Absmund stared back into the fierce eyes of his captive. He had her pinned down, trapped. Hands pinned above her head and the next firm against her mouth.

She thrashed and made every attempt to free herself, but he was bigger and stronger, and he could not believe the opportunity was finally here.

He was going to have her all to himself. Her attempts at escaping were to little avail as tears of frustration threatened to spill from her eyes.

She managed to free her mouth out of his grip and bit down on his hand hard, earning her a nasty slap to the face. She made no sound but his agonized yelp made it worth it. He caught a glimpse of a smirk.

"You bitch."

"You still have a chance to leave here." Her cheek stung. And her chest rose and fell as she struggled.

"I'll pretend this never happened. All you have to do is let me go."

Absmund laughed. After all his efforts to find a perfect moment to corner her, her proposal fell on deaf ears.

The Earl had left the house to tend to village matters. She left with her sisters and personal guards. Only a few servants were present to focus on chores.

The time was perfect. The time was now.

He liked her fiery air and her looks that went along with it. Watching her shed her apron from the shadows, enticed him like no other woman ever had. He had to have her. It was now or never and he would prefer death than forgo a chance to bed her.

The time was now.

"I am a guest in the Earl's house."

"So what? What makes you so special anyway?"

"Yet you chose to corner me like a poor defenseless animal. Your intentions are clear, but I will not allow it."

"How long have you been here? Last time I checked, there was no young man in sight to warm your bed. Consider this a favour."

The woman scoffed.

The ring on her finger was apparent but Absmund never cared for such things. Married or not. A woman was a woman.

His shaven teeth and proud height, as well as the large scar on his face, usually frightened women. Not to mention his status and position. He usually got what he wanted without fight or debate. This woman was stubborn and showed no fear or regard for who he was. But it mattered not. Being a man at times like these had its advantages.

"Get on your knees," he commanded

"What if I refuse?" Namitha spat back. Her defiance was overshadowed by the allure of her pretty mouth and shapely form. She resembled a goddess, a temptress. Absmund pressed forward.

"I'll force you. We can do this nicely. I'll be gone before you know it."

"You first."

Her knee launched between his legs, and Absmund fell on his knees; his hands flew to his crotch.

Her prettiness was all a show. Instead of a delicate maiden, what lay beneath was a wild sort of beast that would rather bite back than be tamed without a fight.

Noticing his mistake, he swiftly got up and slammed his arm against her neck, pinning her to the wall again before she could escape.

She squirmed and struggled for air. That was when she was given a blow to the other cheek. This one much harder than the first.

He managed to force her hands behind her back and pushed her forward towards the bed.

She did not make the venture so simple, however, and still decided to fight him.

He saw her take a long intake of breath, and he threw her to the floor and stomped his foot hard on her back.

"One squeak from you, and you're dead, slut."

Slackened in apparent defeat, she whimpered little and Absmund took it as an invitation. Her heaving and shivering enticed him. That was how he liked his women. Compliant and still.

"You are a hard nut to crack," he said while tearing her dress down her back and unknotting the long embers of her hair. He shuddered in delight as the tendrils spread like glistening wildfire along her naked back.

He heard her laugh. Her hand went up instantly to stop her dress from slipping off her shoulders.

"You should meet my husband."

He failed to notice the stolen object that was once in his boot now firmly grasped in her hand.

Absmund, like her, was a foreigner. He too had ties with the Earl, and although the rules of the land were great in number, just like any man, he could not forgo the thrill of being in the land of women.

He had a wife and children at home. However, his many bastards added credit to his morality and character.

But he was getting old and when he thought he was satisfied at just looking at the women and thought it time he put his days of debauchery behind him, he came across her in the crowd while having an audience with the Earl.

The tightening in his britches made it known that that chapter of his life was not ready to close just yet.

"Who is that?"

