A gold searing light singed away the darkness which surrounded Bonnie. Peace overwhelmed her. It soothed her. The center of her chest no longer ached. Turbulent thoughts no longer tormented her mind. Worries didn't exist in that place. What place? A distant awareness questioned. An awareness which felt familiar but inappropriate. It didn't belong. Why didn't it belong?
"Why have you come here daughter of the first line…daughter who is a descendant of mine?" A voice echoed through her. Resonating from within instead of externally. "Though your energy is sufficient what makes you worthy of a transcendent eternal walk? How do you judge one for such a task?"
"I-I don't…I'm not…do you know me?" Bonnie stammered.
Though at peace, the growing awareness gnawing at the far reaches of her mind begat a growing discontent. A discontent which disrupted the flow of peace churning about her. There was something she had to do. She had a purpose. What's a purpose? A reason…her heart.
"Yes," the voice hummed throughout her. "I suppose the contents of your heart will speak the truth of you. Then let us see shall we."
Heated bliss swelled within Bonnie's chest until joy damn near suffocated her. Every one of her twenty-seven years flashed before her eyes in a blinding second. From her broken childhood to the many deaths and resurrections of her teen years, up until the final moment she bled out in Klaus' arms. The flashing scenes left nothing out. Displaying her in all of her faults and glory. It remained biased and true to who she was or…had been.
"You've been judged," the voice stated. When she thought it wouldn't speak again it continued. "I've found that your heart and what you seek are not in balance."
"Please!" She pleaded, while turning about in attempts to see through the soothing lights. "I have to fulfil the prophecy. I have to become the Eternal Witch! It's the only way…it's the only way I can save him."
"You sacrificed yourself for him," the voice accused.
She bobbed her head. "And would do it a thousand times given a thousand lives if I believed it had even a one percent chance of making a difference."
"This is true, for you have given your life many times for those you held within your heart. Most times even senselessly," the voice reprimanded.
Defiance drove her chin north. "They're my friends. It's my job to protect them."
"It was never your role to protect them, daughter of the first line," the voice replied in a softer tone. "Yet now it shall be your duty to defend them all. For the bulk of this task and the weight of your altruistic heart are indeed equal in measure. This is my judgement and from this moment your burden to bear."
Without warning the golden light swirling about poured into her. Blistering heat incinerated her veins, torched her arteries, and braised her blood. The brutal blaze unmade every broken piece and every imperfect part of her. An intensity she'd never known surged through her. Swelling her with a force far greater than anything she'd ever experienced. To the point she was sure her afterlife would soon be a prelude to another end for her. For who could withstand this level of sorcery?
"The mother of it all!"
Just when Bonnie thought she couldn't take anymore she dropped from nothingness into an open field. Warmth bubbled inside of her. Glee weighed on her chest and a wealth of familiar sorcery wrapped around her in reverence and protection. Bennett Magic. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth before her eyes even opened. When her lids drifted up her gaze fell upon her entire ancestral line. She locked eyes with her Grams who beamed at her. When Bonnie opened her mouth, her grandmother stepped to the side. Emily who stood next to her did the same and so on until they cleared a path.
Bonnie's bottom lipped dropped. Qetsiyah lingered at the rear of the path, studying her. After a moment of consideration she strolled to her. Her steps sure and taken with purpose. Bonnie didn't know what the hell to think. Though Qetsiyah was the beginning of their line, she and the other Bennetts didn't mess with Qetsiyah like that. The last time she dealt with her foremother she'd turned her into the anchor and neglected to give her the quiet voice commentary of all the side effects being the anchor would come with.
When the first witch of sorcery stood before her, she leveled Bonnie with a fateful expression. "Now the first must bow to the last."
Qetsiyah then swept low in a kneeling bow, and the rest of her familial line followed suit.
Hvitserk watched Ivar a few feet from where he sat on the beach. The small content smile on his brother's lips gave him pause. Ivar was never content. He was restless. This had been so of him ever since he was a babe. A content Ivar dropped a sense of foreboding in the center of his gut. For what was to become of a man who knew the glory of Valhalla firsthand yet barred from entering its gilded gates.
"Why do you watch me so, brother," Ivar questioned without turning to glance at him, "my eyes are an acceptable shade of blue. So you see there is no risk of me breaking my bones."
