The Pale Moonlight

The Pale Moonlight

Ivar the Boneless x ofc

Word Count: 875

Warnings: None

Laughter echoed in the distance as the men celebrated their latest battle, drinking mead and singing songs. The gleaming fire caused a dim glow to settle over the forest, illuminating the dancing shadows.

Sitting on an old tree stump, Ivar stared out into the forest, eyes hazy and shoulders hunched over in thought. Yet, his ears perked up, hearing the snapping of twigs and crunching of leaves. Glancing over his shoulder, he sat up straight as the cause of his headache appeared.

“What is wrong, young prince? Didn’t kill enough Christians for your liking?” Selene teased, a smile gracing her face as she leant against one of the many trees surrounding them.

Ivar chuckled, his head bowed low. “For a girl who criticises my love for bloodshed, you seem to enjoy making jokes about it.” His electric eyes lifted, a smirk decorating his face.

Selene scoffed, a hand waving away his response as she plopped down beside him. “I do not condone it, but if it makes you happy and stops you from injuring unsuspecting locals, who am I to complain?” She peered up at him, a twinkle in her eyes.

Ivar gave no reply, his smirk shifting into a frown. He just stared at her, unsure and unprepared.

Selene’s smile fell. “What is wrong?”

The Boneless grit his teeth, a hiss escaping. Rolling his head on his shoulders, he tried to shake off the fire in his veins as he looked away from her, unable to gaze into her shining eyes no longer.

Panic flared in Selene as she moved onto her knees, observing Ivar’s shaking form, tentatively touching his legs, “Have you injured yourself? Fallen off your horse? What is it?” She rambled, unaware that his piercing stare had returned to her.

“I want to choke the life from you.” He whispered. Selene stopped her movements, her mouth becoming dry as she slowly met his eyes, unconsciously leaning away from her friend. “I want you to understand how it feels to be afraid…” Ivar licked his lips, “Because this is how I feel whenever you are around.”

It was as if the only sounds to be heard in the forest were the quiet squawking of ravens, the distant celebrations, and the racing of teenage hearts.

“Ivar…” Selene trailed off, her gleaming eyes blown wide in the moonlight. “What do you mean?”

Ivar swallowed, the noise echoing within the forest. “You have…” his electric blue eyes avoided her, staring into the starry night sky. “Consumed my every thought. When you are away from me, I am concerned about your safety, your feelings. Has somebody harmed you? Made you cry?” His eyebrows furrowed and fists clenched by his sides. Selene could not speak. Her glistening eyes tracked Ivar’s frantic movements. “And when you are near me, it is worse! I cannot speak, for I fear that if I do, I will say the wrong thing, and you will leave!” He yelled, causing Selene to flinch. “See! I have done it already!” Ivar cried, lifting himself off the stump and beginning to crawl away.

Selene stumbled to her feet, tripping over loose leaves and sticks. “Ivar! Please!” She shouted. “You have not let me speak!” Ivar continued to ignore her, slithering into the shadows. “What if I told you I wanted to choke you too?” She called.

Ivar froze, wide eyes turning to face Selene with raised brows.

Selene’s face crinkled, her lips pursed. “Okay, that is not what I meant to say at all...” She sighed. Shrugging, she stepped closer to Ivar, slowly as if trying not to spook him. “I am afraid for you too. When you are on the battlefield, I cannot sit still! What if you have fallen off your chariot? Or even been killed? I just have to sit here and wait like some silly twit, waiting for you to return!” Selene had stopped looking at Ivar and was pacing. Now that her thoughts were in the open, she could not stop them. “And even when you aren’t on the battlefield, you concern me! What if it is too cold and your bones hurt? Or you are in pain and need silly jokes to lighten the mood?” Selene paused, staring at grey moon, seeking guidance. “But, how do I tell you I love you without losing you?”

Selene screamed; her body knocked to the dewy forest floor. Ivar hovered above her, breathing heavy and blue eyes glimmering. Odin had frozen time as the young pair gazed at each other, peering into the soul of the other. Ivar inched downwards, slow and uncertain. 

Rolling her eyes, Selene gripped the back of Ivar’s head and smashed their lips together. Their lips moved like two people dancing together for the first time, unpractised yet passionate. His arms ran up and down her sides as she played with his hair. It was not perfect, but it was right.

Pulling away with a huff, Ivar whispered, “I do not really wish to choke you.”

Selene nodded absentmindedly, staring at Ivar’s lips. “Good. Let’s just start with holding hands. Your odd kinks can come in later, hmm?” She grinned. Ivar shook his head with a chuckle, leaning back down to reclaim her lips in the pale moonlight.