finally...an update.

sorry for the wait. but to say there is drama going on is an understatement.

my coauthor and I are trying to find ways to write more (often) and work faster. but quality is more important than speed.

I put up a poll for Deadly Words on my page, please vote. I might add a different poll at a later date, lets see how this goes...

as always, thank you for your patience please read and review

Eric had been trying to wake up Aine for 20 minutes. He was dressed and ready to go. She'd been talking to him – quite well – without waking. She assured him she was awake, but didn't move. She even answered a few of his questions. Now she was snoring. He shook her shoulders.

"Aine…Get up."

She stirred, but didn't wake up.

He decided he had to be more drastic. He grabbed her legs and swung them off the bed. Her eyes flew open. She was truly awake now.

"We're going to be late. I pulled your clothes out."

Aine was very disoriented. She stretched and yawned. She was slightly annoyed with her husband. If he wanted her to get up, he could have been nice instead of just pulling her legs off the bed. Maybe he was upset because he was running late. She knew she couldn't help with getting them up on time. She brushed the matter aside and began to dress. She noted Eric kept his back to her and peeked over his shoulder to see if she was done. He didn't understand her shyness, but made an effort to appease it.

Eric was slightly irritated that his wife was still so shy. She let go after he had her naked and started pleasuring her. She was too tired afterward to go put her clothes back on. But she still felt better when he turned away from her and still wore than damnable shift to bed each night. He knew they'd only been married a short time and his wife came along with some particulars other women didn't have, but he was impatient. He knew he just had to wait for winter. Then he'd have her cooped up in the longhouse for months on end and would ensure they spent most of that time in their room.

Aine dressed hastily and followed her husband out. He'd been in a hurry since he hastily woke her this morning. She was pleased she had gotten up right away, even though it was because he swung her legs off the bed and onto the floor. Her haste probably eased his morning since he was obviously running late.

Soon they were standing outside with everyone else. It was a large group of people and Aine kept up with Eric as they weaved through to the front. He found his brothers and men readying the boats. He went over and began to help. She stood there unsure of what to do. She felt like she was being stared at and of course she was. Although most people focused on the men and Eric's immediate family, some eyes stayed on Aine. Sven and Bjorn wondered how things were going with the couple and how things would continue as they set sail. Both had the same fears and hope for their best friend and his bride. Aine did marvel at the scene in front of her, but knew Eric's friends were indeed looking at her. His brothers and sister did the same now and again. According to common knowledge no one knew a thing about Eric's marriage and there was great curiosity and speculation still.

Eric was nervous. He wondered if this was insane. He thought about how he should be readying to get on a boat right now, yet he was staying. He prayed to every god he knew, even ones he never came to before, for the safety of his men, his brothers, and for his marriage. He looked at Aine. The fact that they could never divorce just made him want to put more effort into their marriage. He wondered if others would get deterred. He knew people didn't see the changes he did in his wife. He pulled his eyes from her and caught his mother standing near his father. She looked dignified. He knew this was hard on her. He rationalized that this would be hard even if it happened next summer when he was at his own keep and his brothers were the men of this longhouse.

Sven and Bjorn were more excited than anything else. Sure, there was pressure to watch over Eric's younger brothers, but this could be a fun adventure. They were still worried for Eric. Bjorn had less faith in the marriage working out than Sven, but knew that Eric rarely failed at anything he set out to do. Sven noticed that no matter what was going on, Aine's eyes always drifted back to Eric. He took solace and found hope in that. Both men had received hugs from Hida and gave their promise to keep her sons safe. They walked to say their 'goodbyes' to Eric.

Aine couldn't hear what Eric said to his friends before they left, but they spoke quietly for a few minutes. She still remained a few feet away, feeling like she was intruding. Once the two men went to get on the boat, Eric came over to her. He wrapped his arms around her and watched his parents walk their sons to the boat. Eric had already taken a few minutes with both boys and offered them encouragement. He showed no hint of fear as he sent his baby brothers on their first trip. They appeared to be embarrassed as their mother fussed over them, but a glare from their father kept them silent.

Aine felt more at ease when Eric held her. She could ignore the stares, even though they only increased. She may not have felt as though she had a place in this informal ceremony, but she felt like she had a place beside Eric. She reminded herself she was his wife. If only she could overcome her embarrassment, she'd ask more about her role. Eventually she'd have to do so. Her husband was very smart, but this seemed like a woman's issue.

