Mist & Moonlight

Epilogue

The morning mist rolled over the fjord, clinging to the still water as the longship rocked gently at the dock. Leif stood at the prow, his hand resting on the carved wolf's head, his expression solemn but proud. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter—one where the next generation would step forward to build their own legacy.

On the dock, Freydis stood beside her husband Erik, her arm linked with his as they watched their daughter, Halla, prepare for her first raid. Pride and worry flickered across Freydis's face, though Erik gave her a reassuring squeeze, his grin wide with pride. Meryna stood beside them, her silver-streaked hair stirred by the breeze, her sharp eyes watching every movement on the deck. Time had softened her, but her presence remained formidable.

Ingrid stood quietly near them, her arms folded across her chest, her expression a mixture of pride and unease. Her son, Rorik, was about to leave on his first raid as well. Rorik stood confidently at the bow of the longship, his dark hair ruffled by the wind, his green eyes sparkling with excitement.

Beside Rorik stood Halla, Hakon, and Ida. Halla, with her mother's fierce spirit and her father's wit, adjusted her sword belt, eager for the adventure ahead. Hakon and Ida—Leif and Freydis's younger siblings—stood side by side, each ready to prove themselves. Hakon's curls tumbled wildly over his brow, a playful grin tugging at his lips, while Ida adjusted her shield with quiet composure, her gaze steady and focused.

Leif approached the four young warriors at the bow, his heart swelling with pride. His siblings, Hakon and Ida, had been waiting for this moment for years. Halla stood tall among them, her eyes bright with excitement. Rorik, his own son, shifted his weight eagerly, ready to prove himself on the sea.

"Are you ready?" Leif asked, his voice steady but warm.

Hakon grinned. "More than ready, brother. Let's get going before we grow old waiting."

Ida rolled her eyes at her brother's antics but smiled. "We won't let you down."

Leif turned to Halla, who gave him a fierce grin. "I've been waiting my whole life for this, Leif."

"And you'll make us proud, Halla. I have no doubt," Leif said, his gaze soft with affection.

Finally, he turned to Rorik. "And you, little wolf?" Leif teased, ruffling his son's hair.

Rorik huffed and crossed his arms, trying to look serious despite the grin tugging at his lips. "I'm not little anymore, Father. I'm ready."

Leif chuckled. "I know you are." He rested a hand briefly on Rorik's shoulder, a mixture of pride and nostalgia welling in his heart.

Freydis climbed aboard the ship, pulling Halla into a fierce hug. "Stay close to your Uncle and keep your wits about you," she whispered. "And don't try to outdo your father."

Halla smirked. "No promises."

Erik gave his daughter a hearty clap on the shoulder. "Make us proud. Show them what an Eriksdotter is made of."

Halla rolled her eyes but smiled. "I'll come back with stories you won't believe."

Freydis turned to Leif, pulling him into a quick, tight embrace. "Bring them all back safe, brother."

"I will," Leif promised.

Meryna stepped forward and placed a hand on Hakon and Ida's shoulders. "This is your time," she said softly. "Honor our family and protect each other."

Hakon grinned. "We've got this."

Ida gave a firm nod. "We won't let you down."

Ingrid hugged Rorik briefly, smoothing his dark hair. "Stay sharp, my boy. And listen to your father."

"I will, Mama," Rorik replied, giving her a confident grin.

"Untie the lines!" Leif called, his voice carrying over the water.

The crew moved swiftly, casting off the ropes. The oars dipped into the water, and with steady rhythm, the longship began to glide out of the dock. The sail unfurled with a sharp snap, catching the morning breeze and propelling the ship toward the open sea.

At the bow, Halla, Hakon, Ida, and Rorik stood side by side, the wind tugging at their hair as they gazed toward the horizon. Each carried the weight of their family's expectations, but their hearts were light with excitement.

Leif stood just behind them, his gaze lingering on his son, his siblings, and his niece. "Remember," he said quietly, "this isn't just about victory. It's about honor—and keeping each other safe."

Halla gave him a sly grin.

Hakon leaned toward her. "last one to draw blood buys the drinks."

Ida shot him a look but smiled. "Just try not to embarrass yourself."

Leif shook his head, a soft laugh escaping his lips. They were ready. This was their time.

Back on the dock, Freydis stood beside Erik, her hand tightly clasped in his as they watched the longship glide away. Meryna stood beside them, her gaze steady, though a flicker of emotion shone in her eyes.

"They'll come back with so many stories," Meryna said softly.

Freydis gave a small, wistful smile. "They always do."

Erik squeezed her hand gently. "They're ready."

Ingrid crossed her arms, her eyes lingering on the ship until it disappeared into the mist.

Onboard the ship, the oarsmen found their rhythm, each stroke pulling the longship farther from shore. At the bow, Rorik, Halla, Hakon, and Ida stood together, their faces alive with determination and excitement. They were no longer children—they were warriors now, ready to forge their own legacy.

Leif stood behind them, his heart full of pride and anticipation. He had once stood where they now stood, eager to prove himself. Now, it was their turn to carry the family's legacy forward.

He placed a hand on Rorik's shoulder and gave Ida and Hakon a brief nod. Then, turning to Halla, he smiled. "Let's show them what a true shield maiden can do."

Halla grinned, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Always."

The longship sailed smoothly across the water, the mist parting before it. With each stroke of the oars, they ventured deeper into the unknown, ready to build a new chapter in their family's story.

And as the wind carried them toward the open sea, Leif whispered to himself, "Let's make them proud."

Together, they would forge a new legacy—one born of love, courage, and the unbreakable bonds that tied them all as family.