I was young when it happened, not even a teen yet, not old enough to drink the ale my fellow friends and family had the pleasures of. I mean, to be honest, my age was probably shown as I rummaged through the wooden box at the foot of the bed, the fur of my cloak tickling my neck and cheek as I tilted my head as I observed the belongings in the box.
I was enjoying the peace to myself when i broke into a smile, the glint of the metal caught my eye, the gift in which my father had told me to bring to the feast. I outstretched my small hand, being a girl, it wasn't that big anyways, not in comparison to the male inhabitants. I held it up in the light "There you are" I exclaimed, I thought I'd never find it, thank Odin I did.
I stood up, bracelet clasped in my small gentle fist and surveyed the surroundings, I could hear the bustle of talk beyond the wooden doors and I was nervous yet excited all the same, it seemed, from what I could hear, the drinks had already been served. But that's what I loved, the environment, the people, this room. For those were the few components making this my home. The place I belonged. I knew that, deep in my bones I could feel it as I looked around the spacious room, I'd never seen so many shields in one place, lest it was that of a battlefield. The fur rugs on the floor of dead animals, expertly hunted by my people, I walked over to one and ran my hand across it gently, they were majestic animals, a shame they had to be hunted, most of them were mostly wolves, or bears, but the one slung around my shoulder, the one that tickled my cheek ever so slightly earlier, was that of a fox. I loved the way it looked, the white bristles of its fur slowly fading into the deep red that the animal was known for, it fastened around my collarbones with a leather buckle, the white fox's tail hanging down to my stomach.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, the candles in the room gave it a lovely scent, better to mask the smell of dead animals and dried blood on swords and the sweat gathered in the bedsheets from restless nights, better to please the guests with the soft glow the flickering flame have off, I could still smell if of course, I was accustomed to it by now, though it didn't bother me, for it was home.
I could hear the voices behind the closed wooden door quieten down, perhaps something was happening. With a straight face I walked to the door and swung it open as far as I could.
Of course, naturally with it being a feast the first thing I saw was the clumsiness that only belonged to the men, the drinkers, one stumbled over the thick red rug laid down the centre of the room, narrowly missing the wooden table assembled for the serving of drinks. I could hear my name being called out, so I looked away from the distraction. "Eivor, here's a tune for you! One to liven your step..." He said, he turned on his heel and began playing the lyre in his arms, I recognized the man as Skald, he was friendly enough at times, a friend I might say, though I could barely recognise if he was drunk or not.
The tune was most joyful, though I didn't mind it any attention as I made my way forward to the man who was holding someone up in his arms, it seemed he was drunk to the point of collapsing, I could barely retain my laugh, men really should know how to hold their ale, if it were me, I'd win everyone in a contest. My eyes snapped up as the blonde haired man with the matching beard turned around. My father. "Ah, there you are, my little drengr." Varin turned to face me more and pushed the man away from him with a simple "Go" as the drunken tripped over his own feet. Varin sighed heavily, holding the wooden mug in his hands, he walked to my side, lowering himself a bit to my level. "So, did you see our king?" Varin questioned. I didn't speak, simply lifted my hand to point in front of me to the long table in front of me, I didn't see why words were necessary since that action alone granted me praise. "Yes, good. Come Eivor." The man grunted and sat down on one of the seats available, placing his hand on my shoulder, I grimaced as he asked me about the ring, if I had managed to acquire it. I held it up for Varin to see, never breaking my gaze from his, not even as I felt his large calloused and rough hand cover mine as his sight was transfixed on the metal I held. "Yes. Now...now for our little plan. When you see us talking, be quiet as a wood mouse and then surprise him with our gift." Varin whispered in a soft tone, talking slowly as to make sure I follow his instructions to the letter.
