Good Morning, Smár Einn!
Thank you to Mel, Jill, and Paige!
.: Fimm Tigir ok Sex :.
The unexpected crop growth sets our whole morning back. When Edvard and I go back inside, I secretly dig out my mother's necklace, checking to see if it has somehow changed or can be blamed for the crops. It looks exactly the same, and I let out a tense breath. I wrap it in a small animal skin before sliding it into a pouch and stuffing it into my pocket. Once it's secured, I get to work, packing up our things.
By the time the sun is directly overhead, we are finally ready to depart. Bjorn, Egil, Tove, Sigurð, Erik, and sweet baby Halvard plan to travel with us, as Bjorn's farmstead is beyond Edvard's. I'm happy to not have to say goodbye to them yet, as I'm already struggling with having to leave Rúna and Eydís.
Rúna doesn't cry, but she pulls me into such a fierce hug that tears well in my own eyes. She promises we will see each other again, and though I believe her, I know it may be a while yet.
Foli hugs me around the waist, very briefly, before running off again. I smile as I watch him going, trying to commit his still child-like face in my memory. Who knows what he will look like the next time I see him.
Katla is the one that causes my tears to spill over. I settle on my knees to take her into my arms, and she comes willingly, sinking against my chest, her small body curling into mine.
"I will see you again," I whisper into her hair. "I promise."
Her fingers tug my braid. "I don't want you to go."
I smile, blinking harshly to stop more tears from slipping down my cheeks. "I know, Dear Heart," I murmur. "But I will be right here," I reach up, tapping her chest. She looks up at me, puzzled. "In your heart."
She sighs, squeezing me tighter before crawling out of my lap. Edvard helps me to my feet and I reach up to wipe my eyes.
"Remember what I've taught you," Eydís says, stepping forward and pulling me into a firm hug. I take in the woodsy scent of her.
"I will," I promise her.
"The moment you arrive, you must plant this." She places a small leather pouch into my hands. "Winter plants. They need time to grow, and your stores will greatly rely on them."
I secure the pouch on my belt, looking back up at her. "Thank you."
She nods, reaching up to place her palm on my shoulder.
"Call on me, daughter. Whenever you may need me."
Her eyes flicker down to my stomach, and I nod, my mouth going dry.
"When the time comes, I will," I promise her.
She smiles and lets me go.
I say goodbye to Arni and sweet little Hugi, giving Oddi one last hug before finally turning to Kári. He offers me a warm smile, though I know he is not as fond of me as the rest of his family is. We have barely had time to get to know one another, and the time we did have, we argued. Still, I know that he must like me, at least well enough to grant permission for our marriage.
"Thank you, for everything," I tell him..
"You are always welcome in my hall," he says, offering me his hand. I take it, and he gently pulls me into a hug. "Travel well, daughter."
His words unexpectedly bring new tears to my eyes, and I blink fast to dispel them.
When we pull away, I give him a small, shaky smile.
Edvard gently reaches out for me, guiding me outside where the horses are waiting. There is a cart where Tove, Sigurð, and Halvard will ride with the family's belongings. The rest of us are upon horses.
I'm still not comfortable, riding my own horse, and I head for the cart when Edvard stops me.
"Where are you going?" he asks.
"I don't know how to ride a horse on my own," I tell him, looking over at the mare. Edvard smiles, his fingers linking through mine.
"Then we shall ride together."
It's probably impractical, and it'll probably slow us down, but I really don't care. I can't help but remember the last time we shared a horse, how it had felt to be mounted with him. Now that I know him in a much more intimate way, I crave that experience again.
"Okay," I say, letting him lead me to the horse.
We take our mounts, Edvard settling on the horse behind me. I am surrounded by his warmth and scent and strength, and for a moment, my mind wanders completely.
"Hold on tight," he murmurs next to my ear. My hands brush behind me, grazing over his thighs before they settle in the horse's mane.
"Let's go home."