15 comments/ 57270 views/ 81 favorites Free to Love By: Pelaam Pelaam(c): August 2007. Vidarr stormed into the small town with the rest of his raiding party. Everyone separated to cover more ground, yelling loudly and swinging either axe or sword. Vidarr powered towards a medium-sized single story dwelling. He crashed through the door as it gave way under his axe's blows and the big man bellowed as loudly as he could. It was a two-fold ploy. He detested unnecessary killing and his shouts not only boosted his own courage, but served to frighten away any potential opponent. He preferred to see people running from him. He kicked open an inner door and screamed at the figure he could see in the dim light. Roderick stopped his futile struggles against the thick rope that bound his iron-clad ankle to the thick ring embedded in the floor. He gazed up in unadulterated fear at the demon that stood shrieking maniacally at him from the doorway. The horned hat, the thick, dirty blond mane and beard, the fierce blue eyes that seemed to bore into his very soul and the sheer, raw, almost animalistic masculinity of the creature shook him to his core. As the being roared again, Roderick could do no more than cover his face with his hands as his body shook uncontrollably with fear and sobbed. "Not hurt I. Please." Vidarr stood stunned. As dark as this one was Vidarr could understand, through thickly accented speech, his own language. Now that his eyes had adjusted to the dimness, he could see the figure was a boy or youth. Dark hair fell in waves to past his slender shoulders. His skin was the colour of mead or honey. He was dressed in a rough tunic that barely skimmed his jewels. Hardly long enough to keep him decent. Vidarr thought. The boy's long, slender legs were bent and the big blond now knew why he had not run. He could see the blood where the youth had tried to work free from unforgiving metal. He could also see the broken and bloodied nails where desperation had led the dark beauty to dig at the thick hemp that held him prisoner. Not entirely understanding his motives, Vidarr held out one hand in what he hoped looked like a gesture of friendship and slowly sank to one knee beside the boy. He gently touched the bare calf leading to the foot that was held by an iron band. Roderick felt the touch. It was not rough. The blond demon was not forcing his legs apart or trying to mount him as his mistress had promised when abandoning him to his fate. Roderick lowered his hands to regard the man properly. He could see ... concern... in the pale eyes of the barbarian. "Not hurt I?" Roderick asked. He could speak the Viking language with some skill, but fear was disjointing his thoughts. He hoped he was making enough sense to the big male. He watched as the man struck his own chest robustly. "Vidarr," he said. "Roderick," he replied. He was rewarded by a big grin. "Vidarr will not hurt Roderick," Vidarr said slowly, wanting to ensure the frightened boy understood him. "Not hurt," he repeated as he raised his axe. He held the slender calf and, with one powerful swing, cut through the rope that bound the youth. Roderick stared. The barbarian...no, Vidarr, had freed him. He was still staring as the big man began to move away. "Not go," Roderick pleaded, shocked he had spoken the words aloud. Still fearful brown orbs met those of intelligent blue and a frisson seemed to pass between the two men. Recovering first, Roderick crawled to a rug. "Here," he added. He pulled the rug away and slid his fingers into the knots in the wood below. He lifted a couple of pieces away and pointed down as Vidarr came to peer over his shoulder. Vidarr gasped. There were plates and cups of gold and assorted jewellery and precious stones. It was a veritable fortune and easily accessible. With this haul, Vidarr could return proud to his boat and not risk having to hurt or kill any of the boy's townsfolk. Grinning he began to fill his sack. A small pendant that seemed out of keeping with the other booty caught his eye. As though guided by the gods, he slipped the piece inside his jerkin. He already seemed to be well rewarded for showing the youth mercy. He glanced at the angelic face and felt a familiar stirring in his groin. Roderick knelt quietly, dark curls framing the beautiful face. The tunic had slipped from a shoulder and revealed the dark disc that surrounded a nipple. Vidarr had never felt an attraction to a man other than of his own people before. Yet here he was certain, for this youth, he felt more than a simple stirring of his manhood. A sudden thought struck the big man. Roderick blinked at the sudden change of expression as Vidarr looked at him. He watched silently as the big man stared at the raided safekeeping, the cut rope and then at him. He groaned as realisation set in. They will think either I stole the treasure or used it to buy my way to freedom. He turned anguished eyes to his unlikely saviour as though looking for an answer from Vidarr. As he did a hand reached to him. "Come with Vidarr?" The blond felt as though his words and actions were being guided by another and yet were in keeping with the desires of his heart. He did not want to give up this living treasure, this beautiful, dark-haired boy. He watched, unaware of the breath he held. He felt as though his future happiness depended on Roderick's response. He watched as the youth looked from the floor, to the outstretched hand and finally to pleading blue eyes. Roderick gave a soft sigh. He could be escaping the cooking pot to be roasted in the flames. He would not be safe if he remained. What choice to I really have? He asked himself. Vidarr could have raped and killed me. Shakily, he reached for the big man. Vidarr gave a shout of victory, startling Roderick, and effortlessly pulled the boy to his feet. A soft cry had the Viking cursing his stupidity. Roderick was hurt. He eyed the tunic critically. It was obvious the garment was designed to display as much of the boy's flesh as possible whilst remaining nominally decent. The short length was barely covering his jewels and buttocks and the top would slide off one shoulder then the other. His owner clearly found the boy desirable and was displaying him shamelessly. Vidarr grunted in disgust. If the boy were his, he would want to guard such beauty. He walked around the youth before an idea struck. He removed his thick, heavy, long cape and tied it around slender shoulders. He then dropped to one knee in front of the boy. "Back," he said simply. "Piggyback," Roderick murmured. He grasped tightly around the powerful neck and wrapped his long limbs about Vidarr's waist. As he did, he felt his cheeks flush with shame as he realised the need for the covering. In this position, his garment had ridden high up his hips and his naked arse would have been on display. He buried his face in long, thick blond tresses and braids as he felt a strong, calloused hand support the thigh of his injured foot. With a yell, they were suddenly moving. Roderick caught occasional glimpses of other raiders as they ran and yelled through the small town. There seemed to be no prisoners, unless Roderick were to count himself. They quickly reached the beach and Roderick buried his face in Vidarr's neck, fear and pain beginning to mount. A part of him screamed at him to run. These were not his people and, if he went, he would be taken to a land far away, never to see his home again. Another part reasoned that his own people had treated him worse than this raider and, if he stayed, he would still most likely never see his home. He could not even be certain he would be allowed to live. His mistress had shown the cruelty she was capable of by leaving him restrained, knowing the raiders were invading their town. She obviously sought his death, doubtless knowing the depravity of her husband. Holding tight to the big blond, Roderick silently prayed he had been right to trust this man. **** Styrr stood welcoming his men back on their longboat. He was pleased to see all his warriors return safe and laden with booty that he hoped would appease their chieftain for some time. He noticed that Vidarr stood away from the other men. Styrr considered him a friend, an honourable man and a reliable, if reluctant, warrior. He lived alone in his small farmhouse, a short way outside their village. It was an unspoken secret amongst those Vidarr called friends that he had no desire to take a wife and what he did