.

"You can do more tomorrow. No one will mind. You must be hungry, go clean up."

She nodded, a little confused about this reaction to her not completing chores. She was hungry. She only took a small break to drink some water and ate a piece of fruit with one of the other ladies, who offered it to her. She stopped what she was doing and let Sven lead her away. He was careful to not touch her, fearing she wouldn't react well.

Everyone finally gathered for dinner. Eric and Aine began to search for one another. Eric was still worried about how she handled her first day and Aine was worried over Eric's opinion of her first day. Both lovers were relieved when they embraced. Aine looked well and happy. Eric seemed pleased.

They sat next to each other and Eric's parents watched them intently from the corners of their eyes. Neither Aine nor Eric, seemed to notice. As soon as they finished eating, Eric excused them both to their chamber.

He bolted the door and pulled her against him, crushing his lips against hers. She kissed him back and began to stroke his hair. He lifted her and carried her to the bed. They quickly pulled their clothes off.

"Did you miss me?" He asked kissing down her throat.

"Yes." She breathed heavily.

Her hands alternated between rubbing his back and fisting in his hair. His mouth worshipped her breasts and his fingers sought out her heat. She moaned and dug her nails into his mane.

"Eric….please…"

He smiled and guided himself into her. Their bodies melted into one another. Eric enjoyed listening to his wife moan, whimper, and cry out for him. Aine couldn't get enough of his touch and the feel of him inside of her and his weight on top of her.

He stayed buried inside her long after he finished. She didn't seem the least bit inclined to release him.

Hida and Gustav laid in bed, both unable to sleep. She couldn't hold back and unleashed all of her feelings about her son and his marriage. She was angry, shocked, worried, annoyed, and slightly happy for son. She didn't spare her husband one detail. He listened about his daughter-in-law's first day.

"She's so quiet! How did Eric ever fall for her? Did she even say more than two words to him?"

"You said you heard her talking to one of the other women."

"I was shocked. She even laughed…she should talk more; all she did was work."

"It sounds like her home wasn't very desirable." He replied, "Perhaps that helped to make her shy. She doesn't sound used to living with so many people."

"What little she said, does sound bad."

The couple paused.

"Do you think she married Eric just to get away from there?" Hida continued.

"No, I saw the way she looks at him." He replied.

"I still don't know why he couldn't just wait or come to us for a wife. We picked well for his first one."

"He must have been really taken with her."

She huffed.

"Come now…. Not everyone is lucky when it comes to their parents picking their spouse. Think of all the women who didn't get to have me, when we wed."

He smiled.

"Ugh!" She pinched his arm.

He pulled her close and kissed her temple.

"Eric is fine. His marriage will be fine. Everything will be fine….Let's sleep."

And they did.