renegades, httyd

xlvi. Wayward Traveller

renegades
chapter forty-six

     He told his parents he'd stay with them in the crowd. But he was so excited. Amongst the crowding villagers was a boy no older than five. He had run away from his mother's hand to slip his way towards the back. He wanted to see the announcement. He wanted to see the chief's newborn daughter. The little boy passed through legs and bodies with ease, slipping around with no one even noticing. Even so young, he had the talent brewing of a brilliant thief. 

     There was excited chatter; everyone was waiting to see the firstborn of the chief and chieftess. For years, they had been trying for a child, and while she was not a son, no one cared━they were just happy to see their beloved chieftess happy with a child of her own. She might not be able to have another, and so this one will be treasured and spoilt━the princess of their tribe. 

     The little boy continued his delicate escapade, rushing towards the trees near the edge of the Great Hall. He was the best climber in his family━out of everyone his age. He reached the wood and grasped hand holds out of nooks and branches. He hoisted his feet up, light and quick━he climbed and climbed up the tree until he knew he'd be able to see. Once he could see the gathering perfectly, he perched himself on the thick of the branch, brushing away leaves with fur-covered fingers. 

     Harald's breath hitched in anticipation. They had been waiting an entire week to see the newborn, and now that the day has arrived, the excitement was at its highest. His parents told him that a chief's child receieved gifts from all over, and from the clans━a great big celebration. Food and dancing and music━an entire night of celebration, and Harald was eager. It would be different than any Thawfest or Summarhildr or Snoggletog. It will be the greatest, grandest celebration their tribe could ever hold. He was going to stuff himself until he couldn't eat anymore. 

     He saw the door of the chieftain's home open first. Harald clambered closer, clinging onto the branches above to stand up and peer as the chief and his wife exited the door and out towards the crowd. His heart pounded to see the babe swaddled in expensive furs in the chieftess's arms. She had no hair, and very chubby cheeks and a very very small nose. But if she'd look anything like her parents, she'd be blonde, and she'd have freckles and light eyes━

     Harald was enamoured at how a baby looked. They were so small. He's never really seen one before. He was an only child, and most babies were swaddled and kept in homes in his tribe until they were over six months. But this newborn was quiet, and sleeping, all wrapped up and wrinkly. She was a winter baby, and there was worry she wouldn't survive━but Harald knew she was going to. He didn't know how, but he just knew. He just did. After years of praying for an heir, she was born, and she'll thrive. With Snoggletog getting closer, there was hope. 

     The village grew silent immediately as their rulers came into view. They gasped and stared at the babe in the furs━barely able to see her. But Harald could. He could see her as clear as day.