Welcome to the next chapter! Review or a Troll will eat all the dolphins in the world! Oh and by the way, I don't hate Russia, so sorry If It seems like it, it's just he always seems to be the bad guy in Finnish history-which is sad to say but it works for this fic. :D

Berwald didn't know why but he felt like doing a back flip accompanied by three summersaults and a handstand. After Tino had pressed his lips to his own chapped ones, Berwald's heart spasmodically pounded against his chest and he felt like he couldn't get enough air if his life depended on it.

Had he heard correctly? Did Tino really agree to be his bride? Berwald felt the widest smile he ever experienced spread across his lips. He wrapped his arms tighter around the little Finn, feeling Tino twist and shiver on the Swede's lap.

Tino stroked Berwald's forearm, leaning in closely so that he could take in a whiff of Berwald's scent. The scent of verdant pines and scorching hot earth, of wild brooks flooding the spring fields and dried saw grass in the summer. The scent of a man. Tino sighed into the kiss as he felt Berwald's thumbs massaging the bottom of Tino's back, making the Finn blush softly. Perhaps Berwald wasn't as physically awkward as I thought…? Tino mused in his head. Berwald calmly dipped his hands down to Tino's thigh… Oh yes… He's very physically aware… Tino thought with a spark of humor.

Tino's toes curled as he took a peek at Berwald's face. His glasses that were once perched atop his slender nose had jutted downwards, showing his eyes clearly and unmarred. Dark and lusty, dangerous and satisfying. Tino bit his bottom lip to keep the damnable shivers from wracking his body.

Slowly the seconds ticked by and Tino grew hungry for something more than kissing. He knew that he would have to keep himself a maiden to actually participate in the maidens dance, but maybe a bit of fooling around before the bonfires couldn't hurt?* Tino smiled to himself. Surely sampling a bit of Berwald wouldn't be prohibited? And it seemed as if the Swede wouldn't mind one bit.

Tino's smile turned smug for a few fleeting seconds as he and Berwald lightly battled their lips for dominance, Tino slowly giving in when the Swede took control and nibbled cautiously against Tino's petal-like-lips. It felt so good to just be in the Swede's embrace! Tino wondered with a courageous mind what it would feel like to be filled to the brim with the Swede. Tino shivered suddenly, conjuring up naughty images.

Berwald's heart raced like an unleashed dragon upon the Tor, spiraling and soaring, leaping and jumping. It was only when Tino took his little devilish hands and shoved Berwald down on the hay; not harshly-but with as much force as could be still called gentle—did Berwald take on a stunned expression. Berwald blinked up at the Finn who had now seated himself on his lap.

"Berwald…" Tino's voice was husky, full of heat. It made Berwald's stomach toss and stagger.

"Hnnn?" He grunted, trying desperately to wish away the fantasies that were now hatching in his mind. Though such was hard to do when Tino was teasingly untying the cords to Berwald's tunic till a good amount of flesh was shown of his bare chest.

"Berwald… Since I am to be your Summer Bride…" Tino began but quickly turned his head away, his heart slowly retreating back to its bashful state.

"Mmm?" Berwald sat his head up, his eyes wide with wonder and curiosity.

Tino fluttered his eyelashes, doing his best to appear innocent when really he could have jumped on the Swede and really rocked his world at any given moment… Damned if Berwald wasn't the sexiest thing Tino had ever laid eyes on.

"W-would it be okay… If um…"

"Y'ah?"

"If…If I could touch your—"

Cough!

"Like, Tino, I think you're supposed to wait till after the Bonfires to touch his Swedish goods." A voice hummed with flitted humor.

Tino's hands froze, his eyes wide with embarrassment. He unwillingly turned his head to the side to see not one, but three pairs of eyes trained on him. Oh Gods kill me!