behind his closed, locked doors was no one's business but his own. Styrr watched as the men unloaded their gains amidst a general murmur of noise including laughter and backslapping. It was only after everyone else had finished that Vidarr stepped forward. Styrr recognised the look of determination and wondered what the big blond was going to say or do. "Vidarr, my friend, you step forward last," he said smiling. "Do you have a special reason?" "What treasure is here you may have and I will lay no claim to any portion of it," Vidarr said. He handed Styrr his sack and at the display of its contents there were murmurs of appreciation as gold and jewels were revealed. "I wish only to keep that I deem as treasure which is at my back. For that I will fight, should anyone challenge." Styrr watched open-mouthed and slack-jawed as, with a swift manoeuvre, a slender, dark haired, beautiful boy was revealed. "Finding it so difficult to get a bed-warmer you steal one, Vidarr?" a voice sneered. Both Styrr and Vidarr turned to regard Eirikk. "None that enter my bed do so other than by their choice. Nor do they need coins to persuade them," Vidarr growled. Styrr focused his attention on the boy. He stood staring at Vidarr as if the blond was the only man in existence. He was unlikely to be of much good to his friend as a slave working Vidarr's farm, he was too thin and had no muscle. A slip of a boy would fare badly trying to till their land's unforgiving soil. Whatever he had done in the town, it had not been hard, manual labour. Styrr thought quickly. The gold and gems were an excellent haul. He knew his mind was already set. His friend deserved some happiness in his bleak existence. "Vidarr may keep the boy in return for no share of today's booty as he wishes. Does any dare gainsay me?" he added menacingly. Styrr was pleased to see nobody, not even Eirikk who seemed most likely as challenger, spoke up. "His foot is hurt, Styrr," Vidarr whispered as the other men began to turn away, the drama over. "Can you help tend to it?" "Let us leave this place," Styrr ordered to the other men, then nodded to Vidarr. As the ship set sail, Vidarr scooped up his dark beauty and followed Styrr to a quiet part of the ship. He laid Roderick on a pallet of furs, trying to smile reassuringly. He could not be sure of how much the youth understood. He was aware of Styrr watching as he withdrew the pendant from his jerkin and showed it to the boy. Styrr stood back as Vidarr settled the boy and then pulled out a small trinket from inside his clothing. Styrr smiled as the youth nodded and touched Vidarr's hand before his friend reached to fasten the pendant around a slender throat. He could see the look in Vidarr's eyes and prayed the big man did not find his heart crushed if the boy failed to thrive. "Thank you," Roderick said huskily, touching Vidarr's hand. He was uncertain how to truly express his appreciation. The pendant was all he had of his family and his master had removed it and kept it locked away. "Styrr," Vidarr then said, pointing to the other warrior. "Roderick," he added, touching the youth's shoulder. "Foot," Styrr said, indicating the injured limb. "Hurt," Roderick confessed quietly. He knew he had hurt it badly trying to pull it from the iron chain. He lifted his leg, colour rising to his cheeks as his body was inadvertently revealed to Styrr. "Mistress left me tied. Knew you come. Left me to die," he added so quietly that both big blonds looked at each other to ensure they had heard correctly. Styrr kept his face neutral as he examined the ankle and was treated to an eyeful of the boy's endowments. The iron band around the slender ankle was a fairly tight fit and the flesh was badly mauled. It was difficult to clean and almost impossible to dress. They would need a blessing from the gods for the wound not to become infected on their voyage home. He admired the youth's fortitude. He knew his ministrations were hurting Roderick and yet the only sounds were soft whimpers muffled against Vidarr's bulk as the big man cradled him. "Good boy," Styrr praised, as he completed what he was capable of achieving, ruffling Roderick's dark tresses. He indicated Vidarr step away to the side with him. "He will need a healer quickly," he said. "I will do all I can, but the chain needs removing to allow the wound to heal. He will need care during the voyage." "So be it," Vidarr nodded. He clasped Styrr's shoulder and the other man duplicated the gesture. "My thanks, Styrr," the big man said. "I will bring him some leggings," Styrr smiled, "for warmth and decency. He could probably do with some food and drink, as could you. I leave him in your care." As Styrr walked away, Vidarr settled himself next to the slender form. He immediately felt Roderick stiffen and realised what the boy must fear. Carefully he moved Roderick to face him, praying for the right words. He heard the gasp as the boy felt the hardness of Vidarr's treacherous body. This close to the youth was proving almost Vidarr's undoing. "No rape, please," Roderick whispered. He could feel the big man's arousal and he trembled with fear. Was he to be proven so very wrong about the man who had appeared to be so tender and considerate? "Never," Vidarr vowed. He slipped a finger under Roderick's chin to meet the anxious gaze. "Never force," he said. "You desire?" Roderick asked, looking confused. "I desire you very much," Vidarr confessed, wanting honesty between them. "You are very beautiful. But I do not desire you just for this." He moved Roderick's hand to briefly touch his solid spear. "I desire you here." He brought the hand to lie over his heart. "If all we share is friendship, I will accept it. Although I want much more, it must be what you want also." He kissed the boy's brow. "Relax. Styrr is bringing warm clothing, food and drink. Then you can sleep. I will be here." **** As the journey progressed, Roderick slept safe and warm in Vidarr's arms each night. A chaste kiss to his brow was the only indication of the big man's affection for the beautiful youth. He only entrusted Roderick to Styrr's care when he had to take account of his own needs. The older man feared for Roderick's health. The movement of the sea left the younger man's stomach unsettled and difficult to keep food and water down. His quiet fortitude brought the admiration of most of the men aboard ship, only Eirikk keeping his distance. They offered remedies and suggestions. Vidarr swelled with pride as Roderick courteously thanked everyone, earning their affection. The wound was not healing and Roderick was warm and feverish, but if a man offered him a kindness or a suggestion to ease his fever, the youth accepted it with genuine thanks. "Take this," Styrr muttered, thrusting a purse into Vidarr's hand as the big man resumed his vigil of the pale, sweating form. "You will need the services of the Smith and the Healer, each will require paying." Styrr, I ..." Vidarr began, staring at the coin-filled bag. "You have proven a loyal and honourable warrior, but more, you are my friend, Vidarr and I would like to see you happy. If the boy feels for you what I see you feel for him, then you are both blessed. I will give you more money to help look after Roderick once we return home." "You give me too much," Vidarr muttered. "Look at the boy," Styrr replied. "He may never grow into a full man." Styrr struck his own broad chest to illustrate his point. "But he will need care and treatment, food and medicine. He is not of our hardy stock and our world will be hard for him. Take what I offer to help you ensure he remains at you side." "Thank you, Styrr," Vidarr said, his tone heartfelt. He watched Styrr leave and settled next to Roderick once more. He reached to stroke the boy's flushed face and prayed. He bent to kiss the fevered brow and tired brown eyes opened and brightened a little, making Vidarr's heart ache with love and sorrow. He would gladly cut out Roderick's mistress' heart if he thought it would ease the beloved boy's pain. "Vidarr," Roderick said in a tired voice. "I wish ... I had seen ... your home." "You *will* see it," Vidarr promised. The big warrior had faced many dangers and adversaries, but nothing had ever scared him the way those quietly uttered words had. "You will *not* leave me now. Please, love, just one more day and you will be free." Roderick managed a small smile at the endearment, the fear and anguish in Vidarr's voice, however, cut