"Mother has sent me to fetch you. The time for Lagertha's feast is nigh upon us," he answered, coming to stand next to him.
Ivar's eyes rolled as resentment ate away at his contentment. "Why must we always feast when that woman deigns to visit-," he halted in his speech, while the blood drained from his face. "Something's not right."
An animal howled in the distance, taking them both unawares. "Fenrir?"
"Go!" Ivar shouted.
Hvitserk nodded once and shot off in the direction of the howl. Once he broke through the trees lining the entrance into the forest a huge white wolf barked at him and darted deeper into the woods. Too stunned to do anything else, he followed. Several hundred paces into the dense brush he bumped into a cloaked figure. It dropped to the ground. The hood fell from the stranger's head to reveal Lagertha's pet.
"Astrid?" He questioned, thinking maybe his eyes somehow had it wrong.
Without responding she continued her race back to Kattegat. Moments later a dozen or so wolves shot pass him in the pursuit of Astrid. A bark coming from the direction of the cove recentered his focus. He ran and half fell down the embankment. When he reached the bottom, he saw the wolf standing over what appeared to be a body. The figure half out the water. From the slickness of his fur the animal must have fetched it from the inlet.
When Hvitserk inched towards the still form to get a closer look, the wolf released a rumbling growl which warned of retribution. He raised his hands to show he wasn't a threat. The wolf backed away and then sat on his haunches a few feet away. A sigh crept from his mouth as he reached to roll over the body. When the figures face was revealed in that moment hope failed to exist. Quickly, he pulled Bonnie into his arms, as he scanned her for the open wound that had to be responsible for all the blood on her clothing. His vision blurred as a sob clawed its way out of his throat. The wolf whimpered. They sat there together and mourned the gravity of the world's loss.
"Hvitserk?" A voice croaked. He froze, too scared to look down. Afraid he may have imagined her sweet voice. The wolf began to yip. "What happened? Who did this?" She shrugged free and sat up in his arms. "Was its Margrethe? I bet it was Margrethe! I can't wait to get my hands on that lunatic. I fucking hate dying!"
"It wasn't Margrethe," he mumble through the shock. How was this possible? She was dead. He was sure of it.
She climbed from his arms and began shaking out the skirts of her dress. "What'd you mean it wasn't Margrethe? If it wasn't her then who else would've done this?"
"Astrid, one of Lagertha's shield maidens," he answered.
"Humph," Squatting in front of the wolf, she cradled his massive head in her hands. "Let her know the ancestors have cleared my path and that the first now bows to the last. Tell her it's time we talk, and this time I'll be the one asking the questions. I know who I am now and command compliance as the supreme of our line." Her gaze returned to him. "Come, Hvitserk my Beautiful Berserker. We've a feast to crash."
Astrid limped into Kattegat's great hall. The last place she wanted to be. After having her arse chewed on by one of Fenrir's demon offspring, all she wanted was to lay upon her bed face down and arse up. Alas, that wasn't her fate this eve. No, her absence from Lagertha's feast would raise too many suspicions once the dark woman's body was recovered. Especially, after Hvitserk saw her in the forest. No matter. At some point she'd seduce him into holding his tongue.
Moving further into the hall, her gaze moved over everyone. Queen Aslaug sat upon her throne appearing to be as entitled as ever. Ubbe huddled in a dark corner with an enticing blonde thrall who looked to be more than enjoying his company.
The cripple sat on an elevated platform at the great table. Raw expectation cavorted lewdly in his eyes as he stared with abnormal focus at the door. Did he expect the witch to come sauntering in at any moment? Hmm, she pondered. They did appear…involved. In verity, she even kissed him. Why in Odin's eye would she? She couldn't be fraught for one of Ragnar's sons when she had Bjorn Ironside dancing within her palm. All she needed to do was close her hand.
Curious over Ivar's sudden devotion to the great hall door, Astrid paused to stare at the entrance as well. Just when she decided the past time was fruitless Hvitserk walked through the door and cut a pathway to Ivar. Once at Ivar's side he crouched down and whispered in his ear. All while utilizing hand gestures and severe facial expressions to do so. The more he talked the more blood drained from Ivar's face, by the time Ubbe and Sigurd joined the fray he appeared ready to cross through the gates of Valhalla. When Hvitserk ceased ranting, they all turned to glare at her. The potency of the unadulterated hate in their combined stares forced her to take a step back.
