Chapter 27: Empty Horizon

Benwick talked a mile a minute as he led them down the main street of the small farming town. He spoke of the last Ealdorman and of each building they passed. He stopped and introduced them to everyone they likewise passed, sharing anecdotes about everyone. He showed them the shops, the inn, the blacksmith and farrier, the stables, the barns, and every fence. He pointed out every tree, flower, rock, bush, and every blade of grass, it seemed. And Uhtred was terribly bored. The farmer didn't leave anything out. He showed them everything and he talked for hours and hours on end. The sun was beginning to set by the time he finally ended his tour with the largest building in the center of the town. They had walked past it several times and Uhtred would have asked why it hadn't been on the tour if he could have gotten a word in edgewise. But every time Benwick paused to take a breath and Uhtred thought of asking, the man would turn and wave at someone and they'd be introduced all over again and hear all sorts of tales.

"This is the late Ealdorman's home." Benwick said proudly as he stepped in front of it. He spun on his heels towards them and waved his arms. "It has been empty these past several months but we've cleaned it and the King spoke of children in his letter so we've brought in a few things for the children and your wife and we…"

"So this is my house?" Uhtred stepped closer and interrupted the rambling man.

Berwick smiled and nodded his head, appearing to not care at being cut off. "Yes, Lord."

"And I can go inside?" Uhtred asked. "Like right now?" He pressed.

Benwick nodded again. "Of course, Lord. You may do as you please. It is yours now."

Uhtred nodded his head and smiled at the man. He stepped closer and clapped him on the shoulder. "I thank you, Bendick…"

"Benwick." Finan corrected quickly.

"Yes." Uhtred nodded his head quickly and squeezed the man's arm as he walked around him. "That's what I said. Benwick." He looked up at the house and sighed deeply. He hadn't had a home in years and he couldn't help the anticipation coursing through him at the thought of having something that was his. "Thank you, Benwick." He repeated and stepped closer to the door. "We are exhausted and would like to retire for the night and uh… my men will be staying with me tonight… uh… for a while until they get settled."

"Yes, Lord. Of course." Benwick nodded his head. "I can show them a few dwellings we have that are empty or get them a room at the inn…"

Uhtred turned towards him and shook his head. "No, don't worry about it. They are fine to stay with me for the time being."

"Good, Lord!" Benwick smiled at them and nodded his head. "The house is large enough. It has many rooms and…"

Uhtred nodded his head and stepped back. He glanced at Finan and Sihtric and cleared his throat. "Then if you will excuse us for the night…"

"Of course." Benwick nodded his head, again not fazed in the slightest at being cut off. "I'd like to invite you all to my home tonight. My wife and daughter are cooking and we've prepared a banquet in your honor, Lord."

Uhtred opened his mouth, his mind racing for any excuse he could give this man to not attend. But he couldn't think of anything. He drew a complete blank and he clenched his jaw and nodded. "Thank you, Benwick. We would… love to… attend." He forced the words out.

Finan nodded his head and smiled at the man as he stepped closer. "Yes, we canne wait. Jus' let us rest fer a wee bit an' wash up from the ride an' we'll gladly be over."

The man smiled and nodded. "I will send my daughter when we are ready." He smiled again and turned.

Uhtred clenched his jaw and turned. He said nothing more as he headed straight for the door, opened it, and darted inside. Finan followed quickly and Sihtric was close behind him. Uhtred grabbed the boy and pulled him through the door roughly and slammed it shut. Then he inched closer to the window and peered out. He held up his hands, signaling them to be quiet as he stared outside.

Sihtric stumbled when Uhtred released him and Finan stepped closer and grabbed his waist, stabilizing him. Sihtric smiled at the Irishman as he straightened up, letting his fingers dance across the older man's arm for a moment before he turned. "Lord…"

"Shhhh!" Uhtred interrupted, his eyes still on the window. Sihtric and Finan exchanged a look and Uhtred pressed even closer to the window. After a moment more, the Lord stepped away from the window. He turned around and leaned back heavily against the wall. He let out a dramatic sigh and rubbed both of his hands over his face. "He's gone."

Sihtric giggled and Finan rolled his eyes and stepped closer to the Lord. "Stop bein' so dramatic."

