As a kid, Gunther participated in a lot of the more boisterous and exciting traditions of his culture, but the lesser-known intricacies were… not as attention-grabbing, and so he didn't bother. But as he got older and participated in the holidays and customs of his people, he realized how important each one was- is, how important each one is, and how his beliefs help him move forward.
As he looks out to the horizon, watching as the sun slowly sets, he thinks of the sea goddess Rán and of Jackie's righteous anger before she set foot on that boat. He likes to think that Rán, despite her nature, saw his beloved's good heart under her ire and convinced Odin to let her live on as a creature of the sea.
Maybe it's these musings that makes him so aware of the sudden change in the air around him, to the unexpected melody. A lot of people know that the Vikings believed in gods, many but tend to overlook the beliefs in spirits and magic, and that's what this song feels like, magic. Something so enchanting and haunting and otherworldly that it sends a shiver up his spine.
Gunther feels like he's on autopilot when he stands to follow the sound and it takes significant effort for him to keep from taking more than one step towards the tree line. Something deep in his gut tells him to cover his ears and when he does, it's like he's pulled out of a dream. Before he has a moment to contemplate what it means, he feels the air shift again and the melody is gone when he pulls his hands away.
He only manages to ignore his curiosity for a beat or two before he heads into the forest, thinking of Jackie as he does, before the sound of voices drifts towards him. One of them is familiar enough that he stops, hiding without meaning too, and causes him to frown in annoyance.
"I'm ok, Scarlett. Really."
"Are you sure? Because honestly, Julie, it looks like you're recovering from a concussion."
Gunther shakes his head and turns back to the way he came. Weeks ago, something told him to it wasn't the right moment to approach Kick, now it's telling him it's time to seek out his friend and he'll be damned if he doesn't listen.