Eric stayed behind with his wife long after the crowd dissipated and the ship could barely be seen as it sailed away. His mother was pulled into the longhouse by her husband almost as soon as the boat kicked off. Eric knew she probably started to cry and went in search of privacy. He would hug her later. He looked down at his bride and saw how tired she looked as she yawned.

"Why don't I take you back to our room for an hour or so?" He asked.

"Oh no, that's alright." Aine replied automatically. She would make it through the day.

"I woke you very early. Sleep some more and I'll send someone to wake you."

His tone was soft and smooth, but Aine could detect that he wasn't going to be open to her arguing. She nodded and he kept his arm around her as they went back to their chamber. He tucked her in. He actually tucked her in and she was surprised. She couldn't remember the last time anyone did that for her.

Eric didn't sleep, but began to work. He had a serving girl bring breakfast to his wife two hours later and explained to her that his Aine should open her eyes and sit up before the girl took her leave.

While Eric worked, Aine slept and ate. She fixed herself as best she could since she was in a hurry. She went off and helped some of the women set up the looms and begin the process of clothes making. She chatted briefly as she did so. Eric, on the other hand, worked alone and said nothing to anyone. He had some thinking to do and plans for later that day. He sent his men, his best friends, and brothers off to stay with his wife. He needed to make their marriage a priority or else there was no point in him not getting on that ship this morning.

Aine wandered around looking for something to do. Everyone was unofficially avoiding Hida. She was an emotional wreck over her sons leaving and the loss of control she felt over her home and family, but was trying to hide it and act like a strong leading woman. This morphed her into a demanding, perfectionist taskmistress.

She ended up in the kitchen helping to make bread for dinner. She worked alongside four other women. Sophia, who she knew from her first day working in the garden. Astrid, who always smiled despite having many of her teeth missing. Laren, who was only a few years older than her. And a woman named Pam who she hadn't spoken with before. She knew that some of the women were slaves, but it made no difference to her. She also realized that as Eric's wife, she held more status than anyone, but that also meant nothing to her. She didn't note their differences and hoped no one else would.

It was relaxing to knead the dough. The flour felt cool on her hands despite it still being pretty hot outside. The ladies began their idle chatter and she quietly listened. She could smell Astrid getting the stew ready for the evening meal. Eric had been trying to fatten her up and she was beginning to crave food more often now. He was spoiling her.

"I hope the stew is as good as last night's meal, I told Henrik he has to eat well and gather his energy." Laren said coyly.

The other women laughed. Aine was a little unsure what was funny.

"I'm sure he'll eat well either way...in the hall or while he's between your thighs." said Pam.

The women got noisy and Aine put her head down. Why would he eat whilst he was between her legs? She didn't want to be left out, but certainly didn't understand their humor. Was this an inside joke about Henrik? She doubted it. She smiled as though she understood and kept making bread.

"Oh! Look at Aine smile! She must be recalling a fond memory." Sophia piped up and drew attention to her.

"Oh...No." She mumbled, she felt like a rabbit caught in a trap with hunters approaching.

"She's embarassed, let her be. We all take care of our husbands - and some of take care of other people's husbands. And we all eat well." Laren said mischivously.

"I can't believe you are embarassed, Aine! With being married to Eric of all people!" Sohpia gushed, unaware how uncomfortable Aine was feeling.

"Especially to Eric!" Laren exclaimed

Pam watched her carefully. She was still curious over what she and Eric had discussed. She knew Aine was not embarrassed. She didn't know what they were talking about. She was still innocent and Eric hadn't made it his mission to educate and corrupt her. This surprised her. She knew he had some fun with his first wife after they got to know each other better. Eric seemed more interested in her need to please him, than in her herself. But he found pleasure in their marriage bed and taught her new ways to please him. He still ran to Pam and told her, honestly, that she was the best he'd had. He also made his rounds with the other girls the short time he was wed.

Now he was not only being faithful, but wasn't teaching his wife things a sheltered gentle unmarried lady shouldn't know. Pam shook her head and asked the other women to change the subject.

It was also a precarious situation. Ella, being unmarried, knew some from the lack of privacy of the longhouse and the constant gossip. She'd been in the room when her parents had sex under their blankets. But she didn't seek out knowledge about sex. She'd learn what was necessary prior to her wedding night and have her husband explain the specifics of the sexual arts as their marriage progressed.

The women kept talking about sex, but Aine was more aware of what they were saying now. She learned a few more things and had a feeling her husband was an expert.

Soon after, another slave came in and stated that Aine was needed in the barn and she would take over. Aine thought this strange, but quickly left.