Uthred shook his head. "That man is so…"

Finan tilted his head. "Nice, pleasant, informative, smiley?"

"Yeeeeesss!" Uhtred threw up his arms and let out a groan.

Finan shook his head and rolled his eyes again. "Stop it."

Uhtred looked at Finan and shook his head. "He talked a lot!" He said gravely, like it was the worst thing the man could have ever done. "I think that is the most words I've ever heard anyone say. Ever!"

Sihtric smiled and nodded his head. "More words than I've said in my whole life." He mumbled.

"Yes!" Uhtred nodded his head and smiled at his puppy. "Thank you! Good boy for agreeing with me because fuck!" He groaned loudly and sighed. Sihtric giggled again and Uhtred continued waving his arms around animatedly. "Let's barricade the door and hide when the daughter shows up. Pretend we're gone!"

Finan raised an eyebrow and stared at him blankly. "Uhtred." He said the Lord's name in a stern tone.

Uhtred stuck out his bottom lip and pushed away from the wall. He stepped closer to Finan but kept his hands to himself. "Please, Fin!" He begged and didn't even try to hide the whine in his voice. He would get down on his hands and knees and grovel if he actually thought it would get him out of going. Or if he could distract Finan long enough to make the Irishman forget about the insufferable, talkative man. "I can't take any more words today! I just want to hide and fuck!"

Finan's eyes widened and he tilted his head. "That requires a lot a talkin', Lord."

"I know!" Uhtred keened loudly and stepped back. He leaned back and thumped his head back against the wall. "It's just… it's been a really long time, Fin!" Finan stared at him again and stepped closer. He crossed his arms and glared at the Lord and Uhtred sighed and nodded his head. He lifted his hands and nodded again. "Yes, yes, I know." He snapped. "It's been years longer for you."

Sihtric cleared his throat and bit his lip. "It has been a while for me too." He said softly.

Finan sighed and shook his head. "An' we will all survive waitin' one more night."

Uhtred's eyes widened and he stepped closer again. "I will die, Fin!" He insisted dramatically.

Finan shook his head again. "Ye will not die if ye dunne get humped tonight."

"Fin!" Uhtred clenched his fists and thumped them against his thighs. He was really trying hard to behave but it was getting harder every moment that passed. He just wanted to grab Finan so badly. The man was standing so close but just not close enough for Uhtred. He didn't even care if he wasn't allowed any sexual touches. He just wanted to be close enough to both of them to just simply press against them or wrap his arms around them or run his fingers through their hair. He just wanted something! "Come on!" He whined and stuck out his bottom lip again, pouting.

Finan exhaled loudly and it had a heavy gravelly quality to it, sounding closer to a growl. "Uhtred, what did we say?"

Uhtred shivered and swallowed as Finan's eyes bore into him. He bit his lip and nodded his head. "I know!" He whined and unclenched his fists. He held up his hands and stepped back, putting more space between them. "Do you know how hard it is for me to just stand here and not attack both of you right now? Fuck! I'm behaving! But for the record… I really don't want to. I want to barricade and hide."

"Ye can't." Finan sighed, his voice softer. "We 'ave t' attend this banquet. It's in yer honor. Ye canne offend the town this early." He paused for a moment and smiled. "At least wait 'til tomorrow t' start pissin' everyone off."

Uhtred glared at him for a moment. Then he pushed around him and stalked across the large room, glaring at the boy as well as he passed him. And then there was a knock at the door. He stopped and threw back his head with a loud groan. "Fuck!"

"Shhh!" Finan hissed as he turned for the door. He pulled it open quickly and smiled, a bit relieved their tour guide had not returned. He wasn't completely sure he would have been able to save the man from Uhtred's wrath if he had. Two women stood just outside the door, holding large pots of water. One looked to be younger than Sihtric and the other one was clearly well beyond the age where it would be rude to ask. They looked to be related somehow and Finan would bet his horse Bó that the older one was the younger's grandmother. Although, it would be a bet he wouldn't mind losing, either. Finan smiled at the thought as he and Sihtric both quickly stepped forward and grabbed the pots from them.

The young girl smiled and giggled. "For you to wash, Lords."

