The Frostians

Chapter 33

### Chapter 33

Upon returning to Midgard, Kristian and Alysandra were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the village. The vibrant colors of the market stalls and the laughter of children playing in the streets brought a sense of warmth and comfort. However, this time they were not alone; Tyr and Mimir accompanied them, their presence a steady reminder of their recent trials and triumphs.

As they approached the center of the village, the Elder spotted them and hurried over, a smile spreading across his weathered face. “Ah, you have returned! We were concerned for your safety.” He gestured toward two sturdy shelters nearby, built from the strong timber of the surrounding woods. “We have prepared accommodations for you. One for you and your beloved Alysandra,” he said, nodding toward Kristian, “and another for Tyr and Mimir.”

Kristian exchanged a glance with Alysandra, a sense of relief washing over them. The thought of having a space to call their own, even temporarily, was a comfort after their recent harrowing adventures. “Thank you, Elder. This means a lot to us,” he replied, gratitude evident in his voice.

After settling into their respective shelters, Kristian and Alysandra took a moment to breathe in the tranquility of their surroundings. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape. A sense of peace enveloped them, a stark contrast to the chaos they had endured.

As they sat together on a sturdy log outside their shelter, Alysandra leaned against Kristian, her head resting on his shoulder. In this quiet moment, Kristian felt a strange stirring within him, a vision beginning to take shape in his mind.

In his vision, he saw a small child with bright eyes and an infectious smile, running through a sunlit meadow. The child’s laughter echoed in his ears, a sound filled with joy and innocence. Alysandra was there too, her eyes shining with love and pride as she watched their child play. The vision felt so real, so vivid, that he could almost reach out and touch it.

“Kris?” Alysandra’s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head, still slightly dazed from the vision. “I... I just had a vision,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alysandra sat up, curiosity piqued. “A vision? What did you see?”

Kristian took a deep breath, his heart racing at the memory of the child in the meadow. “I saw us... with a child. A little boy, laughing and playing. He was so happy, Alysandra. It felt so real.”

Alysandra’s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and wonder crossing her face. “A child? But how…?” She trailed off, glancing down at her belly, where the truth of her pregnancy lay hidden.

“I don’t know what it means,” Kristian continued, excitement mingled with confusion. “But it felt like a promise of the future. A future with you and our child.”

Alysandra smiled softly, her heart swelling at the thought. “That sounds beautiful, Kristian. But… what about now? I need to tell you something.”

He turned to face her fully, concern etched on his features. “What is it?”

“I’m pregnant,” she admitted, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. “That vision you had... it could be a glimpse of our future together.”

A wave of joy and protectiveness surged within Kristian. “Alysandra, this is incredible! We’re going to be parents!” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “I promise to do everything I can to protect you and our child.”

As they embraced, the weight of their recent struggles felt lighter, the promise of a new life filling them with hope. The future may be uncertain, but together they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by their love and the family they were destined to create.