She hoped it wasn't her mother in law. She couldn't imagine who else it would be though.

She walked in and didn't see anyone. As she kept moving she spotted Eric readying a horse. "Eric?" She asked, surprised.

He turned and smiled. "I wanted to take you riding. You need a break."

Aine was shocked. This was no time for a break. There was work to do! How did he expect her to learn? How did he expect their home to flourish if she took a break?

Eric was truly the weirdest man she knew. He started to lead the horse and came to grab her hand. She wondered why they were taking one horse. She knew how to ride after all.

Eric said nothing as he mounted and extended his hand to her. He pulled her in front of him and brushed his lips over her cheek as he kicked them off.

They were quiet as they rode past the village grounds and along the rough path through the woods. Eric felt determined. He was going to talk with his wife and with any luck, make love to her outside. Aine was mesmerized by the sights in front of her. Eric's home - her home now - was truly beautiful. She was so homesick and being out, away from people, was easing her greatly. There were more trees and fewer plains here. The ground was uneven, but didn't have hills like the ones she'd tried her best to make time to enjoy at home. It was different, but similar and without a doubt gorgeous.

Eric rode up the path near the peak, but didn't go past the grassy area. He stopped the horse and helped Aine down. The horse wandered off to the nearby stream. Eric knew he'd come back when called and didn't acknowledge its departure. He wrapped an arm around his wife's waist and led her to a spot under a tree. He helped her to settle on the ground and slipped off his belt, which had his long hunting knife attached to it. He cuddled her against him and she relaxed in his embrace.

She still didn't know why or if it was acceptable for them to be missing work. There seemed to be so much to do. She felt overwhelmed with all she had to learn.

His fingers traced idle patterns on her hands and wrists. He was gathering his words. She was becoming more conformable each day, even if she didn't notice it yet. He knew few others did, but he didn't miss her growing trust for a second. He was still going to be patient and not just make impassioned declarations and promises. His wife was abused; a promise that could be broken meant very little to her. It was actions that would win her over in the end.

"I was...unhappy that you were so concerned over an accident." He said quietly, breaking the silence.

She went to pull away and he refused to budge. His hand kept caressing hers.

"It was a simple mistake. I am a particular man, but not an unreasonable one. I'm not perfect either."

He said nothing and she didn't speak. He could feel her goosebumps and her body shook once or twice as he spoke. He just kept touching her; calming her.

When she said nothing he continued, tired of her not speaking.

"Aine." She looked at him. "I am your husband. It's my job to care for you. You mustn't fear me so."

"How can I not?" The words flew from her lips in a quiet, almost child-like voice.

"Because you must be able to trust me. I would give my life to defend yours. I would do anything and everything within my power to care for you. I'm entrusting you with a lot as well." He pressed on the obligations of their marriage. This was language his wife understood. Perhaps he could convince her she had a duty to love him...

"Like what?" She inquired.

"My home. One day, my babes. Most of my needs." He listed off the big things he could think of. "I provide protection and our wealth. I see that our home is built and you run it for us. We both need each other. And our people, our family."

She was silent. His words were kind and gentle. He never described their marriage as him lording over her. He was truly entrusting her with a lot. She hoped she could do it.

"You are upset I thought you were going to beat me?" She said, switching the subject back to something easier.

"Yes."

"Can I ask you something?" She was cautious.

"Anything."

"If you did...beat me, would anyone stop you?" She nearly held her breath. Wouldn't it be great if someone would interfere? If his man's word and his decision as her husband could be challenged?

"Yes and no." She looked perplexed. "Aine, I am your husband. Yes, I could lawfully do so. No, you can't up and leave if I do," He look a breath. He didn't tell her she couldn't leave because she was stranded, with no family, in another country. "But do you really think my mother would be alright with this? Do you think she'd let me sleep in her long house after that? Do you think my father wouldn't have me resting with the dogs outside?"

She blinked at him. His words were both terrifying and soothing. The fact that it was lawful for him to hurt her made her sick with fear. She didn't understand why he mentioned her not being able to leave. Divorce was almost impossible where she was from. After their weird marriage ceremony, she wondered how people here divorced or if they did at all. She didn't have too much time to consider the possibilities.

A few weeks ago she wouldn't have believed that a man had parents like her husband did. His mother was strong and somewhat pushy. She was also fearless. Mother or not, Aine couldn't imagine anyone yelling at Eric or removing him from his home. No matter how she felt about him, Eric was huge, forceful, and scary. Aine wasn't totally oblivious; she saw the way her husband was obeyed by everyone.