The older woman snorted and pushed her way into the house. "Looks like you need it. And only one is the Lord. Do not waste titles on the other two. They are his slaves." She headed towards the hearth and waved Finan and Sihtric after her.

Uhtred turned and glared at her as she passed. "They are not my slaves!" He snapped indignantly.

"Lord!" Sihtric hissed lowly as he and Finan walked past, following after the ambling woman.

"Well you aren't!" Uhtred crossed his arms and continued to glare. "They are my… men." He said awkwardly. "My most trusted warriors... and uh... friends." It sounded weird to refer to them as such. They were so much more to him, more than he wanted to think about.

The old woman waved her hand again dismissively as she stopped in front of the large hearth. There was room enough to hang both pots over the fire once she expertly got it started. Then she turned towards Uhtred and stepped closer to him. She pulled a bar of soap from her apron and held it out towards him. "Can you wash yourselves or do you require assistance?"

Uhtred's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He didn't answer and Finan quickly stepped closer and pushed himself in between them, trying to keep Uhtred from snapping at the brusque woman.

"We are quite capable of washin' ourselves, Lady…" Finan started and paused. He inclined his head, angling for a name to be polite.

She eyed him for a moment and nodded her head. "Suit yourselves." She pushed the soap at Finan and waved her hand. "You best do an adequate job."

The younger girl was suddenly standing behind Sihtric. She moved closer and tapped him on the shoulder. Sihtric's eyes widened and he spun around. He stumbled back and she giggled and moved closer. "I'll gladly be of assistance to you, if you need it." She said with a smile. "Lord or not."

Sihtric blushed and held up his hands. "N-no… I… we…" He sputtered the words and shook his head.

She giggled again. "I'm Eawynn…"

The older woman scowled as she grabbed the younger woman's arm and pulled her towards the door. "Stop that!"

Eawynn giggled again and waved at Sihtric. "Please don't mind my grandmother. She is an old sourpuss. Her name is Mildritha and.."

The older woman yanked on her and turned to glare at her over her shoulder. "Eawynn, enough!" She snapped.

The girl giggled and waved again. "I will be back to fetch you when we're ready for you! If you think of anything you need, please let me know! Anything!"

"I said stop that!" The old woman snapped again as she pulled her out the door. "Or I'm throwing you in the river."

Finan hurried across the room towards the door, dropping the soap on the table as he passed it. He waved and smiled even though neither was looking his way. The older woman was pushing the younger one across the street. "Thank ye!" He called out before he quickly pushed the door shut.

Uhtred shook his head slowly. "Fuck… is the whole family like that?" He whined.

"Jus' overly friendly." Finan mumbled as he turned around. His eyes settled on Sihtric and the boy was blushing. He bit his lit and swallowed and looked away, clearly distressed at the young woman's antics. Finan stepped closer and raised his arms. "C'mere, boy." Sihtric shivered at Finan's tone and quickly darted forward. Finan wrapped his arms tightly around him and Sihtric sighed and melted against him. Finan let out a low chuckle and tucked his chin against the boy's neck. "Shhh. Yer fine, baby boy."

Sihtric shivered again as he felt Finan's beard brush against his delicate skin. He sucked in a sharp breath and hugged the older man tighter. "Sorry." He mumbled. He just wasn't used to the attention. He couldn't understand it and didn't know how to process it. It was still strange to him when Uhtred and Finan flirted with him. He enjoyed it and welcomed their antics. But he still didn't understand and having anyone else lavish the same attention on him made him even more uncomfortable.

Finan smiled and closed his eyes for a moment, just relishing the way the boy felt in his arms. "No need t' be sorry but ye'll 'ave t' get used to it."

Sihtric bit his lip. "Used to what?" He asked softly, feigning like he didn't know what the man was talking about.

Uhtred let his arms fall to his sides and smiled, watching them. He honestly quite enjoyed watching his puppy get flustered at being flirted with. Although, he did prefer it when it was him or Finan flustering their boy. He couldn't help the momentary spike of jealousy at seeing someone else flustering him. He stepped closer and crowded into their space as much as he could without touching them. "Used to others seeing what we already see, baby boy." Uhtred said softly.

