Mist & Moonlight

Chapter 50 | A Winter's Gathering

The great hall of Kattegat was filled with warmth and light, the roaring hearths holding the winter chill at bay. Outside, snow blanketed the land, but inside, the sound of laughter and soft conversation filled the air as the family gathered for Jul, the winter solstice celebration. Tonight, they honored their struggles and triumphs, remembered the ones they had lost, and looked toward the future.

At the long table, Leif, Freydis, Erik, Ingrid, and Meryna sat surrounded by family and friends. Halon and ida bounced comfortably in their mother's lap. Halla, now two months old, was bundled in warm furs, nestled comfortably in Freydis's arms. Her tiny face was peaceful, her soft breath steady as she slept through the festive evening.

As the meal wound down, Leif rose from his seat and raised his cup high. The room quieted, the only sound the crackling of the hearth. This was the moment for reflection—the Lighting of the Hearth of Remembrance, a tradition passed down through generations to honor the dead and the lessons they left behind.

"We gather tonight," Leif began, his voice steady and deep, "to honor those we've lost and celebrate the victories we've earned. We remember the battles fought, the lives changed, and the love that carries us forward."

His gaze drifted to Freydis, who smiled down at the sleeping Halla in her arms. "We honor my father, Rorik, who saw his granddaughter before he left us. He gave us the strength to carry on. His legacy is in everything we do."

Freydis swallowed, the ache in her heart still fresh. "I wish he had more time with her," she whispered to Erik, her voice soft and full of longing. "He met her, but it wasn't enough."

Erik rested his hand over hers, squeezing gently. "I know," he whispered. "But he saw her, Freydis. And he loved her."

Freydis nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. The memory of Rorik meeting on his deathbed was etched in her heart—a bittersweet moment, made all the more precious because it had been so fleeting.

Leif continued, lifting his cup higher. "We've faced many storms—some we thought might break us. But we are still here, stronger than ever. Erik brought justice to those who betrayed us. Freydis gave us new life in Halla. And soon," he added, glancing down at Ingrid's growing belly, "our family will grow even more."

Ingrid smiled softly, her hand resting over her unborn son. "He'll carry the name of his grandfather. Another Rorik to carry on the legacy."

Meryna, sitting at the table's head, smiled warmly. Her hair gleamed in the firelight as she continued to bounce Hakon and Ida in her lap, pride shining in her eyes. "Your father would be proud of all of you," she said, her voice full of love. "We've lost much, but we've gained more than we ever dared hope."

Freydis smiled at her mother, the warmth of family wrapping around her heart like a protective cloak. "He would be proud," she whispered, looking down at Halla's peaceful face. "And we'll make sure she knows who he was."

The hall was quiet for a moment, the fire casting soft shadows over the faces of those gathered. This was the heart of Jul—not just feasting or gifts, but remembering the past while looking toward the future.

Erik kissed Freydis's temple, his voice low and filled with affection. "We've fought for this—every moment. And we've earned it."

Freydis leaned into him, finding peace in his presence. "Yes," she whispered. "We have."

Leif turned toward the rest of the hall, his voice carrying through the room. "Tonight, we honor the lives we've lost—but we also celebrate the future we're building together. We've faced storms before, and if more come, we'll weather them as one."

The hall echoed with murmurs of agreement, and cups were raised high. The family drank to the past, to their triumphs, and to the hope that lay ahead.

As the feast came to an end, the family gathered closer around the hearth. The children sat by the fire, their eyes bright with excitement as they listened to stories of raids, victories, and far-off lands.

Meryna stroked Ida's hair, her heart full as she looked around at the family she had helped build. Her children were warriors now, ready to forge their own paths, but tonight, they were simply her children—safe, loved, and home.

Freydis looked down at Halla, brushing a soft kiss against her daughter's forehead. "You'll grow up knowing the strength of those who came before you," she whispered. "And we'll make sure you carry it with you, always."

Erik wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to her temple. "She already has. She was born a fighter."

The fire crackled, filling the room with warmth as the night stretched on. The family had fought hard for the peace they now enjoyed. They had faced betrayal, loss, and hardship—but they had triumphed. And tonight, surrounded by the people they loved, they knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together.

As the flames burned low and the snow continued to fall beyond the walls of Kattegat, Freydis glanced at Erik, her heart full. "We've built something strong," she whispered.

Erik smiled, his gaze soft and unwavering. "Aye. We have been blessed."

Together, they looked toward the fire, their hands entwined, knowing that the story of their family was far from over. It would carry on in Halla, in the twins, and in young Rorik—in every life touched by the love they shared.

And in the flickering firelight, they found peace—not just in what they had built, but in the knowledge that, no matter what lay ahead, they would face it as a family.