Destiny Enslaved (editing)

part 39

I stood upon a soft sandy beach. The sun was low warming my bones chasing away nights chill. I inhaled deeply; flowers were in bloom and their sweet scent mingled with the sea salt.
I knew he had brought me back to this strange land. Odin was some where but I was too preoccupied with the sky. I followed its beautiful streaks of colour to the source. On the horizon dawn was performing. But before her was a fleet of ships docked in the estuary. A man stood on the shore facing the way he’d come from up river I saw his profile in the dim light he was tall- he seemed familiar...
I began to walk to him when Odin spoke from behind me ‘’you are right, child ,this really is a strange land...’’
I turned to face him ‘’ then why bring me here...lord?’’
He quirked at the choice in title. I crossed my arms restraining an out burst as a flash of Floki’s traumatised face flashed in my minds eye. ‘’ if we could proceed lord?’’ I  said threw a tight fake smile.
Suddenly it sounded again- the wolf’s howl. It was clear and sepulchral like song in church- it washed over me now with an intense  feeling of longing and hope. My eyes fluttered closed to be wrapped in its sound.
‘’it is not I who have brought you here, child...’’ Odin awoke me from the enchantment inside of a dream. ‘’he is free you see...’’ Odin looked into the sunrise with what could only be described as hope. ‘’he is free, and he will find you. What happens then will be in your hands-‘’
‘’what do you mean? ‘’ I interrupted.
Instead of scalding me he looked at me through his one eye with love. ‘’it is a heavy burden- he will follow you through death and beyond until you are at peace.’’
‘’I don’t have time for riddles, Odin. Floki is alone with my convulsing body- I need to know why I’m here.’’
He smiled coming close, his black cloak trailing in the sand. He stood before me and placed a warm hand against my cheek. ‘’blood of my blood, it should not be for you to correct my mistake- you are far stronger than you know’’ he then turned and walked into the winds memory.
Suddenly a another howl rose from far away. Its abruptness caused a bird to burst from the canopy of the shore trees. I looked back to the man he was already in the ship, the men beginning to row him away with their loud chant of ‘PULL’ as they dragged the Viking vessel out into the sea. That must have been why he could not hear the frantic screech of the bird; as it flapped its wings the golden light gracing them it hovered over the same spot. What was going on?
Again the howl ripped through the sky but it was close now coming from inland... it was a pained and weeping howl of desperation. As the howl rose again I felt a grip around my throat. It suddenly tightened and I couldn’t breathe.
I fell to my knees pawing at my neck and finding nothing there. I searched as I continued to struggle. Another howl. Weaker now. I fell to the sand with no idea what to do-my lungs burned and my vision was getting spotty. The last thing I saw was that man continue to sail away- I reached out for him instinctively. But he was leaving. It was getting easier now the drumming was gone. And I could smell the sea breeze kissing dawn painted flowers.
The darkness took me but it was not gentle it gripped me sternly and shook loose my brain. As gentle as my passing was my awakening was that abrupt. I sat up from whatever position I had been in and began gulping in the air.
‘Lady?- Lady? ’a voice came from my right my vision was not yet clear and I did not know where I was. I jerked backwards into a solid fleshy mass.
‘’Asa?’’ he called softly next to my ear. ‘’Asa-its ok, I’m here.’’
I couldn’t help my reaction- I threw my arms around him and held on as I sobbed into his chest. He bent over my form cradling me and protecting me from the world...-I held on tighter and gave a breath of prayer which was almost inaudible at least to anyone other than Bjorn. ‘’Please don’t leave me...’’

Bjorn POV
I was in hell. Forcing myself to sit their and seethe about how Floki had walked out of here with Asa; instead I should have taken her back to my tent and let us finish getting to know each other- I wanted to know every inch of who she was and she would know me. We would rule as one.
The smile that played on my lips seemed to bother Magda who was also not happy about what was happening. She had sat watching in the direction the y went. The direction she had sent one of the shield maidens.