Sihtric trembled again and shook his head. "I… I don't want anyone else… to see… whatever it is that you see…" His voice was barely a whisper and he sucked his bottom lip between his teeth and worried at it.

Uhtred smirked and his eyes darkened. He licked his lips slowly and he shivered with the force of keeping himself in check, of not stepping even closer or reaching out to touch them both. He opened his mouth slowly, words on his tongue, but then he snapped his mouth closed and clenched his jaw. His words would be interpreted as flirting and he would get in trouble. He didn't really think Finan would lock him outside, as he threatened. But he didn't want to chance it. Although… maybe that sort of punishment would be fun in its own twisted way. But it would also bring up questions from the townsfolk.

Finan caught the Lord's expression out of the corner of his eye. He sighed as he lifted one arm from Sihtric to wrap it around Uhtred and pull him closer against them. Uhtred smiled at him gratefully and Finan raised an eyebrow. "Go 'head an' say it."

Uhtred tilted his head to the side. "Say what?" He asked curiously, looking at Finan.

"Whatever it was on yer mind." Finan tightened his grip and pulled the man even closer against both of them. Sihtric smiled as he likewise wrapped an arm around Uhtred.

Uhtred licked his lips again as he looked at Sihtric. "I don't want anyone to see you like we do." He said, his voice low and thick. "You are all for us. Every inch of you."

Sihtric's blush darkened and he bit his lip even harder. He quickly nodded his head. "Yes, Lord, I am yours."

Uhtred narrowed his eyes and leaned closer to him. "Boy!" He snapped, his voice dropping even more.

Sihtric gasped and trembled against them. "Uhtred!" He let out a breathy moan and held tighter to them both.

"Uhtred!" Finan snapped and glared at him. He detached his arm and pushed the smirking Lord away.

Uhtred stepped back and threw up his arms. "You told me to say it!" He snapped. "You cannot tell me to do something and then get mad at me when I do!"

Finan narrowed his eyes at the Lord. "I can do whatever I want to ye." He let go of Sihtric and stepped closer to Uhtred. He narrowed his eyes and growled as he lifted his hand to Uhtred's chest. He pushed the man back and Uhtred stumbled. The Lord remained on his feet as Finan pressed him back. He growled again and Uhtred trembled as his back hit the wall. The Lord opened his mouth but nothing came out. He panted for a moment and just stared at Finan. The Irishman smiled as he leaned closer. He pressed his chest against Uhtred and pinned him against the wall. "Can't I?"

Uhtred's mind reeled for the reason behind the inquiry but he couldn't think of a reason. His mind was a complete blank and he could only manage to let out a whine.

Finan chuckled and pressed him even harder against the wall. "I can do whatever I want to ye." He repeated. "Right?"

Uhtred gasped and nodded his head. "Yes! Please!" Finan pulled away from him suddenly and stepped back. Uhtred stumbled and nearly fell forward. He caught himself and leaned back more heavily against the wall as he panted for a moment. "Fuck, Fin!" He whined and bit his lip. "That wasn't fair!" He wailed and thumped his head back against the wall.

Finan smirked as he stepped back again. He glanced over his shoulder at Sihtric and smiled at him as well before he turned back to Uhtred. He crossed his arms and stared at the Lord sternly. "I told ye, no flirtin' an' no touchin'."

Uhtred's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "Until when?" He whined and pushed away from the wall. "Sitty just said until we were done for the night! Didn't you, boy?" He tried to look around Finan but the Irishman shook his head.

"Until we adjourn for the night." Sihtric said, stepping closer. He moved to stand beside Finan and tilted his head. "That means through this banquet of yours."

Uhtred's eyes narrowed and he clenched his jaw. Then he threw up his hands dramatically and shook his head. "This is not my banquet! I don't even want to go!"

"Ye will go an' ye will behave!" Finan snapped.

"Fine!" Uhtred snapped and glared at them both. "But I better get something good for… being good."

Finan raised an eyebrow. "Like what? A reward?"

Uhtred nodded his head. "If I get a punishment for being bad… then I get a reward for being good!" He stuck out his bottom lip and pouted. "It's only fair, Fin!" He couldn't stop the whine that entered his voice and he didn't want to. He didn't care at that moment. He was enjoying their game too much.

