The Nøkken and the Huntress.

4.) Family issues.

I saw her in the moonlight as she continued her mission toward a spot on the shore and I watched as she got down on her knees and held her head low and her shoulders up and stiff. I rose up from my spot and I quietly and slowly made my way towards her.

I approached her right and I softly let out, "Eføy, " she looked at me with surprise and her posture relaxed. "How did you find us?" I sat down next to her and crossed my legs. I looked at her confused and curious face. "I just followed the way you usually come from. I was concerned about you so I sought you out. Please don't be mad." She was told.

Her eyes softened at my reasoning. "I would never be mad at you. You're one of the only people that have bothered to come to visit. How are you?" She turned her head towards me.

"I am fine but I am more concerned about you. Is everything alright?" I asked even though I knew the truth.
She looked back at the lake and rested her hands on her lap and sighed. "Not counting the stress of taking care of my injured and old uncle of ill health yes I'm fine. I believe."

"What happened to your uncle?"

"He was trying to fasten our boat to the biti at the dock and it fell on him and broke his arm and leg. That was the day I didn't return to you. Four days ago he came down with a fever and it became worse and he's not getting any better." She looked at me once again. "I fear for him Nøkken."

My yellow eyes dimmed with sorrow as I thought about what she would do if he went to Hel.

"Don't fret about those things Eføy."

She tilted her head and I noticed her hand slipped down her side.
"It's kind of hard not to. He's all I have and to be a lone female in these times." She shook her head.
"I'll have more men begging for my hand than before." She sighed while rolling her eyes. "I've been praying to Fulla and I wish I could do more but the herbs used for healing I cannot find in this area and the markets don't have them as well."

"If something happens to him I can move into this lake and you'll have me." I offered.

"Well, can you stay here now Nøkken, please? My uncle isn't getting any better and I could use someone to talk to and help me with tasks."

I put a reassuring hand on hers and leaned close to her. "I'll be there for you Eføy, I'll stay here I promise you."

The next thing I know I'm wrapped in her warm arms. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest and it made me smile as I rested my chin on her shoulder. I rubbed her back as she whispered in my ear through my hair.

"You're a good friend Nøkken. I'm pleased you'll stay. Thank you."

My heart sank a bit but I did not know why.

She pulled away from me and got up. "I should go back inside. Take care of yourself out here Nøkken. Goodnight."

When Nøkken thought 'go to Hel' that's not necessarily a bad thing. In Norse belief, those who didn't die a noteworthy or aren't brave enough in the Gods eyes would go to Helheim which is ruled over by Hel/Hela. The term 'go to Hel' just means you're going to a place under her rule. It's not a bad thing you're just continuing your afterlife like you would your life. Also, those who died of illness would also go to Hel.