A small part of her lamented sending Njáll away, craving his steady presence.
Alruna appeared, her figure chasing away the draugar, but failing to mute them completely. Indistinct mumblings murmured all night, the sounds scratching like nails on stone in the recesses of her mind.
Eventually, she passed out, her body too exhausted to fight anymore.
A light breeze rustled the treetops, blowing errant strands of her hair loose from her braid. Despite her attempts to remain unseen, a few folks moved around in the early dawn light.
Luckily, most seemed unenthused by her presence, paying her little mind as they went about their morning routines. Some chopped wood, while others mended nets or skinned rabbits.
Those who saw her gave a silent nod before returning to their business.
The tight knot in chest unraveled slightly, her finger wrapping around a wayward coil of hair.
As she rounded a corner, a soft thud echoed in the dirt beside her. Her eyes flicked, a tired smile curling on her lips at the sight of Alruna’s wispy tail flicking in her wake. Those gold eyes twinkled in the morning light, gazing at Elara.
“Good morning,” Elara murmured, slowing her pace enough to glide her fingers through the silky fur.
The repetitive movement helped ease the guilt festering in her belly.
She’d been as cruel as he’d been, blaming him for something he had nothing to do with. It wasn’t her fault Englishmen attacked Njáll’s sister, and maybe it wasn’t his fault a Dane had killed her brother.
Two fingers pressed into the spot between her eyes, rubbing at the dull ache pounding there.
Yesterday had been long.
Too long.
The time spent before the Konungr had been uneasy, but the man didn’t appear as gruff as Njáll made him sound. His many seasons lined the creases around his eyes, the marks as numerous as his scars.
She hadn’t understood any of their harsh, yet, oddly beautiful language. It wasn’t the Konungr’s imposing disposition putting her on edge. No, it had been every eye silently watching her.
Back home, Elara mostly went unnoticed. Here she felt on display. An ornamental jewel to be shown off with the rest of their raiders’ conquests. She was thankful when the crowds dispersed and Njáll tucked her into his side.
Elara walked for a long time without purpose, observing life humming in the quiet morning light. It wasn’t so different from her own. A man and his wife huddled together by a fire, sharing a meal. Further down the path, a man with long blond hair hitched a small girl on his hip, feeding a few sheep.
It reminded her of her father, and how he’d carried her from place to place when she was little. A sad smile strained the corners of her mouth. She’d see him again someday. She knew it.
Something fastened to the outer wall of the massive central structure drew her attention. A large tapestry stretched over the aged beams. Her eyes darted across the stained fabric, admiring it as her fingers hovered over the dyed hide.
In the center was a fearsome woman. A wreath of gold leaves and tangled roses perched on top of her head. Robes of spun silver and silk flowed from her elegant figure, almost shimmering in the delicate light.
A gasp caught in Elara’s throat, making her cough.
At the hollow of the woman’s throat sat a glowing gem, highlighting her twinkling gold hair.
It washer.
The same woman who had appeared to her, talking of fate.
Her heart hammered against her ribs, so loud she was certain anyone would hear it. Despite the swell of emotions consuming her, she forced herself closer to the tapestry. Scanning the bottom border of the image, her gaze fixed on delicate gold lettering.
Freyja.
Fingertips bounced over her parted lip, Elara’s eyes falling on Alruna. The panther sat at her feet, mimicking the graceful pose of the enormous cats pulling Freyja’s chariot. Nails traced the embroidery of the name etched into the canvas.
Elara stumbled backward, clutching her chest. She knew nothing of the Norse or their gods, only the few glimpses Njáll had shared with her.
Rocks dug into her knees as she fell to the ground. Alruna nudged her palm, a gentle purr rumbling from her.