Feliks, Elizabeta, and Nikolas were perched on the lofts ladder, smiling smugly, their eye's glittering with laughter. Tino wanted to die. Oh how he wished Thor's hammer would strike him across the forehead.*

"Ah…. He…I… He fell! And um… I was just, helping him up!" Tino stuttered as his face heated up like a winter candle.

Nikolas raised his eyebrows. "You were helping him up by sitting on him?" He asked, his voice mocking. Tino bit his lip and glared at his cousin before hastily crawling off of Berwald. Berwald turned his face to the side, not wanting to show his red stained cheeks. He was never good with crowds to begin with but this—being caught in the act of kissing—it was too much for his big bearish heart to take!

"Well, anyway. Though I am grateful for that wonderful show of manly love, I'm afraid I have to snag Tino from you for just a bit Berwald. I promise you can have him back by tonight, and then you two can continue what you so shamelessly started." Elizabeta winked towards the taller Scandinavian. Berwald made a pained noise in his throat, reminding Tino of a trapped rabbit.

Tino turned back to Berwald who was blushing from ear to ear, his hand to his mouth. Tino bit his lip and turned back to Nikolas.

"I-I'll be right down. Let me just show Berwald out, okay?" Tino squeaked, trying his best to shoo the unwanted company out of the loft.

Feliks frowned and flipped his hair back. "Like, fine! We'll be waiting outside. And if like, you're not outside by one minute —I'm telling everyone you're, like, pregnant with little Swedish babies!" Feliks voice shuttered into a roll of laughter. Tino clenched his fist, his face fuming red.

"Lähtö!" Tino shouted with all his might.* He shoved Feliks back, hearing a soft thud then more laughter as Elizabeta and Nikolas hopped down from the ladder and glided out the door, Feliks complaining that the fall ruined his hair.

After the three left, Tino turned, unwillingly, to Berwald. The tall Swede had trained his eyes to his soft leather boots, his glasses back in place on his slender nose. Tino smiled timidly.

"I'm sorry about that..." he mumbled softly. Berwald looked up at the seated Finn before shrugging.

" 's not yo'r fa'lt..." he stated evenly, his voice still holding a bit of hoarseness from their activities before.

Berwald had been so close, but maybe it had been for the best. Though the consummation at the Bonfire was not a real wedding, Berwald wondered if Tino would really agree to be not just his summer bride—but his bride for the many seasons to come.* Berwald looked up at the boy that he had so fondly grown to love. His soft dove like hair, eyes of cavernous amethyst gems, and his skin like the softest of rabbits fur. He loved Tino, and he couldn't wait for tonight when they became united under the Midsummer sun.

"Ah…Well, I should go Berwald, I still have a lot to do…" Tino feebly spoke, his legs dangling off the side of the loft. His bare feet slid down the ladder rungs, followed by the harsh thud of Berwald's own.

Berwald followed Tino out of the loft awkwardly. In the back of his head he was still wondering what it was that Tino wanted to touch before they were so embarrassingly interrupted. What could he have wanted? His arm? His leg? Hmmm….Berwald furrowed his face. This was going to take some thought.

But before Berwald could think much more on the questioning thoughts, Tino had led him to the small living area of the Finn's home. Instantly Berwald heard a high pitch giggle greet his ears. He turned around sharply to see a woman, drying a glazed jug with the edges of her skirts. Her eyes blinked a few times before they filled with crystal jubilance. Berwald swallowed hard.

"Tino! Har mannen din kommer på besøk?" His aunt spoke with joy.* She quickly sat the jug on the small round eating table before scurrying over to Berwald who seemed surprised by the women's wonderfully pleased eyes. He didn't understand Norwegian that entirely well, but he felt like she had said something kind to him so he did his best to smile.

"Nei!" Tino responded back with hysterical speed.* But his Aunt had already latched her arms around Berwald's strong bicep, pinching slightly. Her golden locks nestled against Berwald's chest.

"Berwald! I haven't seen you since you were about ten years old, when you used to come early in the morning and drop off apples from your father's farm for Tino! You were always such a sweet, little—er… tall boy! You know Tino was talking about you just this morning!" she beamed, looking up at the spectacled man. Berwald blinked twice.