Hanlaug followed his fixated gaze to a red-haired maiden helping to carry baskets of fish while laughing and chatting merrily with a group of women through the crowds of people. She seemed to catch everyone's eye and interest. She stopped at a stall to inspect the goods and was having a friendly conversation with the vendor.

"That's Namitha," Hanlaug said, "My guest."

"How can I get an audience with her?"

"What for?"

Absmund felt a cold stare at his back and he turned cautiously around to face the Earl.

"She seems an esteemed woman. I would like to be aquatinted with her."

Hanlaug was not buying it. Even she was aware of Namitha's charm. Her distrust in men did not die upon meeting Lufner. It only changed her prejudice.

Scum still littered the earth. Absmund was no deviation. She only tolerated his visits because he represented an Earl a few lands away. That Earl had her respect. The least she could do was accept the gifts sent her way and welcome his men.

However, with Namitha, she was not willing to risk.

There was a situation 6 moons ago where a young girl of only 12 was rumoured to have narrowly escaped Absmund's clutches, but it was ruled off since there was no evidence or witnesses, so she never came forward.

She had kept a strict eye on him ever since. After all, the punishment for a man who forced a woman to lay with him was too great. Hanlaug did not think him short-minded enough to try.

"I forbid it. She was entrusted to my care, so the answer is no. And before you get any ideas, do yourself the favour and stay away from her. Any harm that may come to Namitha by your hands, be it a strand of hair off her head, will be the only chance you will get acquainted. Acquainted with death."

Absmund hid his disappointment.

He was only in Lilyland for a week and as the days crept up to his departure, the temptation became too great to bear with every glimpse of her.

She hung out with everyone, the fisherwomen, the blacksmiths, the hunters. She made herself to be interesting. And Absmund wanted to know more about her.

To see what she looked like laid out all bare for him to see, to fill her womb with his bastards like all the other women before her. The thought alone made him disregard all else.

He tried introducing himself to her on a few occasions outside of the Earl's view, but the women who had heard the rumours kept Namitha away. He never got her to look his way. Not even once.

He had to go back to his old ways for the sake of his loins for they did not allow him rest since the day he set eyes on her.

They needed release and when he got the chance, he took it.

Namitha tired from the long day, came home to her chambers alone and was surprised to find the long house vacant of its Earl. A servant let it be known to her that she had stepped out to deal with a small matter. Her sisters, who followed her most everywhere, went along.

The only guards left were those who stood outside the main door but Namitha did not think much of it. After all her time at Lilyland was not for nothing. She was stronger than before. Had to find her way of learning since the Earl paid her little to no mind, but she managed.

She had very few bad experiences here since gaining the people's favour thanks to Hanlaug's help so she had let her guard down. However, she could not deny the nagging feeling at the back of her mind. Passing the open window in the hall near her quarters was noted, but not taken seriously.

In the land of women, to a woman, it was supposedly a safe haven. Or so she thought.

After discarding her shoes and apron, she felt a presence behind her. Before she could react, they had their grimy, grubby hands covering her mouth. In a split second, her hands were pinned above her head against the wall she was slammed against.

Her eyes widened in realization upon seeing the man she heard whisperings about. The same man her friends said to stay clear from.

He stood two feet above her, and his yellow snarled, shaved teeth made her shudder in disgust. He smelled like cheap mead and l there was a musk about him that indicated he had not cared to shower for days.

What he almost did to that poor little girl made her blood boil. The fact that he went unpunished infuriated her and if the gods had granted her the opportunity to take matters into her own hands, all she had was thanks. If they granted her his life, she may forgive them for their previous attempt at her husband's.

Her breathing quickened as his rough hands touched the skin of her back, ripping the fabric further. The final nail in the coffin was when he lifted her skirt but Namitha was not going to give him another second to have his way. She spun around with the concealed weapon and swiped at his throat, but he pulled back, the knife barely cutting his skin.

