Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 29 | Return to Westfold

The morning sun cast a soft glow over Kattegat's harbor, its light shimmering on the water as the longship swayed gently at the dock. Freydis stood beside Erik, their hands clasped together, sharing a quiet moment before she boarded. There were no arguments, no pleas—just a mutual understanding that this was what needed to be done. The safety of their child came first.

Erik gently ran his thumb across her knuckles. "This isn't goodbye," he whispered. "When things are settled, I'll come to you. I swear it."

Freydis gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I know. We'll be waiting for you."

He rested his hand over her growing belly, the warmth of his touch grounding her. "Take care of yourself, and take care of our baby. That's all that matters now."

"I will," she whispered, her throat tight with emotion. She leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, savoring the moment, memorizing the feel of him. "Promise me you'll be careful. Don't take any unnecessary risks."

"I promise," he said.

Nearby, Ingrid stood close to Leif, their foreheads touching as they shared their own quiet goodbye. "Stay safe," she murmured, holding his face between her hands. "I'll hold you to that."

Leif smiled, though his eyes were filled with emotion. "I will. I'll come back to you and the baby. You have my word."

She kissed him softly, her hand lingering on his chest. "We'll be waiting."

A little farther down the dock, Rorik was kneeling beside his son, Hakon, adjusting the fur blanket wrapped around him. Ida squirmed in Meryna's arms, reaching for her father's beard. Rorik chuckled, pressing a kiss to her soft hair.

"You'll keep your mother busy, won't you?" he said gently.

Meryna smiled. "They always do. But we'll be safe, and you know where to find us when the time comes."

Rorik rose to his feet and pulled her into a firm embrace. "I'll come for you when the storm passes."

Meryna rested her forehead against his. "I know you will, my love. You always do."

With the last goodbyes spoken, Freydis, Ingrid, and Meryna gathered the twins and boarded the longship. The crew loosened the ropes, and the vessel drifted away from the dock, its oars cutting smoothly through the water. The men they loved stood at the shore, watching as the ship carried them farther and farther away.

Freydis sat at the bow, her hand resting over her belly as the sea breeze tugged at her cloak. Ingrid settled beside her, silent but steady.

"Do you think they'll be okay?" Freydis asked, her voice soft, though the fear still clung to her heart.

Ingrid gave her a small, reassuring smile. "They will. And we'll be safe in Westfold until they come for us."

Meryna, seated nearby with the twins bundled in warm furs, looked back toward the horizon. "It's not forever. When the time is right, we'll return. But for now, this is where we need to be."

Freydis exhaled slowly, letting the tension in her chest ease as the rhythm of the oars carried them across the calm sea. The journey passed in a peaceful silence, each of them lost in their thoughts, clinging to the memories of what they had left behind and the hope of what lay ahead.

When the cliffs of Westfold finally came into view, Freydis felt a wave of relief wash over her. The jagged rocks and familiar shores stood as steadfast as ever, welcoming them back with open arms.

"It's just as I remembered," Freydis whispered, a small smile forming on her lips.

The crew helped them ashore, their boots crunching softly against the pebbled beach. Meryna adjusted the twins in her arms, glancing up toward the path that led to the old hall.

"Come on," Meryna said, her voice warm but firm. "There's no use standing out here in the cold."

They made their way up the familiar path, the frost-covered grass soft beneath their feet. When they reached the hall, the heavy door groaned as it swung open, revealing the warm glow of the hearth inside.

Freydis stepped inside, running her hand along the wooden beams, feeling the familiar texture beneath her fingertips. "We're home," she whispered, the words bringing both comfort and peace.

Meryna laid the twins down on a fur rug near the hearth, where they wriggled happily, their small hands reaching for each other. Freydis placed her hand over her belly, the warmth of the fire easing the ache in her heart.

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, filling the hall with warmth. For the first time in weeks, the weight on Freydis's heart began to lift. They were safe. They were home. And when the time came, they would return to Kattegat.