Chapter Text
The walk back seemed much longer. The Witch had woken Steve, who was dizzy but didn't seem otherwise harmed. Strange was still pasted out, some kind of enchantment. They had built a makeshift litter to carry him out. Wanda and Sam could barely walk; it was the first time James hadn't seen red flickering around her. Sam was pale, with green sparks fluttering at the edges of his eyes, but he still kept a firm grip on the litter to carry Strange. Steve seemed almost aimless, his body moving, but exhaustion had settled into his bones. Wanda leaned against the Witch, who whispered soft words he couldn't hear. Her fingers carefully held the young woman steady.
The battlefield was covered in dead, massive cat prints, sliding marks of a giant lizard, and scorch marks from magic. In the middle of it was the once white leader of the Southerners. He was now impaled on several spears. His head was tipped back, each spear went through his neck and up out of his mouth. The spears held him upright, his hands wrapped around two as if trying to drag himself off them. James stopped to look at him. Deciding then that they'd leave him there, an omen for anyone who dared challenge them.
Their camp was a hum of activity. Healers ran in between tents, soldiers who weren't injured brought fresh water and medicine at the direction of the Healers. Some shuttled the dead towards the burn pile. While others help soldiers out of their gear, others make food over new fires.
All of them stop as they watch the ragtag group come into the camp. James felt the attention, not sure how to react. They'd finally won. The Southerners had been defeated, and their leader lay impaled on the field. It would only be a scattering of outliers that would either be killed, driven to leave, or welcomed to stay. Something in his chest finally eased, and he stopped to look at everyone.
“It's over. The Southerners have been defeated.” James raises his voice as much as he can before pushing his metal, bloody fist up into the air.
A cheer ran through the whole crowd, spreading out in every direction. His heart swelled in his chest at the noise. They'd lost so many, too many, but now they were free. They can now reclaim their land, their homes, and start to rebuild. Stories would be told of this when they went to trade, they’d let everyone know. Anyone looking for a fight would find one here.
Strange is placed in a thankfully empty tent. The Witch promises to help the man out of his state. Wanda collapsed onto a small chair in the corner, her face in her hands, her shoulders slumped forward. James made Steve and Sam stay there as well, despite them standing; the men were still injured.
She starts to work right away as James runs to grab cots for everyone. Healers move in and out, bring in herbs, fresh water, clothes, and more. Strange is the first one she tends to; her hands rest carefully on the man.
“Was it a mage that hit him?” She asks, thin tendrils of green swirling around him, making his eyes flutter open and close.
Wanda shakes her head, “The monster, what the cat was attacking. It hit him with something.”
“Damn,” She mutters, “Well, that makes it more difficult. Damn thing is in the sea now, sure it’s right pissed.”
“What can we do?” James comes over to stand beside her.
“Nothing, we’re all moving on spent energy,” The Witch sighs, her eyes closing again.
There was a soft rap at the door. James turned to see a couple of Healers standing there. The woman at the front looked nervous, but her shoulders were square, others gathering at the tent entrance.
“We can help,” The young woman says, moving into the tent to kneel down beside the Witch.
She opens up one eye that is completely black now, then she holds out her hand for the Healer’s. “Everyone hold hands, do not let go unless I tell you too.”
James doesn’t hesitate to join the line, men and women filling the place. The whole room grasped hands and held on tight. The surge of power was felt instantly. His head tipped back as his whole body was lit with fire. It ran from one hand up along his arm, down into his chest, and then out of his metal one into the hand of the person beside him. The metal arm crackled with power, smoke sizzling out of it as it kept moving through them.
The Witch groans, her brows pinching together, face contorting as power begins to swirl out of her. It’s black, as thick as ink, swirling around Strange. Wanda is up, placing her hands on the Witch's forearm, red flickering out of her. Sam and Steve join next; the whole room is filled with the crackle of energy. Focus narrowing down to where they each touch the other. James had never felt anything like this before; his whole body felt like it’s covered in tiny pieces of grass. Skin gooses fleshed out, every breath, blink of eyelashes echoing around them like water dropping into a puddle.
