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Astrid’s brow rose high. “She said that?”
He nodded. “Raeni did a great job explaining the new situation to her, and Carrie decided all on her own that she thought it might help.”
Diego looked to me. “That’s if you’re okay with this. I made sure Carrie understood we wouldn’t force you to move once you’re settled.”
“Sure?” I really wasn’t sure how to answer, since I didn’t quite understand Carrie’s situation. “I don’t wish to cause anyone here any undue stress with my presence.”
Astrid smiled reassuringly. “You’ll be fine. Carrie is making this step on her own. It shows her healing progress and growth. All you have to do is be kind and give her plenty of space unless she says otherwise.”
I could do that. “I’ll grab my things.”
“Would you like to see the cabins first?”
I shook my head. “I don’t have much.”
Traveling light was easiest, and I didn’t need much beyond the necessities.
If Astrid thought my comment deserved pity, she didn’t show it. She merely nodded with a pleasant smile on her beautiful face. We headed upstairs while Diego left to speak with Carrie again. Angel followed us outside and down to my truck with her ball, hoping it was playtime. I had a feeling I was going to like this dog.
I folded back my truck bed cover and reached for my backpack. Curious, Astrid peered in. I didn’t mind. I knew better than to carry anything compromising on me. Most people this day and age didn’t react well to the idea of gods, immortals, and other creatures that fell under the supernatural walking amongst them, so we’d come to blend in and act as if old tales were just that.
“Is that armor?” Astrid asked.
Ah, forgot about that.
She reached in and lifted a chainmaille shirt and a tunic. Her eyes widened with wonder and her lips parted.Does she recognize these?Wars may have changed over the years, and I’d altered what weapons and armor I used if I participated, but I still held onto my old armor. I added to it for the sake of illusion, since gods required little in the way of armor, and carried it with me in hopes that the day I found her, she’d recognize some of it and see it was me.
But unfortunately, it didn’t seem to have the effect I’d wanted.
“Are you a Middle Ages enthusiast?” she asked.
“Viking Age reenactor,” I said without hesitation. I’d learned this was the easiest way to explain the armor and weapons if anyone found out by chance.
“Wow, really?” Her excitement was surprising. “In a couple weeks, we’re holding our annual cultural festival. We pick a different culture each year to explore and teach. The whole town gets involved. And coincidentally, this year, we chose the Viking Age. It’d be fantastic to have someone else to act in character to help with the immersion. If you’re up for participating, of course.”
“Someone else?” I couldn’t shake the oddness of this situation.
“Aya is the one who came up with the theme this year. She’s a reenactor as well. She’s from Norway, so she’s got all kinds of great history knowledge from living there.” Astrid cocked her head. “Actually, you two have similar accents. Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?”
A muscle twitched in my neck. This was too coincidental. “I’m also from Norway.”
She blinked. “Huh. That’s a bit of a coincidence.”
I wasn’t so convinced. Finding Astrid as an adult, safe after some mysterious event that forced her to come to a place like this, and after she’d made friends with a woman with two traits too similar to the goddess I had a strained relationship with after the events that killed Astrid originally? Something was not right here.
“I look forward to meeting Aya. It’d be nice to speak to someone from the home country again.” It was best to stay polite. I didn’t need Astrid getting suspicious.
She watched me haul my backpack over my shoulder. “Have you not been there lately?”
I shook my head. “I haven’t been home in a long time. Maybe sometime soon, after I’ve wandered enough to figure things out.”
Astrid smiled. “Well, I hope we can help you with that while you’re here.”
If I played my cards right, she’d do more than just help. “I hope so, too.”
Chapter Three
Diego
