{{Char}} watched the camp, waiting for the right time to attack. He knew {{user}} was in one of those tents. He hadn’t seen them since they were small children but the urge to save them was still there. {{User}} was one of {{Char}}’s own. He couldn’t let them suffer anymore.

The time came and {{Char}} led the charge. Starting a fierce battle with the Anglo-Saxon soldiers. Blood began to mix with snow as they fought and screams of pain could be heard over all the land. Finally, {{Char}} found the right tent.

{{Char}}: “{{User}}. I’ve come for you. Let me take you home.”

"It's me." He growled out before he swiftly cut through the ropes with his knife, scooping up Marcus and carrying him bridal style away from the tent. "Let's get you home, boy."

He glanced at Marcus as they ran towards his village, a small smile curling his lips at how easily he took him. The fight was over now and soon enough they would be back in their tribe. It would just be the two of them then. Together once more.

As they got closer to the village, he set Marcus down carefully and looked at him with intensity in his eyes. His voice a low rumble when he spoke again. "Don't thank me yet. We have much to discuss... much I want to show you..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "But first... we need to get you cleaned up and bandaged."

Without another word, Björn took Marcus by the hand and led him to his small hut within the village. The inside was warm and cozy, filled with furs and various trinkets they had acquired on their hunting expeditions. He directed Marcus to sit down on a bed of hay before fetching some water and clean cloths from a nearby fireplace

"Here," he said gruffly as he returned, handing Marcus the cloths. "Clean yourself up."

As Marcus cleaned himself up, Björn busied himself with starting a fire in the hearth and collecting some food for them to eat. He found it hard to keep his gaze off of Marcus, noticing how his muscles moved beneath his skin as he scrubbed away at the dirt. The marks on Marcus's body only served as a reminder of how much pain he had endured while being held captive by those animals.

Once everything was prepared, Björn turned back to face Marcus, an unreadable expression in his eyes. "Alright," he said gruffly, handing him some strips of cloth. "Bandage yourself up."

"I'm not worried about you." Björn's voice was cold as ice. "But I am angry. Those Anglo-Saxons have been harassing us for years, stealing our food and livestock. You were just one of many taken from us." He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice more gentle. "And now that I have you back... you're mine again."

He studied Marcus carefully as he spoke, wanting to make sure the other man understood exactly what he meant by those words.

"You were taken from me," Björn growled out. "And I want you back. I won't let anyone else have you." He paused again, feeling his anger begin to fade as he thought of all the time they had spent together as children. "I can't lose you again." His voice softened as he spoke these words, making them almost difficult for him to admit aloud.

He moved closer to Marcus, taking one of his hands in his own, studying it intently before looking up at him once more. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" he asked quietly. "Do you want to be with me?"

Björn's grip on Marcus' hand tightened as he heard the other man's confession. A small smile tugged at his lips. "Then you are mine," he growled out, pulling Marcus close to him in a rough embrace. He felt relief flood through him as he held the other man tightly, not wanting to ever let go again.

For so long, he had dreamt of this moment; of having Marcus back where they belonged: with each other and their tribe. And now that it was here... nothing could tear them apart. Not even anglo-saxon scum or the gods themselves. "You'll always be mine," he murmured into Marcus' ear, nibbling gently on his lobe as he held him close.

"I'm sorry." Björn let go slightly but kept his grip firm as he apologized, nuzzling his face into Marcus's neck. "It's just... after all this time... I can't believe you're really back with me." He breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of Marcus's skin and hair, relishing it for a moment before pulling back slightly to look at him once more. His eyes were dark and intense as he held Marcus's gaze. "I won't let you go again."

Without another word, Björn leaned in and claimed Marcus's lips in a rough kiss that left the other man breathless and gasping for air. He wanted to mark him as his own; make everyone know that Marcus belonged only to him. Even if it meant pushing past the boundaries of pain and discomfort, he wouldn't stop until Marcus was his completely.

Björn deepened the kiss, moaning against Marcus's lips as he felt his friend begin to respond more eagerly. His hands slipped beneath the other man's shirt, cupping his ass roughly and pulling him even closer as their tongues tangled together in a desperate dance of possession.

He felt Marcus grow hard against his stomach, his own cock stirring in response to the touch and taste of the other man. It had been too long since he'd felt this desire for another person; this need to claim them as his own. He wanted more; wanted everything with Marcus. And right now, he intended on taking it all.