Everything goes black, like the sun has been covered. Several gasps leave, people squeezing fingers. The Witch called for everyone to stay still and not let go. James focuses on holding onto the people around him, despite the world starting to feel like it’s spinning. If he couldn’t feel the ground under his feet, he would think that he was upside down.
“I am going to count to three, everyone says release, mean it. Ready?” She asks everyone.
A chorus of ‘readies’ rings out around the tent.
“One”
“Two”
“Three”
“Release!”
A loud whoosh sounds and the tent shutters around them. Light suddenly comes back, Strange lets out a gurgling sound. James' body shakes as he feels the power snap off with a click, the hands beside him flex. People shift as the Witch blinks, seeming to come back from wherever she had disappeared. Her eyes shifted back to their normal.
“You can let go,” She coughs, covering her mouth. James spots the blood on her palm, the way her body sags.
Strange groans, face contorting as he moves on the bed. “Good gods, Tell me it’s over. That damn beast cracked my skull.”
Sam chuckles, “Don’t worry, magic man, we did all the heavy lifting.”
She sighs, shaking her head, “I am glad you’re back with us, Stephen.”
Strange looks at her, surprised at the use of his first name. “How do you know that?”
A smile crosses her face, “Don’t worry, I’ll only use it for when you get yourself cursed.”
You couldn't remember the last time you ate, much less slept. Body aching in ways that you didn’t want to look too closely at. There had been hundreds of injured. Some didn’t make it, you quickly taught anyone tending to the dying the words to guide them to the river. At the same time, you were trying to explain to everyone with magic how to use their powers, but it had a very slim success rate. Those who learned were moved to those most gravely injured, learning how to knit flesh and sooth burns. A trial by fire. It was not how you would have wanted to treat people, but it didn’t matter at this point. You either healed them or they died.
Walking between the last makeshift row of medical tents, you double-check that everyone is doing okay. The tide was slowly easing; some had even been sent to look for any remaining Southerners. A select group was being sent out to tell the surrounding areas that the war had finally ended. Soon those who had survived would be coming home, and soon they would be able to begin repairing and rebuilding.
Happy with how everyone is doing, you make your way back to the sleeping tents. You’d try to get a few hours of rest, then get up to check on everything again. Maybe the next few rounds, Wanda could take; she had been getting better. Her powers were slowly refilling after nearly sapping everything she had. The young woman was incredibly strong, but she could go from zero to a hundred much too fast. You hoped to help her learn to gauge her magic and make sure she was gathering energy as much as she was using it.
“Hey,” You look up to see James leaning against one of the man columns. He was dressed in loose clothes, a cloak covering his broad shoulders, long hair neatly tied back.
You give him a weak smile, “Hello, King Barnes.” Not able to help the teasing tone.
His eyes rolled; he hated that title, “Wanda and Sam are going to take the next shift.”
Moving closer, you cross your arms, trying to lessen how tired you must look. “Oh? Maybe I can finally sleep and get a bath. I smell worse than the dead.”
James chuckles, “I actually had one drawn for you. It’s warm, clean towels, and clean clothes.”
Your eyes narrow a little. “What are you offering, James?”
Even in the faint light, you can see him flush, looking down at that ground before back up at you. “If you’ll let me, I’d like to wash you.’
Washing of others for the Origin people was part of their courtship; it was often done before handfasting. A sign of their commitment to each other, as well as their willingness to be there even when the other was unable to wash themselves. Their courtships weren’t complicated, but usually there were a few more steps before this.
“James,” You want to step back and avoid the thread that keeps pulling at your stomach over and over again. How your heart did that stupid little backflip thing when he smiled at you. “I know your traditions, probably better than you do.”
“Then you know why I am asking,” James moves the last step forward, his hand coming up to push a stray hair away from your face.
“I am not a human,” You reply. It was the truth, you weren’t one of his people, you weren’t someone from the island that surrounded this place, or the lands that lay further away. He was a mere moment in your lifetime. James needed a Queen, someone who could leave a lineage of protectors, of warriors, and magic wielders.
James nods his head, “I am very much aware of what you are.” You swallow, arms crossing over themselves. “That doesn’t change how I feel about you. Are you telling me you do not feel what I do?” He carefully reaches forward and touches in the middle of your abdomen, right below where your sternum ends. “A feeling, right here, like something is tugging us together.”
