Of Monsters and Flowers [Sihtric Kjartansson]

Act I: Chapter Seven

Trigger Warning: Violence

Dunholm
Kingdom of Northumbria

It had been days since Sihtric had departed Dunholm and Lynette had found herself, often, in prayer for his safety and for his quick return, her hand fisted around the crucifix in a hushed desperate prayer. It was as if this occurrence had evoked a sudden desire for Lynette to embrace what she had always known, even as it drifted away from her reach, the will still flourished in the hidden depths of her soul.

Roots planted so firm, the words of her mother a distant cry, one Lynette had spent much a time on trying to grasp, to keep her clenched fingers firmly wrapped around the thorns that had grown over the years, the blood that travelled her pale skin, the crimson red a stark contrast to it.

No, it had to be answered this time she just needed to grip on tighter and the blood needed to drip darker.

Each time her lips would utter praises that need be said, her mind enshrouded in the shadows of a past that seemed a lifetime ago- a forgotten eternity. It is as if these words are tied to a thread pulling her back harshly only for Lynette to find herself back where she- in days past had begged to return to, but now that place is a dimmed memory she no longer wishes to lighten.

The same damp room, a sewing needle in one hand a prayer book in the other.

"The hour is getting late." Claennis whispered as Fria placed the basket away securely, "Lynette come on!" She called out.

Blinking her eyelids to rid away any fatigue she felt Lynette nodded her head when Fria pointed to the door before she proceeded towards it Lynette bended down to fix the dagger that is wrapped around her ankle, securing it in position- where it had been all day.

Claennis grabbed her upper arm causing Lynette to turn to her, "Is that safe?" She inquired.

"It is, Sihtric showed me how to secure it before he left." Lynette softly answered.

"He did, did he?" Claennis smiled.

"He wanted us to be safe." Lynette rolled her eyes.

Claennis nudged her, "Of course- us." She giggled.

Lynette sighed, amused but she would not admit that, "Must you always do this?"

"Do what, Lynette?" Claennis feigned innocence, she knew her teasing without fail would result in a pinkish-rosy blush upon Lynette's cheeks and a roll of the eyes accompanied by a shove or a sigh of exasperation either way it was amusing and Claennis thoroughly enjoyed jesting.

Lynette shook her head with an exasperated sigh and Claennis scrunched her nose holding back her laughter.

"I think it to be quite romantic." She said.

Lynette raised her brows, "What?"

"How he looks out for us." Claennis bit back a smile.

"You find this humorous but I assure you Claennis, he does care." Lynette stated.

The sun was on the verge of full submersion behind the vast horizon as they stepped outside, the air was dressed in a bitterness- the chill, by no means, relenting its iciness. Hues of elapsed sunshine lingered in the grounds veiling towering trees and the leaves that call branches their home.

"Here, now tie it around like this." Sihtric's voice ordered, it echoed as a memory in Lynette's mind, reminiscence of their last conversation.

"A dagger?" Lynette looked to him, amused she used her hand to hide her smile.