The Norseman

Chapter 19

I looked back at Ivar after he finished. "It will heal nicely in time." Ivar said softly.

"It stings..." I eased my dress up. I stood up and turned to him. He sat on the bed cleaning his hands off with a cloth. I walked closer to him and sat on his lap placing my hands on his shoulders.

Ivar's eyes looked into mine. "Was there ever a time when you were afraid of me?"

"No, I was never afraid of you Ivar." I placed my hands on his cheeks.

Ivar's lips met mine tenderly. "I know I don't say it much, but I love you Lir."

"I love you too Ivar. I don't expect you to always say it... I don't expect you to always show your feelings either." I looked deep in his eyes. Ivar ran his finger along my cheek softly. "I fell in love with you not because of how you are or how you present yourself on the outside. I fell in love with who you are in here." I placed my hand over his heart. "You may be ruthless and fearless... People may be afraid of you and your temper... I see a man that just wanted to feel loved. Everyone has always saw you differently, but I don't see you differently."

Ivar smiled a little as he grabbed my hands. "When I saw you for the first time I thought you would never look at me the way you do now. Things began to change... I began felling something I thought I would never feel...Having you in my life, by my side is the greatest decision I ever made."

We shared a passionate kiss and lied in the comfort of each other's arms. We set sail to Greenland and raided through the lands before us. We acquired food and supplies to last us for a long time.

When we reached Canada, it was a challenge to get through most of the land. The people were fierce and strong.

I fought my greatest battles along sides Ivar. This battle that was now before us would soon be my last.

I struck my enemies with ferocious strikes. One warrior charged at me. I blocked his attack with my sword and kicked his leg. I swung my sword at his side taking him out.

I looked over at Ivar who took out a warrior that charged him. His eyes met mine for a moment before he went back to fighting.

I walked a few steps behind him when I was struck in the side. I screamed as I grabbed my size falling to the ground.

Ivar and a few of our warriors covered me. I was lifted from the ground and rushed out of sight. I was taken to our camp where I was being treated.

I could feel myself getting woozy. It got worse as I lost more and more blood. "Lir!" Ivar rushed to my side and grabbed my hand.

"I-Ivar..." I looked up at him faintly.

"You will be alright Lir... You're going to be fine." Ivar nodded as he kissed my hand.

"I am so cold..."

"She needs more furs." Ivar demanded.

"Yes sir..." A servant grabbed more furs. Ivar watched them as they continuously tended to my wound.

"I l-love you I-Ivar..." I said just under a whisper.

"No, don't do that..." Ivar looked in my eyes as tears filled his. "Don't you leave me like this Lir..."

"I'm getting worse by the second..." I frowned.

"There is still a chance..." Ivar shook his head. "You can survive this..."

"I-Ivar..." I placed my cold hand on his cheek.

"You can't leave me Lir... I need you..." Ivar leaned his head into my hand as his tears streamed down his cheeks.

"I-Im sorry..." I whispered.

Ivar's head rested on my shoulder as he cried. "Please..."

"T-Take my cross. I want y-you to have it..."

Ivar lifted his head. His tear filled eyes met mine. He pressed his lips to mine passionately at first. "I love you Lir..." he said against my lips. "I will never stop loving you..."

"I love you Ivar the Boneless." I said as I weakly pulled his head back down. I placed one last kiss upon his lips. "B-Be ruthless my husband..."

I met Ivar's eyes one last time before my eyes closed.

~~~

Ivar destroyed the lands before him then returned to Ireland where he had a farwell ceremony for Queen Lir.

He raided in a few places, each just as ruthless as the one before. Upon returning to his home in Ireland he fell ill and soon was reunited with his beloved wife Lir.

The end!