With a sudden flurry of bird like whistles Magda was on her feet and running in that direction. I was far a head of her. The moment that shield maidens tune pierced the night I was on my feet running. I had to find her.
The shield maiden stood on the peak of this small grassland waving for our attention in the dark careful as not to alert the rest of the camp. For her safety. Asa had proven her self to be formidable; she was gifted with many virtues. People saw that as a blessing and a curse; blessed with the ability to talk to the gods; cursed to suffer for mans fear of them.
But in the midst of all the questions those facts brought, one stuck firm in my mind- what of love?
An easily dismissed question usually but it was one that I was stuck with. This storm she had brought to my life was already changing things forever as with Fell and I but I didn’t want to turn back- the more I knew her the more it seemed worth it to endure. We would find each other wholly in this life. it was fate.
One of the first things I wanted to know was if I should go back and burn the ashes of her city for being the ones who scarred her. I had not seen enough of them- but I knew they would have hurt- the scars lay almost flush to the skin- they had been deep cuts.
I had seen how her own people had hated her and how some of them loved her... I think love was scarier. It was obvious that something had turned Magda’s head. She had challenged me to save Asa’s dignity and not one other person there had tried to oppose her. I could see that Asa was causing a ripple of devotion which, I did not doubt, was going to be far reaching.
She was different to the other women- her muscles were defined and hard. I had noticed similar with the lower born girls but Asa had the moves and mannerisms of a warrior- always aware. Not just that but she was taller than them but she still tucked under his chin...
When I finally reached them I could hear my heart racing in my ears- what was wrong?
Ama, the shield maiden who had followed the two was the first to speak. ‘’ lord?- is Magda here?’’
‘’that doesn’t matter just tell me what’s happened!’’  I looked past Ama at Floki who was on the ground hovering and floundering. I moved around the shield maiden as I heard Magda’s approach. Asa was twitching- her eyes almost black discs with gold rims; seeing and unseeing. I slowly knelt beside her opposite Floki.
‘’i-i- she just-‘’ Floki began muttering but most was inane- shock. He had not truly seen her so vulnerable. As I put my hand to her sleeve part of it felt hot. I quietly rolled up the sleeve as Ama was reporting to Magda. I was right; some of the symbols on her arm were warm – one was a rune for Odin.
For the time being I would keep it a secret – somehow I would ask her about it. I rolled her sleeve back down unnoticed. Then I went to scoop her up in my arms. Floki intervened.
‘’no-no- she is too far gone if we move her-‘’
‘’she is not gone!’’ I snapped unintentionally. I saw Floki’s worry and softened ‘’she is having a vision- I have cared for her before- you cam leave me.’’ It was more of an order than a suggestion.
‘’I know...’’ was all Floki said before he gave Asa a concerned look and allowed me to take her in my arms. I rested her on my lap as I crossed my legs holding her body against mine- I would give her strength and she would come back. I would be her anchor.
Floki rose some as Magda neared. Asa was beginning to thrash against my grip but I kept my grip just trying to calm her. Suddenly she was still- it was in that moment I think I was most scared. Then she sprang up gasping for air and coughing.
‘’Lady ? Lady?’’ Magda came to our level to gently calm Asa but she jolted away from Magda’s voice; she was afraid.
‘’Asa’’ I whispered into her ear. She stilled some, her heart was beating slower now. ‘’Asa its ok, I’m here...’ I had not expected it but I   was relieved when she threw her arms around me. She began sobbing- her body being racked by the waves of tears. I leaned over her shielding her from the world- what had the gods done? I felt anger towards them until the sweetest plea came from her. Small and uncertain but I heard it.
‘’Please don’t leave me.’’
Without thinking I replied ‘’never’’ and held her close.
I glanced around at the others; they did not here. I sighed with some relief.
When they waited for an answer I repeated what I had said to Floki- ‘’you can leave us.’’ My stern expression and tone told them that I would not be challenged.
