I looked up. The sky was a deep sapphire blue with not a cloud in sight. In the wind a great eagle soared high above. I lowered by bow. I don't think I will ever be able to shoot an eagle again. I walked back over to my horse. Slowly I rode back toward the house. The grass was green; the leaves on the trees were turning orange and red. But I saw none of the vibrant colours. I dismounted. My horse walked herself into the stable; I walked indoors. My bow was hung back up in its typical place. I trudged past my brother and went to my room.
"Supper will be ready in ten minutes," he called after me.
"Not hungry," I mumbled.
"You hardly eat any more." He caught up with me and gripped my shoulders. "You're not yourself anymore. I haven't seen you smile in months, there are no witty comebacks, and you don't bring home any game. It's like you lost yourself." He looked at me with pain evident in his eyes. It was touching really, but I just stared back with dead eyes. "Lorainne, something needs to change. I can't stand seeing you like this. Maybe you need to go back. I would rather know you are happy there than being home and only a shell of yourself. I love you too much to let you die like this."
"Do you think going back would help?" I asked.
"I don't know, Lorainne." He shook his head sadly. "But I don't see how it could get worse. At least it's something to try."
"I'll go back tomorrow then." So I walked to my room with the intention of packing. I remembered, though, that I had left most of my things in Asgard. I was in a hurry to leave once I decided to leave. So instead I lay down on my bed and fell asleep.