A Midsommar to remember

First day

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It was now the next day. We had found Dani laying on some grass in the forrest and brought her to where the trail is leading so that when she wakes we can leave.

Just as some people started making their way to the path Dani wakes up. Christian explained that we had found her in the forrest about 6 hours ago and that it was now the next morning. And with that we begin to make our way to the path.

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I stay near the back of the group not wanting to hold anyone up with my slow pace. I also wanted to make sure that everyone was was accounted for, call it the teacher in me. During the hike we pass by some Runic markers most are of blessings like good wealth or ones talking about nature like the yew tree.

When we were about thirty minutes into the hike Mark starts complaining about how there might be ticks and everyone starts to make fun of him talking about how there was a spike last year and many people have been effected in the area. To which he freaks out not getting that we were joking.

We were now coming to an opening and a big yellow sun gate, people dressed in all white came rushing up to us and took our bags while some kids gave us some strawberries. Which I will admit are me favorite. They grow everywhere in Norway and at my old house there was a giant wall of wild strawberries growing.

"Pelle you know all these people?" Josh asks.

"These are my family!"Pelle yells in return while running off to go talk to someone.

It was beautiful here, the sun was shining, the trees were all a lush green. Turning to my right there was three people playing the flute in a sweet light way. Behind them there was some sort of stage with a cross looking thing and two circles hanging from it. It had vines covering the whole thing and with flowers growing as well.

"Hey guys meet my sister Dagny" Pelle says pulling a girl behind him. "She was born on the exact same day as me. And this Dani, Josh, Mark, Christian, and that's Terra."She then gives all a smile and welcomes us to Hälsingland. "Tack" Both Dani and I say at the same time. Growing up in Norway I learned some Swedish as well and have been teaching Dani some words here and there. 

Pelle walks off to hug this old guy calling him father Odd. And the old man responds with calling him little Pelle which I thought was cute. They share a long and meaningful hug. When pulling away they share some words all I caught was little bear which I'm assuming was another nickname. Pelle then beckons us over and introduces us all again I have never herd my name be said so many times in one day its exhausting. 

After Pelle says our names the old man goes around shaking everyones hands and then stops on me. "Oh you must me Pelle's new Norwegian Friend he has written us about! It is so nice to finally meet you! Welcome home." And with that he pulled me in for a big hug. Conflicted with feelings I just awkwardly pat his back in return. He then pulls away.  "We are so very happy to have you all, Yeah." "Oh thank you." 

Dani complements Odd's dress and he goes into telling us why and about its tradition, to which Josh does his nerd thing and compares it to another culture and the old man didn't really like that. Ignoring Josh's comment completely.

"So we are your hosts, so what ever you need just say so and we will accommodate. Ok?"He then explained that today is just for getting ready and that the real things start tomorrow. 

We all make our way over to that stage that I saw earlier, where a woman was now standing. Speaking in Swedish. She was saying welcome and how glad that we were all here. And she mentioned the 90 year gap sense the last big feast. When she realizes that we were there she quickly switches to English and apologies for only speaking in Swedish.