Sihtric tilted his head and pursed his lips as he watched his Lord. Then he felt Finan shift beside and looked sideways to meet his questioning gaze. Sihtric shrugged. "He is right." He mused. "That would be fair."

Finan huffed out and nodded. He turned back to Uhtred, his arms still crossed, and he looked annoyed. But he couldn't fight the smile that spread across his face. He was failing miserably at being stern. He was actually seconds from grabbing Uhtred and saying fuck this little game of theirs because he wanted to kiss and touch every part of the man's body. Sihtric's, too. God, he wanted to find the master bedroom in the house and throw them both on the bed. He cleared his throat and swallowed. "What… what do ye want?"

Uhtred leaned more heavily against the wall. He tilted his head back, staring at both of them with lidded eyes. He licked his lips slowly and exhaled a breathy whine. He swore he could feel the wheels turning in the Irishman's head and he could guess at Finan's line of thought. "I want you two." He said, practically moaning as he bit his lip. "Under me, behind me, over me…" He smirked obscenely and tilted his head.

Finan's eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "Uhtred." There was a warning tone in his voice and he shook his head. "Not now. Later. We 'ave t' git ready fer this banquet."

Uhtred whined and thumped his head back against the wall. "I know!" He snapped. "Stop reminding me! I don't wanna go!"

"Ye are goin'!" Finan said sternly. "We're all goin' an' we're gonna sit there an' talk wit' the chatty family an' keep our hands t' ourselves." Uhtred huffed out, crossed his arms, and looked away. Finan shook his head. "Uhtred, this requires a chat…"

"I know!" Uhtred pushed away from the wall and nodded. "I know." He said, sounding defeated. "I know we need to talk. Doesn't mean I still don't want to rip the clothes off your body with my teeth and cover every single inch of you with my tongue." He said it so casually as he shrugged his shoulders and walked around them. He headed towards the hearth and peeked his head into the pots of water. "This is your fault, Fin. You asked what I want and I want you and the boy, naked and dripping wet and ripping…"

"Uhtred!" Finan spun around and growled as he shook his head. "No more words from ye!"

Sihtric faltered and stepped back. He turned and tried to hide his nerves that suddenly took him over. He still had no idea what they needed to talk about and he really didn't want to talk! He just wished they would stop talking about needing to talk! He wanted to fuck anddo what he was good at and make everything better between them. He swallowed and dropped his gaze. He bit his lip and started picking at a loose thread on his leather. He really hated all this cryptic talk.

Finan's attention was still on Uhtred and he stepped closer, striding across the room towards the hearth. Uhtred turned and smirked at Finan. He blew the man a kiss as he turned and walked out of the large foyer. Finan frowned as he watched. "Where are ye goin'?" He called after him. Uhtred paused and turned. He poked his head back in and stuck out his tongue. Then he disappeared again and Finan growled and followed. "Uhtred! Git back 'ere!"

Sihtric sucked in a breath as he realized he had been left alone. He didn't want to be left alone. He didn't want to have to think and the second they were gone, his mind started reeling even more. Worries and fears about this talk they had to have and maybe they were going to leave him anyways, even though they said they weren't going to. Or they just didn't want him anymore and he'd be stuck in Uhtred's service and he would have to watch his Lord and Finan sneak off without him. He swallowed and felt tears pricking his eyes. But then he heard Uhtred's voice and he quickly rubbed his eyes and breathed in deeply, trying to calm himself and curb his fears. Although he wasn't sure if he was even allowed to use Uhtred's name anymore.

"You told me not to talk!" Uhtred snapped as he stumbled back into the foyer.

"An' then I asked ye where ye were goin'!" Finan said as he stepped out behind him.

Uhtred dropped the towels he found on the table and then threw up his arms. "I was just going to find something to wash with! Fucking Hel, Fin!"

Finan stopped and flinched. He frowned and stepped back, thinking Uhtred was actually angry with him. "Sorry." He said, holding up his hands. "I'll stop."

