Lufner had thought they were through with crowding together in bed but Namitha did not share the same mind.

His wife was behaving strangely. Proof being her unending liaisons of their mouths and limbs.

"Wife."

Her response came in soft presses of her lips up his torso. She found a certain spot on his neck and Lufner could not get her to stop. Truth be told, he did not want her to.

Then she had his lips. Her administrations at first were soft and quaint but her demands became fervour and Lufner whimpered when she nibbled at his lips and made him hers.

"Was that too a part of my punishment?" she asked. Her lips upturned into a grin before kissing him again.

With bated breath and restraint, Lufner at first barely heard a word she said.

"You were most gentle and slow. It's different but I liked it just the same."

"It wasn't punishment."

"That's too bad. I was beginning to like being punished by you."

"You do?"

"You have been so cruel to me. All the bad things you've done since my return, makes me want to disappear for more days than three. Freyja alone knows what you'll do then."

"Don't. Not without telling me first."

"And if I don't?"

Namitha found the spot again and Lufner's toes curled into knots.

Then without warning, she sat astride him. Her long hair flowed over her round breasts and swayed at her hips. And if the softness of her thighs weren't apparent before, they were more so now.

She pecked his lips and smiled into his eyes.

"What if I don't, Luffy?"

"You should get off. That's dangerous."

Namitha's smile was there to stay.

"A little danger never hurt anyone."

"No babies until we've sailed the seas, Nami. You said so yourself."

It was hard for him to hold back before, and Lufner didn't trust himself to do it again. Namitha on the other hand was making things difficult for him but Lufner disliked none of it.

His wife's sudden merry laughter filled his ears. "I'm teasing you. Did you think I was serious?"

"You looked serious."

"I am."

Lufner's eyes popped out his head and Namitha had to hold her stomach as her laughter changed to uncontrollable giggles.

"I'd love for us to enjoy each other for a little while longer but it stops here."

"Really?"

"And why, my lord, do you sound so disappointed?"

At the end of the day, Lufner was a man. The fault was hers for adding fuel to the fire.

Apologetic, Namitha kissed his lips and pressed two more to his jaw. She nestled in the crook of his neck and traced runes on his skin.

With care, she traced the rune signifying love but Lufner was too caught up in thought to notice.

She kissed the inscription and said, "What occupies your thoughts?"

"There was a woman that came not long before you did. She said that the Earl sent her. Your father."

Namitha grew tense.

"He didn't have the right," she sat up to behold his attention. "I'd rather cut myself open than have to share you."

"I would have made her stay."

Namitha gave her husband an incredulous look and he immediately came to his defence.

"It was raining."

"That it was."

"But she tried her hardest to get into my breeches that I had to turn her out. I didn't want her. I wanted you, the woman I married."

A smile replaced the scowl on Namitha's lips and she resumed her spot on his hard chest.

Alvilda made no mention of her having dared touch what was not hers. Had she done so, Namitha was certain that she would not have held back the way she did nor could she have guaranteed she would have made her go unscathed.

Lost in thought, her husband's secure arms came around her and she smiled when he gave her forehead the usual kiss good night.

There was much to catch up on but more than anything, this was where she belonged, in the security and love of her husband. And Namitha, like a young bird returned to its nest, was glad to be home.

Outside, Lufner chopped away at firewood upon his wife's request.

He was without a tunic and the sure strain of his muscles did not go unnoticed. The chore though menial was repetitive and took a toll on the body but it was nothing for Lufner Modig.

The neighbours sent greetings his way in passing. The women giggled and the old people looked on worried.

Lufner did not see their stares or hear their whisperings but what caught his attention was his wife exiting the house with both a coat and mug of a steaming hot beverage in hand.

"Aren't you cold, Luffy?"

The rain had continued into the night but what was important to note was that they were in the month of November.

The axe fell out of Lufner's grip and at once he grabbed at his sides and quivered. It was not just cold. It was freezing.

Namitha sighed. Her husband was an idiot through and through but she still loved him.

She flung the fur coat around his shoulders and after hustling it on, Lufner took the cup of warm goat's milk and burned his tongue from drinking too fast.

"Careful."

He took her advice and drank it all down to the last drop and a comforting warmness filled his body. When done, he gathered his wife up in a hug and Namitha's cheeks flared red.

"Thank you, Nami. You're a lifesaver."

The sky rumbled and Namitha placed arms around him, fingers weaved through his hair and when she was about to melt into the feeling, the hair on the back of her neck stood straight.

They were being watched.

A woman standing at a corner some houses away caught her eye, and Namitha involuntarily shivered.

Lufner held her closer. "You cold, Nami?"

"No, I was just-" Namitha looked again in the woman's direction but as quickly as she was discovered, she disappeared.

"There was someone."

"Where?"

Lufner looked.

"A woman but she's gone."

"A ghost?"