"He… was?" Berwald mumbled.

Tino's face sparked a violent crimson. Oh he did not need this right now!

"Yes! Why, just this morning he was telling us how he dreamed of you!" she said, nodding off towards Tino who was glued to the spot.

Perkele I want to die…Perkele! Perkele! Perkele! Tino's eye's twitched, his brain desperately trying to stop this embarrassing wreck that was about to unfold. Oh dear Odin why him?*

"He…He dr'am of m'?" Berwald looked down to the woman who was now fixing his tunic collar that had twisted.

"Täti!" Tino hissed, glaring at his aunt with all his might.*

"Oh, I'm sorry Tino!" His aunt said, finally ackowledging her nephews precense before turning back to the tall and dumbfounded Swede.

"You are Swedish right? I heard you are a wonderful warrior! Please, take good care of my little nephew! Be a good provider for my Baby Finny-Finn!" Tino's aunt gushed, her tears of happiness soaking into Berwald's tunic. The edges of his eyes twitched into a serious stare as he began to nod vigorously. He clasped the woman's hands and bent down before her, making Tino jump with surprise.

"I w'll t'ke good c're of yur' n'phew!" He said with his eyes still trained on Tino's aunt. His aunt shrieked for joy, wiping her tears on the edge of her hangerock.*

Tino's face—if possible at this point—burst into flames. He grabbed Berwald's tunic sleeve and pulled him through the door. Instantly his eyes met with the blinding sensation of light. Both men shielded their eyes grudgingly. Already the sounds of the festivities were beginning. Girls were running around the village, all dressed in pretty white robes, hair adorned with flower crowns. Men wearing breeches and holiday tunics had pasted war paint scrawled over their bodies; crowns of oak weaved in their hair. It was a welcoming sight to Tino. The festival was drawing nearer and nearer.

"There you, like, are! We were getting like, tired of waiting and junk!" Tino heard Feliks whine.

"Sorry… We got side tracked because—"

"You were like, making Swedish-Finnish babies?"

"No! Auntie was going to have one of her long "get-to-know-you" talks with Berwald so I pulled him out of there." Tino groaned, reminding himself to drown Feliks in the river when he had the chance.

Elizabeta clapped her hands together. "Well, now due to your dilly-dallying we don't have much time. Say good bye to the nice studley Swede Tino! We have to get you three ladies ready for the maidens dance!" The brunette Hungarian smiled. She shoved the boys down the dusty road towards the shady forest path, promising to follow along shortly. Tino sheepishly smiled at the tall lumbering Swede before hurrying down the path with the other two boys.

Then Elizabeta slyly directed her gaze to Berwald, walking over to the Swede. Berwald, knowing that this woman could mean trouble, took a small step back.

"Relax Berwald, I'm not going to yell at you. I just want to warn you—be good to Tino. He has a lot of friends looking out for him so do your best to not hurt him. Okay?" Elizabeta said to him, staring down his glare, a brilliant smile perched on her face. Berwald's shoulders eased downward, his crease in his brow slowly melting away.

"Hnnn… I t'ke good c're of 'm." Berwald assured the Hungarian woman. He could tell she really cared for Tino and it made Berwald happy that his cute little wife had such caring friends.

Elizabeta smiled once more at the tall Swede, her hands on her hips. Nodding once, she placed one of her slender hands on Berwald's shoulder in a friendly fashion.

"That's good to hear! Oh, and a word of advice! Tonight at the bonfires, when you…you know…" Elizabeta winked her long eyelashes at Berwald, making his face heat up at her insinuation. "Well, when you 'claim Finland's vital regions', here's a tip! Tino is ticklish behind the ear! Try it, see what happens!" The girl devilishly smiled before flaunting backward, skipping down the lane to catch up with the other three boys, leaving Berwald to stand and stare in the middle of the village road. Berwald furrowed his brow. Tickle 'm behind the ears?

