Swords & scriptures

Chapter 4

Summary: A message received leads to the group separating, the thought of parting ways in perilous times brings some courage to Anastasia.

Winter slipped into spring with the sun shinning a little brighter casting a warm glow as the days grew longer, birds filled the sky with their melodies and built nests in the budding trees. The streets of Rumcofa were alive with the chatter and laughter of the townsfolk going about their morning business preparing to plant new crops in the nearby fields as Osferth made his way to the small dock.

On his approach he found Finan sitting in the tower enjoying the shade keeping watch for any traders passing up the river. To his surprise Anastasia was sitting at the edge of the dock dangling her legs above the fresh water, she had ditched her winter fur cloak and dark long sleeved tunic for a sleeveless light green one allowing him to see the bronze bands that decorated her upper arms in the warmer weather.

"What do you want arseling?" Finan called down tearing his attention away from the woman who seemed to consume his thoughts night and day

"Thought you might like some company is all."

"If you hadn't noticed I've got plenty with the talkative Anastasia down there" His tone dripped with sarcasm. She hadn't even turned to look at him, eyes scanning the surface of the water engrossed in the actions of a damselfly.

Ever since the trip to Winchester she had withdrawn into herself and been quiet in the company of almost everyone that wasn't Ingrith, Edda who they had rescued from a raid or playing with the towns children, it was the only time he got to hear her laughter now. She trained meticulously throughout the days and chose to spend her evenings alone, when Osferth tried to seek her out she would evade him with all kinds of strange excuses to leave his company

It hurt her to keep avoiding him but she thought it would protect him further down the line, the dream of the unknown warrior haunted her sleep most nights and although she accepted the fate she had been given it was her burden to bare alone, it would be unfair to share it with him. He was a good man who deserved a long life of happiness with a christian wife who would be alive to see it should he ever choose to take one.

"If you'll excuse me, I told Edda I would see her today." She spoke keeping her eyes to the floor as she stood up and walked away. It was a lie, she hadn't made any plans so made she made her way into the woods and in a clearing was a small meadow. The scent of blooming wildflowers and sounds of bees collecting pollen filled her senses as she sat basking in the early afternoon sun in the tall grass.

She had collected thin twigs and picked flowers to weave into a small crown, she would gift it to one of the young girls in town when she returned she thought.

"This is not Edda's." Osferth emerged into the clearing with a shy smile, his hands tucked into his vest.

"No, it's not." She responded, looking at him then up to the sky knowing she couldn't escape this meeting

"Why do you avoid me?" He asked stepping closer

"Why do you still seek me out?"

"Are my reasons not clear?" His tone confused but not harsh. She knew they shared a mutual admiration for each other and that their friends were aware of that fact too, Ingrith always made sure to bring him up in conversation and hinted that he was missing her company regularly.

"Osferth you are a man of one god, I am a woman of many. We could never live in harmony, to you I will always be heathen." He sighed taking his hands out of his vest and sat down close opposite her.