A hand took hold of her shoulder and she nearly jumped out of her dress. "Is it done?" Lagertha asked, stepping next to her with a practiced smile on her face.
Astrid chanced another glance in the brother's direction only to find them still watching her and worse now Lagertha as well.
"Yes, it's done." She forced a smile, while taking the cup of ale from her mistress' hands, and then draining it in one sip. "Though, I'm afraid we may have a hinderance?"
Lagertha inclined her head at someone across the room. "Which is?"
"Hvitserk saw me in the forest," she confessed, turning away from the heated glares intent upon burning her alive.
Finally, Lagertha's concerned gaze met hers. "Did he witness you do the girl harm?"
"No, but-,"
Her pale brows rose, "Then there's no cause for alarm, Astrid. Have some ale, you've done well. Now there's truly cause for celebration. Bjorn is saved!"
"Saved from what, mother?" Bjorn questioned as he seemingly appeared from thin air.
"From committing the mistakes of your father," Lagertha boldly stated.
His gaze drifted to the door, "Bonnie."
"Alright, yes," Determination dominated Lagertha's face. "Marrying Bonnie will be a repeat of your father's mistake."
Astrid followed Bjorn's gaze towards the entrance and nearly soiled herself. For there stood Bonnie a vision in red and still very much alive.
Lagertha clawed at her arm. "You said you killed her!" She hissed next to her ear.
"I-I did," Astrid gasped. Somehow her breath wasn't coming fast enough.
"Then how is she here and very much alive!" Lagertha demanded.
"Because she's not a witch," Astrid attempted to sip from the now empty cup. After a few failed tries she tossed the gobbler away, "she's a goddess and now I have truly damned myself."
After they made it out of the woods and made it back to her keep, she sent Hvitserk home so she could ready herself for the feast. Once he left she had a good cry, and then she pulled herself back together and allowed her magic to fashion her a dress the likes Norway let alone Kattegat had ever seen. Now there she stood in the entrance of the great hall draped in an A-line v-neckline floor length red lace dress with a built-in shear cape. All eyes were on her, including the aqua pair she sought to be.
Bjorn who'd been standing with his mother, hurried over to her. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
"You are beautiful," he whispered, before straightening to peer down at her.
Despite the storm moving through her, a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Thank you," her gaze raked over him and as always he left her not wanting for anything, "and you look like a perfect fantasy as always." She peeked around him. "Where's Torvi and the boys?"
"She decided to remain in the keep, this babe is giving her more fits than she'd had with either of the boys." He shrugged.
"Oh no, I'll make her a tonic to help with the morning sickness," Bonnie said.
"I didn't know you were skilled in the art of healing," Bjorn said, taking her hand and leading her deeper into the hall.
She cut her eye up at him, "There are many skills I possess you know nothing of, Bjorn."
"And I look forward," he whirled her around until the stood chest to breasts. "To discovering each one."
"Bjorn who's your mysterious companion?" A man wearing more eyeliner than her asked.
Bonnie's eyes flared. Floki! He was always one of her favorites.
Bjorn clasped arms with Floki, "Floki, this is Bonnie Bennett of Mystic Falls." Floki's eyes bulged when Bjorn mentioned Bennett. Which was odd because although her magical line went all the way back to 1st century BC her family didn't start using the Bennett name until they reached the new world. "She returned with me after my last raid. However, she's a free woman and under my protection."
Bonnie offered her hand to Floki which he wasted no time in taking. He turned it over, and then leaned down to press his nose into her palm. A fraction of a second later he inhaled. Slight shudders racked his slim frame. And just when Bonnie didn't think things couldn't get stranger he licked her palm and before she could gasp people standing close to them did. Whispers rippled throughout the hall.
Bonnie smiled, because seriously what the hell else could she do? Through grinning teeth from the side of her mouth, she whispered to Bjorn, "What the hell is happening?"
His shoulders rose and fell in a smooth maneuver, "I'm not certain."
"Your divinity is palpable goddess," Floki murmured executing a bow so graceful it would've put a premiere principle ballerina on notice. "Please, meet my wife Helga." He pulled a petite blonde woman front and center.