through his haze of pain and languor. "Free to love," he murmured. "I would have liked, I think, to learn love from you. I do not choose to leave you," he added. He reached to touch the face that had become so treasured, so ... loved. "I will teach you love, Roderick. I swear you will know all the days of our long lives together that you are loved. Do not leave me alone. I beg you." He peppered kisses over Roderick's face as the effort of speaking drained the little energy the youth possessed. "Love," the young man whispered, before succumbing to fever-ravaged sleep. **** Even as their ship was being secured men parted to let Vidarr, carrying a weakly thrashing Roderick, ashore. As he carried his beloved boy, his heart felt it was being stabbed over and over as Roderick deliriously pleaded in a mixture of languages for an unknown master not to hurt him anymore and for Vidarr to stop the pain. More than once, Vidarr heard the tiny voice beg not to have his foot cut off. He barrelled, almost unable to see from his tears, into the Healer's dwelling. The Healer and his wife, a mature, grey-haired couple, immediately galvanised into action. Potions were mixed and Vidarr was directed to get as much inside Roderick as the boy could tolerate. "We must get the Smith to remove the band from his ankle," the Healer said. "The potion he has drunk will help deaden the pain, although I dare not give him much in case he is too weak to tolerate it. I fear both the removal of the chain and the treatment I must give his wound will be hard on him. You will have to be brave for him, Vidarr." "Whatever it takes, Healer," Vidarr promised. "Just, I beg of you, if possible spare his foot. He fears to lose it." "Better his foot than his life," the Healer warned. "But let us get him to the Smith for now." Vidarr once again scooped the light body into his arms. The Healer preceded him as he carried Roderick to the Blacksmith. The giant blond man looked up in interest at the small delegation. There was no apprentice in the Smithy. The big man had no wife or children and did everything required alone. His eyes travelled appreciatively over Vidarr's form. A pity the other man preferred the solitude of his farm. Then he noticed the small, dark, swaddled form. "Olfun," the Healer said, anxiety colouring his normally measured tones. "The boy is very sick and we need the band from around his ankle to be removed so that I may treat his wound." Olfun swung over to the worried men of his village. He peered critically at the band. He was certain of his ability to remove the offending item. He looked at the tiny figure of the young man. "Are you sure the little one can bear the pain?" he asked, loathe to add to the youth's hurt. "He must," the Healer replied. The next couple of hours were a waking nightmare for Vidarr. Despite the Healer's potion, Roderick screamed in agony as Olfun removed the band. He screamed again as the festering wound was debrided by the Healer, before it was wrapped to allow healing to begin. Vidarr had found tears falling unchecked from his face as Roderick pleaded with him to stop the pain. Roderick now lay unconscious and white faced in the Healer's home and Vidarr looked up as the older man entered with food and drink for him. Free to Love "Thank you," he said gratefully accepting the offering. He needed to keep up his strength to look after his boy. "I have a question, Healer," he added, hoping his downward demeanour hid the colour he felt staining his cheeks. "The boy ... Roderick. Is he...is he yet a man?" He didn't see the smile on the Healer's face. "He is slender, perhaps under-nourished," the older man said thoughtfully. "But I am certain he is not a child. I would think eighteen, or likely more, summers old." "Thank you, Healer," Vidarr said. Now all he needed was for Roderick to awaken. **** The next day, Vidarr was surprised to have Olfun as a visitor. The blond behemoth smiled gently at the still unconscious Roderick. "The Healer is a good man. I am sure the boy will recover. You will then find your life is very different, my friend," he said. "I don't understand," Vidarr said, genuinely puzzled. "Decisions you have made all your life because they affected only you will also affect another now," Olfun explained. "I will say no more now as your mind is focused on the boy's recovery, but when he is stronger, come back and we will talk." "I will do so," Vidarr vowed. **** Vidarr was walking in the place between dreaming and wakefulness. He and Roderick were happy in their farm. When a quiet voice asked whether they were home, Vidarr simply replied: "Of course we are, my love." Then the big blond's eyes flew open when he realised he had not heard Roderick's voice in his mind, but in his ear. He gazed down into exhausted, pain-dulled, but lucid brown eyes. "Truly?" Roderick asked, trying to blink away his tiredness. "I last remember the ship." "That was a couple of days ago, little one. You have been so very ill. So many times I thought you were drifting from me. You have the soul of a true warrior to have battled your way back to me." "I kept hearing your voice," Roderick whispered, the tiniest of blushes colouring too pale cheeks. "You begged me to stay. I did not want to go." "That was not all I said as you lay ill," Vidarr said, his voice dropping in timbre. "Do you remember?" "You told me many times of your love for me," Roderick replied, his own voice becoming husky. "And I...I love you." "Thank all the gods," Vidarr murmured and pressed his lips gently against Roderick's. He kept an iron control of his body, content to simply nibble softly at dry lips. "Let me fetch you some water," he said realising his boy needed to drink. He grinned as he filled a cup from the nearby pitcher. Now that Roderick was recovering, he intended to ensure the young man savoured every moment of Vidarr teaching him about love. **** It was a further two days before the Healer was satisfied with Roderick's progress and consented to let an anxious, hovering Vidarr take the boy home. The blond was grateful to Olfun for the loan of a small, sturdy horse so that Roderick didn't have to walk or Vidarr carry the young man. Vidarr smiled to himself as a thick cape from the Smith was wrapped around the slender man and the Healer's wife added a fresh loaf of bread and a stew to the horse's saddlebag. When they arrived at his small farm, Vidarr carried Roderick inside and the young man surveyed his new home as Vidarr stowed away the food. He was on a pallet of furs that clearly made the bed. There were some benches and a table at the other end of the house where a fire was currently being lit by Vidarr. Roderick realised it was both heat and the means of cooking as Vidarr hung the stew pot over the flames. Roderick felt his breathing quicken as Vidarr stalked slowly towards him. Vidarr came to lie next to the younger man and began a slow, soft exploration of Roderick's mouth with his tongue. He growled quietly in approval as Roderick hesitantly allowed his own slick muscle to slide into Vidarr's mouth. Their clothes vanished like the morning mist over the hills and naked bodies began to press together as the men's arousals grew apace. Vidarr positioned them carefully so that their aching spears could rub, their fluids making them slick. However, as the blond reached between Roderick's legs to seek out the tight rosette, Roderick tried to pull away. "No...I am sorry...I should not have...You cannot. I am not clean, Vidarr. You deserve someone not tainted as I." Vidarr could make little sense of the boy's protestations. He held Roderick tight, afraid the movements would hurt the healing foot. "Be still," he commanded. He regretted the look of hurt in the brown eyes, but Roderick instantly quieted. Vidarr gazed down at the sad face and softened his tone. "I want no one else. It is you I desire, you I love. I have tended you naked and seen your body is unscarred, yet in your fever you begged your master not to hurt you. Tell me what he did. Tell me why you feel unclean. My love for you will not change, that I swear." He watched as tears slid down the angelic cheeks from tortured eyes, but was proud his lover-to-be did not shy away. He saw determination in Roderick's visage and steeled himself for what would come. "Speak to me, heart of my heart," he cajoled. "I was a clever as a child," Roderick began, his tone wistful with memories. "I had been helping the local village teacher