Your eyes close, hand coming up to rest on top of his, flattening his palm against your stomach. “You need someone who can give you heirs, stand beside you, and with your people.’
A small laugh leaves his mouth as he pulls you closer, “Do you know how many children are orphaned? How deeply respected you are now? You came onto the battlefield with an army of dead, and demon spawn. We won’t have made it out of there-”
“Stop,” You hold up a hand, “Stop it. You would have figured it out with or without me.”
“I will not stop,” James says, holding your face so that you will look at him. “I will sit outside your wards, and follow as your shadow until my last breath. We are bound to one another, and you know this. You’ve known it since I fell into your hands.”
His blue eyes were so earnest, the color of summer skies that were to come. You knew he was right, that you were both interwoven together by something far beyond magic and the skies above. It went beyond gods, realms, and whatever else came after all of it.
“I do,” You finally confess, “You don’t need to bind yourself to me, James. I can be by your side without that.”
James grabs your hand and brings your knuckles up to kiss them. “You know better than that, I do not do anything in half measures.”
You finally laugh, realizing that this was always the outcome. It didn’t matter what you decided, or wanted, or thought was right. This was what would happen. You and James entwined, for whatever amount of time the universe allowed. Somehow, you would make the most of every moment of that time.
James makes sure the guards don’t let anyone into the tent. A large metal tub has been dragged in. He had spent time filling it and heating it so that it would be comfortable. Also had raided several lines for clean clothes and towels. It had to be right. James knew you would be hard to convince, and the conversation on the path had proven that right. Turning around, he watches as she takes off your shawl, her bare shoulders visible. She turned to him, fingers fiddling with each other.
“I do not care about being bare in front of you,” She says easily, “But I do not want to make you uncomfortable.”
Moving over to her and pushing away his hesitation, he kneels on the ground, s“Let me undress you.”
A smile flickers over her face, gods she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. “As you wish.”
One of her hands grips the edge of the metal tub as he lifts her foot, carefully undoing each lace from her boots. Her calf is soft from the hosiery, but he can feel the muscle there from endless walking. James would never forget just how powerful she was, and he planned to make sure she knew that.
He slid the boots off, placing them carefully beside a chair, then took off the fabric, laying them on a chair. It was a small ritual, something this father had taught him. Making sure to take care of the ones he loves with reverence. She watches him carefully as his hands slide up to the back of her knee. Fingers feeling how her skin presses against his calluses. The small hitch in her breath when he lets his hands slide down her legs. James stood, despite her being smaller than him; he had never felt large around her. They were equals in all things.
“Going to slide your dress off,” James says softly, he works the garment up over her head, his hands shaking slightly. He can’t help how his eyes fall over her form, the way the chemise hugs her body. Hoping that she won’t see how nervous he is.
“If you keep staring, the water is going to go cold,” She teases, he can’t help the flush. Of course, she would notice; there isn’t anything she doesn’t notice.
“Have to forgive me, I haven’t seen someone so beautiful before,” James replies, not hiding the effect she is having on him. The truth was he had never seen a woman bare like this for him ever.
“Hush,” She pushes playfully, moving forward to push at his own clothes. “Not fair if I am the only one nude here.”
He chuckles and lets her remove his cloak, tunic is next, her eyes find the scar on his left side. Fingertips tracing down along it. Feeling how the metal is bonded to his skin. He shivers when she moves over to the other side, down over his chest, finding each scar and mark. There had to be dozens by now, to many to count.
“Isn’t the first time you’ve seen me,” James murmurs, as his hands find her hips, pushing gently at the last bit of cloth between them. “Let me get you into the bath.”
Her hands raise as he pulls off her chemise; it takes everything in him not to reach forward and touch every inch of skin in front of him. Instead, he leans down to scoop her up into his arms and carefully lowers her into the warm water. The moan she lets out nearly has him dropping her, if that isn’t a noise he wants to hear again and again. Once she’s in, he pushes down his own trousers, making sure everything is placed together before coming over and climbing into the bath. He moves quickly to try to give himself some modesty.