Magda looked to have swallowed a bee but she rose to her feet and commanded her shield maiden’s to return to the tent. Before she went with them she gave me a look of warning. In that time Floki had relinquished responsibility to me and was going back to the tent. Feeling that she had put across her message Magda turned too go back. Before she left earshot I gave an order.
‘’you may take any other spies with you.’’ Magda looked abashed but tried to stare me out- when she couldn’t her lips pursed and a soft fluttering whistle came.  With it I heard a sudden rush of movement as two other shield maidens revealed themselves by coming to Magda’s side. She kept her eyes locked with mine till a small whimper came from Asa.
‘’we shall await your return , lord’’ she said stiffly before turning and taking her very capable shield maidens with her. And so we were finally alone.
The others were long gone when her hard sobs had reduced to quiet whimpers as she trembled within my embrace. I was at a loss as to what to do other than hold her and hope she could stay together. I would probably never truly understand what had scared her so- or by what means she had been blessed with the god’s tongue.
She had been quiet for some time now. And still. I could feel her heart; steady  and soothing. Her breathing was deep and peaceful. Asleep. She felt warm wrapped in my arms; her hair still smelled sweet but it now mingled with the familiar scent of the sea. She was becoming part of my world. At the moment she was my world. I placed a kiss on her head before facing the stars to pray to Odin ‘’please all father show me my pat. as you guided my father- please guide me in avenging him. And... if I should be fated to fall... please all father let me see my Valkyrie in the halls of Valhalla...’’
A small prayer that I hoped would be answered at the end of it all which I hoped was very far away from now.
I felt Asa begin to stir in my arms and so relaxed the cage I had created around her. Her head suddenly rose away from my chest to look up at me. Her tears were dry and her cheeks were intensely blushed. Her lips quivered as she was exposed to the night air.
In silence she rose to sit on my lap facing me ever defiant in her stare. Her beautiful golden orbs glowed like two suns. Her soft hand came to gently cradle my cheek as I became mesmerised by the flecks which danced in her eyes under the shifting star light.
Her lips parted slightly. Full and red like berries to be tasted. But...
‘’Asa...’’ I was sure to be quiet and gentle in my voice – if I was right then she may get spooked and bolt. Her large eyes did not break with my stare a she waited. I took her face in my hands as I prepared to ask an almost impossible question- impossible and yet since I had met this amazing woman I wandered if anything was truly beyond reach... ‘’Asa, my sweet Asa...’’
Her expression became curious. I was hopeful.
‘’Asa- do you understand me? My words- do you know what I am saying?’’ and there it was a question to which the answer would no doubt mean I could never go back.
She was stunned for a moment; eyes wide I could feel her pulse begin to race again.  Then he r mouth opened wider her eyes searching her mind.
‘’Bjorn...’’ her voice fragile like spring ice. Her hand slipped from my face to join her other balled up in my tunic. She dropped her eyes and my heart dropped with her. Her eyes closed and that was the end -I had asked too much and now my hope-
‘’I know.’’
I was doomed.


Asariel POV
When he had asked me the question it was like being doused with cold water. My mind froze. What was I supposed to do- my head said lie. I should lie and keep this secret until I can trust him.
But my heart. It brought to mind different fears- the idea of journeying with hi so far only to shatter that life with the truth of my cowardice.
And fears of now- what if he rejected me now- truly thinking me to be evil. It was this fear that had kept me from telling anyone and would no doubt continue to hold my tongue...
‘’Bjorn’’ his name was shamed by my feeble voice. I dropped my hand from his cheek and clutched on to his tunic as I prepared myself for a leap of faith. The idea was sardonic. That I would have to do such a thing when I had talked with gods- I knew god’s were real. Love however...
I lowered my head closing my eyes and taking in the silence for a moment- the earth was taking a breath with me.
Bjorn had begun to withdraw his head lowered and I could feel his heart pound with nerves through my fists.
It was now or never.
‘’I know.’’ Famous last words...
A chill ran through my body – not one of fear nut of desire. The jolt rose from bottom to top causing me to whip my head up just in time to meet Bjorn’s  reaction- his eyes were as blue as samphire. For a moment he was still. Watching without seeing and then a mad grin bloomed on his lips.