Without warning Helga tugged her into a hug, "Are you from the future as well?" She whispered.
Bonnie's eyes nearly hit the floor. Had she heard her right? She pulled away to peer at the woman many fans always dismissed too easily out of hand. Before she could question her further, Queen Aslaug appeared at her side. "Floki, you and Helga are most welcome. It always honors me to see you both in the great hall." She demurred. "Bonnie, how have you fared since last we spoke?"
Bonnie's gaze swept to Astrid, who instead of looking like she'd seen a ghost she appeared to be seconds from becoming one. Lagertha stood next to her with her chin raised and her eyes daring. God she'd always admired that woman. Yet, she was no fool. Astrid may have come for her, but Bonnie knew exactly who sent her.
"I've managed to survive," she said returning her gaze back to Queen Aslaug.
A smirk slid across the Queen's lips as her stare swept over Astrid, "Indeed."
Bonnie turned toward the great table. As always the brothers gave life. Yes, she bossed up and flexed out after her reanimation, but truth be confessed every time she died a little less of herself resurrected. Having Hvitserk there holding her after she crossed back over, it meant everything to her. It moved her that he actually had her back for no other reason than to make sure she was okay. Not because she was the only possible solution to an unsolvable problem. No one ever fought for her like they did Elena. Hell, like she fought for Elena. She was never precious to or treasured by anyone. Even Klaus showed more regard for Caroline's care than hers and she was an indestructible vampire. And the last time she'd checked, Klaus was her damn man!
Ubbe reached out and grabbed Margrethe who lingered next to him. When she bent down, he whispered something in her ear that turned her from white to red to green in a matter of seconds. Once he released her she lowered her eyes to the floor and bobbed her head once. After she backed away from him, she hurried over to Bonnie.
She sidled up next to Bonnie and spoke to her in lowered tones, "Ubbe wishes for you to join him at the great table." Soon as she whispered Ubbe's request, she scurried away.
"Excuse me," she placed a hand on Bjorn's arm who was in a discussion with Floki about boats. "I'm gonna go greet your brothers. I'll find you later." With that, she untucked her hand from his arm and crossed the room to the great table. On arrival, they all stood except for Ivar. "Greetings, Lothbrok Brothers. You're all well I hope."
"Come, sit down," Ivar said gesturing to the seat between him and Ubbe. She inclined her head and rounded the table. Once settled in the seat, Ivar pounced. "You do understand that Astrid was not acting on her own account, hmm? That Lagertha was the sole instigator behind the plot on your life."
"Why would Lagertha want to hurt, Bonnie?" Sigurd challenged.
Ivar's eyes rolled. "What are you simple, Sigurd? To protect Bjorn. In her eyes Bonnie's no better than mother. No matter that Lagertha and Ragnar both made choices. Choices she should've long ago learned to accept."
Wait, Lagertha's attempt on her life was about Bjorn? And why the hell would she think her no better than Queen Aslaug? Not once did she ever try and come between Bjorn and Torvi's marriage. Not even when they tried to put her in the middle of their marital bed.
"But I said no to Bjorn's proposal," Bonnie said with so much force it jerked her forwards in her seat.
A told you so expression passed over Ivar's face when his gaze skipped to Hvitserk, and then back to her. "It matters not."
"Lagertha believes my mother bewitched Ragnar away from her, and she most assuredly thinks you're doing the same to Bjorn," Sigurd explained.
Hvitserk leaned forward and placed a hand on her knee, "So even though you may deny him, as long as you breathe he will never allow that refusal to stand."
"This is insane!" She growled as she threw her back against the chair.
"Don't be afraid," Ubbe said, placing a hand on her arm to bring her attention to him, "Floki's show of respect and praise has afforded you more time."
"This is true," Ivar agreed, casting a contemplative stare in Astrid and Lagertha's direction, "Confusion over exactly what role you play for the gods and lack of moves will keep them in place…for now. Yet if by some divine turn of fate, I'm wrong I say we do away with Lagertha's pet."
"I'm all for clearing the board, but-," Bonnie began.
"Bonsie! Bonsie!" Guthrum's high pitched lilt cut through her response.
She turned in her chair to see not only Guthrum but three other boys and a little girl barreling toward her. Guthrum being the ringleader stepped in the space between her and Ubbe's chairs. Bonnie noticed how the other kids took care not to get too close to Ivar.