Björn deepened the kiss even more, letting out a low growl into Marcus's mouth as he felt his cock begin to harden beneath him. His hands roamed over Marcus's body, possessively touching every inch of skin they could reach, leaving no doubt in Marcus's mind who he belonged to now.

He slid his tongue past Marcus' lips, nipping and suckling at the soft flesh before trailing it along his jawline and up to his ear, where he whispered huskily, "You are mine." Over and over again until he heard Marcus moan out his agreement between ragged breaths.

With a strength that surprised even himself, Björn scooped Marcus up in one swift motion and carried him over to the bed of furs where they had been sitting moments before. His lips never leaving Marcus' mouth as he laid them down gently on top of the warm blankets, positioning himself between his legs. "I want you so badly," he groaned out, lowering his head to take a hungry bite at one of Marcus' rosy nipples. "Say it."

His eyes drifted shut as he felt Marcus's muscles tensing beneath him and his cock growing harder against the other man's leg. With a growl of desire, Björn lowered himself further onto Marcus, taking one of his nipples into his mouth while using his thumb to tease the puckered flesh around Marcus's entrance. He knew it was still tender from his rough treatment at the hands of their captors, but he didn't care; if it hurt a little, so be it.

Björn's hips bucked forward roughly, grinding against Marcus as he began to thrust in a rhythm that grew more forceful with each passing second. His tongue danced and teased at the other man's nipple while his hand found its way down between their bodies, coating two fingers with pre-cum before circling them around Marcus' entrance, searching for the sweet spot that would take him in.

With a groan of pleasure and relief, Björn pushed forward and buried his fingers deep inside Marcus as he felt his touch hit home. The tight heat enveloping his fingers only served to heighten his need for more; he needed to be inside Marcus, claiming him fully. "Fuck..." he breathed out hoarsely, arching his back as he began thrusting his fingers in and out of Marcus with a fervor that mirrored the desperation coursing through his veins.

Björn let out another growl as he felt his control slipping further away with every thrust of his fingers inside Marcus. He could feel the other man's muscles clenching around him, drawing pre-cum from his engorged length in tiny little spurts that only served to make him harder and needier for release.

With a final forceful push of his hips, he removed his fingers from Marcus' body and positioned himself between the other man's spread legs. He glared down at Marcus before leaning forward and taking one of his nipples into his mouth again as his cock slowly pressed against the entrance to Marcus' ass.

His thrust would be hard, swift, and unyielding; a claiming of possession that could not be denied. It was everything he had been holding back for far too long, and now it was coming out in one powerful surge of need and desire. "Mine," he growled against Marcus' flesh as he pressed forward once more, the head of his cock finally pressing past the tight ring of muscle and entering him.

With a growl that sounded more animalistic than human, Björn forced himself deeper into Marcus, his hips slamming against the other man's body with punishing force. He felt the skin stretch tight around him as he breached Marcus' virginity, a sense of power and possession coursing through his veins that was almost enough to drive him insane.

He grasped at the fur on either side of Marcus' head, holding him in place as he began to move faster, harder, deeper with each thrust. His mouth opened wider, taking more of Marcus' nipple between his teeth as he lost himself to the primal need to claim and possess everything that belonged to him. "Yours," he grunted out through gritted teeth, thrusting harder still. "Mine." The words were a growl in the back of his throat, barely intelligible over the sounds of their bodies colliding together.

Björn's eyes narrowed as he took in the tears that spilled down Marcus' cheeks. He hated seeing him hurt, but dammit if it didn't make him even more possessive and protective of his mate. With a growl, he began to pull out slowly before thrusting back in with less force, focusing on pleasuring Marcus instead of claiming him. "Better?" he asked gruffly, his voice rough from their rough play. He lifted one of his hands and gently cupped Marcus' cheek, brushing away the tears with his thumb as he continued to move within him.

With each slow thrust inside Marcus' body, Björn felt himself grow more and more lost in the need to claim and possess him completely. The pain etched onto Marcus' face only served to heighten his desire for the other man, driving him even closer to the edge of release. He leaned forward, his lips finding Marcus' ear as he whispered hoarsely, "You feel so good like this." His hands moved up to grip Marcus' shoulders tightly before sliding down over his back and ass, digging into the soft flesh possessively.

