The Nøkken and the Huntress.

10.) The Visit.

A few hours had burned away and Eføy had planted her altarpiece to my brother away from sight under a tiny compartment in the wall and was now sitting nervously on our bed. She was twiddling her thumbs and shifting around uncomfortably. Her faded blue dress was disheveled and wrinkled from work and her not straightening it out. The light from Máni shined through the still open door and bathed everything in a slight glow. The light made her look like a rå.

I was looking at her with the same emotions since I didn't know what would happen to her if the Valda found out about her. I was concerned about what the townspeople would say to them if they came looking for my twin's worshippers. I got up from the chair in front of the bed. She barely acknowledged my presence even as I wrapped my arms around her to try my best to ease her anxiety. I kissed the top of her head looked at her for a reaction for some seconds and then kissed her cheek. She got up and closed the door then lit a fire.

She returned to me and let out a sigh. She looked at me with sad eyes. "I'm afraid Nøkken. What will happen to us?"
My expression faltered but I quickly straightened myself out for her sake. "We'll be alright Eføy, no one is going to harm us. If they try anything I'll protect you. I promise." My right hand found itself on her left cheek. Her petal soft skin cool to the touch from worry. She leaned into my touch and we eventually kissed. I pulled away and kissed her forehead. She pressed her hands onto my chest and lightly rubbed.

"I love you." She rested her face against my chest.
"So do I," I told her as I rubbed her back and head. I laid down and took her with me. I snuggled close to her body as she laid on top of me not moving once. Her head fit comfortably under my chin and before I knew it she was asleep. 'That was quick, I guess stress pulls you down.'

After that, I felt my lids grow heavy and I joined her in rest. I wasn't sure how long I was out but when I awoke Eføy and I were covered with a blanket and she was snuggled against my body with my arm around her. She was shivering slightly for some reason. I was about to go back to bed until I felt a bing in my mind. A tilted my head to the odd yet familiar sensation. I opened my eyes wide... Näcken.
'Could he really be here,' I thought. 'How'd he find me?'

I kept looking to the door to back at Eføy then back at the door. 'Should I see him? I guess so in light of recent news. If I talk to him I could better protect Eføy.' If it meant to protect her I will do whatever I can. I love my brother but I hoped he would have something useful to tell me.

I gently lifted Eføy from my body and slid my arm from out under her. She grunted but was still asleep I pulled the blanket to her shoulders so she wouldn't stir from a draft. I left the hut and silently closed the door. I nervously made my way following the panging to my brother. As I continued along the shore away from the village the panging grew in intensity until my head began to hurt.

The first thing I noticed in the distance was a light glow and what looked like a blonde haired naked woman standing on ceremony with her arms crossed. She seemed like she was facing my direction. As I grew near the woman hunkered down about to attack but stood straight as she figured out who I must be. She turned from me and went to the source of the glow and then returned back to her spot.

I jogged the distance between us and I realized that woman was Huldra's more neutral sister Skogsrå; the forest spirit. I quickly assumed she must have found Näcken and is taking care of him. She smiled warmly as I passed and I spared a glance at her hollow back. I heard her keep pace behind me. The glow was coming from these lily pads the blossoms they bore glowed white and varied in size.

Skogsrå walked towards me she very obviously seemed to be judging me and was most likely debating if I was to be trusted or not. She tilted her head waiting for a question she sensed I was about to ask. So I asked it: "Where is my brother?"

She perked up and pointed at the ring of lilies. "He's treating himself but he's also letting out sonar for you." A smooth but raspy voice sounded out.
"Thank you. Treating himself?"
"Water helps the Nix heal. You didn't know that?" She gave me a quizzical look and tilted her head.
I chuckled slightly. "No, actually I've never been injured badly enough."
She nodded in understanding.

She was about to speak more when we both heard something breaching the water. I snapped my head and could see my brother's head and shoulders poking out from the water.

He turned his head to where he thought I was. "Hello brother."