"No."

She looked very much alive.

"Besides that," Lufner grinned. "You're going to see your mother today, right? Let's go."

Together they secured the firewood and set off for the longhouse.

Earl Genzic was not expecting them but was overjoyed to see Namitha again so soon. His eyes wavered on Lufner who gave him a respectful nod of the head.

"Hello father," said Namitha and without another word, she headed straight to her mother's room pulling Lufner along.

The Jarl sulked and went to sit on his throne. He had hoped for a more jovial greeting but it would take time for his daughter to warm up to him again. She was especially angry with him because of what he had done, more angry than he had ever seen her and the Jarl threw himself into turmoil.

Maybe she hadn't forgiven him after all.

Belhild, to Namitha's surprise, greeted them with a smile but it was more so for Lufner. Namitha could not help but look between them. It would have been better if she were not there.

When her mother put her hand out, it was not hers to hold but Lufner's. Her husband wore the gentlest of smiles and jealously burned in the pits of Namitha's stomach.

"Mother, I-"

"Leave us."

Lufner stole her a glance waiting for her to comply but Namitha stood her ground.

"You don't really want me gone, do you? I came all this way."

"I've seen plenty of you these past days. Let Lufner have a turn."

"Luffy?" Namitha hoped that her husband was on her side.

"Listen to your mother, Nami."

Namitha rarely did what she was told without good reason so it made Belhild's eyes widen as plates when she took her leave. It took the occasional wave of pain to see that she was not dreaming.

"You're probably the only man alive who can handle our Namitha, Lufner. She's a stubborn one. More stubborn than I was when I was young."

"Nami said that you were quite the warrior."

"That I was. Now I'm but an empty and weak vessel."

"No. You're strong. Nami loves and admires you. And with time, I believe that I too will grow to love and admire you just the same."

Belhild was still but another wave of pain knocked her back to her senses. She was very much awake.

The grip around his hand grew stronger and her lips pulled back over her white teeth.

"You're sweet. I see why Namitha loves you."

'Shishishishishi'

"There was word about a prestigious healer who can cure any disease or sickness. I learned about him from some traders. I put in word for you. He will come and..."

Belhild shook her head and Lufner faltered.

"They say he's really good."

"I'm the Earl's wife. I've been administered by the finest and best healers and not one can figure out what is wrong with me. All that time and money amounted to nothing.

"I appreciate that you want to help, Luffy but I'm done for."

"What about Nami?"

Belhild was quiet. Naturally, she would have had something to say but words abandoned her.

She did not want to die.

Tears came and she pressed Lufner's hand between both her hands and pressed it to her face. This was the face she was hiding from her precious daughter for weeks on end, for years.

Belhild sobbed and behind closed eyes, she heard her son-in-law say,

"What is it that you really want?"

That question was far more of a comfort than best wishes and solemn looks. For a moment she was allowed to be selfish. Just for a moment, Lufner didn't make her feel like a burden and she no longer felt sorry for herself.

"I want to get well again. More than anything. I want to live long enough to see grandchildren, to fight for the ones I love, to be a strong ruler for my people."

"That's the spirit."

Lufner snickered and Belhild too was smiling.

"There is hope out there and if you want to get well again to do all those things, you must first will it. Sometimes our desires are stronger than anything else in the world. It's just a matter of how badly we want them. You having survived this long proves those words true."

"Thank you."

Lufner's words meant the world.

"The healer goes by the name: Chofinn."

"Luffy, I-"

"Promise me you'll receive him."

Belhild furrowed her brows and wondered if he hadn't heard a word she said about her experiences but disappointing him was the last thing she wanted to do.

"I promise."

Lufner nodded satisfied with her decision and he sat with his hands on both sides of the chair. He made a quick peek over his shoulder. Belhild did not have to question who it was he had in mind.

"You know Luffy," Belhild began. Lufner met her eyes. "Of all the men our Namitha could have married, I'm glad it was you."

The smile he presented was blinding. It was spread so impossibly wide that Belhild was afraid that his face would tear if he grinned a moment longer.

If it wasn't obvious before, Lufner made sure to tell her.

"I'm happy that you think that. Nami makes me the happiest of men. You can trust me with her life."

A smile beamed on Belhild's face. She trusted him. She taught that girl how to take good care of herself but with a declaration like that, who could deny?

"You got anything to eat?"

Belhild looked about her confused.

"You won't find that here. Go check the storage."

"Okay."

"If anyone gives you any trouble, tell them I sent you. Eat as much as you need," Belhild said with a wink and Lufner could not fathom his luck.

'Shishishishi' "Thanks, Belhild."

Namitha knocked on the door and took a quick step back as Lufner hurried past her and headed down the hall.

She looked back at her mother for answers but Belhild only laughed and waved a hand.

"It's barely midday and he's already thinking about food. Are you sure you feed him enough, Nami?"