"Arf! Arf!"

Berwald felt something stubbornly nipping at the throngs of his boots. Nodding downward he spied the same little ball of fluff that had been following him for the past few days. Smiling slightly he picked up the bouncing pup, laughing softly when she yipped with happiness, licking Berwald's face excitingly. Berwald paused and, wrestling the tiny white pup to his left arm, stroked the dog behind her ear. She immediately closed her glassy obsidian eyes and whined happily panting with joy in the summer air. Berwald smiled before turning around and walking down the dirt laden path.

"B'h'nd the e'rs, huh?" he muttered to himself, the puppy wriggling in his arms the entire time, yipping and barking her little head off.

Tino sputtered wildly as another bought of water hit him in the face. Feliks laughed rowdily as he watched his Finnish friend dive underneath the jewel colored stream to escape the onslaught of the spraying water.

From a safer distance away, Norway stood in the shallow end, fanatically scrubbing his winter snow skin with a scrap of clean linen. All three boys were supposed to be cleansing themselves clean for tonight's festival as instructed by Elizabeta. But while they were washing Tino found a whole school of minnows! They were so cute that he and Feliks started to chase them in the pools of water. One thing led to another and pretty soon they had started a water fight. And everyone knows you simply cannot stop a water fight once it's in progress. That is—unless you're in the presence of a crazy frying pan wielding Hungarian.

After nearly swiping Tino's head clean off, both boys were willing to calm down into the currants of the slowly tugging stream. After each boy had dunked their head in water and was deemed clean by Elizabeta, the brunette instructed the boys to play a bit in the water while she went off to find them some clothes for tonight's activities at the bonfire.

Mathias had been ducking under low tree branches and brambles trying to find the most perfect treasure for his dear Nikolas. Though it didn't look like it, the Dane really did love the vapid-eyed Norwegian, and tonight he was going to prove it. He smiled cheekily.

"Then Norge will have to let me into his pants!" he cackled, trotting over a few oak roots. Once he rounded the soft trickles of a tiny creek he turned skyward. The sun blazed at him with mocking ferocity, making him shield his eyes, sweat dripping from his neck. Damn it's hot… he thought with annoyance. Training his eyes once more on the tiny creek he bent downward on his knees and splashed his hands numbingly through the cool water, sighing happily as he scooped some up and rubbed it on his neck. Oh now that hits the spot….

Having his fill of the dribbling water he scanned around the small shrubs that surrounded him. A few thorny brambles, and some dandelion buds gnarled and faded stooped out of the soft muddy earth—but nothing else of much inter-…wait. What was that?

Mathias craned his head to the right to see, on a craggily rock, a long coupled stem adorned with small soft-star-like petals flushed outwards from the stones. Mathias grinned wildly before reaching out and plucking the gorgeous dot-like flowers. Once in his possession he tucked them safely in a little knapsack that was slung across his shoulders. Sighing with relief at finding the perfect flower for his little summer bride, Mathias stretched his long arms. He thought he deserved a reward for a job well done. Maybe a little dip in the river to cool him off? He yawned in the summer heat. Yes, that sounded wonderful.

Slinking out from the painful blades of the saw-grass, Mathias breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the soft roaring of the big stream that fed the great lake Torne.* he quickly shuffled out of his tunic and boots, stockings and belt when he heard an enormous splash across from where he was perched. Turning his head quizzically he saw a sight that made his mouth water. His beauty, Nikolas, was buck naked in the rivers currant. Mathias could safely say he could now die happy.

The water glided smoothly over the Norwegians pale ice-like skin, making Mathias shiver with want. Nikolas had discarded his blonde clip that he had so fondly grown attached to, so his blonde hair soaked down his face, making his eyes stand out even more with their opaque luster. Mathias groaned with want. Damn the lithe Norwegian and his tempting body.

