A Collection of Odds & Ends

We All Need Something to Hold On To (Uhtred - The Last Kingdom)

Men were often proud creatures, going to great lengths to never allow that pride to waiver. To never show their true emotions, no matter what the circumstance.

Sibbe knew many men who fit that exact description, they were often the type one would describe as a man's man. Or a tough guy. She had known and dated several of those exact men.

Uhtred was no different, from the outside, always proud and arrogant. Nobody knew how sweet and kind he truly was, until he'd met her. She had taken the hot headed jerk and somehow tamed him. Hell, she'd even turned him into the perfect husband and doting father.

Gisela had done the impossible - Sibbe was sure of it.

She had known Uhtred since they were kids, he had always been like a brother, despite Sibbe having three already. They had met when Uhtred had moved to the neighbourhood and quickly befriended her twin brother, Sihtric. It wasn't until he had met Gisela that he started to become somebody else. Somebody far more enjoyable than he had ever been before. Gisela had given him a purpose. She was his shining light.

Who would have thought that the proud, soft, and doting Uhtred could ever be reduced to such a state. Sibbe had been out of town for work, when the news had reached her. Sihtric had called her, telling her that she had to come home, immediately.

There had been an accident, was all Sihtric had told his twin sister, an accident involving Gisela and a drunk woman. He didn't have to say the rest for Sibbe to know what he was telling her.

Four days ago they had gathered to pay their respects, to tell Uhtred and his children how sorry they were, while they watched their beloved Gisela be laid to rest. Sibbe had blocked out most of that afternoon, remembering sparse details - the sun was shining, unfitting to the mood surrounding the group. She had stood with Osferth and Hild, holding hands as if they were to let go, they would crumble. Sihtric never left Uhtred's side, keeping guard over his friend as Uhtred had done for Sihtric so many times.

As dusk fell, Finan and Brida lit a pyre, a nod to Gisela's own background. The fire roared and flickered, the orange glow illuminating the small group around it. Uhtred didn't stay to finish watching the fires burn. He left, disappearing into his room, where he remained.

Day three, people were still coming and going from the house. The visitors were now reduced to immediate family and close friends. Bringing their respects and more casseroles. If Uhtred's sister, Thyra, had to find room for another potato mash, she was going to scream.

As the hours grew late and the outside darker, the decisions of the day were made. Thyra and her husband, Beocca were taking Uhtred and Gisela's three children home with them. Hild would come round tomorrow to check on Uhtred, and Sibbe would linger behind in case he needed anything in the mean time.

"I'm going. Call me, if you need anything." Sihtric kissed his sister's cheek, embracing her in a tight hug. "Finan and I are going for a drink."

"Thank you. Be safe." Sibbe kissed her brother's cheek and hugged his dark haired friend.

"Don't be too hard on him, aye." Finan hugged her tight.

"I won't." Sibbe replied, holding onto Finan a little longer. "And you, don't let my brother get too drunk, he has to work in the morning."

With Sihtric and Finan gone that was the last two bodies out of the house, save for Sibbe and Uhtred. The house grew quiet. Uhtred in his room, making hardly a noise. Sibbe's heart ached for her friend, as strong as Uhtred was, nothing could have shaken him more.

Quietly moving around the kitchen, Sibbe had a plan. If she could get Uhtred to eat and perhaps shower, she could get him into bed for some proper rest. Nobody had saw him since the burial. His brother, Ragnar, had knocked on the door several times yesterday to get an angry yell from the other side.