The water is sinfully perfect. His own groan of pleasure escaped unhidden. “Oh, it has been too long.”
“Way, way, too long,” She laughs, reaching for soap and towels.
“Nah-uh. Let me,” James moves first, grabs the bar of soap and towel. He would make good on his promises.
She offers him a foot, and he sets about cleaning every bit of it. The idea that he gets to touch her like this has him sinking deeper into the tub. He tries not to overthink all of this; he had felt the need to be with her since he had woken up from being dead. Knew that this was the person he wanted to be with for his lifetime.
“I have to ask,” He starts as he moves down to her knee. She nods, head leaning against the tub, eyes closed. “How did you come back?”
She doesn't even open her eyes. “Told you. Clay and effort.”
James snorts, “Would you explain it to me? In more detail?”
Her eyes open, no swirling, just their normal color. “This body,” She gestures up and down, “Is just a vessel. It holds my,” Waves her hands, “Energy, soul, whatever. I make it, and can leave it whenever I want, by crossing realms. Making it is a pain and requires a lot of energy and time. I use clay and mud because they’re easy to find and shape. I’ve always used it; some use wood, or stone, it can be whatever you want.”
He nods, going to the next leg, “Was it dangerous to stay in the body while it was dying?”
“Very,” She sighs, rubbing at one of her shoulders. “But I kept one foot here and one foot there.”
“Aren't all bodies vessels?” James asks, he liked it when she explained things. She never made him feel stupid or silly for asking questions.
“Yes, but humans can't cross realms or make new bodies.” She holds up a finger. “All energy can move between realms, that's how you all go to your afterlife.”
“The river, I remember seeing you there. You looked different.”
“My actual body isn't really palatable to most. Too many arms and legs and joints. So I present myself as human.”
“Do you always look like this? Or do you change? I've seen your eyes turn different colors.”
“Almost always the same. Once you've made one face and body, it's easier to do it again. I can change my hair, eyes, height, and skin color, but I try not to. No point really.”
“Can you die?”
She chuckles, turning around in the tub to give him a chance to clean her back.“Everything can die. But our energy, whatever that is, can't. It's always there.”
“Even gods?” James asks, carefully wiping any grim he finds.
“They'd say it was impossible, but yes, they can. I've seen it. Unlike anything I can describe, like seeing a mountain explode.”
“So has my energy always been here? I just didn't know it?”
“From what I've learned over the years. Yes. And you always will be.”
“That gives me great comfort.”
She hums happily before shifting back so that her back rests against his chest. He tries not to think of the hardness that now rests firmly against her lower back. Calming his mind, he drops the towel and soap back on the stool. Letting his arms encircle her body and hold her close. She was surprisingly warm, body pliant against his, her eyes blinking closed.
It was hard to believe that she wasn't a human, that this woman pressed naked against him wasn't the same as him. James had seen her in her other form, and it was still hard to fathom. He'd do anything to keep her here, to never let her go. Yet, he knew he would barely be a footnote in her long life, but damn if he wasn't going to try to be a memorable footnote.
The flickering morning sun woke you from a deep sleep. A heavy metal arm held you close to a broad chest; you had to suppress a smile. Both of you had been too exhausted for much more than snuggling against the other; it had been easy to fall asleep in his arms. You felt safe there, comforted by him just being close. It struck you as being so wildly foreign. Relying on someone else for comfort, safety, love?
You had been alone for how long now? How many years had slipped by without ever feeling much of anything for another being? At one point, there had been more of your kind, many more, but over time you had all drifted apart. There had never been a sense of community or family, like humans carried. Your kind craves knowledge, experiences, learning, traveling, expanding range, and seeing how deep they could go into other lands. It had left an empty piece in you. Most life craved other life; it was essential to existing and creating more life.
Your heart lurches. Your kind didn’t create other life; you guided it, molded it, studied it, but never created it. Then you met James. A human who could also cross into realms. Maybe bridge a divide, a divide you didn’t even know needed a bridge.
“I can almost hear your mind,” James murmurs half asleep against the back of your neck.
Wiping at your eyes, you carefully turn around, putting on a careful face, “I probably should go check on the injured.”