Namitha tried creating some distance between them all while keeping her garment in place but he was determined. She squeezed her eyes shut and launched the weapon forward. This time, it buried deep in his arm and he cried out loud. Enough to stir the servants and the returning Hanlaug.

The door burst open and Hanlaug's jaw stiffened at the sight.

Namitha's wild and fearful eyes looked back at her and she took it upon herself to tend to her while the guards held Absmund down.

Her red cloak was removed and wrapped around Namitha's shivering form. Hanlaug's blood burned hot hearing her sniffling.

Absmund at once came to terms with his mistake.

"Seize him."

"No!" Namitha growled. Desperation coated her words. "Let me kill him."

Hanlaug nodded to the women and Absmund was dragged away.

He spat excuses and insults. His blood trailed along the floor with him.

Namitha watched the bastard go, and she turned in fury at the Earl, but it vanished in an instant when Hanlaug's arms surrounded her.

"I'm sorry."

Namitha, at a loss for words, regained her tongue.

"Why...? You did nothing wrong. What if that bastard escapes? Let me put an end to him."

Hanlaug released her and held her by the shoulders. Her decision was final.

"It is not your place."

Hanlaug was stern and when Namitha searched her eyes, she understood what she meant right away and relaxed in the Earl's hold.

"He will receive the harshest punishment. I failed you... I promised Lufner."

Namitha returned the hug as soon as Hanlaug released a sob.

"Your promise was not to protect me. Luffy knows I can do that on my own. That bastard did not stand a chance but you came just in time to help. Thank you."

It was past midnight, and Absmund, in his cell, cursed the wind as the buzzing bugs and itchy straw allowed him little chance to sleep. His wounds were poorly patched up but it was enough to stop the bleeding.

He heard someone approach and he stood on his feet in excitement as he greeted the Earl.

"Earl Hanlaug," he smiled excitedly, knowing his good reputation. "I've waited here all night. You have finally come to release me."

"What gave you that idea?"

The Earl's dismissive tone shattered all hope.

"I am Earl Øgle Mari's* representive. We have been friends all these years."

"Friends? This was merely a political relationship. And in the world of politics, one must adhere to the rules of the land. I gave you a warning, but you did not heed it. There is only one thing left to do."

Absmund's mouth fell open and he fell to his knees and held onto the cold metal bars.

"You cannot do this!"

"I have every right to exercise justice as this country's Earl."

Like a cornered animal, Absmund became defensive.

"That bitch seduced me. Led me to her chambers while you were away handling matters, and framed me."

Hanlaug's hand went to touch her sword under her new cloak. The other she left with Namitha. If she did not have self-control, she would have finished the job Namitha started.

"Do you know who that woman belongs to?"

"I don't give a shit. She's just a conniving woman like any other."

"She is Lufner Modig's wife."

Absmund swore the blood in his veins stopped running. Bile rose in his throat.

"L-Lufner Modig's..."

"That's right. You have put your hands on what is not yours. So if by chance I offer you another chance of life or you happen to escape here and run for the hills, Lufner will hunt you down and find you. He will tear you apart limb by limb.

"Do you understand now what you have done?"

Hanlaug gave him no chance to answer. After one final cross look at him, she left the room.

In the day time, he begged her to kill him. It had been the talk of the town.

The guilt had not yet left Hanlaug's bones, so she offered her quarters to Namitha to stay the night, for hers needed tidying from the scuffle and blood.

At first, Namitha refused, but Hanlaug was not taking no for an answer, and Namitha knew better than to refuse an Earl's kindness.

After a wash, the healers gave her balm for her face, wrists, and back, and although they stung, the feeling of justice overshadowed the discomfort. One less scum off the face of the earth was enough of a satisfaction.

When the shock wore off, and sleep had finally found her, the door was suddenly opened, and in walked Hanlaug. Surprised, Namitha moved to sit up from bed but Hanlaug stopped her.

"Rest."

The dim candle flickered bright acknowledging the Earl's presence.

