A day went by and then two. There was no talk of Hanlaug. Namitha was strangely quiet on the matter but Lufner knew a schemer when he saw one. Consequently, he held his tongue.

When the fourth day came along, they got a supper invite from Usoff. Lufner was pleased. Ever since married, he rarely got supper invitations so it was a nice change of pace.

Namitha insisted they go early so she can help Kaya so they did, taking a pheasant with them as a gift. Earl Genzic gifted them 5, all well-fed. Namitha did not mind parting with one.

Once the feasting was done and over with, Namitha sat close to the fireplace with her back turned to Usoff and Lufner watched as he slightly dampened her flowing hair, created parts with a comb, and begin braiding. Lufner thought nothing much of it. Usoff was a great braider.

Kaya struggled in the kitchen with both babe and tidying and it did not take Namitha long to offer help. She could not stand at the moment but stretched her arms out and Kaya, grateful for the help, plopped the babe in her friend's arms and hurried off to complete the rest of the chores.

Namitha was well aware of her husband's gaze. Now with babe in hand, his staring was more apparent than before.

She distracted herself by playing with the newborn's soft blond curls, smiling when his eyes drooped ever so slightly. She did so until he fell asleep and could not help but kiss the child. He was the most precious thing. The gods had gifted Usoff and Kaya the most gracious of luck.

She nudged his hand with her finger and grinned and cooed as he grasped it in his sleep. Usoff chuckled proud.

Nami glanced up and caught Lufner's eye. She smiled and his brows rose. She returned her staring to the child and he did the same with a purse of his lips.

Mothering suited her greatly. There was no doubt about that. However, the hairstyle of choice reminded him of a shield maiden on a battle field, small braids joined to a larger one in the middle. Hair no longer in her eyes.

He wondered which one suited her best. A mother or a shield maiden? Lufner went with both.

Usoff finished the braid and after Namitha gave him her thanks, he retrieved his son and went over to the next room to put him to bed. Kaya went with him just in case, leaving both Namitha and Lufner alone.

"It suits you," said Lufner.

Namitha coloured.

He loved when she coloured.

"Thank you."

He approached and kissed her forehead. To Namitha's surprise, he knelt before her and caressed her stomach. She jumped and prodded his hands off and locked them in hers.

"What are you doing?"

She held back a smile and quickly looked to the room the homeowners disappeared in.

"Nothing."

Namitha did not believe him. It had only been a week since he discovered she was ticklish. She had her guard up ever since.

"I was only imagining you swell with my child...Holding my child..."

He smiled gently into her eyes. If she could be so pleased with a child that was not her own, he could not wait to see her become a mother.

"You jest," said Namitha. Her gladness filled her cheeks and she giggled softly to herself, ruffling her husband's hair.

"You'll make an amazing mother as you are an amazing wife."

Namitha blinked away the itch in her eye and she leaned forward and kissed him, gliding her hand from the top of his head to the nape of his neck.

Then her eyes lowered and her smiled disappeared into a frown.

Lufner's smile vanished along with hers and Namitha quickly chased away his concerns with another kiss.

In the dead of night, Lufner woke and turned to his sleeping wife. He held her hand and kissed it, caressed her cheek towards him and kissed it. Her braided hair meant he could no longer run his fingers through so he patted it instead and kissed it too. Under his neck, he tucked her head and brought her closer.

Something did not sit right with him. He was never one to ignore his gut. It scared him. He trusted his wife yet she held things from him, suggesting that he trust her judgement. And as much as he disliked being in the dark, he waited it out. Whatever it was would present itself soon enough.

It so happened to be too soon.

Lufner with a start, woke to the sun in his face. To his right, his wife was gone. One search around the house proved that she was away. He did not bother calling out to her.

Lufner washed his face, got dressed and left the house. He did not know where to look but his legs led him as if they knew.

Upon entering the main part of the village not so far from the long house, there was a crowd of whisperings and cheering. The sharp hits of blade filled the air and Lufner hustled forward.

He was not prepared for what he saw next.

5 days ago...

Namitha found her easily. She and her small army of women were camped in the nearby woods. She snuck by their defences easily and entered the biggest tent where Hanlaug stayed.

Hanlaug's jaw slackened upon the realization she had company. It happened to be the worst kind.

"How did you-?"

"Something was left undone between us. So I am here to settle things once and for all."

Hanlaug leaned in her makeshift chair with folded arms.

"You believe Luffy to be yours and I have come to a decision both fair and just in the eyes of the gods."

"And once he is mine, you will not interfere?"

"Correct. He will be all yours."

Hanlaug smirked. This was the best news she had heard all day. No one was able to comfort her after their first meeting. Namitha left a bad taste in her mouth and the envy in her heart was insatiable.

"Go on."

"You cannot refuse," said Namitha. She stood tall over Hanlaug's table and peered down at her behind her long lashes.