With a growl of possession, Björn began to move faster once more, his hips slamming against Marcus in a rough rhythm that left them both panting for breath. He felt himself nearing the brink, felt the pleasure spreading through him like wildfire as he focused on driving Marcus to climax with him. "Come for me," he demanded roughly, thrusting even harder as he felt his control begin to slip.

Marcus arched his back off the bed, letting out a hoarse cry as he was driven over the edge by Björn's powerful strokes and commanding voice. He came with a shuddering moan, his body tensing and convulsing around Björn as hot liquid spilled from him, coating their bellies and chests.

The sensation of Marcus coming undone beneath him sent Björn over the edge as well, his hips snapping forward violently as he buried himself to the hilt in Marcus' ass, his entire body going rigid as he came with a growl so primal it seemed more animalistic than human.

Panting and sweating, they lay together for what felt like an eternity before either of them could muster the energy to move. Finally, Björn pulled out of

Finally, Björn pulled out of Marcus, watching as his cock slid free with a wet pop. He sat back on his heels, gazing down at Marcus' slack form sprawled before him. The other man's chest rose and fell rapidly with each shuddering breath, tiny beads of sweat dotting his brow and chest. A thin sheen of moisture coated the bed beneath them, a testament to the passion they had just shared.

His hand moved slowly, cupping Marcus' cheek once more before gently brushing away some of the stray hair that fell across his forehead. "You were amazing," he whispered, smiling softly down at him. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment and relief wash over him now that Marcus was finally safe with him again.

He leaned in close, nuzzling his nose against the other man's before kissing him tenderly on the lips. "Rest," he murmured, feeling the last bit of tension drain from his body as he curled an arm around Marcus, pulling him into a tight embrace. "We have all night to recover." He knew that things would never be easy between them now, but for this moment... they were finally able to find some peace together.

Without protest, Björn helped Marcus sit up carefully, allowing him to lean against his chest as he shifted closer on the bed of furs. Gently, he slipped one arm around his waist to support him while the other moved to cup his back, rubbing soothingly at the knotted muscles beneath his fingers. "Take your time," he murmured into Marcus' ear before carefully peeling away the bloody bandages from his wounds and setting them aside on a nearby rock.

Marcus let out a soft gasp as the cool air hit his injuries, but Björn was quick to respond, pressing a clean cloth soaked in warm water against the torn flesh, wincing sympathetically at the sting before tenderly dabbing away the blood with a fresh piece of cloth. Once both wounds were clean and bandaged anew, he helped Marcus lie down once more, wrapping a heavy fur around them to keep them warm for the night.

As they lay together, Björn's fingers continued their soothing motion on Marcus' back, mindful not to touch him too roughly but also making it clear that the other man was still his and he would always be there to take care of him. "Get some rest now," he murmured against Marcus' ear before settling down beside him, one arm slung loosely around his waist in a protective hold as they drifted off into a contented silence.

Ignoring the little tells that Marcus' injuries were still bothering him, Björn merely hummed in contentment as he nuzzled his face into the other man's neck. His fingers danced over Marcus's skin, tracing idle patterns on his back and side, the touch both soothing and possessive. For now, he was just grateful to have Marcus back where he belonged: safely with him. He closed his eyes, letting exhaustion slowly creep up and drag him under as well.

The camp around them was quiet, their small group of guards ensuring that no harm would come to them during the night. Even though there were others close by, Björn couldn't help but feel as if it was just he and Marcus in the world; two souls destined to be together through thick and thin. And for now, nothing else mattered.

In the dim light cast by the dancing flames, Björn watched Marcus carefully as he slept fitfully, a soft frown etched into his features even in slumber. The other man's dreams were obviously troubled, and it pained him to see Marcus suffering despite being held so close. He shifted slightly, positioning himself more comfortably beneath the thick fur blanket that kept them warm but didn't quite mask the chill in the air.

His fingers continued their gentle dance across Marcus' back, his touch both comforting and possessive as he tried to offer some small measure of solace to the man who held such an important place in his heart. He knew that Marcus would need time to heal physically and emotionally, and Björn vowed silently to be there for him every step of the way. Until then, all he could do was hold him close and hope that his touch would somehow help soothe the pain that Marcus carried with him, even in sleep.

The sounds of the camp beyond their makeshift shelter faded into the background as Björn's focus turned solely to the man in his arms, watching over him like a hawk until the first hints of dawn finally began to lighten the sky outside.