His hands rose to cradle my head bringing it close as he leaned in and our foreheads touched. It was an easy gesture and yet it was intimate and peaceful to feel his soul radiate love for a moment.
Suddenly he was upon me all at once. His lips clashed against mine in a frenzy. His hands twisted in my hair- just enough tension to that told me he wanted to feel secure. It seemed surreal- this whole thing had gone too fast and yet... it was like a fire stirring inside of me which wanted to consume and be consumed. Bjorn’s tongue teased my ;lips to allow him entrance – when he did he was wild. Our tongues wrestled for dominance but in that way it was invigorating.
Son shifted our positions so that I could straddle him across his lap. I could feel the heat the firming organ that grew as I wriggled to get confortable. With each movement Bjorn moaned with building pleasure. Suddenly in the midst of lust Bjorn pulled away taking my shoulders in hand to stop me searching him out.
‘’you must not tell anyone else- do you understand?-not even our friends.’’ He looked stern under the faded blue light which heralded nights end.
‘’but-‘’ I began but Bjorn cut me off putting a finger to m mouth. Part of me wanted to bite him for the small act but I knew it was innocently done.
He looked around spying into the darkness watching for anything that might give away one of Magda’s spies. When he seemed to detect nothing he turned back to me and peered deep into my eyes-‘’ I must know who I can trust with you with us before everyone learns just how special you are- they will want our gifts to help them- they will try to take you away from me’’ he pressed his forehead to mine with worry.
I broke from our embrace to take Bjorn’s jaw in my hands – my hands seemed so small against his head- I almost giggled at the passing thought. Unknowingly I had been smiling at the thought and as I realised I saw Bjorn’s face; Angelic and peaceful.
‘’I wont tell.’’ I whispered to him. Relief was clear on his face as his hands came up to take my wrists. gently he lowered them as he stared into my eyes. I wandered what he saw in mine did he see beauty... power... chaos... me?
In his I saw strength- I saw a sweet soul that had been hardened by his world. And he was not one to lower his guard easily. But here in this moment he was relaxed- I felt like I could see him. And I could honestly say that I loved what I saw and I wanted to protect it from the harsh things that plague man.
‘’I think I love you, Asa, my goddess.’’
I was not expecting that.
He must have read my mind because what he said strangely made sense.
‘’tch, life is too short to not tell the person that you love that you, you know- love them.’’ He shrugged and the statement stood.
My first reaction was to exclaim ‘we’ve known each other all of three days’ and in that time a lot had happened.
It had, I believed, revealed a lot of who Bjorn was to me. I felt that though I had not been honest in my words I had been honest in my actions. And so I came up with what I thought was the best response.
‘’ Bjorn...’’ I began then I sprang into action taking his cheeks softly in hand to kiss him deeply. He did not resist and I felt that again he knew what I was trying to convey. And that just made me want him more.
As we kissed his hands began to roam my body in search of areas that elicited insatiable moans for more. My hips moved of their own volition grinding slowly back and forth on Bjorn’s lap. A husky moan escaped him.
I pulled back exited to be with him.
I looked down at my tunic and unlaced the collar and then slowly began to pull my tunic off. I had known men before but in those situations I always felt that I had the power; they needed something from me – but with Bjorn I felt I was his equal and he was mine. Still as I lifted my tunic off I felt the blush of embarrassment rise all over my skin; though the nights caress was chilling.
I was revealing to him something that I never had allowed with my other lovers- they had been playthings to the other me. I was baring myself to him. I looked down seeing the extensive scaring on my body that was, for now, painted with gold to look beautiful. They crawled over my arms and petered out when they reached my shoulders. From there fragments of different symbols and words spun out over my shoulder blades and dripped down my back. they could look like the scars of forsaken wings.
The same pattern of scrawl was carved into my legs petering out over my buttocks and pelvis.
I waited for his reaction. He was silent- in shock- horror?