for some years, but was not progressing in my own learning. The local priest encouraged my parents to let him find me a teacher to whom I could be a secretariat. They could not afford to sponsor me, so this way was ideal. I would work as I would learn. It meant leaving home and I was very sad. My new teacher was in a town far from my village. He was a very clever man and I learnt your language, amongst others, from him. As time went by, I became more and more of an unpaid servant, my studies almost stopping. I found out later that he was drinking and gambling." Roderick paused, then spoke again. "Men would come to his home and I would prepare food and drink and leave them each evening. They could be there several days. One man I detested particularly. His eyes seemed to denude me whenever they turned upon me. Other times my teacher would vanish for days at a time. I began to assist an old woman in herb-lore during these times. Then he told me that he was giving me to a new teacher. It was the man I had hated. I was taken even further away from my home. I found out that my teacher had been unable to meet his gambling debts and my new master had paid them in exchange for me." The young man's pain was reflected in his voice and he was grateful for the gentle hug from the big blond. Taking a fortifying breath he continued. "His wife was away and he made me to strip. I had never been seen naked before, much less touched. I struggled and he forced me to my knees and began to slap my naked buttocks. He was hurting me and I begged him to stop. I felt his seed on my body. I was bleeding and he was angry as he wanted no sign of his touches upon me. After that he took more care with me. He designed the tunic I wore, telling his wife it would stop me trying to run away. I could see in her eyes she did not believe him. When she was away or when he would take me out he would strip me and either lie on me rutting like an animal or touch me until spilling his seed." Roderick's voice dropped to a whisper. "But as bad as that was, as painful as that could be, worse of all was when he tied my hands and touched my manhood, making it rise. He would touch it until I was on the cusp of spurting, over and over, until I finally begged him to give me release." Anguished brown eyes locked with compassionate blue. "I am tainted." Even as he finished speaking, Vidarr's mouth closed over his in a long, slow, deep kiss. "You said you have never been seen naked before this monster defiled you. You never lay with a man or a woman?" Vidarr waited for the shake of Roderick's head before continuing. "He forced his touch upon you. It was neither desired nor welcomed. You were not a seducer or an enticer. You were a helpless victim of his perversions. You are neither unclean nor tainted. You are, however, still a virgin," Vidarr husked, his voice dropping in timbre. "And it will be my pleasure," he kissed Roderick's eyes. "My privilege," he kissed the tip of Roderick's nose. "My right, as the man who loves you, to take and to treasure the gift of your virginity. To be the man who teaches you of love." He kissed Roderick's lips. "I think my heart was yours the first time we met. I knew for certain when my heart ached as I thought I would lose you. It was not just your beauty, but your strength, your courage that attracted me. I wish to share my life, such as it is, with you." "Never leave me, Vidarr," Roderick suddenly begged, throwing slender arms around powerful shoulders. "All else I held dear is lost to me forever. I could not bear to lose you too. I love you." "I swear it, my love," Vidarr replied. "I do so swear." "Love me, Vidarr. Show me what it is to be loved," Roderick pleaded. Never had the act of lovemaking held such importance to the blond. It had always been about the sharing of bodies and mutual pleasure. But this time...this time...it was so much more. He kissed his way along Roderick's jaw, to suck and bite gently as the young man exposed his throat to soft cries of need and pleasure. He licked his way to the large, dark discs that had held his fascination from the first time he had caught a glimpse of them. A cry of shock and joy escaped Roderick's lips as Vidarr nursed one succulent nub. To a low moan, Vidarr lavished equal attention on the neglected twin. Vidarr's pride rose exponentially with the swelling of his mate's manhood. Abandoning his lover's nipples to a soft keen of distress, making sure to remember Roderick's enjoyment of having his breasts sucked, Vidarr placed open-mouthed kisses down soft, sweet flesh. He rubbed his beard over the hairless skin, making the dark-haired beauty writhe erotically under him. He devoured the sight of his mate's raised shaft. Unlike his own spear, this organ was slender, smooth and curved just slightly to the left. To Vidarr's eyes it was alluring, beautiful, perfect, just like the irresistible youth who keened softly, hips rising and falling hypnotically to the big man's avid eyes. Unable to resist, Vidarr's mouth engulfed the straining member and was instantly filled with his lover's living essence. The big man swallowed greedily, holding Roderick's hips still as the younger man convulsed and cried out in his completion. Roderick could scarcely belief he had spent so quickly. With his master it had taken much attention to his manhood to make it rise, but Vidarr had succeeded with kisses alone. He had never known that touches to his breast could inflame his ardour and when Vidarr's hot wet mouth had surrounded his organ, he had been swept away by his outpouring passion. The sensation of Vidarr swallowing had served to increase his sensitivity and he had spent with a fervour he had never known. He moaned softly as he was finally released from Vidarr's rapacious maw. A swift movement and the big blond was lying between his out-splayed legs, his tongue demanding entry to Roderick's mouth. Lust and desire swept anew through the slender youth as he realised the salty taste in Vidarr's mouth was his own seed. He was left dizzy and panting as Vidarr moved from his mouth. Roderick immediately reached to bring him back. "Vidarr," he murmured, hands grasping at broad shoulders, "Love you, I love you." "And I love you, little one," Vidarr husked, peppering kisses to the sweat-sheened angelic face. "We are not yet finished, my love and I need this salve for us to continue." "But I have spent," Roderick said confused, a small frown marring the perfect visage. "However I will do whatever you bid of me to help you achieve completion." "All I need, little one, is for you to let me love you," Vidarr growled softly. He rubbed his beard over red, sensitised teats to a mewl of pleasure and an erotic wriggle from the smaller man. "The next time we make love you will explore my body and learn what pleasures me. But this time is for you. You and I will spend together, my sweet innocent," Vidarr whispered, undulating gently on the lithe body, letting his furred torso rub sensually against satin-soft skin. "And when we do, I shall be inside you, claiming you as mine." Vidarr's voice was like a whisper of dark silk against Roderick's ear and he felt Roderick's instinctive capitulation to his dominance. The smaller man's legs tried to drift further apart and Vidarr pressed between them, letting his mate feel the hard evidence of his desire. "Want to touch you, Vidarr," Roderick begged. "Let me touch you?" Although he had wanted this time to be all about his lover's pleasure, Vidarr could not resist the plea from Roderick. He rolled their bodies so that he now cradled the smaller man with his pelvis. "Touch me," he husked. Hesitantly a shaking hand reached to touch the dark blond fur of his chest. Roderick's fingers combed through the pelt till he found a thick, dusky-rose nub. Carefully he bent to lick experimentally at it, instantly looking for Vidarr's approval. At the amused smile, he grinned shyly then Roderick gathered his courage and sucked gently, pleased to hear the rumble of pleasure deep in the bigger man's chest. He gave his own purr as his lover's hand stroked gently through his hair. Vidarr let his vocal appreciation show in groans and moans of genuine delight. Small, tentative nibbles, soft, sensual touches of hand and mouth were enjoyed as Vidarr felt Roderick worship his body. The big man felt his control slipping as his innocent brought him ever closer to fulfilment. He reached between their bodies and began to stroke the