"Well, hello, my little Jedi." She scooped Guthrum up and placed him on her lap. "How has the force treated you since last we met?"
He gave her a solemn look. "It has remained with me, my favored girl."
She laughed, before placing a kiss on his cheek. "Your father told me your mother's not feeling well so she stayed at the keep to rest. I thought you might have stayed with her."
"No, Hali is there for her protection, as I am here for yours," he assured her.
Warmth bloomed in her chest and radiated to the coldest parts of her. "How thoughtful of you. Whatever can I do to show my favor?"
"A saga!" His response flying out before she could barely finish the question.
She cocked her head to the side. "Before your slumber?"
"No, now. Please!" His big round eyes pleaded for her to say yes.
She looked around the hall at the boisterous revelers. The laughter and boasting there rivaled with the turn up of an audience at a Beyonce concert. "Here? But everyone's feasting and-,"
"Please!" All the children sing-songed on unison.
"There's an undisturbed place on the platform near mother's throne, I'll place some furs down and you can spin your tale there," Sigurd offered, allowing a shoulder to rise and fall.
One more look at the children faces clenched the decision for her. She gave Sigurd a nod. Twenty minutes later Bonnie sat on the platform with the kids and the Lothbrok brothers. Each of them watched her with varying expressions of expectancy and anticipation.
"Which saga will it be tonight, Bonsie? The one about a Stitch who's only weakness is water, who escapes from a prison and lands on an island?" Guthrum asked as excitement turned his cheeks red.
"No," Bonnie shook her head, "I promised to tell you and Hali that story before your next slumber. No, the story I plan to tell tonight is about the gods."
"The gods?" The little girl gasped.
"Yep, it's about the time Odin punished Thor by banishing him from Asgard and taking away his hammer. And so, it began like this…,"
For the next hour or so Bonnie regaled them with the tale of Thor Marvel Edition. The children watched her with captivated awe inspired expressions. With each climatic turn, audacious escapade, or heart pounding moment, they clung to her words like each phrase would be her last. By the time she neared the conclusion of the story all five children either hung off or lay all over her.
"Thor gazed out into the glorious abyss which separates Asgard from Midgard and says, "So Midgard is lost to us…his voice trails off as he realizes the actual weight of his loss. Heimdall wanting to ease Thor's suffering said, No there's always hope. Thor's spirits lifted as he turned to regard Heimdall, Can you see her? He asks. A hint of a smile settles on Heimdall lips as he answers, Yes. Fervor and the bloom of love overtakes Thor, How is she? He questions. Heimdall settles back into himself as he yet again answers, She searches for you. The end."
"What?" Someone screeched from the hall.
Another distressed voice joined in, "Surely you cannot think to conclude the saga in such a place, Goddess."
"Yes," Queen Aslaug agreed, "What of Loki? He couldn't have really met his fate in such a manner."
"And what of our Lady Sif!" One of the shield maidens yelled where Lagertha and Bjorn had settled at the great table. "It is plain for all to see that Thor has her love. Truly he can't think to refuse her affection for weak and feeble Jane?"
Bonnie's gaze left the shield maiden to meet Ivar's. He scrutinized her with unblinking eyes and a smile softened her lips, "Love comes without rhyme, reason, and definitely not obligation. Where you may see weak and feeble, Thor may see strength of mind, strength of character and a phenomenal strength to not only survive, but also thrive. I dare you to come into contact with a force of this nature and still be in possession of your soul let alone your love, shield maiden. To do so would truly take a work of heart. Which, if you've not been paying attention, no longer belongs to you."
The great hall fell silent, and everyone faded to nothing. Only Ivar remained, looming larger than any other life she'd ever known. Her attraction to him went beyond magnetic, it dwelled somewhere in the realm of cosmic. They were inevitable. A fact that just was and she felt it on a supernatural level.
Floki plopped down next to her. "What a wonderful story Bonnie Bennett of Mystic Falls." Floki said, breaking the silence and effectively severing her connection to Ivar, "By far one of my favorite Marvel movies." This reference snatched her head around until she stared him directly in the pupils. "Always thought Loki was misunderstood, though." Her mouth opened to pepper him with fifty-eleven questions, and he raised a hand. "Come by the keep on the morrow. I'll show you my boats, Helga can prepare second meal for us, and we can talk. We'll make a rising of it." Without giving her chance to accept or decline, he gave her a little chuckle and was off into the depths of the reanimated hall.