But, not to let the awesomeness of the situation go without some attention, Mathias sat kneeling down on the soft moss that jutted from the river banks. Smiling to himself he decided to watch the show for a bit, biting his thumb to keep from losing his cool. Oh Norge… Come tonight, you'll be begging to be mine… he thought wickedly.

He must have been sitting there for a good five minutes before he heard a few more pairs of familiar voices. Tilting his head up, he saw the faces of Tino and Feliks wade over to his Norwegian beauty. Mathias smiled wickedly to himself. The gears in his brain—what he had of a brain—began to churn and rotate.

He thought of a plan that would provide him with a bit of entertainment until the festivities started, a wonderful plan he would like to add. Nodding to himself, his wolfish grin still in place, he quickly gathered up his discarded tunic and boots and trotted off into the woods to test out his trick. He would make Loki the Trickster proud with this prank, he was sure of it!*

Berwald had just finished herding his sixth cow into the low set pen of the meadow. Twisting his fingers in time with the rough flaxen cord, Berwald securely tied a rope of faded green cloth with a brass bell on the animal's drooping neck, smiling softly as the old milk cow hauntingly pushed her wet muzzle into Berwald's tunic, giving him a wet kiss. Berwald nudged the animal away with a rumbling chuckle and sent her down the meadow to rejoin the other cattle. It was important for each of the cows and bulls to be blessed tonight under the sun while the Bonfire still spewed ash.* For the village, cattle was their main wealth and survival. Without the assurance of the livestock's health, the village would collapse.

Berwald had volunteered to bring the cattle in from the stream and lead them into the snug meadow while they waited for the animal blessing. It had been hard work, Antonio, Gilbert, and Ludwig offering to help him as well with the goats and few ponies the village possessed... But the work kept his mind focus on the jobs at hand—and not of a certain violet eyed Finn. He bit the inside of his cheek while he thumped another milk cow on her rump, sending her mooing along to the rest of the herd.

He had to help the rest of the men drag the scraps of wood to the dirt clearing near the tall Troll's boulders, and then he would have to wash and dress himself in warriors garb for the Great Warriors Dance.* He sighed, his stomach churning painfully in his gut for the third time that day.

After everyone had eaten their fill of the huge feast, the animals blessed and back in the paddocks, and the mead passed round and round, Berwald and the other men would get to circle the fires of the blazing torches. They would all be decked out with animal hides, bear's claws and wolf's teeth, scribed runes roughly tattooed on their bare bodies to tell of their accomplishments in the past years. Berwald looked up the sun, shielding his eyes as the waving heat drooped on his calloused skin.

After each warrior showed his strengths they then sat down cross legged on the mats placed in a circle along the fire. Then… the real fun would begin.

The maidens would scurry bashfully into the circle of men, giddy and blushing, some wearing robes of white or gold, others with string skirts of sashes, their chests bare. It made Berwald blush as he rested his chin on his hands, leaning on a pitchforks heel.

Berwald had only seen the maidens dance; he had never actually been a part of it. When he was a lad, he and the other kids—led by Mathias—would all sneak out after their bedtimes when the sun was still blazing across the land to witness the on-goings of the festival. The celebration always started with the drums pounding in the entrance to the dirt circle where the bonfire sat, fuming and licking upward towards the sky with flames. It was humbling and wonderful at the same time and it made all the child's eyes wide with wonderment.

Then when the harp player and piper began to play along with the drums the women and sometimes men would rush outward and dance stealthily and seductively, doing their best to catch the eye of a handsome warrior. Tonight, Berwald would be Tino's warrior. He would make sure of it!

Smiling sternly to himself he nodded at his commitment. He would be Tino's summer husband, there was no questioning it!

"Hey, Berwald! Whatcha' doing? Day dreaming of Tino naked?" an obnoxious voice rang in Berwald's ears. The stoic giant immediately stiffened up and grunted.

"Hnnn…No." He muttered with embarrassment, turning to the wild haired Dane who was smiling cheekily up at the Swede.