reawakened flesh at Roderick's groin. The smaller man thrust gently, tender cries escaping from his kiss-swollen lips. "Vidarr, I ...I need...I need," Roderick moaned, unable to articulate what his body desired. "I will ensure we both get what we need, my love," Vidarr promised as he caressed Roderick's cheek. "But you must trust me. I will need to touch you in a way similar to that of your old master. I swear to you that if you persevere, it will bring us both great pleasure, but if you feel you cannot continue I will stop." "I trust you, Vidarr," Roderick promised solemnly. "I want you to teach me love." "Lie back, beloved and spread your legs wide," Vidarr purred seductively, wanting to keep Roderick aroused to make their union easier on his beautiful boy. He watched with pride as Roderick obeyed, a shy look accompanying the wanton spread of smooth limbs. Vidarr picked up the jar of salve he had purchased from the Healer. It would grease his way as well as soothe any hurt inside Roderick's virginal body. He coated a finger generously and reached to simply caress the tight portal. Roderick gasped at the feel of the thick, calloused finger at his entrance. He pushed from his mind the memory of unwanted fingers hurting him and focused on the tantalising touches of Vidarr. The slow circling of his most private entrance was sending frissons of pleasure throughout his body and Roderick began to relax. The finger moved to begin a gentle push against his tightly furled opening. Roderick moaned softly, trying to spread himself further and offer himself to his mate. Vidarr's mouth possessed his, pillaging the warm, wet cavern, seizing Roderick's submissive tongue to ravish leisurely. As Roderick gave himself into the kiss he barely had time to realise that Vidarr's finger was inside him before it began to stroke at his inner walls. Not allowing him time to react to the intimate invasion, Vidarr's teeth nipped sharply at his throat and collarbone, the small hurt, soothed by a soft tongue, proving enough of a distraction. A bite to a succulent nipple had Roderick arching and crying aloud and coincided with Vidarr sliding a second finger in the young man's tight sheath. This time, however, there was some resistance and Vidarr heard the soft whimper that was less pleasured as the younger man tried to accept the two thick fingers inside him. "Relax for me, Roderick," he cajoled in a dark purr. "Open to me, let me inside. I wish only to love you." He continued his touches, feeling some tenseness ease. "I...want...this," Roderick panted. "Want...you...to...love...me." The fingers were moving easier inside him. "I will love you," Vidarr vowed. "I will love you with my heart, my mind, my soul and my body." He pressed a third digit inside the smaller man and again Roderick's body instinctively resisted. Not deterred, Vidarr delved deeper, trying to ignore the muffled mewls of hurt as virginal flesh was stretched. He curled his fingers, determined to find... "VIDARR!!" The scream of his name had the Viking grinning with primal triumph. Roderick had never felt anything like it in his life. It felt as though Thor himself was sending thunderbolts through his body. He could feel his hitherto softening sex begin to harden, even before Vidarr took Roderick back into his mouth. His slender body thrashed mindlessly, torn between pushing upwards into a warm, wet mouth or downwards onto the fingers that had touched such a magical place within him. As Roderick was lost in his bliss, Vidarr liberally coated his spear with salve. He moved to withdraw his fingers and line himself up at the enticing portal. "Relax as much as you are able, my love," Vidarr instructed. "Pain will give way to pleasure as you have already experienced." Vidarr guided lithe limbs over his shoulders, kissing each inner knee. As Roderick breathed out, Vidarr pushed forward. Roderick bit back the cry of pain as Vidarr's long, thick, sword impaled his body. He panted shallowly as untried muscles stretched to sheathe his mate's flesh. He felt Vidarr still and sapphire locked with sienna until Roderick gave a small nod. Vidarr's spear slid deeper, Roderick's body ceding to the welcome invader. "Let me love you, sweetness," Vidarr crooned. "Let me inside you." Inch-by-slow-inch, Vidarr sank into searing tightness until finally he felt his sac nestle comfortably against that of his mate. "You have me, beloved," he whispered. "I...I do?" Roderick panted. "It...it is not...not so bad." "Kiss me, love. Show me how much you want me," Vidarr growled. Roderick's arms encircled broad shoulders as their mouths clashed together. This time, Roderick's tongue was the pillager, thrusting eagerly as it entwined with the older man's muscle. He was faintly aware of the gentle undulations inside his body as the bigger man rocked them. Then the same magic spot was touched and Roderick moaned into Vidarr's mouth, his eyes rolling back, as dulcet bolts from the gods once again wracked his body. Vidarr's movements became harder, faster, deeper and Roderick could do little more than keen his pleasure. Lights danced before his eyes, his body writhed in ecstasy and his manhood, trapped between their sweat-slick bodies, ached and throbbed with its need for fulfilment. Vidarr could tell his beloved was close. Although he had shared pleasure with others in his bed, he knew that until this day, with this boy, he had never made love. Now he never wanted anyone else...ever. The experience was sublime, perfect, pleasing not just his body but his soul. His hips pumped faster, wanting to spill his seed with the dark beauty who gazed at him with the fire of love in his eyes. His hand searched out Roderick's slender spear to an impassioned cry from the smaller man. It was hot, hard and dripping with its need. He gave a squeeze and a twist and Roderick's scream echoed around the room. The young man's seed spread between them, anointing both their bodies. Vidarr groaned, low and deep. The clenching of the hot, tight scabbard around his weapon was more than he could bear. His bellow sounded and with a final, feral thrust, he buried himself as deep as possible before his living essence erupted into the spasming channel. Free to Love Roderick's moan was wanton as he felt Vidarr's hot, thick juices filling him. "Love you, Vidarr," he husked, his voice rough from screaming his joy. "Yeg elsker dig. By all the gods I love you, Roderick," Vidarr gasped. "Truly, in your arms, I have visited the Halls of Valhalla whilst still on this earth. Never have I felt such pleasure." "Truly?" Roderick asked, a shy blush staining perfect cheeks. "Most truly," Vidarr grinned. He kissed his lover slowly and tenderly until, with a groan from both men, Vidarr's spear left its sanctuary. Taking advantage, Vidarr moved their bodies to cradle Roderick snugly in his arms. "Now I think you need to rest," he instructed, having seen lethargy in heavy-lidded, molten eyes. He kissed his boy gently, with love. "Stay with me?" Roderick asked. "Of course. Later, whilst you sleep, I will tend to the animals and make sure we have a good meal ready. You can see the farm tomorrow, after you are rested. It is very small." "It is yours, so it will be perfect," Roderick said around a wide yawn, smiling and blushing. He nestled closer. "I always want to sleep in your arms," he confessed softly. "For as long as it is within my power, my love, you shall," Vidarr vowed. **** For the next couple of months life was idyllic, if somewhat hard, for Roderick. He learnt how to tend the farm and local herb-lore, becoming a welcomed assistant to the Healer. Initially experiencing mistrust from some of the townsfolk, word of his fortitude aboard ship soon spread and his quiet nature and easy smile contributed to his slow integration. He also discovered a talent with silver thanks to Olfun. His jewellery soon became very popular, even enticing visitors to the village. He and Vidarr now wore matching silver thumb rings that he had created. Both men were experiencing a level of happiness greater than they had ever known. If apart by day they spent the evening reacquainting themselves each with the other's body, and into the night making long, slow, sweet love. Roderick had spent the afternoon in his small ante-room off the main Smithy. He looked up and smiled as Olfun came in. The big man squeezed Roderick's shoulder companionably. "Remind Vidarr that a man does have some choices in his life," he said