"Interesting saga," a sultry voice descended over her. Lagertha. The brothers gathered even closer around her. Lagertha merely smiled at them and returned her attention to Bonnie. "I've misjudged you and based on that judgment I have exacted certain decisions I've come to be not so proud of. It is for this I ask your forgiveness."
Speechless, all Bonnie could do was nod. Damn she admired the hell out of this woman! Gathering the senses, the good goddess gave her, she cleared her throat, "Then my forgiveness is given. I understand better than most there are no boundaries when it comes to the protection of those you love."
Lagertha studied her for a moment and said, "Yes well, it seems my exaggerated show of protection was for naught. Oh, and thank you for sharing such a compelling saga." Her gaze drifted to Ivar. "I found the part you said about love coming with no rhyme, reason, or obligation to be not only inspiring, but also rather telling." She inclined her head in an informal bow. "Please, enjoy the rest of the feast."
After a few more moments of sitting there random revelers came to collect their kids. When only Guthrum still slept on her shoulder, Ubbe stood and lifted the child into his arms.
"Come, Bjorn took his leave sometime near the end of the saga." His normally unwavering stare shifted away from her. "I'll walk with you to see Guthrum back to his keep."
"Thanks, Ubbe," Bonnie offered him a smile, and then turned to look at Hvitserk, "And thank you for having my back earlier, Hvits. It was nice not having to wake up alone."
"You need only say the word and you'll never awakened alone again," Hvitserk gave her one of his full-face smiles.
Sigurd rested his head on her shoulder, "I'll have your word that you won't go chasing answers in the forest by yourself again, Valkyrie. For if anything were ever to happen to you-,"
"He'd probably wouldn't stop singing about it," Ivar said, shooting certified hatemakers at Sigurd.
Anger twisted Sigurd's face into a fuck you sneer. He opened his mouth to clap back, but Bonnie's clapper was faster, "And it would be fine because there's nothing better than lyrics that are conceived in the soul, bred in the heart and birthed on the tongue for the sole purpose of singing me to my final rest."
"Take your leave, my love." He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to the back, "The day you've had deserves to be concluded with peaceable slumber."
"You're right, I am tired." Leaning forward, she gave Hvitserk, Sigurd, and Ivar kisses on the cheek and stood. "If it's still early, I'll come see you all tomorrow when I leave Floki's and Helga's."
Bonnie and Ubbe walked all the way to Bjorn's in silence. Normally one could say there was comfort in quietness. In this case, there was not. Not when there was something left unsaid screaming to be spoken. Releasing a sigh of relief, she knocked on the door to Bjorn's keep. Torvi answered after a couple of knocks. She looked almost as white as her hair.
"Torvi," Bonnie rushed in and took the smaller woman in her arms. Turning her around, she guided her back towards the bed. "When was the last time you've eaten or drank anything and managed to keep it down?"
Her brows scrunched as she struggled with an answer, "What rising is it?"
"Oh, Torvi!" She scolded, "Where's Bjorn?"
"Did he not come to the feast in his mother's honor?" She questioned, while leaning against the wall for support.
Bonnie glance swung to Ubbe who only shrugged in return. "Yeah he was there, but he left before me. I assumed he may have left early to come check on you."
"No, Bjorn has not returned since he took his leave early this eve," she said, dropping her eyes to regard her bare feet. "No matter, he may be visiting one of the unattached women who dwell near the harbor."
Bonnie's glare snapped back to Ubbe, but he ignored her by busying himself with laying Guthrum next Hali. Her eyes rolled, "And that doesn't bother you."
"Why should it?" Torvi questioned without an attitude to the first. "He visits you and it doesn't bother me."
"That's because I'm not fucking your husband, Torvi," she snapped, agitated that Torvi was being so damn laid back about Bjorn double dealing ways.
Torvi raised a pale brow as she side-eyed the hell out of Bonnie, "Are you bothered by Bjorn passing time with women who dwell near the harbor?"
"Rest," Bonnie said, deciding complete disregard of the question was the best way to handle a dumb ass question. "I'm gonna make you something that will help settle your stomach. You'll be able to eat more without the fear of tossing it back up."