Hanlaug stood to regain her confidence. It was she who had the sagas of battle and victory. Not this puny red-haired wife. Hanlaug had to remind her of her place.

"How can I refuse with such a grand offer on the table?"

"Very well," Namitha breathed, "I challenge you to a Holmgang. She who wins gets Lufner, he will be hers wholly and solely. The losing party will not interfere and accept defeat once and for all."

Hanlaug laughed.

"A holmgang? And who will fight for you?"

"You fight against me. I wouldn't dare leave the fate of my husband in anyone else's hands but mine."

Hanlaug wanted to laugh again, this time a lot harder but she stopped herself once she spotted the seriousness in Namitha's eyes.

She studied Namitha's outstretched hand and rose brows at the manly gesture which she knew all too well.

She grasped her lower arm and Namitha did the same.

"Exactly 5 days from now, in the main square."

"I'll be there."

Hanlaug did not know what to expect but she took heed not to underestimate Namitha. She may have went easy on her because she was a woman but Namitha's movements were quick and effortless. Hanlaug should have known she meant business when she discarded the shield her long-nosed companion handed her despite his many protests. She also took note of the proud look of a green-haired man standing not too far away. Both, she recalled, were Lufner's friends.

She charged at her with unexpected strength but Hanlaug held her footing. She would be damned if she left the circle and Namitha was determined to do just that.

Despite all this, Namitha held herself well but that did not mean she did not struggle. She had Lufner's many sparrings to thank for that.

Her sword swung in the air and Namitha stepped cleanly aside sending a swipe Hanlaug's way which was defended with her shield.

It was eventually thrown aside and the crowd went wild.

Of course, the Earl got wind of the Holmgang. And of course she was there to oversee it all. Belhild was having a ball. Without a doubt, she was briefed. It was she who read out the rules for this duel. The one caught in the middle of it all was absent but it made sense that Namitha nor any of his friends would have told him.

After all, it was Belhild's advice Namitha sought. The scandal enticed her and to reclaim her honour after such an insult, Belihild agreed with her daughter. She tried to persuade her otherwise but Namitha's mind was made up. Settling this legally was the civil thing to do. Both their reputations would have been at stake. This was not a petty brawl between common women fighting over a man. It was the restoration of honour and Belhild supported it.

The former Earl did not approve. It was then and there Belhild challenged him to a Holmgang of their own in front of court and knowing he would not stand a chance, the crown was now on Belhild's head as the rightful ruler. If she could do it, so could Namitha. Surely all that training amounted to something.

Genzic was not present. Rumour had it, he was put away for the duration of the fight. An over protective father would surely come between a duel between his precious daughter and a famous shield maiden so he had to be detained.

The first blood came by Hanlaug's sword. Blood slithered down Namitha's arm, but it was merely a scratch.

However, that was not an indication for the end of the match. Crying defeat was one and being pushed out the ring. Losing a limb was another and of course, death.

Namitha's sword was heavy which afforded her defense but she needed more of an upper hand so she stooped low and cut Hanlaug along her side. Her tunic stained with blood but her quick movement afforded Namitha a stab to her shoulder which grazed her skin but not deep enough to penetrate the bone.

Both women refused to cry out as they charged at each other again. The ground spotted with their blood and dirt and sweat clung to their faces.

Things were heating up and the spectator's heads turned with each turn, dash, and spin. Namitha's supporters spurred her on. So did Hanlaug's.

Namitha knew she did not stand a chance. She surprised herself that she was able to hold up for so long. Not that she doubted herself, she was waiting for the gods to grant her an opening. She hoped that some of her husband's crazy luck would have rubbed off on her but she was losing stamina as time went by.

This was her first real fight. Hanlaug could easily cut her down but Namitha's reflexes had other plans. Adrenaline made it so that her body was no longer her own. The mere sight of her blood was driving her over the edge. The thought of losing Lufner was her fuel and there was no way she planned on losing. Losing was not a part of the plan. Neither was dying. She vowed she would get through this victorious and alive.

Suddenly, there was a noticeable change in the air. The crowd was faced elsewhere and so was Hanlaug who strangely stopped all movement and sank to the ground on her knees. Her face flushed red and a timid smile presented itself reminding Namitha of a shy little girl.

"Luffy..." said Hanlaug covering her cheeks. She looked away to the side.

Namitha's eyes went slightly wide but she did not dare look behind her. Her hands shook but she did not forget her aim, swinging her arm back, launching it forward to knock Hanlaug's sword out her hand.

Said woman stilled and drew herself back the moment Namitha's blade came dangerously close to her neck.

Namitha's shoulders rose and fell. She disliked this woman. Fantasies of the earth drinking her blood overtook her and Namitha had desire for nothing else.

Belhild stood before the situation escalated.

"Do you call defeat, Hanlaug?"

Hanlaug took one careful look at Namitha and said:

"Whether I do or not, it would not make a difference. This woman wants me dead. Right, Lufner?"