He lets out a soft sigh, gently touching your face, “Your dishonesty hurts me. What is wrong?”
“James, I do need to go see-”
“I took care of that; the others are more than able to take care of them.”
This damn man saw right through you, forced proximity, you thought absently, “Is that so?”
“Are you looking for an escape?” He asks, straightforwardly, you liked that about him. The man hadn’t known you long, but he paid attention.
“I can’t believe I am saying this.” You adjust yourself, curling closer to him. “I am not used to this, us, people. I have been alone for most of my life. In fact, up until very recently, I would have said I preferred it that way. Actually, I still do.” Taking a deep breath, you try to continue. “My first instinct is to push you away. Put distance between us.”
James nods, carefully tracing your features with his fingers, “If you need to go, I will not stop you.”
“But you’ll come looking for me?” You can’t help but ask, already knowing the answer.
“Always,” Shifting, he pulls you towards him, kissing you softly. To all the gods, he was going to turn you into mush. “That said, I won’t hold you against your will.”
You let out a chuff at that, “You couldn’t even if you tried.”
“Don’t I know it.” He kisses you again, dragging you closer. The press of his hot skin against yours makes you tremble, his large calloused hands rub along your back. “You’re shaking.”
“If you tell anyone, I will turn you into a toad.” You grumble, nipping at the scarring along where the metal and skin meet.
James laughs, “Promise,”
Then he’s kissing you again, and it feels so different than before, his lips pressing forward without hesitation. You push back just as much, letting his hands roam across your body, feeling every curve and mark that dotted your skin. Some scars always came back, little pieces of memory. Your own hands traced the hard lines down his back, across his hips, digging your nails into them. His tongue demanded in, and you let him, not bothering to stifle the moan. It wasn’t like the camp wouldn’t know what was happening by this point, and you were both far enough away that most wouldn’t hear.
You trace your tongue along his teeth and across his own, feeling him groan against you. One hand came to cup the back of your head as he held you exactly where he wanted you. You push your hips against his, thigh swing over his hip. The man was thick everywhere, the muscles of his thighs pushing up against your core. A whine leaves you as you push down against him. Stomach flexing with need, as tingles go down your spine. It was so easy to lose yourself here.
James’ lips move from yours down across your jaw, nipping at the side of your neck, and down over your shoulder. His own hips are moving and rutting against your leg. The hardening length of his own need leaks against the skin of your hip. Whimpering, you angle your body, opening yourself up so that he can slot closer to where you need him. A growl rumbles against where he was working your skin at the top of your breast, as he slides against the dampness of your body.
“The gods,” James moans, dragging your leg over his hips, pulling you impossibly closer. “If we start-”
“Do not stop,” You grit back, trying to urge him closer.
His hand slips down behind you, fingers dragging through your slick. You whimper as he carefully spreads you open, then pushes slowly in. You watch his mouth fall open at the feeling, cheeks flushed with heat. It felt so fast and yet dragged at the same time. It wasn’t something you had really thought about, fog of war and all of that. Yet, it was perfect, he takes his time making sure there is no resistance, his lips kiss down your cheeks. Murmuring words you can barely make out, because holy fuck it feels so good. Your body accepted him with slick wetness that made you shake.
The stillness when his pelvis met yours was almost shocking, his arms wrapped around you, holding you close as he kissed and sucks at your lips. His body just barely shaking as he kept you close. You try to take this in, wanting to remember the feel, the metal hand cupping the back of your head, the other curled possessively around your hips. The way his heart pounded against your chest, how your mind whirled with nothing but sensations.
You rock your hips just a little, the movement pulling him back and then pushing forward. The sound that comes out of him is something nearly animalistic; he bites at the top of your shoulder, making you cry out. Fingers dig into flesh, the movements are uncoordinated as you both try to figure out the other. The angle was awkward, the position making it hard to get the right spot. James rolls you, hands pushing your legs open and around him. Long hair curtianing you both off from the rest of the world. Hips shifting, you feel his cock press deep. The human body has lots of pleasure spots, and he just found a good one.
“Right there,” You move up, squeezing around him when he presses at the spot again.