Uhtred spun around and stared at Finan. "What?" He gasped rather dramatically and his eyes widened. He stepped closer to the Irishman and shook his head. "No, no, nononono!" He said quickly, panic in his voice at the very idea. "Noooo!" He whined even louder and sidled closer to Finan. He bit his lip and reached towards the man but he stopped and swallowed. "I uh… I kind of… I really like… you bossing me around… and… being overprotective…" He swallowed again and licked his lips. "I'm not saying I want you to do it all the time… or maybe I do… I don't know…" He sighed deeply and turned away, his back to the man. He ran a hand over his face and through his hair and prayed to the Gods that the man couldn't see the blush spreading across his face as embarrassment took hold of him for a moment. Because he really, really liked Finan and Sihtric both bossing him around. "But I uh… I don't want you to stop…" He said softly and sighed again.

Finan watched him for a moment longer. He tilted his head and crossed his arms. He had thought the other man was enjoying their antics. But then Finan feared he was pushing Uhtred too far. He smiled as he moved closer to the man. He unfolded his arms and encircled Uhtred's waist from behind. He hugged the man's back to his chest and tucked his chin against his neck. "Ye tell me if I ever push ye too far. Or if ye want me t' stop or t' flip this. I'll let ye boss me 'round." He said softly. "I'll let ye do whatever ye want t' me. An' I never wanna upset ye."

Uhtred leaned back against him and breathed out. He licked his lips and nodded his head. "Fuck, Fin... You never have." He said softly and trembled a bit. Finan only held him tighter and placed a gentle kiss on his neck. Uhtred sucked in a breath and opened his eyes. He hadn't even realized they were closed. He didn't remember doing it. He blinked a few times and his eyes focused on Sihtric. The boy was standing across the room and Uhtred couldn't quite tell, but he thought he read something wrong in his puppy's posture. He frowned and lifted his arms. "Sihtric, sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Sihtric gasped at the endearment and looked away quickly. He bit his lip and shook his head. "Nothing." He mumbled under his breath.

Uhtred's frown deepened and he pushed away from Finan. The Irishman let him go and the two walked closer. Uhtred tilted his head and reached out to touch his puppy's cheek. Then he withdrew his hand quickly. "Shit…"

Sihtric shook his head quickly and stepped closer to him. "You can touch me, right Fin?" He didn't really care about their game anymore. He craved being touched by both of them and if this was the last night that he could, then he didn't want to play the game anymore. He just wanted to be near them. He shifted his gaze to the Irishman and Finan nodded his head. Uhtred reached towards him again and Sihtric sighed and leaned into the touch. He closed his eyes and just tried to focus on them and not on the fears swirling around inside him. He felt Finan shift closer and there were hands on his waist.

"Sihtric…" Uhtred started softly.

Sihtric sighed and shook his head, keeping his eyes closed. "Just tired." He whispered. It wasn't completely a lie. He was tired.

They accepted the answer, both of them nodding as they continued to touch their boy softly. Finan's fingers moved to the side of Sihtric's armor and he started unlacing it slowly. Uhtred watched him for a moment before he moved his hands to the other side and both men made quick work of removing his leathers. Sihtric sighed and opened his eyes. He forced a smile and turned towards Finan. Uhtred helped him and they pulled his armor off as well. Then it was Uhtred's turn and once they were all down to their underclothes, they turned towards the hearth. They removed the pots from the fire and started washing the day's travel from their skin and hair.

Uhtred leaned back in the chair as Finan stood behind him. His eyes were closed as the Irishman worked his silly little comb through his hair, brushing out all the tangles after attempting to dry it as best he could. When he finished, Finan pushed the Lord from the chair and told him to sit on the floor. Then he had Sihtric sit in the chair and told the boy to start braiding Uhtred's hair while Finan worked the comb through his. Uhtred smiled as he felt Sihtric's fingers in his hair, plaiting and twisting his thick, long hair. Sihtric had finished with Uhtred's and Finan was just starting on braiding Sihtric's hair when there was a knock at the door.

Uhtred let out a groan and Sihtric pinched his shoulder. Uhtred balked and grumbled as he stood up. He was enjoying the boy's fingers on his neck and he didn't want to move. But he equally didn't want his puppy to get up and answer the door. He felt the boy shift behind him and Uhtred knew that was exactly what Sihtric was about to do. Uhtred turned and gripped the boy's knee for a moment with a smile. Then he stood up and headed towards the door. He put on a very fake smile as he pulled the door open. And it was the annoying daughter. Uhtred blinked at her for a moment and tilted his head but her name escaped him. "Uh… hello… again… uh…"

She smiled at him and leaned to the side, to peer around him inside. "Eawynn." She answered.

