( 10th century — kingdom of norway )

Esther watched her parents talk quietly to one another while washing her clothes. They had been acting a bit weird after the Mikaelsons showed up a month ago. Regina told her not to worry about it, but she was worried. She was a worrier.

"Hello, gorgeous," said a voice behind her that relaxed her. Heat wrapped around her pleasantly as Alix's hands ran up her arms to rest on her shoulders, squeezing gently. "You alright? You're staring pretty hard," Alix teased gently, kissing the back of Esther's head.

They had begun the courting process since they were to be married in 3 ½ years. It was a bit nerve-wracking and they never talked about it fully. It's been said in passing and they both know it's coming.

"I'm good now," Esther said, turning her head to meet Alix's beautiful ocean eyes. Alix smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Esther finishes up with her clothes and Alix helps her hang them up to dry. "Have, uh..." Alix turns to give Esther her full attention, tilting her head in that confused puppy way that makes Esther momentarily forget what she was going to ask.

"Sunshine?" Alix asked, poking the girl on the cheek gently with a teasing grin. However, her eyes show concern.

Esther blinks and gives Alix a reassuring smile. "Sorry," she muttered, kissing the corner of Alix's mouth and causing a blush to slide up her neck and to her cheeks, "have you noticed your parents acting... weird?" She asked as Alix took her hand, leading her back toward the village to take a stroll.

Alix tilts her head a bit, eyes narrowing a bit as she thinks. "Hmm, well, my mother seems a bit agitated. Father says it's best to let her figure it out and that I shouldn't say anything." She shrugs her shoulders a bit, but Esther can tell Regina's behavior perturbs her. "Why do you ask?" Alix looks at Esther in curiosity.

Esther slips her other hand around Alix's forearm, leaning closer to her as they reach the village. It was a lot of pack members and witches so they weren't scared to show their affection. Most of the people here have known them since birth and have known their birthrights.

"I don't know. It's probably nothing. I'll tell you more when I know," Esther promises, grinning at her best friend.

"Mm, fine, dearest," Alix huffs jokingly, smirking a bit. "Whatever you say, my dear."

"Oh, piss off," Esther groans, shoving her person's shoulder.

Alix laughs, scooping Esther up and spinning her around. Esther squeals a bit, grabbing onto the redhead. Alix sets her on the ground, slipping an arm around the blonde's waist since, right now, Esther is taller. A feat that the blonde likes to hold over the wolf's head, unfortunately.

"Careful you two," says a passing woman with a teasing smile.

"Always, Madam Typ," Alix bows her head in the woman's direction.

Esther shakes her head. Alix knew everybody by name here. From the adults to the animals. The blonde always admired her friend and the woman she was to become. Regina and Elric were two of the kindest people she's ever had the pleasure of meeting and that did not stop at their child. Esther has always tried to protect her from the monstrosities of the world, to keep that beautiful light shining.

She never wants to be the reason it's snuffed out.

She promises herself she won't be.

"Alix," Esther murmurs after they walk through the village, saying hello to people; helping others with work; and watching children. The redhead looks up from where she's crouched by a Chrysanthemum that rests on the ground. "I wish to talk about... about our arrangement."

Alix raises her eyebrows, something flashing across her face. Esther thinks it's relief but it's gone as quick as it came. Alix grins at her, a bit more subdued than what it could be. Esther doesn't understand why Alix is holding back her beautiful smile. "Of course," the redhead says. She turns back to the flower and gently breaks it off. She stands up and moves closer to Esther, placing the blonde's favorite flower behind her ear.

Esther blushes a bit and takes Alix's hand. They make their way toward the lake, the first place they found out they were to be betrothed.

"So..." Alix drawls, helping Esther sit down before sitting down beside her, "what do you wish to speak about?"

Esther fidgets with her fingers slightly, wondering if this is the right thing to do. They both understood their place individually. Alix was the heir to the first werewolf pack. She was going to be in control of the longest line of werewolves and had a lot of responsibilities. Esther was to be her wife, the woman who helped look after the young and the one who kept Alix from losing her head. She was to be Alix's rock. She was Alix's lifeline. Though, neither of them had talked about what it would mean to truly be together in that sense.

"We are to be married in less than four years," Esther says softly, staring out at the lake. Alix was looking at her, Esther could feel her intense gaze on her cheek. She didn't mind. "I don't believe we've ever had a proper conversation about it."

Alix is quiet for a minute, thinking. "No, I do not believe we have," she agrees and reaches for her best friend's fidgeting hands. She takes them firmly in her own and Esther relaxes immediately, safety and warmth wrapped around her. "I'm going to have many responsibilities."

"You are," Esther agrees with a small nod. She turns her head to meet those beautiful eyes. Her lifeline. "You're going to be pulled in a million directions."

"I am going to love you until my last breath, Esther Hagen," Alix says and it's said so resolutely that Esther could not for a second believe her best friend hadn't meant it. "I will not forget you when I take up Alpha. You will be my priority. Always."

Esther smiles slightly at her. She does not doubt that. She and Regina have had conversations about it. About the dangers that could bring. Regina had said herself that she'd 'be a hypocrite' if she were to have Esther dissuade Alix. Regina would give up everything for Elric.

"I would do the very same for you," Esther murmurs, bringing Alix's hands up to kiss the back of them, "you have been my world for so long. I am always going to love you, even in death. You will never get rid of me."

Alix smiled and now that was the smile Esther loved. That stole her breath. "I wouldn't ever wish for that," she said. Esther smiled back, leaning her forehead against Alix's and closing her eyes. "I am yours."

"And I am yours," Esther said as they breathed each other in. "Always."

"And forever." 

AN: okay... it's been a long time... i am so sorry!! i don't know if you guys are even reading or keeping up with this story anymore. but if you are, welcome back!!

I'm not on a schedule for posting yet unfortunately, so updates might be few and far between, but I'm trying to get it out for you guys!! I'm so sorry and thank you for being patient with me.

let me know what you guys want to see during this book — the relationships you want to see and such. 

(mikael and dahlia will NOT be good people in this book despite what it may seem [for mikael] in SECLOUTH)

wc: 1268