Hanlaug sat on a chair in the far corner of the room, noticeably dressed in looser clothing, and Namitha settled back down, deciding it best the Earl spoke first. She stared at the ceiling and eventually turned on her side towards Hanlaug. Her continued silence was an invitation enough.

Namitha was dreadfully tired after a long, tiring, and eventful day. So she broke the ice. She needed to sleep as soon as possible.

"You're not here to apologize again, are you?"

Hanlaug denied it. In fear of stuttering, she defiantly said,

"This room is mine, is it not? I have right to be here more than anyone else."

Namitha more used to her husband's stubbornness, took Hanlaug's declaration in stride.

"Surely. And what of this bed? I'd say you have right to it as well. More than anyone."

Namitha had a hunch that the news of her staying in the Earl's room was a secret. News not even revealed to her dear sisters for if it were so, Namitha knew they would have done their best to have Hanlaug rethink her decision, offering their rooms instead.

Namitha was grateful for Hanlaug's sacrifice and would honour it.

Servants who knew of her being here swore secrecy. And as controversial this arrangement was, Namitha knew it best to not tell a soul.

It was kind of her and Namitha saw a new side of the Earl revealed. In this moment, her defenses were down. Floored by guilt no less but she did not have to blame herself.

She heard the Earl stand, and without hesitation, she made room and smiled to herself as Hanlaug lay beside her and exhaled slowly through her nose.

Namitha thew the fur across the Earl's tall figure and Hanlaug graciously gathered it up and tucked herself in.

In the shadows, Hanlaug's face was ablaze at her lack of hesitation. Her body moved on its own. Her rigidness disappeared when Namitha shared the furs. Her shoulders relaxed, and for a moment, she was beside herself, feeling like a little girl again sharing a bed with her younger sisters.

She had observed Namitha during her time here. How helpful she was and kind. The villagers liked her. Not one bad word or complaint had reached her ears. The most she had heard was that she loved a good serving of mead and ale. Then again, who didn't? The brews in Lilyland were especially sweet and well sought after. Usually selling for high price across the waters.

Namitha yawned and Hanlaug was quick to ask,

"How are your bruises?"

"I am fine. Just tired. The balm the healers applied has eased the discomfort. They will be gone in no time."

"What would you have done if I did not make it in time?"

"I would have killed him. I had the right."

Hanlaug said nothing to that. She had no objections. Namitha spoke the truth.

Thinking that they had spoken enough on the topic, Namitha wanted to get something off her chest.

"I never got a chance to thank you, Earl Hanlaug. For making my time here a good one. I would not have met so many amazing people, would not have learned as much as I did, and gained the number of friends I did without your help. Thank you."

"Nonsense. You did that on your own. I had only removed the suspicions the people had of you. With time and honest efforts, you won them over with your talents."

"Whatever the case, you played a major part."

That Hanlaug did not deny.

Namitha stared at the Earl. A calming warmth appeared in her chest.

"Luffy was right about you. You are a good person."

The mention of Hanlaug's beloved, made her crack an unplanned smile.

"Lufner said that?"

"He did."

Hanlaug smiled more to herself. All defenses were lost. Now they were on a topic of common interest and Hanlaug surprised them both when she admitted:

"He has made a good choice. You are the only woman I can accept losing to. Please treasure him."

Namitha blinked wide eyes in the dimmed room.

"Of course."

"I see his qualities in you. And your very own qualities have their shine. I now know why the people have taken to you. You have my respect."

Namitha smiled and said, "That's a lot coming from you, Earl Hanlaug. Thank you."

Her hand happened to move under the covers and brush against Hanlaug's. The Earl moved hers away but Namitha went after it and wrapped her fingers around hers.

Hanlaug did not take long to return the gesture.

If this was the start of their newfound friendship, Namitha was not going to let it hang from a thread. She felt close to Hanlaug. Like a sister would. They had each other's backs.

They spoke no further. When Namitha awoke the following day, Hanlaug was gone.