"Uh-huh, sure. Well, just thought I'd tell you—being the super awesome nice guy that I am—that there's a stray calf wandering the stream in the back meadow. I already have to help the men set up the May Pole for bonfires tonight, so I thought I'd tell you so you could take care of it.* Plus, if you save the cute lil' calf, I'm sure Tino would think nobly of you." Mathias winked, slapping Berwald on the back.

Berwald paused before adjusting his crudely made glasses. "Ya' r'ally th'nk so?" Berwald asked the tall man, setting the pitch fork against the wooden railings of the corral.

Mathias nodded wildly. "Yeah! Sure, why the hell not! But you'd better hurry before the calf gets away!" Mathias grinned wildly, pushing Berwald out of the paddock. Berwald turned his head behind him.

"Th'nks fer' tellin' meh M'thi's...'s real n'ce of ya." Berwald murmured, nodding towards the Dane.

"No problem ya' dumb Swede! No go and get that Finn—I mean calf!" Mathias laughed after Berwald who was now loping down the path that led towards the river. Mathias smiled to himself, leaning against a wooden post.

"Dumb Swede's gonna' get a surprise he's never gonna' forget…" he cackled to himself before turning back to the corral and getting back to work.

Authors Note:

Denmark you Ass! Haha oh man this chapter was fun to make too! If you have any questions just ask me, I am your humble servant-Troll-Dolphin-Goat. :3

….

-"He knew that he would have to keep himself a maiden to actually participate in the maidens dance, but maybe a bit of fooling around before the bonfires couldn't hurt?*"-In Olden terminology, "Maiden" meant virgin, so what Tino is saying is he has to be a virgin to participate. Sad I know, I was going to make them have sex right then and there XD

- "Oh how he wished Thor's hammer would strike him across the forehead.*" –Thor was a popular God who carried a giant hammer and caused thunder through the land. He was very popular with protecting peasants.

-"Lähtö!" Tino shouted with all his might.*"—Means "Out" in Finnish.

-"Though the consummation at the Bonfire was not a real wedding, Berwald wondered if Tino would really agree to be not just his summer bride—but his bride for the many seasons to come.*"- I added this especially for one of my readers! Sadly, in Viking times especially Norway, these were 'mock weddings' which meant the couple was only joined for one night in the act of sex. Annnnnnd then sometimes they would be married, sometimes not.

-"Tino! Har mannen din kommer på besøk?" His aunt spoke with joy.*-"Has your husband come to visit?" In Norwegian.

-"Nei!" Tino responded back with hysterical speed.*-"No" in Norwegian. Because Tino's so cool he knows Norwegian!

- "Oh dear Odin why him?*"-Odin was the main God in Norse mythology.

-"Täti!" Tino hissed, glaring at his aunt with all his might.* "aunt" in Finnish.

-"His aunt shrieked for joy, wiping her tears on the edge of her hangerock.*"- Viking apron worn by women.

- "Slinking out from the painful blades of the saw-grass, Mathias breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the soft roaring of the big stream that fed the great lake Torne."—Lake near the Swedish Finnish border.

- "He would make Loki the Trickster proud with this prank, he was sure of it!*"—Loki was the Norse God of mischief.

-"It was important for each of the cows and bulls to be blessed tonight under the sun while the Bonfire still spewed ash.*"-Cattle were taken and had ash rubbed on them, or were ran through the bonfires smoke to ensure good health.

- "the dirt clearing near the tall Troll's boulders, and then he would have to wash and dress himself in warriors garb for the Great Warriors Dance.*"- It was said that boulders were Trolls who froze in sunlight. Also I completely made up the warriors dance. It just gave me an excuse to have men shirtless!

-"I already have to help the men set up the May Pole for bonfires tonight, so I thought I'd tell you so you could take care of it.*"-More common in Sweden, it was a giant pole adorned with flowers and ribbon to represent a phallus, and once erected on the earth it was supposed to impregnate the earth to make it fertile.