enigmatically. "Remind him he was to come and speak to me when you were healed. I would still have that talk with him. Tell him it must be before he makes any other decisions." "Truly you speak in riddles, Olfun," Roderick said. "But I will do as you say." "It adds to my allure." Olfun bellowed a laugh and watched as Roderick left for the day, smiling widely. Vidarr was already in the village and waiting outside the Smithy. It was neither usual nor unusual for him to be there, although he would normally tell Roderick in advance if he was going to meet him. Roderick received another squeeze to his shoulder and the two men began their walk home. Roderick immediately noticed Vidarr was subdued. There was no easy banter or chat as they headed home. Roderick did not comment. He focused on hailing those who greeted them on their journey, praying his lover would talk once they were home. As the door closed and locked behind them, Roderick was pulled into a hard, tight embrace. "What is it?" he asked his blond husband fearfully. He had felt the desperation in the bigger man and it scared him. "The Chieftain is considering sending another raiding party to your land," Vidarr said wearily. He pulled Roderick to cradle on his lap as he sat down heavily. "No," Roderick breathed, hugging tightly to his lover. "You could be hurt...killed. You are not the man you were when you came to my town." He buried his face on the thick blond hair. "You never liked killing and have no desire to plunder." "I had nothing to lose before except a life I would not have missed. Now I have paradise on earth with you. But to be one of the raiding parties is expected of me. My farm can be left." "A man has choices, Vidarr," Roderick said looking tearfully into the big man's eyes. "Olfun said you must speak to him before making any decisions." Unexpected hope flared in Vidarr's breast. He remembered the conversation with the Smith when Roderick was ill. Although intending to seek Olfun out, Vidarr had forgotten until now. He did not want to raise any false hope in Roderick. Instead he nuzzled at the soft skin at his lover's throat. "I will speak to Olfun tomorrow," he promised. "You know I love you. Share your body with me. Make love with me, my dark beauty." "You know I cannot resist you, my golden warrior," Roderick husked. "Sheath your weapon within me." Vidarr stripped Roderick slowly, relishing the sight and taste of each patch of skin he bared. He began to suckle at dark nipples as he worked open the ties of Roderick's leggings, letting them slide down smooth limbs. He felt nimble fingers delve into his own clothing to free his rampant manhood. Vidarr growled approvingly as Roderick moved to straddle his body. Vidarr reached for their salve and, as Roderick kissed him slowly and passionately, his fingers delved into tight, moist heat as they prepared his young lover's sheath. Roderick found his nakedness in the presence of Vidarr remaining dressed strangely and inexplicably arousing. He raised his body so that his love could snug his sword at his prepared scabbard and slowly lowered onto solid flesh. Once Vidarr was fully impaling him, Roderick began to move, raising and lowering himself with Vidarr's hands around his hips to assist. They kissed deeply, their tongues dancing to music as old as time. The younger man's shaft rubbed through the fur of his lover's abdomen to leave glistening trails of silver desire amongst the golden curls. He keened softly as Vidarr's masterful hand took command of his rod, stroking and pumping, bringing Roderick ever closer to fulfilment. "Yeg elsker dig," the big man rasped. "I will always love you." "And...I ...you," Roderick panted. His head fell back as he reached his zenith. With a cry of Vidarr's name, he began to spurt, feeling his channel clench tightly around his lover's flesh. Vidarr gave a soul-deep groan as he felt Roderick's warm, wet release on his heated body. That this boy loved him meant everything to the farmer-warrior. He pulled the convulsing form down hard onto his spear as he thrust upwards, burying his body as deeply as he could, trying to merge their bodies as he knew their souls had long-since done. With a guttural cry his seed erupted into the contracting velvet channel. "Love you, Roderick. Love you." He felt his mate nuzzle at his neck. "Yeg elsker dig, Vidarr and I pray a way can be found that I do not lose you." "Nor I you," Vidarr added passionately, the sound of those special words spoken in his language sending another wave of love through the big man and he held fast to his smaller lover. **** Roderick accompanied Vidarr into the village the next day. Roderick visited the Healer whilst Vidarr continued to the Smithy. He was greeted by a wide grin and a powerful slap to his back. "Well met, my friend," Olfun said good-naturedly. "I'm glad you decided to come." "You spoke of decision," Vidarr said. "On two occasions now. If the choice were mine to make I would not leave my boy." "You and I are more alike than you know," Olfun said. "The one I love comes from a village some distance from here. When he can, he comes to visit me. His village thinks he comes to visit an ailing cousin and believe soon he will have to remain permanently. I have long said that I have a cousin whose home I will move to when I am not able to work here. I admire that you are known not to favour the ladies and yet are a respected warrior, but I was afraid I would not find the same acceptance when in my youth and the lie has become a part of our lives." He gave a rueful smile at Vidarr, then continued. "I am pestered to take an apprentice. But that is not what I want. That would take up more years of my life than I wish to keep up my charade. My lover deserves so much better." He slapped Vidarr's chest hard and the other blond barely flinched. You are strong, capable and I believe that, with the right motivation, you could replace me in less than a year." "Right motivation?" Vidarr asked. He was struggling to take in all Olfun had revealed, but, if it gave him a chance to stay with Roderick, he would do almost anything Olfun suggested. "Your love for the boy," Olfun said smiling. "If you are my apprentice and I am...struggling...to work, you would have to remain here and work the Smith whilst the other men raided foreign lands." "I would never need go on another raid," Vidarr said wonderingly, joy shining from his eyes at his unlikely benefactor. "Styrr would support us and the Healer, too," Olfun said hurriedly. "We need to get you here and working quickly. Then the village elders can make their petition to the chieftain for you to remain here. "Let us begin now," Vidarr laughed. The right motivation indeed. For Roderick, Vidarr would have walked on the hot coals, not just use them to heat and bend metal. **** Vidarr was pleased and proud to discover that skill with metalwork came as easily to him as Olfun had predicted. Although it would take time to perfect, Vidarr made good progress in a short space of time. Privately, Olfun had no immediate plans to retire, ensuring Vidarr had the specialist training he would need. He did, however, bemoan a shoulder problem's recurrence and praised the gods for their benevolence in sending such a talented man in the shape of Vidarr to maintain the Smithy. As he had promised, Olfun enlisted the Healer and Styrr to speak to the village elders and they in their turn spoke to the Chieftain. It was an elated Vidarr who came home just a week later to swing Roderick around in his arms for joy. The Chieftain accepting his talents were needed at the Smithy and that the raiding party could manage without him. That night, Vidarr and Roderick made love again and again until the rosy-hued dawn began to kiss the landscape whilst the lovers slept unaware, sated and content in each other's arms. Several days later, just a few days before the raiding party was due to leave, a small boy called at Vidarr's farm. He recited a message from Olfun that Vidarr was needed at the Smithy. The big blond was puzzled as he had seen Olfun just the previous day and had been told to spend time at his farm and with Roderick. "Shall I accompany you?" Roderick asked, as he moulded himself to his lover's broad body. "There is no need, my love," Vidarr smiled. "It cannot be anything serious. I will race there and back as quickly as possible. You can see to our animals and pull some vegetables for our evening meal. When I get back, we can