Before she could convince herself it was all a dream, she smiled half awake, feeling the remnants of the Earl's warmth right beside her lolling her back to the confines of sleep.

Usoff entered his humble abode, which he shared with his wife and son, and was surprised to see Namitha just a day after the dreaded holmgang. He no longer asked about the whereabouts of her husband. Just like the early days, she mostly sought Usoff's company on her own, and with time, they became great friends.

"Nami?" he said and his eyes flew instantly to her covered shoulder.

Her bandages were fresh and well-wrapped thanks to Choffin, no doubt, and before he could enquire of her well-being, Namitha made it known that she was not there for small talk.

"Luffy wants to send me away."

"Away? Why?"

Usoff grew worried. Was this the absolution of a marriage barely a year old? He did not know Lufner to be the type to give up so easily. Especially when it came to the woman he loved.

Namitha beckoned him to sit with her and got up to serve his supper. A task she had taken up after asking Kaya for a few minutes of her time with her husband, granting her an early rest.

After the dishes were bowled and the table was set, Usoff couldn't bring himself to eat. Not yet. How could he? His dearest friend was set to go away for who knows how long.

"Speak to me, Nami. Why would Luffy send you away? He cannot be that upset. Surely he understands why you-"

Namitha touched Usoff's hand. A sad smile touched her lips.

"He's not mad. We spoke about it and all is well now."

"Where is he sending you?"

"To Lilyland."

Usoff's mouth fell into his lap.

"With Hanlaug?"

Namitha's nod confirmed it.

"But why?"

"Luffy wants me to be strong. I guess for the days ahead. You saw me at that holmgang."

"You held yourself well."

"That I did but to Luffy, it is not enough."

Usoff knotted his brows and addressed the steaming soup. He stirred it with his spoon but still could not bring himself to eat.

"Hanlaug could have easily cut me down if she wanted to. Fate had other ideas... And although I hate to admit it, Luffy is right. I should expand my horizons and learn a thing or two before the big day. Being narrow-minded when it comes to this world is the quickest way one can get themselves killed."

"You can rely on us, Nami."

Namitha smiled at her friend. Usoff was sweet.

"I need to prepare for the day I have to rely on myself. But fret not, I will let you guys pull some of my weight now and then," she winked.

Humoured, Usoff scoffed and rolled his eyes. He lifted a spoonful and brought it to his lips but paused the moment Namitha stood.

"I leave tomorrow."

"So soon?"

"Hanlaug is eager to return home, and I'd rather get this done and over with as soon as possible." Namitha tossed a lock of hair over her shoulder and had an unreadable expression on her face as she set her eyes outside the window towards the sea. She looked tired but accepting.

Usoff gave a sigh, stood, and gathered Namitha in a tight hug.

"Take care of yourself."

Namitha returned the hug and lightly patted Ussoff's back. They pulled apart only a little, both their faces splattered with smiles just before hugging again one last time.

"I have a favour to ask," Namitha said. She sat down as pensive as ever. Usoff dug into his food. He could not fend the hunger off any longer.

"What's that?"

"I know I'm asking for too much given that your son is now here and all, but-"

"I'll do anything, Nami."

A fondness appeared in Namitha's heart. Usoff truly was a treasure of a friend.

"Look out for Lufner for me. Please...I know that Sangi will take care of his meals, and I know Luffy gets a little restless when he is by himself, so keep him company. Take his mind off of things. Off of me. Ask the others for help if you have to."

"Of course."

"He will miss you, Nami."

Namitha's expression changed then and before Usoff could ask, she was back to her old self.

"Thank you," she said. After some time, she took her leave.

That was the last time he saw her before she sailed away.

To be continued...

Author's Note:

Earl Øgle Mari is Gecko Maria in One Piece. There is no norse world for 'gecko' but there is one for lizard. Let's roll with that.

Thanks for reading. Reviews would be nice.