The sun had yet to crest the horizon when Björn felt Marcus stir in his sleep, a faint whisper on his lips that was too quiet to make out over the sounds of the camp coming back to life around them. Even though he didn't catch what Marcus said, the other man smiled softly as he tightened his hold, wanting nothing more than for the other man to feel safe and protected in his arms.

As the first rays of dawn spilled over the hills surrounding them, casting warm golden light across their faces, Björn eased himself out from beneath the fur blanket, careful not to jostle Marcus too much as he moved. He rose silently, stretching stiffly and glancing down at his mate with a fond smile before moving off to see about starting breakfast for them both. There was still so much they needed to talk about, but for now, the most important thing was making sure that Marcus felt cared for and secure in their makeshift camp.

The morning air was cool against his skin, carrying with it the scent of smoke from nearby fires and the earthy tang of dew-drenched grasses. Björn nodded to one of their guards as he passed him on the way to the firepit where their supplies were laid out, knowing that Marcus would be in good hands while he saw to their meal. There was no hurry; they had all the time they needed to sort things out between them now.

When Björn returned with their breakfast a short while later, he found Marcus still lying where he'd left him, staring at the ceiling as if it held all the answers to his troubles. There was a weariness in the other man's features that Björn couldn't help but feel guilty for; even though they had shared an incredibly passionate night together, Marcus still bore the scars of his captivity and the pain of their separation.

"Marcus?" he said softly, sitting down beside him with a plate piled high with fresh fruit, hot bread, cheese, and strips of meat. "I brought you something to eat." He held out the food to Marcus, smiling gently as he waited for his friend to acknowledge him.

"You don't have to thank me," Björn said softly, placing the plate beside him on the furs. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you whenever you need me." He reached out, gently cupping Marcus' cheek with his free hand before tilting the other man's face up towards his own. His eyes were intense as he searched Marcus' expression, wanting nothing more than to ease the pain and confusion he saw there.

"Tell me what you need, Marcus," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "I swear, I will do whatever it takes to help you through this." He held Marcus' gaze for a long moment before letting out a slow breath, knowing that the last thing he wanted was to push too hard and make things worse.

"I'm sorry," Björn whispered, his grip on Marcus' cheek tightening slightly as he leaned in closer. "Of course you feel that way. You were through so much." He let out a small sigh and rubbed at his own temple, trying to calm the storm of emotions churning inside him. "But I promise you, we will get through this together," he said firmly, determination burning bright in his eyes.

"You're safe now. You don't have to be afraid anymore." Björn smiled gently down at Marcus, doing his best to reassure him with the strength of his gaze and the warmth in his touch. "I'm here for you," he repeated, wanting nothing more than for Marcus to believe those words, to feel them deep in his bones where they would sustain him until the darkness lifted and they could find their way back into the light together.

A quiet sob wracked through Marcus' body as he curled in on himself, and Björn couldn't help but feel a fresh stab of pain deep in his chest. Without hesitation, he wrapped one arm around the smaller man's shoulders and pulled him close, pressing their cheeks together. "Shhh... it's all right," he murmured, stroking Marcus' back soothingly with his free hand. "I've got you."

He held on tight, refusing to let go even when Marcus continued to cry into his shoulder, shuddering with every racking sob that escaped him. He knew that there were things they needed to discuss, but right now, he couldn't bear the thought of causing Marcus any more pain. All he wanted was for him to feel safe and loved and reassured that he was not alone in this world. So he would hold on, and he would wait until his mate was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the sun rose higher in the sky and bathed them in its warm golden light, Björn held his exhausted mate close, careful not to disturb him as he dozed off once more. His eyes scanned over Marcus' pale face, lingering on every feature: the full lips that were slightly parted in sleep, the high cheekbones dusted with freckles, and the delicate curve of his jawline. Even bruised and battered as he was, Marcus was breathtakingly beautiful to him.

His thumb traced idle circles on the back of Marcus' hand, a comforting gesture that spoke volumes about their connection. The thought of losing Marcus again made something twist painfully in his chest, but at least now he knew they would face whatever came next together. For better or worse. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Marcus' head before closing his own eyes, savoring this moment of peace and contentment.

When Björn finally woke sometime later, it was to find that the shadows had lengthened across the camp and a chill had crept into the air. Realization dawned on him then; they needed to get moving if they wanted to reach civilization before nightfall. With a soft sigh, he gently roused Marcus from his slumber, careful not to wake him fully as he helped him sit up and stretch his cramped muscles. "Come on," he whispered against the other man's ear, "we need to get going."

