Chapter Text
Mornings were cold, the day bitter with its first breaths. Oftentimes you paid it little mind, your daily chores were not so generous as to let you reflect on such things. However, chores meant nothing when you awoke to Askeladd at your side.
You sat up, careful in trying not to wake him. Sighing deeply you looked at his relaxed face, how peaceful he looked when he wasn't deep in thought. You raked your fingers through Askeladd’s blonde hair, leaning over him as he lay in bed.
The sun had yet to rise, but the night sky was faded blue with impending daybreak. The sun was a cruel thing, taking your man from you soon as it showed its firey crown. All you could do was savor the moments spared.
“You look at me with anguished eyes,” Askeladd’s voice rolled from his chest, hoarse with sleep.
Hands that had been playing with his hair retreated to your lap. You did not know he had woken, your expression briefly shifting to reflect your surprise. Rather quickly, your gaze was again sad. Your eyes found his as you spoke, “I didn't mean to wake you.”
Askeladd rested a calloused hand on your hip, caressing you over your linen shift. His brows furrowed, “what bothers you?”
“I only ever get to hold you at night,” you whisper, leaning close to him, “how am I not to loathe morning?” You kiss him gently as his hand travels to the small of your back.
“You're a true poet, dove,” Askeladd chuckled, pulling you near and placing kisses on your temple.
You frown, resting your head on his chest. “Will there ever be a day you don't leave me?” you whisper, laying beside him.
Silence. You knew better than to think he would say yes, though a part of you wished he would lie. A lie you could cling to, one that would make your chores easier and mornings sweeter. But there was nothing, not even a grunt. So you lay there in silence, your head on his chest and his hand on your back.
The whisps of sun peeked over the hillside, the night sky fading. You were damned by the unavoidable day, night could only hold strong for so long.
“I always return,” Askeladd assured, kissing your forehead. He brought his hand to your jaw, his thumb tracing over your cheekbone.
“Always?” you whisper back, supporting yourself with your elbow.
He nodded, pulling you back down and into a kiss. It was tender, sweet, and soft like a delicate draft. You wished it would last forever, but Askeladd sat up and began to dress himself. You watched him, wanting to linger.
“For you,” Askeladd gripped two brooches from his satchel and placed them in your hand. “They're real gold,” he clarified.
You clasped both to your chest, feeling their weight. Gold. They were exquisite, ornate pieces, worth more than any coin you'd seen.
“Thank you,” you whispered, reaching out and grabbing his hand.
“Of course, dove,” he brought your hand to his lips and kissed your knuckles softly.
Askeladd made ready to leave. His expression cold, just as it always was when he was thinking.
“Are you sure I can't come with you?” your words come out more feeble than you meant for, sounding like a pathetic plea.
Askeladd paused before glancing back at you, his face was unreadable. Then he reached behind himself and drew a small leather pouch, handing it to you.
“Take this,” he said, his voice low, almost cold.
You took the pouch without question, opening it to reveal an assortment of coins. There were several silver pieces, and then a few golden ones. The largest one was gold, and you felt the weight of it as you held it between your hands.
“What is this?” you questioned, frowning. You were not sure what to make of such a gesture.
“Yours to spend if I ever don't return,” Askeladd remarked bluntly.
“I don't want this,” you placed a hand on his shoulder, brows creased, “I would rather you just come back in one piece.”
Askeladd's expression softened but he was unwavering. “I’ll do my damnedest,” he spoke before he cupped your face in his calloused hands and kissed you one last time.
Hesitantly you let go of his shoulder, allowing him to turn away and leave. Standing in the doorway you watched him saunter down the path, toward the main houses and port.
The sun had nearly fully risen now, the sky smeared with shades of orange, red and pink. The morning breeze nipped at your ankles and fluttered through your hair. It mocked you with its beauty.