The Dawn of the Lost

22

Uhtred was still too upset to return back to Winchester. We rode to our favourite meadow, it was green with various flowers and the wind brushed its invisible fingers across it making them rustle. Our spot where the grass used to be flat was now enveloped by the new life that grew there. We dismounted the horses, Uhtred offered me his hand but I slapped it gently away. "I can dismount without assistance," I told him, landing on my creaky boots. We walked to the middle of the meadow, Uhtred took my hand and together we laid in the long grass and flowers. He plucked a flower from the ground and tucked it behind my ear and held my hair back from my face.

"Beautiful," he smiled. "I've dreamt of moments like this, no wars, no battles, only peace, nature and you." He reached a handover and rested it on my cheek, a warm smile beamed from his worn features.

"Uhtred, a quiet life is not an option for us," I reminded him as two ravens flew over our heads.

"We can make it an option," he said taking my hand and lifting it to his lips.

"I'm not sure Alfred would approve," I said.

"He wouldn't have a choice, he does not have the key to my heart," he replied.

"I'd be worried if he did," I giggled, and pecked his cheek. He sighed.

"How to kill a moment," he chuckled, he turned on to his back and stared at the sapphire sky above us. "But you are right, I have to finish what has been started."

"You wouldn't want to break your code Uhtred of Bebbanburg," I replied.

"No," he said, looking over at me his beaming smile gone and a serious gaze stained his features.

"Let's enjoy the day while we can uninterrupted," I said laying on my stomach and playing with the grass.

"I know," he said. 

"You always were one to live in the future," I reminded him, he huffed a chuckle. 

"There's nothing wrong with that," he replied and moved closer to me as the sun was suddenly swallowed by the clouds. 

"No, but I'd rather live in the present with you," I smiled. 

"You are, I promise you," he said softly. 

"Let's hope you can keep that promise, Uhtred of Bebbanburg," the horses neighed almost agreeing with me. 

"I always keep my promises you vixen," he said.

"My, you haven't called me that in so long," I giggled. 

"I reserve it for times like this," he replied, he stood, stretched and offered his hand down to me. 

"We're going already?" I whined. 

"Yes, I don't fancy being soaked by the rain or getting covered in mud," he said, I looked up to the sky the clouds were dark and the sky rumbled, almost like Thor was striking an anvil above our heads. We rushed to our horses just as the first drop of rain fell and the first fork of lightning split the sky. We galloped as fast as we could back to Winchester, to be greeted by Finan.