Vikings Imagines

Decisions to be made Part 5

Two days had passed since the night of the feast. Hvitserk left for a hunting trip with Sigurd, Ivar, and Floki the morning after, showering me with affection before leaving. We had sex a total of four times that night, both of us waking one another in and out of sleep, enjoying every moment we had together. Since he's been gone I've returned to work at the great hall, avoiding Aslaug at all costs. I absentmindedly go about my chores, day dreaming about my night with Hvitserk and what it will be like when he comes back. I'm startled out of my thoughts by a loud clanging behind me while carrying a basket of bread to the great hall, almost dropping it. I fumble for a moment before finally catching it all, sighing in relief. I turn around to see Ubbe standing behind me at the end of the hall, laughing over silver plates scattered across the floor.

"Ubbe you nearly scared me half to death!" I call out, placing my hand on my stomach for added dramatic effect. I watch as his face lights up as he sees me, bounding towards me.

"Eydis! Just the girl I was looking for." Ubbe says with a goofy smile. He picks the remainder of the plates up, handing them off to a servant. I can't help but smile back at him, his happiness radiating off of him.

"You're looking for me?" I say with a curious smile. "Why would you be looking for me?" I shift the bread basket so it sits on my hip, freeing one hand. Ubbe grabs my free hand with a giant grin, pulling me towards him.

"Come see!" He exclaims, pulling me with him. I follow him, confused as he leads me. Ubbe had small talked with me here and there since the night of the feast, but nothing questioning or suggestive like before, although my heart always still leaps a little when he looks at me. Ubbe moves his grip from my arm down to my hand, grasping mine in his. He takes the bread from my other hand and sets it on a table as we exit the hall.

Ubbe speed walks down the hall steps, causing me to giggle as I follow. The cold air bites at my skin, my laughter leaving what looks like puffs of smoke hanging in the air. We round a corner behind the great hall, making our way to a cluster of cabins, most newer than the rest of the homes in Kattegat. He leads me to the front of what I recognize as his cabin, stopping to stand in the street. He turns to me with a sly smile, wiping his mouth with his hand as we settle our breathing.

"So what do you think?" He says, gesturing widely towards the cabin with his hand. I look at him quizzically as I shiver to myself.

"What on earth are you talking about, Ubbe? Are you asking me if I like your cabin?" I say, knitting my brows and laughing.

"Well that's the thing, Eydis. It isn't actually my cabin." He takes a step closer and points directly behind me. "That is my new cabin." I turn around and examine the new cabin, admiring the color of the wood.

"Your new cabin is beautiful, Ubbe. But why would you ask me about the other one?" I rub my hand on my arm, trying to warm my fingers. I fidget impatiently, the cold now chilling me to my core.

"Well that's because it's your cabin now. I was already building a new one with the help of Floki, and when you told me you were traveling so much I figured this would help. Otherwise it will just sit and collect dust, or worse, go to one of my brothers." Ubbe sticks his hands in his pockets, nervously rolling back on his heels. His eyes sparkle in the pale light as he watches me, waiting for a reaction.

I stare at Ubbe in shock, my palm laying flat on my stomach as I try to gather my thoughts. I let out a loud laugh and cover my mouth, my eyes meeting Ubbe's. A giant smile is plastered over his face as he watches me. I jump up and down before jumping into Ubbe's arms, wrapping my arms around his neck. He hugs me tightly, pulling my body closely to his. His head rests in the crook of my neck, his beard tickling my skin.

"Ubbe this is incredible!" I cry out. "This..." I stop and gather my breath as he sets me on my feet, his hands remaining on my waist. "...this is crazy. You have no idea how much this will help me! Thank you so much!" I grab him in an embrace once more before quickly skipping inside. Ubbe laughs as he follows me in, amused at my excitement.

I burst through the door, letting my eyes wander the cabin. This is my first time seeing it, never having been close enough with Ubbe to ever have a reason to. I slowly step into the main room, walking to the lit hearth. I put my hands over the fire and warm them as I take in my surroundings. The cabin still has all its furniture and furs, giving it a warm cozy feel. A big wooden bed frame lays in the center of the room, a fluffy mattress covered in furs and blankets settled into the wood. Tables, chairs, and shelves are scattered across the room, all bare and waiting for my touch. I turn around to Ubbe once more as he leans against a table, watching me.

"Are you sure this is for me? This is incredible, Ubbe, really... I can't even believe it. What will your mother say?" I speak quickly, full of excitement. He simply laughs and ducks his head down, wiping his hand down his face.

"Don't worry about my mother, Eydis." He chuckles, looking into my eyes. "I know she's a bit of a bitch, but she likes you, believe it or not. She may not want to admit it, but I know you've grown on her. She knew about you spending the night with Hvitserk after the feast." He pauses, raising an eyebrow, searching my eyes for a reaction. I nod my head, waiting for him to go on. "She was indifferent about it. If she truly didn't like you she would have thrown a fit. You know it as well as I." We both laugh softly. "So don't worry about her. I doubt she'll even notice." He offers me a soft smile that makes my stomach slightly turn. We stand silently for a moment, staring into one another eyes. I break the silence by clearing my throat, thanking him again.

"I can't express how grateful I am, Ubbe. Thank you." I gently bow my head as I finish my sentence.

"You're welcome, Eydis." He flashes another breathtaking smile, looking at me from the sides of his eyes before scooping me into another hug. He lets me go and walks back towards the door, standing in front of it.

"Take the rest of the day off. There is silver in the chest beside the bed. Get some things for your new home." He opens the door, walking out. I stand at the door frame with a permanent smile on my face and watch him walk out.

I stand there for a moment as he moves down the steps, stopping abruptly. I knit my brows and watch as he moves quickly, coming back to me. I open my mouth to speak, but am unable to say anything before his lips come gently down onto mine. His arms wrap around me, arching my back and pulling me into him. I stay still for a moment, thinking of Hvitserk. Before I can process anything, I find myself kissing him back, my hand running up his arm. He kisses me deeply one more time before releasing me from his grasp. He smiles down at me before turning back around, walking back out the door.

"Oh I forgot to tell you" he says, turning back around on his heel. I stand before him wide eyed, my cheeks hot and flushed, one hand over my mouth. "Hvitserk will be back tonight. Surely he will be happy to see you have moved closer to him." He smirks at me slyly, his eyes narrowing. "If you ever need me, I'm right across the road. Enjoy your new home." He closes the door, leaving me breathless. I survey my surroundings once more. I walk to the bed, flopping down onto it. What just happened? How is it possible to feel so excited and so confused at the same time? I lay there a while, staring at the ceiling. When I finally move, I crawl to the side of the bed, opening the chest beside it. I pull out a bag of silver coins, tossing it between my hands. With a sigh I sit up from the bed, pulling myself onto my feet.

Maybe shopping will help take my mind off of whatever the hel just happened.