Silence ensued.

"What? Was it something I said?"

The woman before Namitha bore a different air, a strengthened resolve and she swore she saw the colour return to her cheeks.

Belhild's laughter brimmed with mirth and she could have easily fooled anyone if she announced she was back to her old self.

Lufner had a way with words, that Namitha knew but not like this.

The storage room was not hard to find. Lufner knew the smell of meat anywhere. Be it hidden miles away or locked and sealed in the securest of coffers. He went immediately to the smoked meats and stuffed his mouth silly. It was all so good. Barely cooked but still edible.

Someone cleared their throat and Lufner stood still and turned with some meat hanging half-way out his mouth.

It was the Earl.

He didn't look angry that he was draining their food supply so Lufner reckoned that he wanted something else. The Earl sought him out himself so whatever it was must have been important.

His magnificent greying beard, made Lufner subconsciously touch his bare face. Not that he couldn't grow one. He tried in the past but it left his face all itchy and it was a hassle to keep clean considering how often he ate within a day.

Over a week ago, his wife made him grow it out much to his dismay, saying that kissing his face was kin to kissing a woman. Not that Lufner cared much but she consequently told him to get rid of it deeming it too showy though it hadn't grown enough pass his chin.

Zollo and the others who kept finely trimmed beards remarked that he had the face of a boy without a proud beard but he cared not. His wife liked him just the way he was. And that was good enough for him.

He accompanied the Earl in the main hall and Lufner did not miss the opportunity to grab as many meats his arms could carry.

"You must be wondering why I brought you here."

Lufner said nothing. Not that he could. His mouth was full.

"About last night. I was only trying to help but ended up offending both you and Namitha. I apologise."

"Don't worry about it."

"I believed that I knew the male heart, being a man myself but your loyalty proceeds you. I was wrong."

"That's a lot coming from the Earl but I appreciate it."

Lufner gave a nod and smiled.

"You love my daughter."

"I do."

His answer satisfied the Earl. It was better for the man he trusted his daughter to to love her than to consider her a mere convenience. She came along with a huge dowry but Lufner Modig cared not about treasures or possessions. It was a task to figure out a man such as he.

"I have a proposal," Earl Genzic said.

Lufner swallowed the last bit of meat and leaned back with a hand on his full stomach. All was well in the world.

"I would like you to be my successor."

This took Lufner by complete surprise. He sat upright, and his brows ruffled in confusion.

"You not only married, Namitha, my daughter, you also have the respect of the people."

"You want me to be Earl?"

"Yes." Earl Genzic's offer was not easy to refuse but his smile fell away.

"You hesitate. Maybe you need time to consider."

"Don't you have sons?"

"Those sons don't live anywhere near these lands. What I've heard, they go about their lives as lost men. More importantly, they are not of royal blood."

His son-in-law grew uneasy.

"How did you-?"

"Not many people know but as Earl, I have a way of finding out things. The Modigs were great rulers from long ago and the surviving bloodline are known to be strong, fearless warriors. All heavily favoured by the gods. Your grandfather for example."

Just the mention of that man gave Lufner the chills.

"You have a chance to revive that legacy. Don't you want that?"

"There are a lot of things I want," Lufner declared, "But power is not one of them.

"I'm sorry but sitting on a throne all day and telling people what to do is not how I want to live out my days."

The Earl's mouth dropped. Lufner's very insolence, his very stubbornness was grinding on his last nerve.

"What could be more enticing than power?" The Earl needed to know.

The position came with riches, protection and just about every man's heart's desire.

Lufner smiled.

"That's easy. Adventure."

"Adventure?"

"Just thinking about those never before seen places and the unknown makes me burn with excitement. The world is full of undiscovered treasures worth more than any weight in gold and silver."

"You plan on crossing these borders?"

"Yes."

"With whose ships and men?"

"Mine."

They stared at each other in silence.

"Don't you fear for your life?"

Lufner answered right away.

"I fear a miserable life by not setting out to do what I want to do. Us mere mortals have no control over life and death. If death comes my way on my travels, so be it. I would die a satisfied man."

His response gave the Earl goosebumps. Unlike other Earls, he never participated in battle or once crossed the sea. What he had was not bravery, it was in name and connection why he gained such a position. He was ashamed but lived a good, comfortable life. What more could he want?

The people needed someone like Lufner Modig to lead them but it went against Genzic's morals to push his desires onto unwilling men.

Belhild had a distant relative with a son. Surely he would suffice once he came of age. By the gods, everything would fall into place the way it is meant to be.

"When do you plan on sailing?"

"In the spring."

"So soon? You've only just been married. What about children?"

All that mead sent to their house and still no announcement of a child on the way. Earl Genzic grew wary of the young people nowadays, adding more meaning to matrimony other than a secure union for raising children. Little did he know was that the mead supply had gone dry and Lufner barely helped. He never liked the taste of alcohol. His wife shared a different opinion.

