Note: Ilse = German; diminutive form of Elisabeth. Variant of Elise (name for Liechtenstein)
It was foolish to venture into Roman territory. Rome's soldiers were steadily attempting to conquer the wild north and Germania knew the risks if he was caught too far in one of the fool's provinces. He would not venture this far south unless he had a reason.
"Papa!"
The blond Germanic man turned and his gaze softened as he caught sight of the little girl, appearing to be no more than six winters, running toward him. He knelt down to catch her and her light laughter was like music as he lifted her into the air. Her little arms wrapped around his neck and he kissed her round cheek. His sweet flower. His little secret.
"I missed you, Papa." She said. As she pulled away from him, he saw her small lips pull into a pout. "You were gone for so long!"
"I am sorry, Ilse." Germania apologized and he brushed back her fair hair. "Were you lonely?"
The little girl shook her head. "No. I played with lots of children while I waited." Like that, her little frown was gone and she was smiling again.
Germania set her back down on the ground to follow her to the top of the hill. There was a meadow there, green and flowering, and overlooked the valley where few Romans lived and made wine. Beyond them, the river flowed and trailed back to the white topped mountains which surrounded the valley. He removed his scabbard and sword as he sat down in the grass. Rome called this place Raetia and claimed it for his own many years ago. He did not know about Ilse and that was exactly how Germania intended to keep it. Though he knew the empire would not harm his beloved daughter, he would not give her up to the power hungry man.
"Here Papa! I made this for you!" Ilse held out a flower crown, made from white, orange and yellow wildflowers from the meadow. The green stems were woven together with such expertise that could rival the women from any of Germania's tribes.
Germania hummed and he bowed his head to allow her to place it on his head. He reached up to adjust it. "Seems to fit."
Ilse clapped her hands and she laughed. "You look so pretty now!" She moved back her long hair as the wind blew it in her face. "Papa, will you braid my hair?"
The blond man nodded and felt his features soften as she smiled. She climbed into his lap with her back to him and hummed as he brushed his thick fingers through her hair. If he pulled too hard, she never complained. She began telling him about her friends in the villages and the families who would offer her shelter and company if she asked for it. They cared for her in Germania's absence and, for that, he was grateful. He kissed the top of her head and smiled as he listened.
Ilse was his flower, his beloved child. With her, he could find the peace and tranquility his own life lacked.