*Erik*
I walk back to the longhouse after a day out in the fields again. It has been nice, but it feels odd since Harald is back. It’s like I am intruding, but truly, I have enjoyed it.
As I approach the house, I see Mani and Thorolf outside, practicing with wooden swords. A good man, not taking a chance of hurting my girl. I stay back and watch. Mani has become quite good, a clear sign of her mother helping her, but I’m even more shocked when she hands her sword to Ansuz, and he quickly disarms the older boy.
Even more shocked is Thorolf, who stands before him in stunned silence. “Where did you learn to do that?”
“I have been practicing alone,” he shrugs.
Mani is leaning against a house in a fit of giggles, and the sound makes me smile—my beautiful, happy children.
I sneak ins