His father was quiet, but very respected. She couldn't imagine him ever lashing out in anger, but she believed Eric's words. There was a seriousness to her father-in-law's eyes. She never doubted his authority, but struggled to fathom how he maintained that authority with no violence or aggression.

Her rational mind and present mind, the one that was immersed in this marriage, told her Eric meant no harm. Her reflexes and her memories told her to not trust him. Part of her still wondered if he'd change and what would happen if she opened herself up to false hope. These parts of her battled each day. She wanted some guarantee that would appease both her smarts and her emotions. She nearly sighed with how impossible all this was.

"If you get mad...Can you promise to tell me before you hit me?" She asked, trying to find a compromise. She wouldn't have to be so afraid if she knew she'd have warning.

Eric felt his stomach churn at her words. He tried his hardest to remind himself this was progress. She was certainly far more open and candid than when they first wed. She trusted his words (or was willing to try to) and was asking him for a promise. She didn't ask him to promise to not hit her - only to warn her. If he kept caring for her as well as he had, maybe she'd ask for that promise one day.

"I will give you whatever promise you want." He said evenly, refusing to admit to a possible time where he'd strike her.

She was perplexed by his words. Was that a 'yes'?"You promise?" She clarified.

"I promise." He said solemnly, knowing the event in question would never occur.

Aine felt better. She leaned against Eric and let him hold her. She tried to imagine her future. It was hard to do. Of course, her husband was going to be there everyday. There were always children running about and the fact that she and Eric would have babes was mentioned. It was still hard for her to imagine being a taskmistress like her mother in law. Or being a mother. It was almost possible to imagine Eric being just like this all the time. She wanted to believe she could stay this content.

Eric ran his fingers over his wife's arms and back. Her body was healing very well. She wasn't even in pain when he touched her. She was the only woman to make him feel at a loss for words and make him act rash. From the time of his first beard girls had flung themselves at him. Even apart from his looks, his reputation won him many admirers. He was smart. He was a warrior. He was fair and never violent with those who were innocent. He didn't think he had ever forced a woman in his life. He had gained the perspective that it was hard to deny him, especially for a slave or poor woman hoping his favor would improve her life. But he still couldn't recall a particular time when one of his partners was uninterested in his advances and never a time when he hurt someone during sex. Even Pam recalled the loss of her virginity with a smile. She was a young slave at the time and he only had a tiny number of bodies and blood to his name. Certainly, there was some discomfort and pain at first, but he knew he did well by her.

He briefly wondered how Aine would feel about this. Would she not care about his very active past? Would she be jealous? Would she think his women were forced or coerced because he owned many of them? Would she see a difference between a free woman sleeping with her lord and a slave doing the same?

Eric shook his head. He wasn't sure he'd ever know and perhaps that was best. Even his innocent wife had to know it took years of practice to achieve what Eric could do in bed.

Aine was almost relaxed in Eric's embrace, but something was nagging at her. "Eric?" she said softly, wondering what his reaction would be to her next question.

"Hmmmm?" he responded, leaning his head down to touch the top of hers, his eyes closed.
Aine felt safe and warm in Eric's arms, something she would really think about later. It gave her the courage to speak.

"Why did you pull me out of bed like that this morning? I was sound asleep, and I almost fell!"

To her surprise, Eric laughed heartily, pulling her into a tighter embrace and grinning at her. "You really don't remember?" he asked, still chuckling.

Now Aine felt embarrassed. Why was he laughing at her? She tried to pull away from him but he wouldn't let her. Her face turned red, and, to her further chagrin, she was almost ready to cry.

Eric noticed and stopped laughing. He tilted her face up to his and gave her a long, slow kiss. It was the kind of kiss that curls your toes and lights a fire in your core. Aine responded after a few seconds and was soon lost in him, no longer thinking about the morning.

"Sweeting," he said softly, "you talked to me for nearly twenty minutes this morning. I thought you were awake and I only meant to tease you. I did not mean to hurt you."

Her eyes widened. "I did what?"

He chuckled again. "You truly don't remember?"

She shook her head.

Eric chuckled again, only just realizing that he'd hurt her feelings a moment ago. "I am sorry, Aine," he said sincerely. "I asked if you were up, and you said you only needed to open your eyes. We talked of my brothers leaving and how I wanted to hurry out to see them off. You wondered what to wear."