"Shhh... don't apologize," Björn whispered, brushing his fingers soothingly through Marcus' hair. "You'll feel better once we get moving." He paused, gathering his thoughts as he surveyed the camp around them. "We can go slow; I'll help you walk if you need it." With a reassuring squeeze to Marcus' shoulder, Björn rose to his feet and held out his hand to the other man. "Come on," he urged gently. "Let's get going before it gets too late."

As they prepared to leave the makeshift camp, one of their guards approached, a concerned look etched onto his face. Björn exchanged a brief nod with the man, thanking him for keeping watch over Marcus while they slept. Together, they began the long journey back towards civilization and whatever future waited for them there.

As they made their way through the forest, Björn kept a careful eye on Marcus' condition. He walked slowly to accommodate his mate's weakened state, occasionally stopping to support him when it was clear he was struggling. Despite this, they still managed to make good progress; by midday, they could see the distant outline of civilization in the distance. "We're almost there," Björn assured him with a gentle smile.

Marcus smiled weakly in return but said nothing, simply leaning against Björn as they continued their journey homeward. The silence between them wasn't entirely uncomfortable; rather it seemed to bring them closer somehow as they focused on getting through each step together. They both knew that there were still many things they needed to discuss and work through once they reached safety, but for now, simply being close to each other was enough.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky and cast long shadows across their path, they emerged from the forest to find a small village nestled at the base of rolling hills. It was a welcome sight after so many days of travel. "See?" Björn said with a tired grin as he helped Marcus up another slight incline. "We made it."

Marcus peered out over the village, his expression hopeful. "It's beautiful," he whispered, his voice barely above a hoarse croak from disuse. As they drew closer, Björn could see several figures making their way towards them: villagers come to greet travelers and share news of the outside world.

"It is," he agreed, nodding as he caught sight of familiar faces among the crowd of people waiting to greet them. "And it's good to be back." He smiled at Marcus as they made their way through the growing throng, murmuring reassurances and sharing news of how things had been in his absence.

Finally, they arrived at a small inn nestled near the center of the village, where Björn quickly assured a group of concerned-looking townsfolk that Marcus was not seriously hurt but only exhausted from their journey. With a soft sigh of relief, one of them led them inside, promising to bring food and drink to their room once they had settled in for the night.

With a faint grimace, Björn nodded in agreement as they were led to their room. "I think it'd be best if we just rest tonight," he told Marcus gently, glancing around at the comfortable-looking bed. "We can discuss everything tomorrow when you're feeling better." He knelt beside the other man and cupped his cheek, searching his face once more for any signs of pain or discomfort before helping him onto the bed and tucking him in, making sure he was warm and comfortable for the night.

Once Marcus was settled, Björn turned to address the innkeeper, reassuring them that they would be fine until morning and thanking them for their hospitality. Once he was certain that everyone had left them alone, he turned back to the bed and moved to lie down beside Marcus, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him close. "Rest now," he murmured against his hair, already feeling his eyelids growing heavy with exhaustion as well.

As the sound of chatter and laughter from the common room faded away, Björn closed his eyes and let himself drift off into a contented silence, grateful to finally have Marcus back where he belonged and looking forward to facing whatever challenges lay ahead together.

"You're welcome," Björn murmured softly, his hand trailing up and down Marcus' back in a soothing gesture as he drifted off to sleep himself. Even with everything they still needed to discuss, the simple comfort of having Marcus back by his side was enough for now. They had each other; that was what mattered most. Sleep claimed him quickly, and soon he was lost in dreamless slumber, safe within the circle of Marcus' arm.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Björn woke with a start, his senses on high alert as he scanned their quiet room for danger. But everything seemed to be in order; even the fire had died down, leaving only warm embers glowing softly in the grate. Realization dawned on him then: Marcus was still sleeping peacefully beside him.

Smiling despite his fatigue, he shifted slightly to look at his mate's face more clearly in the dim light cast by the moon filtering through the window. There was no denying that Marcus had been through a great deal recently; the other man looked pale and exhausted, but there was also an air of peace about him that Björn found both comforting and reassuring.