Uhtred nodded as he stepped back and pulled the door more open. "Yes, Eawynn. Come on in."

Eawynn smiled at him again and nodded her head. "Thank you, Lord." She stepped inside and immediately walked across the room. She smiled brightly at Sihtric and he swallowed and nodded at her.

"'old still." Finan snapped, pulling a little on the boy's hair.

"Sorry." Sihtric mumbled.

Eawynn moved closer to Finan and watched as he twisted Sihtric's hair in a more complicated pattern than he had Uhtred's. "I have never seen a braid like that." She commented. "I was going to offer to help but I'm not sure I can."

Finan grunted and nodded his head. "Thanks fer the offer but I got it. I've done it plenty fer both of 'em. I'll be done in a moment."

"Eawynn." Uhtred said her name loudly as he stepped closer to her, trying to get her attention off Sihtric before she made his puppy uncomfortable again. He could sense something was off with the younger man and he didn't want to make it worse. "Are you ready for us?"

She straightened up and smiled at Uhtred. "Yes, Lord. We are." She nodded her head. "My grandmother sent me to fetch you."

Uhtred smiled and nodded. "Alright, thank you. Finan, hurry up."

"I am…" Finan said slowly as he finished with the final loop and tied it. "Done, Lord." He let go of the boy's hair and stepped back.

Sihtric turned in the chair and smiled up at Finan. "Thank you." He said softly. Finan nodded stiffly, aware of their audience, and stepped back farther. Sihtric nodded and stood up.

Uhtred smiled for a moment, watching them. And he wished they were alone. Eawynn started to turn and Uhtred stepped closer to her. He clapped his hands and smiled, trying to keep her attention again. "Okay, we're ready. Lead the way. We'll follow." She smiled at him and nodded. Uthred opened the door and held it for her. She smiled again and quickly ducked out and he followed her. He glanced over his shoulder and winked at Sihtric and the boy blushed. Finan pushed him and the two followed quickly.

The banquet wasn't that bad. It wasn't as big as Uhtred had feared. He had imagined the whole town showing up but it was only a couple of the more prominent families. He thought he counted a dozen adults. He didn't count the kids of varying ages running around. The food was good and the company wasn't too bad. Benwick was talking, regaling his guests with some tale about something Uhtred wasn't really paying attention to. He was tired and he slumped forward, leaning heavily on the table. He didn't even fight it as his eyes glazed over and he stifled a yawn. His gaze was on his plate as he picked at what was left. Exhaustion was settling in hard through his whole body and he really just wanted to sleep despite his earlier arguments about wanting to fuck. He felt another yawn coming on and this time he didn't stifle it.

On his right side, Finan had been paying rapt attention to Benwick, smiling and laughing and sharing his own anecdotes between bites. He elbowed Uhtred a few times and attempted to turn to him, trying to get him to engage but the Lord would only say a word or two before going silent again. Finan glared sideways at him as he heard the yawn. He shook his head and turned his attention back to the conversation at hand. He leaned back a little, feigning a stretch, and tilted his head. He continued, smiling and nodding as he dropped his hand beneath the table. Then he leaned forward again and rested his other elbow against the top. And he promptly pinched Uhtred's thigh.

Uhtred snapped wide awake then, letting out a squeak in surprise. A few looked his way and he smiled and nodded at them, pretending to pay attention. He felt Finan's hand rest against his thigh and he swallowed and picked up his fork again. He had no clue how he was supposed to concentrate on the banquet with the man's hand on him. He glared down at his plate for a moment and stabbed at a chunk of potato.

On Uhtred's left side, Sihtric sat. But his attention hadn't been on Uhtred at all the whole time. He was thankful that some unknown man had taken the seat beside him before Eawynn could snatch it. She had pouted when she returned from the kitchen and saw that they had already been seated. Instead, she'd taken the seat directly across from him. And she used it to her advantage to alternate between leaning over the table and letting the neckline of her dress dip a bit too low for the polite dinner affair and slouching down in her seat enough that she could stretch her leg out and attempt to touch him with her foot under the table.