Aine searched her mind for any remembrance of that conversation, and could find none. "I really did that?" she asked, wondering if he was somehow teasing her.

"Yes, you did." Eric's face was sober now; he was hoping that his laughter hadn't ruined his chances of showing her how nice it was to "go back to nature."

She sat there for a moment, thinking. Then, a slow smile started to creep on to her face. "I really did that?"

Eric nodded again.

Unable to stop herself, Aine started to giggle. "I'm so embarrassed!" she stated, her giggle turning into a laugh.

Eric started to laugh too, and soon they were both laughing hysterically. Eric saw his chance and made his move. He grabbed his lovely wife and started to tickle her. He had found all of her ticklish spots within two weeks of their arrival at home.

"Eric, stop!" she cried, tears now streaming down her face as she continued to laugh. She was trying to defend herself against his merciless hands, but every time she covered one ticklish spot, he'd find another. "Eric!" she cried again.

Finally he grabbed both of her hands and held them above her head, wrapping his other arm around her and rolling them onto the ground, with him on top. He settled himself firmly between her thighs, letting her feel the hard length of him as he found the spot under her left breast and kept tickling.

Aine struggled until finally he held her hands on either side of her head and lowered his body so that he was covering her, millimeters between them. He kissed her - the kiss started out slow and sensuous but soon he was kissing her hard, and deep, showing her what he wanted to do with another body part. All laughter was gone between them as she entwined her fingers with his and kissed him back, grinding her hips against him instinctively.

She wore one of the gowns from her home. It was one of the better ones. Hardly any holes or mends to it. The bottom was slightly frayed, but it wasn't a bad gown. He needed to get her a whole wardrobe. He wouldn't give her any more shifts or nightgowns. Eric was glad this was the gown she'd put on. Some of the clothing his women wore had far too much work attached. If she wore one of her new Norse gowns, he'd have to undo two broaches to view her breasts. It would be layered and he'd have to work harder to lift it so he could gain access to her. Unlike the gown she wore when they wed, this one didn't have a row of buttons. It was fitting and she slid her feet in it and pulled it up her body with ease.

He wanted her so bad. His cock was so hard it hurt. He began to push her gown up, wondering if she'd mind terribly were he to rip it. He knew she would. She moved her hips to help him. He reached between them to free his erection from his now-tight pants. He stroked her with his tip and felt she was wet for him already. He smiled against her lips and began to push inside her. Aine bucked her hips to get closer to Eric. She wanted him in her body very much. She never tired of the times when they came together.

Eric gave her exactly what she wanted in one fast thrust. She pulled her legs up and hugged his hips with her thighs. He hit her spot easiest this way. She began making those beautiful noises that pushed him so close to the edge. He started to buck hard into her. She screamed into his mouth as he kissed her. He rode her hard. She came at least twice before he was ready for his release.

He stayed inside her as his erection subsided. She kissed him softly and scratched his scalp. After a few moments, he forced himself to roll off her. "We have to get back." He said regretfully.

He rose and began to fix his clothes and put his belt back on. Aine rose as well and tried to smooth out her gown. Eric had her turn around and wiped the leaves off her back. They climbed on the horse and went riding. Before they got to the village, Eric stopped.

"Tell them you went for a walk and spoke with your husband. You are not obligated to say anymore. And remember I'll be thinking about taking you again for the rest of the day."

He kicked the horse off before she could reply. They departed with a kiss at the stables. Aine walked off and found her way into the longhouse. She was quickly recruited to help with the weaving. This kept her busy for most of the afternoon.

Aine saw Pam and Sophia coming out of the fields before the evening meal. They would be ready to harvest soon. She picked up her pace to catch them before they became tangled in the crowd or went inside the hall. No one really paid her any heed as they walked toward the long house and she cut across their paths as carefully as she could. Her eyes stayed zeroed in on the two women.

They slowed as she approached, curious and apprehensive. She stood before them and checked to ensure no one was staring at them. The banter and the rush for food were more important than three women chattering.

"I need to ask you something." She said with no preamble, knowing time was short. Eric would come looking for her.

Pam knew what she would ask. Sophia still had no idea how unworldly Aine still was. She really didn't want to be put more in the middle than she possibly was after Eric came to question her.

"I'd like to know what exactly...was being referred to when we were cooking. I know you know." She said calmly, trying to find the right words despite her embarrassment.

Sophia looked perplexed and turned her head toward Pam. Pam suppressed a sigh.

"You should talk to your husband about this."