then spend the rest of the day in our bed." The last of the big man's words were spoken in a low, husky rasp and sent shivers throughout Roderick's body. Vidarr's smile was feral as he palmed the bulge, which was so enticing, at his dark beauty's crotch. "You undo me with words and voice," Roderick moaned as he leant into the intimate caress. "Take care whilst I am gone, my sweet," Vidarr said as he kissed his lover tenderly. "Come home soon." Roderick purred, as Vidarr reached their door. "I have an empty space that aches for something big and hard, that only you can provide, to fill it." "Imp," Vidarr growled, feeling his own leggings become tight. "Incentive," Roderick laughed. **** Roderick knew that it was likely that Vidarr would be gone an hour or so. The farm was distant enough for solitude, but near enough for necessities. He went to their barn and fed their cow before doing the same for the pig and their few chickens. He spotted a couple of eggs and gathered them first, taking them into the house. He got a woven basket and headed to their vegetable patch. As he began to make his selection, he heard a noise. He looked up and found he was being watched by Eirikk. The look on the big warrior's face was one he'd seen before and it sent an icy chill down his spine. He tried to project a confidence he did not feel. "Eirikk," he shouted his greeting. "What brings you here to see us?" "Vidarr is not here. I watched him leave. By the time he gets to the village and back here, we will have concluded our business," the big man replied, moving closer. "You and I have no business," Roderick replied, his fear mounting incrementally. "You are not even of our race, much less our village and yet you had an instant effect on Vidarr. As long as I have known him, he kept his distance, preferring his solitude, now he walks with a smile on his face and a greeting for all he sees. He is to be the village Smith, not accompanying us on raids. The Smith itself gets visitors from other villages because of your talents. Even the Healer speaks highly of you, an alien to our world. So, I decided that I would like a taste of what Vidarr has enjoyed. If Styrr had not voiced his support of Vidarr, I would have challenged for you. And I can assure you, you would not be walking as freely around my homestead as you do here. Perhaps, once I have topped you, I might find my life changes for the better, too." "You...you want to...to rape me?" Roderick asked in a choked voice. "How do you propose to explain your evil?" Roderick was painfully aware he could not defend himself against this warrior. He knew Vidarr would race home once he realised he had been tricked, but Vidarr was too far away to help. Time was against him and Roderick tried desperately to stall for the precious commodity before committing himself to a course of action. "You are not one of us. With only Vidarr, who is biased, to gainsay me I will tell the village I came to see if you could not persuade Vidarr to sail one last time with us. When I arrived here, you seduced me into taking you. All know I am a woman's man and a man of this village. You cannot hope to be believed over me." Eirikk leapt and caught air. Roderick ran as he had never run before. His legs ached and his lungs burnt, but he did not dare reduce his speed. All he could think was a mindless chant of 'Run, run, run.' With a cry he tumbled to the ground as Eirikk successfully tackled him. The two men tussled and rolled as Eirikk tried to subdue the smaller man who had turned into a hellcat; kicking, biting, scratching. Roderick was using every ounce of his strength to try and free himself from Eirikk's hands. His struggles both inflamed and infuriated the bigger male. In his deluded mind he had envisioned the boy acquiescing to his demands. He had pictured Roderick worshipping at the altar of his phallus with his mouth before lying back and offering himself willingly. With a frustrated growl, he straddled the slender, thrashing form. "You cannot hope to beat me, boy," he said. His manhood ached, pushing against his leggings, eager to taste the sweet body beneath him. He began to unlace them. "I... will not ... yield my body," Roderick panted. "Not...to you. Not...to any man." He struggled vehemently. "You will...have to fight...for what you take." "As you wish, boy," Eirikk sneered. He slapped Roderick hard, smiling at the dazed look in the smaller man's eyes as the blow temporarily robbed Roderick of his senses. He reached to tear open the boy's jerkin and revealed smooth, mead-coloured skin and one dark areola and nipple. He bent down and bit roughly at the luscious nub and his hands began to work Roderick's leggings open. "Take your filthy hands off me," Roderick screamed, as he recovered from the brutal blow. He slapped, kicked and bucked hard, trying to dislodge his would-be rapist. He succeeded in surprising Eirikk enough for the bigger man to lose his balance. As Eirikk fell to the side, Roderick scrambled to his feet and began to run a second time. He aimed for the farm, hoping he could bar the door against Eirikk, but once again his slender form was driven into unforgiving ground. Tears of pain, anger and fear began to fall. He couldn't save himself. He was going to be violated. His thoughts turned to Vidarr and he knew his lover would carry the burden of guilt for failing to protect him. "Do not touch me," Roderick screamed. "Vidarr will kill you." "Do you think I fear Vidarr?" Eirikk snarled, spittle spraying over Roderick's face. He grinned at the cry of pain torn from Roderick's throat as he squeezed the jewels between slim legs. "I will enjoy having you." "No," Roderick shouted as his leggings were torn open. Then, suddenly, Eirikk was pulled from Roderick's thrashing body. The dazed young man tried to pull together his torn clothing to preserve his modesty. Eirikk was being held by Styrr and another man from the village. Vidarr was also there, restrained by two men Roderick recognised as village elders. It was clear that Vidarr was more than ready to attack Eirikk, whose deflating penis was displayed for all to see. There could be no doubt that Roderick was an unwilling participant. "Vidarr," Roderick whispered in a voice hoarse from screaming. Instantly Vidarr's attention focused away from Eirikk and with a cry of grief, he was released. He dropped to his knees and pulled Roderick's body to him. As Vidarr held the shaking young man, the Healer came forward to murmur quietly into one of the elder's ears. From the harbour of Vidarr's arms, Roderick could see that there were several horses explaining how his rescuers had arrived so quickly. Roderick let himself sag in Vidarr's embrace. Now the danger was passed, all he wanted was to be held and loved by his bigger mate. "You bring shame to the whole village," one of the elders growled, addressing Eirikk. "This boy may not look like one of us, but he has proven by his actions and deeds he is worthy to live amongst us, as one of us. Vidarr may choose whether he takes his retribution now or waits." "I will not wait. I will not let Eirikk go now only to try and attack Roderick another time when I cannot be there to protect him." Vidarr said decisively. "Fool," Eirikk spat. He lunged free of the men whose grip had eased and cold metal glinted. Even as Vidarr moved to ensure Roderick's body was protected, Eirikk stiffened. The knife he held fell from nerveless fingers and a trail of blood oozed from between his lips towards his chin. He dropped to his knees and Vidarr saw Styrr's bloodstained knife and the look of grim satisfaction on the other man's face. Vidarr ensured his young lover was spared the sight, angling Roderick's face into his chest. Eirikk's lifeless corpse fell to the ground. "I do not apologise for the killing blow," Styrr said facing the elders. "You may punish me if you wish." "Eirikk's actions brought about due retribution," one replied. "We will take his body back into the village." Wordlessly, they lifted the body to secure to one of the horses. "Take Roderick home, Vidarr," Styrr murmured as he gripped tightly to one of the other blond's solid shoulders. "Thank you, my friend," Vidarr replied, grateful for the helping hand to stand. He scooped Roderick into his arms. Although he would have liked to have driven axe or sword into Eirikk himself, he mused that it may have been hard on his boy's beautiful soul to have seen the man he loved kill in cold blood. He