James bites his lip, eyes closing as he carefully thrusts in again, braced just above you. He was ethereal like this, face slack of any worry, totally lost in how you feel. You reach up and kiss him, tugging his lips into your mouth, before letting it pop out. Leaving it swollen and pink.
“I won’t shatter,” You murmur, meeting each of his thrusts with more force.
“You feel-” He moans as you clench around him, “-like nothing else.”
Both of you find a rhythm, your fingers digging into his flesh, wanting to leave marks all over him. If you were going to be his, you wanted people to know. A possessiveness curled in your stomach, as each thrust built the flames that burned so hot you thought it might consume you both. Fingers finding one another, holding on.
The tent filled with small noises and wet slapping that would make most blush. Neither of you could care, a war had just been fought and won. The two of you are finally crashing together like stars colliding; no force would be able to separate you.
“I am not going to last,” James whimpers, sucking another mark on your chest.
You grab his hand and guide him to where you need him, placing his fingertips against your aching clit. He takes the hint, putting just the right amount of pressure to send you crashing towards your own release. Trying to keep your eyes on his, you cup his face, making him look at you so that he could see what he was doing. How both of you would be changed forever.
Back arching, you let the heat finally burst out of you, body spasming around him as you clutch onto him with an iron grip. He coos soft words to you, letting you ride it out before his own consumes him. Energy is seeping out of both of you. Your name falls from his lips as his hips slam deep inside you. It’s messy and warm, filling you so deep inside. James shivers against you, slowly letting himself lay against you. Both of you are warm and more than a little sticky. You kiss the crown of his head, holding him against you. There was no part of you that wanted him to leave.
“Didn’t know it could feel like that,” James murmurs against your neck, almost unintelligible.
You giggle, carding your hand up into his long, wild hair. “Mmm, it’s supposed to feel like that.” Something pulls at the back of your mind. “Wait, have you lain with someone before?”
He pushes up so that he can look at you; his face is flush and you’re not sure if it was from the action or sheepishness.
“James?” You push his hair up, mouth falling open in shock. “Have you not?”
His head shakes, “Wasn’t much time for intimacies when you are leading a war.”
Brows knitted, you let out a small sigh, “You should have said something,”
“I think I didn’t do too badly?” James cheeks darken, as he kiss your cheek.
A groan leaves you, as you shook your head, “You’re a fast learner, James Barnes. And follow directions well.”
That makes him laugh, burying his face against your neck again. You were still a little stunned that you had been his first partner. He’d been fighting the Southerners since he was a young man; it made your heartache.
“I am going to move,” He says softly, “I’ll go find us some food, and something to clean you.”
You don’t let him move just yet. “Just a moment longer, I need to take this all in. Being your first and all.”
“Please don’t tell Steve or Sam.” He sighs, curling you close to him.
“Oh? Well, then, I may need to teach you a lesson or two after breakfast,” You tease back, making him chuckle against you. Promising he will do whatever you ask him.
It had been a full season since the last battle, and the last Southerner stragglers had been found that winter. They had been near death, not used to harsh winter winds that hit the far northern parts of the land. Out of the ten, three had volunteered to stay, two had died trying to attack, and five had been offered boats back to their land. The only caveat being that they told those who they came across what had happened here.
The village had grown a lot since last spring, from canvas tents to stone buildings. A dock and shipyard were slated to be built this spring and summer. Steve would be leading a small group of people to visit the surrounding lands. It was hoped that they could build trade relations with other communities. Word had spread far and wide about their eradication of the Southerners. The Origin people had made a name for themselves, and you hoped maybe the next few generations wouldn’t have to fight the same way their ancestors had.
James was still training groups of warriors; every child had to be trained, it just made sense. Just because one group had been pushed out didn’t mean another wouldn’t try to come in. At the same time, you were teaching and training. The people had power in their bones. You had seen it just by being around them, and the more time you spent with them, the more you saw how powerful they were.
Most leaned towards the earth, plants and animals responding to them with ease. Sam helped them, having quickly learned how to control his own powers. Before this, they had just considered it a gift, a talent; instead, they were naturally drawing energy into what they were doing. You taught them how to do more, how to listen to the plants and soil. To hear what it needed and to use that to their advantage. Making them prolific farmers who easily fed everyone through the winter. The soil is now more fertile than it had been for many summers.