"Please, I need to know." She thought about how of all the men in the village, Eric- her husband - was the one noted. It wasn't just because she was there; it was because this thing the women talked about concerned Eric.

"They were referring to a bedroom activity." Pam started. Sophia's eyes widened and she pressed her lips together. Eric's wife truly had no idea what they were talking about.

"It's where a woman takes a man's rod into her mouth."

"His..." Aine paused, the words catching in her throat. She thought that sounded gross and wrong. She doubted good wives did this; especially catholic ones. "And Wives do this? Eric likes this?"

Pam wanted to tear her hair out. Sophia began to see Aine the same way everyone else did when she first arrived: quiet, young, naive.

"Yes. Most husbands and wives do this. Eric likes it very much." She said kindly.

Aine nodded, though she didn't feel sure. "Thank you both."

"Your welcome. Talk to your husband." Sophia wanted to tell her Eric would gladly discuss this, That his impatience for progress and the completion of work, never factored into his carnal pursuits. She couldn't bring herself to interfere more and keep embarrassing the young wife.

Aine nodded and walked to the hall. Eric was already seated and he was looking toward the door when she came in. She forced a smile and went to sit beside him. Even though the actual noise level was the same as always, it seemed quieter without Eric's mother speaking. She was still stressed about her 'babies' and being left out of the chain of information concerning her eldest son's marriage. Everyone decided to alternate between giving her space and offering her a chance to join in the banter. No one directly asked how she was or how she felt about her middle children going a-raiding; they didn't have to and no one wanted to hear her tirades.

Aine tried to push her new knowledge to the back of her mind for now. Eric was slightly concerned about his wife being late to dinner. He wondered if perhaps she was over working herself again. He'd have to check on this; in the meantime he put some of his food on her plate to ensure she was eating enough. She glared at him from the corner of her eye, annoyed at his mission to fatten her up. She briefly, almost out of habit, wondered if he'd be unhappy with the look on her face. She hoped he wouldn't catch it, but he did and smiled unashamed of bothering her. She went back to eating her food.

Soon the evening was drawing to a close and Eric could find no interest in staying any later. He had seen Aine had stopped eating a few minutes ago, but asked her anyway if she was finished with her food and drink. She told him she was and he bid his parents 'goodnight' and offered his wife his hand after he rose. Aine took his hand and then his arm as she rose. They walked to their chamber. Her mind was spinning and she wondered if her husband knew what was going on inside her head.

Eric could tell his wife was lost in her thoughts, but had no idea what she could be thinking of. Perhaps their tryst or the conversation prior to it was still fresh on her mind. He knew she was already getting more leisure here than with her father, but he had very little time to spoil her. This afternoon was a nice break. He'd also instructed Bjorn and Sven to bring back the most beautiful gowns and jewelry they could find before they left. He hoped she'd be happy with her gifts. He was thinking about killing a wolf and making a cloak for her. It had been awhile since he went on a hunt anyway.

Aine stripped down to her shift and crawled into bed. Eric stripped off his shirt and put away his dagger with great care. He was truly the most handsome man she'd ever seen. She watched him continue to remove his clothes and hoped she was being discreet. His manhood rested against a thatch of dark blonde hair. Even when he was soft, his rod was large. She was still amazed at how it changed. It was both soft and hard when he was ready to come into her. Even though she was used to sex with her husband his size was still daunting. She was almost positive few men could compare to her husband.

She tried to think about what the girls talked about. His penis was beautiful, in its own very-different-from-her-body way. But to put it in her mouth? It seemed unthinkable.

She honestly felt it was a bit gross. Not all body parts were meant to come into contact with her mouth. Oral contact was very personal. His penis also emitted both his seed and at times urine. It didn't seem sanitary. And was it even safe for her to have his ejaculate in her mouth?

But she also knew he liked this. Other women not only do this regularly, but had done it to her husband. How could she deny him something he enjoyed after all he did for her? And if she didn't do this for him, would he simply seek out someone else? She knew she belonged to him. She doubted he belonged to her in the same way. Faithfulness, like virginity, was something for women.

Eric watched a dozen emotions run across his wife's face. He froze. He had no idea what she was thinking and it scared him. He really didn't want her to cry. He hated it when she cried. He hated it when she pulled away from him in fear. He tried to think about what could be bothering her and came up with nothing. He walked to toward her.

"What are you thinking about, Sweeting?" He asked, trying to sound casual.