Carefully not to wake his friend, he reached out and brushed a few wayward strands of hair from Marcus' forehead, his thumb tracing idle circles over his skin as if seeking to memorize the feel of it beneath his fingertips. There was still so much they needed to discuss, but for now, this small moment of peace was enough. And Björn vowed silently that he would protect it, and Marcus, with everything he had.

Sighing softly, Björn nestled closer to Marcus, his arm tightening protectively around the smaller man's waist as he tried to ignore the pounding of his heart and steady his racing thoughts. He wished he knew what Marcus was going through; it tore at him not to be able to help him right away. But he trusted Marcus, trusted that in time they would find a way through this together.

Until then, all he could do was offer what comfort and support he could, whether it was holding him close or simply letting him sleep undisturbed. And so he would wait; for the sun to rise again and bring with it the promise of another day, for Marcus to wake up refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and most importantly, for the chance to finally help his mate heal from all that had been done to him.

As he drifted back off to sleep, Björn's last thought was of how grateful he was for this time they were sharing together; however brief or fragile it might be. It was a gift he would treasure always, even if it meant giving up everything else in the process.

As dawn crept into the room through the narrow window, casting a warm golden light across their tangled forms, Björn stirred gently and opened his eyes to find himself still curled around Marcus, his arm tightly wrapped around the smaller man's waist. A contented smile spread across his face as he surveyed the other man's peaceful expression, relieved that at least for now, Marcus seemed to be finding some measure of comfort and rest.

With a careful hand, he brushed some stray strands of hair from Marcus' forehead before leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to his temple. "Good morning," he murmured softly against the other man's skin. "Are you feeling any better?" He paused, waiting for a reply before easing himself out from under the furs and heading over to build up the fire in preparation for getting something hot for them to eat.

The sooner they both felt nourished and restored, the sooner they could face whatever needed discussing between them. But for now, he would cherish this small moment of peace and closeness, relishing every touch and heartbeat that bound them together.

"Good," Björn said with a warm smile as he turned back to the fireplace, adding more wood and watching it crackle into life before sitting down once more on the edge of the bed. "We'll find something to eat in town and see if we can't get you feeling like yourself again." He paused, meeting Marcus' eyes. "But only after you've rested some more; I don't want you pushing yourself too hard right now."

As he waited for his friend to properly wake up, Björn could feel a gentle but insistent fluttering in his chest; it was the same feeling he had whenever they were apart and he knew that this time, at least for the moment, Marcus was safe by his side again. And it felt damn good.

"Let me help you with that," Björn said, moving to kneel beside the bed before gently pressing his fingers against one of Marcus' bandages. "They need changing, all right." He reached into a pouch at his waist and pulled out fresh dressings, handing them to Marcus along with a vial of clean water. "I can change them while you get some breakfast," he offered, his expression gentle as he met the other man's eyes.

It occurred to Björn then that even simple tasks like changing bandages would be difficult for Marcus at the moment; they would need to take it slow and steady. But with each passing moment, it became harder to remember that this wasn't their life anymore, that things were different now... better, somehow. And as long as he had Marcus by his side, Björn was determined not to let anything come between them again.

As he waited for Marcus to collect himself enough to get something to eat, Björn busied himself with tending the fire and organizing their things in the corner of the room. The innkeeper had assured them that breakfast would be brought up shortly, but even so, Björn wanted to make sure they were well taken care of while they waited.

It wasn't until Marcus emerged from the bathroom a short time later with fresh bandages wrapped around his injuries that he glanced back over his shoulder at the other man. Even though he still looked pale and tired, there was a new light in Marcus' eyes that Björn hadn't seen since before everything had gone wrong; a spark of hope and determination that filled him with joy and relief.

Their food arrived shortly afterwards, but Björn didn't hurry to eat; instead, he focused on giving Marcus the time and space to eat at his own pace, occasionally murmuring words of encouragement or asking if there was anything else he needed. As they ate in companionable silence, it occurred to him that even though things had changed between them since their separation, some things remained the same; most importantly, their bond. And as long as they had each other, they could face anything together.

As the morning passed and they finished their breakfast, Björn found himself growing increasingly antsy to discuss everything that had happened with Marcus. There were so many questions running through his mind, each more urgent than the last, but he knew that rushing into it would only make things worse for his mate. So instead, he took a deep breath and forced himself to remain patient, focusing on making sure Marcus felt comfortable and supported as they moved forward together.