accepted Styrr striking the killing blow as the decision of the gods. He felt his lover bury his head in his strong shoulder and gave a silent prayer of thanks. He turned and began to stride to their home. **** Inside the house Vidarr locked the door, still holding Roderick, unwilling to release him even for the seconds it would take to perform the simple task. He laid his precious bundle on their bed, sliding next to him, letting the smaller body seek warmth and comfort as he stroked soft, dark hair. They lay that way for long moments, neither man speaking; just the giving and receiving of comfort enough for both men. Finally Roderick's shivering stopped, much to Vidarr's relief. Free to Love "I knew I couldn't stop him," Roderick whispered softly. "I feared more how you would react to finding me violated than to being despoiled. I feared I might lose your love." "I would have killed him for daring to lay an unclean hand upon you. No one will ever touch you without retribution. But my love for you, that will always be steadfast. I do so swear," Vidarr said, lifting Roderick's face so the young man could see the sincerity in his eyes. "I will always love you." "Make love with me?" Roderick asked, his eyes radiating anxiety. "I need to see *you* above me, feel *your* touch upon me. I want to see *your* face when I close my eyes." Vidarr fought to keep his tenuous control at the look in Roderick's eyes. His young love had been the victim and still he was suffering, this time fearing Vidarr's rejection. The big man wanted nothing more than to strip Roderick and pound into him, reclaiming what was his in the most primal of ways, however, he knew he needed to proceed with caution. With love. He carefully removed the tattered remains of Roderick's clothing, growling softly in anger and grief at every cut, scrape or bruise. He bent his head to reverently kiss each in turn. Vidarr had not doubted that Roderick would try and fight, but each mark on the normally unblemished skin stood as testimony to the struggle his love had suffered. Seeing the physical evidence, Vidarr pictured Roderick's desperation. As he finally denuded the lithe form, he buried his head into Roderick's dark curls, grasping desperately to the younger man. "Forgive me, Roderick," he pleaded. "Forgive me for failing to protect you as I should; for leaving you alone to face such a beast as Eirikk." Vidarr's voice cracked under the emotion and he felt his tears fall to land on Roderick's neck. A gentle hand began to stroke his head and shoulders. "There is nothing for me to forgive, Vidarr. Neither of us knew the depths of Eirikk's deviousness or depravity. All I need from you is your love. Please love me." "Always, my sweet," Vidarr vowed, rubbing roughly at his eyes. He pulled his own clothing from his body, uncaring of where it fell. All that mattered to Vidarr now was showing his young mate, with his body, just how much he did love him, would always love him. He swallowed past another lump in his throat as Roderick opened his arms and spread his legs in silent invitation. Vidarr nuzzled at Roderick's face, peppering small kisses over damp cheeks until reaching Roderick's lips. They kissed deeply, Vidarr's tongue racing into Roderick's mouth to plunder the warm depths. He moved slowly, kissing his way down the younger man's jaw and breastbone, nuzzling at the smooth navel until he reached Roderick's erect manhood. He lapped at the pool of silvery desire and kissed the dripping ruby-red head of the slender rod. Moving lower, he laved at his mate's sac, swallowing one precious orb then the other to soft sighs and sweet mewls of pleasure. Vidarr reached the mounds of his lover's nether cheeks. He hastily pushed soft furs under slim hips to raise the creamy buttocks. He spread them wide to stare hungrily at the small, dark tightly furled rosebud. It looked so tiny, so fragile, so vulnerable that Vidarr could scarcely belief this was truly the portal by which he entered paradise on earth. His tongue swiped at the darker flesh. Encouraged by Roderick's deep groan Vidarr licked again. And again. His tongue circled the pucker and then delved within to taste a darker, earthier Roderick, yet still his same, sweet love. He began to thrust eagerly into the tight sheath as Roderick's defences gave way under the insistent, tender assault. Vidarr growled his triumph as his lover moaned and writhed, reaching with slender hands to fist in the blond's thick mane. Vidarr tried to get deeper, his beard rubbing against Roderick's inner thighs, his fingers digging into taut cheeks to spread them wide. A sudden jerking of Roderick's body and an undulating wail of Vidarr's name heralded Roderick's release. Vidarr purred wordlessly, his tongue continuing to thrust relentlessly, as Roderick's seed arced from his untouched shaft. Vidarr moved to kiss Roderick deeply once again. He then dropped his head, suckling at sensitive breasts and was shocked by a soft whimper of pain. He stared at the small dark nub, and realised there was bruising and broken skin. His eyes locked with Roderick and he saw the shimmer of tears in the expressive orbs. He dampened his anger. Roderick would think Vidarr was angry with him. Instead the big blond carefully kissed the injured flesh, licking gently around the unblemished skin and then kissing Roderick's lips. "I will always love you," he whispered. As he tenderly nursed at the small nub, he coated his fingers in salve and delved between Roderick's spread legs. He sought the downy declivity and began to carefully open his young lover to accept his aching shaft. "Your touch inflames me so that I can scarcely bear it," Roderick whispered. Already his sated organ was beginning to twitch back to life under Vidarr's tender and insistent lovemaking. Roderick moaned his appreciation of the gentleness at his breast by Vidarr's mouth and tongue and the knowing fingers deep within him that rubbed that special spot. He writhed mindlessly, focussed only on the pleasure his mate bestowed, all else forgotten. "I will love you today and all our days," Vidarr vowed as he pressed his spear against Roderick's sheath. "Be inside me, my warrior," Roderick breathed. "Unite us." Vidarr pushed forward and immersed himself in searing heat. The still-tight sheath rippled its acceptance and welcome. Vidarr felt slender legs wrap around his bulky girth, small heels digging demandingly into his muscular buttocks. "Let me feel your strength, Vidarr," Roderick pleaded. "Give me your seed." "I will show you Valhalla, my dark beauty," Vidarr vowed in return. For long moments the only sounds in the small house were the slap of flesh on flesh and the gasps, moans and sweet cries of joy from two men who sought to share their bodies and pleasure their mates. Vidarr drove his sword long and deep into Roderick's scabbard, whilst the smaller man clenched inner muscles, matched each thrust with a movement of his own and clung tightly to powerful shoulders. Vidarr reached between their bodies in a synchronised motion on Roderick's hot, hard need, the wail from his beloved heralding his appreciation of the touch to his manhood. He pulled firmly at the swollen flesh as their mouths met in a frenzied clash of tongue and teeth. They reached their zenith together each cry of fulfilment blending with the other to produce a harmony of shared joy. Roderick's release bathed their bodies as Vidarr's seed burrowed deep into the clenching channel. It was a long time before each man recovered his wits and breathing began to slow down. They traded sweet kisses and tender touches, murmuring of their love and devotion almost wordlessly. "When the time comes for me to enter Valhalla, should I be told you cannot be with me, then I shall not go in. There is no greater pleasure than I have found when I am in your arms and I will not leave you," Vidarr avowed. "When you leave this world, I will follow close behind you. A man cannot live without his heart and you are mine, Vidarr," Roderick replied. "Then we are decided," Vidarr smiled, kissing the flushed, beloved face. "This world and whatever lies beyond we will face together. I will always love you." "I will always love you, Vidarr," Roderick promised in return. As the afternoon passed into evening, the men slept entwined. Unseen golden chains of love bound the two men together. They shone brightly with an unbreakable strength and would never tarnish, binding the lovers for eternity.