"Today, while we were working in the kitchens," She took a moment to compose her words. She wanted to be careful since she had no idea how he'd react. She was about to say she was talking with the girls, but thought Eric may not want her to discuss their marital activities. She reminded herself to tell him she only listened. "The other women were talking about something and then they told me what it was….you were mentioned…They were talking about something men and women do."

Her blush was a deep crimson. Eric tried to sort through her broken words. She heard something about him and sex. He was relieved this wasn't a huge crisis, but was still didn't know if he was out of the woods yet.

"I see. What were they talking about?"

She looked away. Maybe she couldn't discuss this. Maybe she couldn't try this with him. But she had come too far and was stuck now.

"A woman…putting her mouth on…a man." Her voice was just above a whisper, but he heard her.

He didn't know how he felt about his wife learning this from the other women. The possibility never occurred to him.

"They said you like it." She added and refused to meet his eyes.

Eric decided he wasn't happy about that last part. He hoped he didn't look like a raging man whore to his wife. She had such silly ideas about sex and this could hurt her image of him. If a wife didn't respect the image and reputation of her husband, what hope did their marriage have?

"Aine, I am no virgin. It isn't strange for a man of my status to be intimate with the women around him." He said evenly.

"Is it what you want?" She asked, not even sure if it was her own voice she was hearing. She was really going to go through with this.

Eric's eyes bulged. She was propositioning him? His little wife? He walked closer to her. He couldn't talk about this with her staring at their blankets and her hands. He eased onto the edge of the bed.

"Why are you asking that? Is that what you want?"

"It's what you like, isn't it?"

Eric was quiet. He didn't want something she had no interest in. But once again, she was young and so very different from him. She may not want it because it seemed so new and weird.

"Its something I enjoy, yes. But not something I need or demand. You don't have to do to something with my body or with your own, you don't want to do."

Aine decided to keep her fears of him seeking out other women to herself, but not her desire to please him. "I want to be a good wife to you. I want you to be happy."

Eric chose to be happy with this. He had a wife who wanted to make him happy, who was willing to do things for him. A man couldn't ask for more.

"You make me very happy." He stroked her cheek, "I want you to be happy too. I…I would love to show you more things we can do for each other, but only if you are comfortable."

Eric couldn't have imagined a day where he would turn down having his cock sucked. He almost laughed at that thought, but felt that wouldn't do well. He wondered if his wife would relax enough for him to taste her. It was only right he go first. She made no indication she even thought about that possibility.

She nodded. She didn't think talking would make her any more comfortable. She just had to take the plunge. The fact no one would look at her cross if they knew she did this, made it easier. "I-I want to…..Will you be fine if I don't do good?" She asked timidly.

"I'll love whatever we do together. I hope you'll love how I please you too." He smiled at her.

His words ran through her mind a few times in rapid succession. He would please her too. She thought she knew exactly what he meant and couldn't help but let a surprised noise escape her mouth.

"You can do that to me?"

"Yes. I bet you taste like honey."

Both Aine and Eric felt like she was in over her head. He watched the look on her face. She struggled with these abstract concepts and her emotions over them. He took pity on her and decided to take control of the situation.

"Can I have my wife?" He asked and looked into her eyes. She bit her lip, thinking she should say 'yes', but the word wouldn't form in her mind correctly. "Aine, this truly isn't a big thing. You are still a bride. There is no shame between us. Besides, I own it and have seen it before, a kiss won't do any harm."

It was hard to argue with that logic. She nodded and his smile grew. He was happy and she had made him so. He pulled the blanket from her body. He was too eager to be peeved about her shift. When he tired to settle between her legs, her body tensed. She moved awkwardly. He decided he should get on top of her and slid down her body. She was at least used to that position. He began to kiss every inch of her face and she put her hands in his hair. Her body relaxed and he settled on top of her. He began to trail his kisses down her neck. He kissed and nibbled through her shift. He would have rather tasted her nipple than the abominable/cherished fabric, but it kept her calm to have a barrier between them as he began his descent down her body. Her thighs were together even though she kept telling them to open. Eric caressed her legs and bottom. He moved his hand to slide between her legs. She slowly parted for his fingers, a part of him she was used to having on her most intimate area.

She was moist, but too nervous to be dripping. He knew his tongue would moisten her more once he got there. She began to get nervous as he inched lower and lower. It wasn't true fear. It was just nerves and the dread that accompanies the unknown. She worriedly wondered how she tasted. She felt like she would just die if she disappointed him. Eric wedged his body between her legs and she was unable to close them. He moved her shift up. His thumb played with her clit for a few minutes before he used both his hands to open her up to him. Neither made a noise as he first looked at her.