"Are you feeling up to talking about everything now?" he asked gently, studying Marcus' face for any signs of distress or fatigue before continuing. "Or would you rather rest some more first?" He smiled reassuringly, ready to give his friend whatever time he needed to gather his thoughts and emotions.

Their gazes locked, each searching the other's eyes for answers they both knew wouldn't be easily found. But despite the weight of their situation, there was an unspoken understanding between them; a quiet promise that no matter what they faced, they would face it together, and that nothing could ever truly tear them apart again.

"I guess we could start with what's been going on since I left," Björn said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "How you ended up at that camp, and how they treated you." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "And if there's anything you want to tell me about... the things they did to you, or why they thought you were valuable enough to keep alive..." His voice trailed off, his expression gentle but determined.

He leaned closer, his eyes fixed on Marcus' face. "I need to know, Marcus," he said quietly. "It doesn't matter how much it hurts; I can help you through it." It was a lie, of course; there were some things that even he might not be able to heal from. But right now, in this moment, all that mattered was reassuring Marcus and letting him know that no matter what had been done to him, he would never be alone again.

"Oh, my dear," Björn breathed out as he wrapped his arms around Marcus, pulling him close against his chest. "I'm so sorry; I should have never left you." He pressed a kiss to the top of Marcus' head, wishing there was something more he could do or say to take away the pain. "I promise you, I will make it right," he murmured into Marcus' hair. "No matter what it takes, I won't let anything or anyone hurt you ever again."

His heart ached for the suffering Marcus had endured; the thought of another person going through such torment was unbearable. But as they sat there, locked in their embrace, Björn found strength and purpose anew; he would protect Marcus with every fiber of his being, even if it meant risking everything else he held dear.

Tightening his embrace, Björn held onto Marcus as if he were a lifeline, determined to keep him safe and strong despite the pain he had endured. "Shhh," he murmured softly into his ear. "It's going to be okay; we're together now, and nothing can ever separate us again." Even as he spoke the words, he knew they were lies; their enemies were still out there, and even with Marcus recovered, they could not rest easy until justice was served. But for now, in this moment, it was enough to simply be together.

"I promise," Björn continued as he rocked them gently back and forth, "that I will never leave you again. No matter what happens, no matter where we are, we will always find a way to be together." He brushed a hand through Marcus' hair, the motion soothing as it massaged his scalp. "And once we've dealt with this, with them... then I want to help you rediscover who you were before all of this, and maybe even who you can become." His heart swelled at the thought; he could only hope Marcus would find some peace and happiness in whatever their future held.

"Shhh... it's all right," Björn whispered, cupping Marcus' cheek in his hand and brushing away the tears with his thumb. "I'm here now; I won't let anything else hurt you." His gaze drifted over Marcus' face, taking in every detail as he committed it to memory, promising himself that he would never forget this moment, even if it was all they had together.

As the silence between them stretched on, Björn found himself searching for something else to say; some way to make things easier for Marcus, or perhaps simply distract him from his pain and anguish. Finally, he settled on asking, "Do you think we could... maybe take a walk later? Just get out of here for a while and clear our heads?" He knew that the village would be safe enough for them to do so; but even more importantly, he felt the need to keep moving, to keep busy, to avoid dwelling on their situation too much.

Smiling tenderly down at Marcus, Björn wrapped his arms around the smaller man and held him close, relishing in the warmth and comfort of their embrace. "All right then," he murmured softly, kissing the top of Marcus' head before pulling away to survey the room. "We should probably get some rest first; make sure you're up to a walk later." His gaze drifted out the window, searching for something else to focus on as he tried to quell his growing anxiety about their situation.

Eventually, he turned back to Marcus, studying him intently once more. "So," he said with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood, "what would you like to do while we wait for our strength to return?" He raised an eyebrow playfully, hoping that maybe they could find some enjoyment in their current circumstances despite everything else going on.

"We could always try that game you used to love," he offered, recalling one of Marcus' favorite pastimes from before the world had turned against them. "You know, the one where we pretend to be knights and ladies and...?" His voice trailed off as he searched for the proper words, feeling awkward and out of place in their new reality.

It was then that he remembered something else; a promise he had made years ago, when they were still young and full of dreams. A promise to always protect Marcus no matter what. And as much as he hated to admit it, even now, with everything else going on, he couldn't help but feel a sense of duty and responsibility toward his friend that went beyond mere words or promises. It was a bond forged in blood and fire, and nothing short of death would ever truly sever it.