† in which a young girl has been saved by the one and only, Uhtred Ragnarsson, which leaves her to be indebted to him. while serving by his side, love begins to blossom, and families are formed and born. she finds herself not only falling into t...
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❝tension in between us. ❞ °✦.° ( damage gets done — act one ) °✦.° 『 chapter five 』 ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
The gathering at Cumbraland unfolds like an unexpected festival-like event, a rare mingling of both Saxon and Dane, merchants and farmers, nobles and common folk alike, all drawn together under the pale autumn sun that casts a faint warmth over their curious faces. Their air buzzes with hushed murmurs and amused glances, every gaze stuck on the man who commands the center of their attention: Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He stands in the middle of the large crowd, radiating an unmistakable strength and the allure of promise, his mere presence seems to charge the crowd with an energy that hovers just beyond words. To those who have only heard of him in passing, he is now more than just a legend, he's a figure who exudes an unyielding resolve. Even the quietest among the crowd senses the profound weight of his reputation building, an unspoken power through the throng — a warrior of hardened valor and fierce loyalty, now bestowed the privilege of leading King Guthred's army and household guard.
Amidst the crowd, Narcissa perches atop a wooden wheelbarrow, her chin slightly raised and a faint smile playing at her lips as she observes with unwavering focus, watching intently as her best friend demonstrates the art of combat to anyone willing to listen to try. Her few friends surround her, some standing with their arms folded, whilst others are seated with their hands resting lightly on their knees. Together, they form a small pocket of silent spectators, their attention unbroken as they witness the spectacle before them. From her seat, the black-haired teenager takes in the lively scene, feeling a surge of pride and admiration for Uhtred, who brings warmth and a sense of unity to this makeshift gathering under the open sky.
In the center of the makeshift arena stands Uhtred, facing down the towering figure of Clapa — a Dane of such imposing size that he seems almost carved from the earth itself. The two men circle one another, their movements measured and powerful. Uhtred's gaze is sharp, his body light yet braced, like a coiled spring awaiting release. Clapa's hulking frame, bare of hair and clothes, moves with the unyielding power of a mountain. His eyes are cold, almost calculating, as he lifts the wooden weapon high before bringing it down in a sweeping arc. At the sight ahead of them, the crowd inhales as one as the large Dane's weapon descends, each strike heavy and relentless, hammering down on the smaller Dane's shield with brutal precision. However, Uhtred does not retreat; instead, he stands rooted, his stance firm as he absorbs each blow. His body shifts slightly with each impact, a dance of resistance that reveals his mastery. The tension in his shoulders and the controlled flex of his arms reveal the effort it takes to deflect someone's sheer force, yet he does so with an air of calm authority as if his very presence commands the ground beneath him.
The sounds of 'ooh' and 'aww' rise from the crowd in waves, a chorus of anticipation and admiration that fills the air around the training yard. The townsfolk lean forward, eyes wide and eager, watching the skilled warrior who had once fought at the Battle of Ethandun. They constantly expect his counterattack, each of them holding their breath for a strike that never comes. Instead, he continues to stand firm, holding back his power, and the onlookers murmur in surprise, shifting in restless expectation.