"Beautiful." He whispered.

Her breath stalled. He thought she was beautiful; that her vulva was beautiful. She was going to do this and it was going to be fine.

"I'm going to kiss you." He told her before his lips moved to her hood.

It was a soft kiss. It was strange and felt nice. His lips moved to rest on her clit and he kissed again. And again. Finally she felt his tongue dart against her. Her hips jerked in response. He gently touched her swollen bud again. She whimpered and he smiled against her. He moved so his lips could run along hers. His tongue traced her folds until he found the nectar he had been hungering for. She moaned and withered as he tasted her.

Part of her still felt embarrassed and the lingering feeling that this might be wrong. She wondered if it was ever okay to have such passionate feelings. It was just too hard to think with Eric touching her like this.

Eric put forth all his effort. He licked every part of her pussy. He sucked on her lips and clit. He gently nibbled on her delicate skin. He listened to her moans and kept up with the things she liked. He had to make this perfect. If he could get her addicted to his touch, his mouth, she would always come willing to him. He knew she was shy. He knew she had all these questions and silly notion of right and wrong. He also knew it was so hard to talk to her with her because she became so nervous and embarrassed. Sometimes actions spoke louder than words.

The intense feelings didn't stop. They got stronger and stronger. She finally couldn't take it and came on Eric's face. Eric listened to her sweet screams as he lapped up all she gave him. He softly stroked her after she came. He kept his mouth on her as her breathing slowed. He finally inched up her body and pulled her into his arms. She was quiet and he let her be.

"Is that how it feels for you?" Her voice had a hint of awe to it.

God, he hoped so. He was painfully hard, but knew there was a chance she wouldn't be ready or wouldn't follow through once she started. He was going to show so much patience someone would write a ballad about him. Eric the Northman would become synonymous with self control.

Aine had already made her mind to do this for her husband. Her pleasure only made her want to do it more. If he could have the same feelings she just had, how could she deny him?

"I don't know how." She said quietly, her fingers making patterns on his chest.

He knew in that moment she was going to taste him for the first time. He was very excited. He knew she wouldn't be great at first, but feeling his wife's lips on his cock would be sweet.

"Just kiss him. It's easy." He used his fingers to draw her lips to his. Aine knew Eric wouldn't mind her being unsure or making mistakes by his behavior. He'd always been so patient with her in bed. She knew it was uncommon for a husband to give his wife time before they consummated their marriage, yet hers did.

He kicked aside the blankets, not caring that they hit the floor. She looked at his weeping member. She could practically see the blood rushing in his veins. She took a breath and slid down the bed. Eric laid back and tried not to do anything to startle her. She quickly leaned forward and pressed her lips against him. Her kiss was chaste and he moaned. His tucked her hair back and she looked up at him. The small smile on her face made him want to spill his seed. Aine was beginning to think she was overreacting before. This wasn't so bad. Eric was happy and she was making him that way.

She kissed him again and again. She tentatively touched him with her tongue. He groaned. She tried this a few more times and tasted his pre-cum. It wasn't so bad. Eric had been trying hard to be patient, but that patience was running out. He reached down and she stopped.

"Sweeting, can you….take the tip in your mouth? Just suck it." He almost started to beg

She looked up at him with unsure eyes and nodded. She wrapped her hand around his base. She knew she had to be careful about biting him. She slid his head into her mouth. Her movements were awkward as she found a way to hold him, without hurting him. Eric wanted to run his fingers through her red hair, but made himself wait. She had to get more comfortable. When she began to suck him, he knew all of waiting was worth it. He also learned the louder he got, the more she sucked him. He finally needed to take her hand and guide her in stroking him. She found a nice rhythm very soon. He was going to warn her before he came. She wouldn't be ready to swallow his seed yet.

Aine was actually enjoying herself. She felt almost powerful having her husband on his back while she pleasured him. She heard him calling her name. She felt his cock pulse and his breathing increase, but she didn't stop.

"Aine….Aine….I'm going to-…" He made a primal sound as he came.

His taste wasn't as bad as she feared it might be. She swallowed as best as she could. Once she was sure he finished, she wiped her mouth clean. Eric couldn't form words. His wife had swallowed her first time going down on him. Aine moved to lay on her husbands chest. His arms wrapped around her and she listened to his heartbeat slow.

"Was I good?" She asked.

"Absolutely perfect." He replied and she beamed. He kissed her head. "You are perfect."