Sihtric swallowed and hunched down and attempted to ignore her completely. But she kept trying to talk to him, as did a few others, and he didn't want to seem rude. So he smiled and nodded and attempted to join the conversation when he could. And when it was only Eawynn's attention on him, he dropped his gaze to his plate and tried not to blush or drop his fork. He was starting to think this young girl was even more pent up than his Lord and Sihtric smiled at the thought. When Uhtred snapped beside him, Sihtric balked and turned to stare at him. But he saw no reason for the man's reaction and he frowned as he caught Uhtred's demeanor. He leaned closer for a moment. "Lord, are you okay?" He asked softly as he scooted closer, pressing his leg against Uhtred's.

Uhtred nodded his head quickly and sucked in a sharp breath. "Fine." He hissed out, keeping his voice low enough to not be overheard by anyone else. Then he felt Finan's hand moving, the man's fingers lightly caressing his inner thigh a bit too close to his crotch. "Finan!" He snapped the name a bit louder than he meant to and Sihtric dropped his fork. The clattering brought the attention of most of the table to them and Uhtred sucked in a breath and let out a laugh, the sound being a bit more forced than he wished it was but the guests didn't seem to notice and joined in. Uhtred breathed out when the laughter died down and Finan slapped his hand on the table and turned to one of the other guests who's just mentioned being to Ireland before.

The banquet continued for a while longer. Finan kept his hand on Uhtred's thigh, alternating between pinching him and drawing circles with his fingers when he felt the Lord's attention waning. And Sihtric kept himself pressed as close to Uhtred as he could and the Lord managed to make it through the dinner without falling asleep or offending any of the guests. At least, as far as he could tell. He smiled and laughed and shook the hands of those who came close enough to. Then he thanked Benwick for his family's hospitality and headed for the door.

"I will see you tomorrow, Lord." Benwick called after him.

Uhtred paused as his hand closed around the doorknob. His eyes widened and he sucked in a breath before he turned to look over his shoulder. "Why?" He asked and couldn't keep the whining tone from his voice. Sihtric stared at him and Finan elbowed him and Uhtred stood up straighter. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, of course, Benwick. We will… see you… tomorrow. We are looking forward to it…"

"And your wife will be arriving, right?"

Uhtred nodded stiffly and swallowed. "Yes… she should be."

Benwick smiled brightly and nodded his head. "I look forward to meeting her as well!" The man said with far too much enthusiasm.

Uhtred's hand tightened around the doorknob, his knuckles turning white with the force. "She will be glad for the warm welcome."

"Aye." Finan nodded and smiled. "As will the rest travelin' wit' 'em. But we best be leavin' now. Gitting pretty late."

"Yes, yes, yes." Benwick nodded his head and waved. "Go, Lord…"

Uhtred didn't wait to find out if the man had more to say. He opened the door and quickly darted out. Sihtric and Finan fell in behind him and the trio didn't stop until they were safely closed into Uhtred's new house. Uhtred even grabbed one of the benches and barricaded it in front of the door, just to be safe.

Finan raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "Aren't ye bein' a 'lil dramatic?"

Uhtred shook his head as he straightened up. "No!" He said quickly, waving his arms around. Then he started peeling off his shirt and threw it on the ground. "And you touching me under the table like that wasn't fair!" He snapped, pointing a finger at Finan.

Sihtric raised an eyebrow and looked at Finan. "You did what?"

Finan shrugged his shoulders. "Jus' 'is thigh. Tryin' t' keep 'im awake."

Uhtred continued to glare at him as he walked around him, throwing up his arms dramatically. "I am very awake and now there's no time for anything else and Gisela and Alfred will be here tomorrow and…" He groaned loudly and threw up his arms. "This just isn't fair!"

"Uhtred…"

Uhtred sighed deeply and nodded. "Sorry." He mumbled, his annoyance seeping out of him as his exhaustion settled in again. "Can we just go to sleep?" He turned and stuck out his bottom lip, pouting as he looked at each of them in turn. "Please?" He held his hands out towards both of them. Finan stepped closer and grabbed one hand and Sihtric grabbed the other. Then together, they headed down the hall.