The blade shook even more in Namitha's hand at the call of her husband's name.

Namitha's breathing heightened. Her thoughts conflicted. Why rid a country of its leader when she had already won? But what if she came after her with her back turned? What if she took Luffy?

Namitha hated the risk and before she took the path of no return, a hand from behind came to rest on hers and lowered the weapon. The next took her carefully by the waist.

"Luffy?" she whispered.

"Enough now," he said close to her ear. "You won. Don't do something you'll regret."

At that, Namitha hung her head low in shame, dropped the sword on the dusty ground, and clung to her husband.

Hanlaug held her hand up and Belhild announced the winner. The crowd began their cheering and before Hanlaug's crew could come tend to her they waited, knowing how much this reunion meant to her.

"Luffy," Hanlaug swooned. She wanted him to say something to her. Anything. Even the call of her name would suffice... Although he never got it right.

His brown eyes met hers and her heart went into a frenzy .

"I'm disappointed in both of you, Nami, Hamaug."

Namitha's shoulders had gone stiff.

Hanlaug wanted to perish.

Lufner turned his back on the shield maiden before a word could be said.

"Choffin. Take care of Hamaug's wound."

One look at the young doctor had Hanlaug coiling back but word from Lufner calmed her down.

"He is my friend."

Lufner hoisted his wife and before he could take his leave, Hanlaug felt Namitha's embarrassment as she buried her face in his neck.

"I leave tomorrow, Lufner," she said, "It would mean a lot to me if you came to bid me farewell..."

She planned to sail away with him then and promise him his every desire but things did not work out in her favour.

"So soon?" Lufner asked. Hanlaug's eyes went wide.

"I can stay for another day or two... If that's okay."

Hanlaug looked to the earth, combing fingers through her hair as the young doctor set about working on her wound.

"Thanks, Hamaug."

He grinned her way and Hanlaug went faint before anyone could catch her. It calmed them all down when Choffin announced she was fine.

As the crowd dispersed, Lufner left along with it. His wife in tow.

At length, she gained the courage to speak.

"I want to be left on my own for a while, Luffy. Please."

She was not ready for his upbraiding, his anger. If the gods had mercy on her, they would have let her die for the last thing she wanted was for him to say what he did.

Namitha dreaded the thought of being alone in the same room as him.

She did not regret what she did. Had hoped Lufner would understand but all she had done was in vain. It only made things worse.

She rather him strike her and forget the whole thing happened. He never did but if today was to be the first, so be it.

As soon as they entered their home, Namitha went to stand in the middle of the room, hugging herself. She waited and waited.

Lufner took her gently by the arm and lead her to the kitchen where he tore the blood-stained tunic, addressing the wound. Choffin had taught him a thing or two and he had learned his ways during his days on the battlefield. He sat his wife down and cleaned her wounds, dressed them with balm, and poorly wrapped them tight with clean cloth.

She bit her lower lip and her eyes pinched with tears. It hurt a lot worse than she bargained for.

"Do you hate me, Luffy?"

Lufner thumbed away the spills.

"No. I'm not mad at you either."

Hopeful eyes searched his.

"I trust your judgement but I am growing used to the thought you do not trust mine."

"So you would not have stopped me?"

"I would."

"And that is exactly why I did not tell you. She would keep coming, again and again, to claim you for herself and I could not allow that."

Namitha stood.

"She tried to turn me against you."

"And did her plot work?"

"It didn't but-"

"And has she taken me from you?"

"No. But, my lord-"

Luffy's expression hardened sending a start to Namitha's bones.

"You did not do this for me, Nami. You did this for yourself."

All emotions imaginable hit Namitha all at once. She wanted to stand her ground but caved in like a fallen fortress built on sandy shores.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being a selfish wife. For not trusting you enough. For being so stupid."

Snot and tears ran down her face and Lufner watched as she fled to their room where she cried and cried.

Lufner did not come to comfort her and she cried even more.

In the end, he gave her what she wanted and left the house. He too needed the space.

She was stubborn and headstrong. Selfish and proud.

"She's just like you."

Lufner cracked a smile. He went off to find a certain long-nose and green-haired swordsman. He saw a lot of things at that Holmgang and did not miss the moment they high-tailed it out of there.

Afterward, he'll pay a visit to an old friend...

To be continued...

Author's Note

After I thought no one cared for this fanfic anymore due to a lack of reviews, I recently got one from a kind reader. Thank you!

This chapter was already in the making before that but it made me happy to know that some are still interested which gave me enthusiasm I never thought imaginable. Likewise, I appreciate my silent readers. I love this fanfic too much to abandon it so like my other fics, this fic will be complete despite it being a long one. This will be my first adventure fic as stated before. They are taking forever to go on said adventure but I do like the slow-burn of getting to know each character first and to grow with them before the stakes get high.

We'll get there eventually.

-Awsme Grl