Some were like Wanda and Strange, able to manipulate energies in ways that went beyond communication with the earth. A few could direct the wind or light and create fires with their hands. There were only a dozen or so like this; you did your best to guide them. Some wanted nothing to do with it, and others craved it. Those were the ones you watched the closest, making sure Strange and Wanda had enough knowledge of how to stop them. The last thing you needed was a power-hungry Origin tyring to learn fireball. Or create an army of sheep.
Strangely enough, no one else seems to be able to cross realms, or even reach through to the other side. James could, the two of you working carefully to introduce him to crossing. It was always done when he was asleep; you weren’t willing to try him crossing awake. Eventually, you would try to teach him how to do it, but it was complicated. You weren’t sure if you’d be able to create a proper vessel for him to go into. You shake your head; it wasn’t something you needed to worry about now.
James stood in the middle of your small stone home, a baby in his arms. He carefully moves back and forth, rocking on his heels as he holds her close to his chest. You watch just in the doorway for a moment. Sage was your fourth child that you and James had brought into your home.
He had been right; there were hundreds of children who had lost family because of the war. You and Wanda had joined with the eldest women to help the children find homes and be cared for. It was still a work in progress; these kids had seen the worst of the world and reacted as expected. Last summer, your group had gone all over the Origin land to help take place kids. Kids who couldn’t be placed in the village stayed with the elders until you found people who were able to take them in. Instead of the kids moving, the adults would move to the village. It provided stability for the kids and made sure they had access to the people they knew.
James looks up at you, and a bright smile crosses his face. His hair had grown even longer, and he often braided it along with two older girls' hair. His sisters had taught him, and it seemed to give him great comfort to do it.
Your three elder children, eight, eleven, and fourteen, were doing group education, learning how to tend the land for the day. Tomorrow would be your day, and you planned to show the children about plant medicines and how to identify them.
“She's only been awake for a little while,” He said softly, how his large hands held her so gently you'd never understand.
You come over and gently place your hand over his. “They tend to wake up a lot at this age.”
James nods, “I don't mind, will take her wherever I need to go.”
A smile blooms on your face; you smile so much more now. That was James in a nutshell: the ferocious warrior King was now the Dad to countless kids. In truth, you both cared for four, but wherever he went, kids followed him. Every council meeting was also filled with kids, at least a dozen. Most of them sitting around the large man, listening to him talk about the most mundane things. You hadn't thought you were capable of love; James proved that to be wrong day after day.
“More meetings?” You ask, resting your head against his arm, both of you looking out the small window.
“We are going to look at the designs for the port and shipyard. Told the kids that aren’t out in the farmland, they could come along and take a look at the models,” James tells you. Carefully, he moves towards Sage’s small crib, which was woven out of willow, the same ones that grew at your home. You’d carefully crafted several over the winter, teaching anyone interested how to do it, too.
“I am sure Steve is eager to get it built,” You reply, carefully watching the little one yawn and stretch.
“He is, the man cannot stop moving. Sam has found a good lot of trees that we can pick from, we also have sails and wood from the ships that we beached,” James continues, rolling his arm. His shoulder occasionally bothered him, but your salves did wonders.
You move over to the wall where dozens of salves sit, “Here, let's put this on before we have to leave.”
He takes his shirt off in one motion. You bite your lip, knowing full well that he knows what he is doing. James may have been inexperienced when you got together, but he had learned very quickly what you liked and how you liked it. One of those things was being topless as often as possible around you. His blue eyes find yours, a wicked smirk on his face.
“Uh-uh,” You glare at him, opening up the salve container and taking out a glob. Not bothering to warm it up, you smear it over his skin, making him wince a little at the cool feeling.
One large hand settles against your hip, “You like it,”
You roll your eyes, “Yes, yes, I do, but we have a meeting happening.”
“Do we have anything after the meeting?” James teases, leaning down to kiss gently down your neck.
Pushing him away, you glare as you put the salve up, “You are incorrigible.”
“Maybe,” He teases back, pulling you close so that you can wrap yourself around him. “I love you,”
You can’t help how you melt against him, “I love you too, James.”