Bonnie assisted Torvi the rest of the way to bed. She then went about straightening the keep. A few times she sent Ubbe out to gather supplies from the herb patch in the back. This gave her the opportunity to conjure what she actually needed from her garden back in New Orleans. Once she'd gathered all the ingredients she ground them into a blend for a tea. Almost an hour later, Torvi was sleeping after guzzling down the cup of tea, drinking two cups of water, and eating some leftover stew from second meal.
On the walk to her keep, she decided to blowtorch the iceberg drifting between she and Ubbe. "You didn't have to stay with me while I got Torvi together, but I thank you just the same."
"Set aside your gratitude," he waved her off, while offering her a tentative smile. "I wanted to stay. Moreover, after your attack earlier I'm reluctant to have you from my sight."
"Pity it took an attack to make you wanna kill time with me," Bonnie watched the muscle flex in his jaw from the cut of her eye. "You shouldn't have troubled yourself, Ubbe. I'm sure Hvitserk or Sigurd would've made sure I arrived at my keep intact."
"I'm sorry, Bonnie," Ubbe uttered without glancing her way. "I should've explained myself for not coming to you as agreed. It's just…" this time he did allow his startling blue gaze to fall upon her.
"What?" She paused in her step to turn and regard him full on. "It's just what?"
"You're still in possession of your maidenhead and though I am beyond taken with you, I have no intention of offering for you." His steps stalled a few ahead of hers. When he turned, several indeterminable emotions burned in his gaze. "Or anyone. Not for a while yet."
Confusion rumpled her face. "My maidenhead," she murmured to herself until the penny dropped. "You think I'm a virgin?"
"Are you not?" He questioned.
"I may not be ran through, but I'm no virgin either," she said lowering her voice, while nodding to a couple who strolled by. "I've been with men before."
"Men?" Ubbe questioned with a somewhat judgmental arch to his brow.
"Never you mind, just know you wouldn't have been the first. Oh, and future references, you know if another girl is stupid enough to wanna put you on as a sneaky link. Not every woman is looking for a ring, some just crave companionship from time to time," she said before stepping around him and continuing her march to her keep.
She felt dumb as hell. Why the hell didn't she just keep her mouth shut? So, what if he curved her because he believed her to be a virgin! So, what if he didn't want to marry her! She didn't want to marry his ass either. What was it with these damn Vikings and marriage? You'd think the high priestess had a double barrel shot gun aimed at all of their heads.
By the time Bonnie made it to her front door, all she wanted was some Vodka and Mary J. Blige, the man bashing edition. Wishful fucking thinking! And why? Because she was living her worst life as an extra in the—fuck me now—Viking era. She glared down at the pile of gifts and livestock left in front of her door.
"What's all this?" She snapped at no one in particular as she waved a hand at a piglet who must've found his long-lost family at the bottom of a honey jar.
Ubbe gawked down at the various items littering her walkway. "I believe it may be offerings."
"Offerings for what?" She questioned, out done by the whole affair. All she wanted was a few hours of me time. Apparently, now she had to deal with this mess.
"They believe you to be divine…a goddess," Ubbe said as he crouched to inspect the pig.
She stared at him like he'd just spoke straight gibberish to her and tried to pass it off as a language. "Where in the Asgard Shade Room would they get a deranged idea like that?" She screeched, forgetting where she was for a moment.
Ubbe craned his neck to look up at her. "When Floki bowed before you and licked your hand to taste your grace he all but confirmed-,"
"I saw you," a figure cloaked in dingy dark robes wailed. It pointed a gnarled finger at her as he crept closer, "You were with them in the gulf…the in between. Those who answer to neither man nor the gods. Yet, I watched them bend a knee to you." When he stood before her, he dropped down on his haunches, "And as it has been prophesized it has come to past, the first in the superior line will bow to the supreme last." Without warning, he grabbed her hand and licked her palm.
Bonnie's eyes darted to the people who'd begun to gather around her keep. They were all gawking at her like a damn Vegas headlining show. If she could've ripped a hole in reality and threw herself back in time, she would be one back to the future ass chick. Snatching her hand away from the cloaked figure she knew to be the seer, she stalked inside her keep with only one thing ringing loud in her mind. Shit had definitely gotten real.