I felt a kiss gently placed on the scar which lay on my collarbone. He pulled my head to face him
‘’I love you’’ was all he said.
I had to kiss him. I had to stop the harrowing sob from escaping my chest. I couldn’t stop the tear that fell alone . it would be the last o the night.
As we kissed Bjorn started to take off his tunic. When he finally broke our kiss to take it over his head I gawked at his body- it was chiselled and yet he had been so gentle with me. My hands softly touched his chest and he popped his head out to smile cheekily at me. I smiled back causing him to haphazardly discard his tunic as he came back into our fire. We wanted to consume each other as fervid hands explored each others bodies-I  was to be freed – reborn through cleansing fire.
His hand came between my legs as we kissed. His fingers gently began stroking my clit with experienced manipulation. ‘’mmmm’’ was all I could say it was all I could think as Bjorn took my pleasure in hand.
I ground my hips to his rhythm as Bjorn held on to my hips. His large rough hands helped me to stay the course slowly urging mem to go faster until   was almost too much. I stifled a loud moan of pleasure before clarity hit me and I stilled my hips. my hands taking Bjorn’s and guiding them to his trousers.
He understood immediately and I rose to stand over him as we both discarded the last of our clothes – except for my binding.
Bjorn stared up at me waiting with hungry eyes. I dropped one knee at a time till I was barely touching his flesh. His hands reached for my hips seeking to bring me to him. But I pulled away slightly and he paused. For a moment I was floating; not touching him I gazed down in awe as his body was painted with cold and harsh blues which glinted off of his defined muscles.
I had heard the Greek tales and seen their masterful sculptures; I never believed I would see the Adonis in human d=form. Not only that; he was laying in the dawns dew wanting me.
Finally I could resist the ache between my thighs no more- I dove ; lowering myself slowly I reached down to explore Bjorn. He was, in my experience, above average. In length and a complementary girth. It throbbed in my hand and as my fingers moved up and down his member, grazing its pulsating surface, I felt his pre-cum which made my body shiver in anticipation. Bjorn kept his eyes on me- patiently waiting for me to instigate. Finally I took a hold of his dick to guide him into me.
Slowly, slowly I pushed us deep into each other wanting to fully experience it. With a gasp he was fully in and something unusual happened.
It was as if I could feel Bjorn’s intent to show his love and devotion to me. His eyes widened as he inhaled sharply; he could feel it too. His hands came to grip my hips. And he began to guide me into a gentle rhythm my hands explored his smooth muscled abdomen.
We found our rhythm and as he manipulated my hips to grind and rick on his throbbing member inside me; my walls twitched in building excitement. I could feel that we were both close as Bjorn bit his lip in pleasure.. I reached out for him and he rose for my lips to find his. Gently I started bouncing up and down on his cock. We broke our intense kiss to pant as wee stared into each others eyes waiting for the inevitable.
As I rose Bjorn readied himself so that he jumped up to push deeper into me ; trying to find my core. I was burning as we continued to consume each other. it was building hotter and hotter in =side us it felt like a star being born.
Until at long last satisfaction came. And so di we . I threw my head back to see the stars witness us making love. A stuttering moan of pleasure rolling through me. I continued to rock and ride the waves of pleasure as Bjorn gripped onto me ; embracing me in love. His hot panting mouth came to a spot below my ear. He licked and then gently kissed before he became more ravenous. His mouth sucked as his teethe bit. He marked me and then returned to licks and gentle kisses running down my neck.
I grabbed his neck making him look at me as one fingernail pierced his skin. He growled in painful pleasure. I leant in to lick tithe small crescent wound under his ear. I stopped and whispered into his ear you’re mine.’’
He pulled me into another kiss before we brought our heads together for him to pant the words ‘’and you?’’
I almost laughed as I recalled that subtlety really didn’t work with Bjorn, ‘’I am with you to the end my love’’

A/Nhello everyone I hoped you enjoyed new year and the chapter - a bit rough but I'm okay with it for now x