"About that..."

Just then, Namitha walked in.

"I was looking all over for you, Luffy."

"Hm?"

The Earl stood and it was only then, Namitha acknowledged his existence.

"Come with me," she said and Lufner stood to follow.

"Wait."

Lufner stopped at the Earl's command but Namitha took him by the hand and left.

Genzic watched them go and went once again to sulk on his lonely throne.

The sun was long out and the land was good and dry again.

They settled down in a field some ways off farmed land and Namitha positioned herself beside Lufner and picked the wildflowers in their final bloom before the winter.

Cool wind blew through their hair. And the singing of migratory birds above filled the quiet in the air.

"Do you hate your father, Nami?"

"No." She removed excess leaves from a flower with several yellow petals and readily added it to her collection. "I just need some space from him for a while."

"He didn't look too happy when we left. Are you mad at him?"

"A little..."

Lufner took her by the waist and brought her close. Namitha absentmindedly leaned into him all while adjusting her flowers.

"Don't be mad at him anymore, okay?"

Namitha stopped her work and slowly laid the bouquet on her lap.

Lufner had some nerve telling her what she could and could not do. She may be his wife but her emotions were solely hers.

"And what if I refuse?"

He smelled her hair and moved it all aside to press his nose against her skin. Namitha had included some pine in her bathwater and the smell stuck to her hair. Lufner loved it far more than he initially thought.

"If you refuse, nobody wins."

Namitha looked at him and cocked a brow.

"Nothing is gained, only lost."

"So I should apologise to my father? Is that what you're saying, Luffy?"

She had done no wrong.

"No. I'm saying to let it go."

Namitha's gaze lowered and Lufner reclaimed it again with his hand in her hair and a soft kiss to her cheek.

She moved to hug him.

"You're right. He probably thinks that I'm growing to hate him but I will never hate my father. He has given me so much."

Namitha reached for her flowers and held them up between them.

"What do you think?"

Lufner gave the assortment one glimpse and shrugged.

"I have no interest in weeds."

His wife rolled her eyes and despite her husband's lack of interest, she made it her business to call each flower by name and to teach him their uses.

Though Lufner cared little, he listened.

"My mother and I would pick flowers all the time in the field just like this. My father never cared for flowers but they gave the room character and life."

Just like her mother once did, Namitha knew just the place to place the flowers she picked in her home.

"I don't mean to pry, Luffy..."

"What is it?"

"After I left, what did you two talk about?"

"Me and Belhild?"

"Yes. She tries her hardest to show her best self but today was different. I asked what it was that you spoke about but she said I should ask you."

"I only gave her hope."

"Hope? What sort of hope?"

Lufner leaned back and made a bed among the weeds. All that meat he ate earlier was making him tired.

"I'll tell you later once we're home. Continue picking those flowers of yours. I'm taking a nap."

He opened an eye to see Namitha with a pout on her lips. Day by day, she proved to be as persistent as the sun.

"How about we go home now?"

She didn't give him time to answer for she had even more questions.

"And what business did my father have with you?"

He invited Lufner to his table and that was no small matter.

"It was concerning my plans for the spring. You walked in before I could gain his permission to have you come with me."

Namitha smiled.

"I took care of it so I'm definitely going."

"You got his permission?" Luther prodded himself up, his eyes and mouth agape.

"Even better: I have his word."

She spared the details of how she did it but Lufner's overt happiness made him want to kiss her, so he did.

"There is more."

"More?"

"He wanted me to take his place as Earl."

Namitha's brows went up but the news did not surprise her.

"Knowing you, that is the last thing you would ever do."

"What do you think?" Namitha least expected him to ask of her opinion.

"My marrying you wasn't some scheme to get you on the throne, Luffy. If that was your aim, you could have easily swept it from under my father's feet with or without my hand in marriage.

"You have the air of a leader but you're not destined to stay in one place and you would most likely die if you don't feed your hunger for adventure. So refuse. Don't let my father bend you to his whims."

Lufner's heart gladdened hearing her words. Now that his life included another, he had to consider his wife in all matters. Had she told him to reconsider, he would have given it more thought and listened.

She had a good head on her shoulders and Lufner knew that she would never guide him in the wrong direction.

He kissed her again and this time, Namitha held onto him. She never liked a kiss to be short but to last as long as she willed.

A woman who knew what she wanted and would not rest till it was hers, was the impression he got of her when they first met and one of the reasons why he grew to love her.

"When the day comes, take me far away from this place," Namitha kissed her husband's cheek, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed herself to him. "Far enough to forget my worries. I want to be filled with thrill and uncertainty at your side so much so that I would burst with joy and want nothing else.

"As long as I'm with you, Lufner, I yearn for nothing."

To be continued...