The Nøkken and the Huntress.

12.) Unease.

I quietly opened the door and was glad to see that Eføy hadn't stirred much. She was laying on her belly her face peaceful as the blankets.

I crawled into the bed with her and fluffed up some of the bed hay before laying snug against her. She moved a bit and let out a sigh. "Where were you?"

"I was just out for a walk dearest. Don't worry about it."

"Okay."

Though she fell back asleep I remained awake. The thoughts on what I should say to her and if I should gnaw at my insides. I didn't want to cause her more fear than what she was already in. The thing that kept surfacing back up was what my twin said. "As long as there's no one going behind her back in the village." That did not put my mind at ease. People do things for their own survival and especially if there's some form of payment involved.

I felt sick just thinking about her being taken away from me and slaughtered like a sow. I shook my head trying to not think about it. I kissed her cheek and settled back down. I took a deep breath and attempted to sleep. I hugged her as if she would fade away and me holding her kept her in place. "I love you," I whispered and closed my eyes on the verge of tears.

When I did fall asleep I had a nightmare. In the dream, everything was blurry and muffled. I was walking dizzily towards my pond. When I reached the area I could hear myself scream a muffled 'No.' I ran towards the pond and there Eføy was hung in the air by her arms and legs to logs in the ground. Blood running down from her chest and throat staining the white gown crimson. I dropped to my knees and started to violently cry and beg to the Æsir to bring her back.

In the dream, I started to hear Eføy's voice. "Wake up. Wake up! You need to get up!" My eyes opened to Eføy sitting on the bed shaking me. She was clearly alarmed by me crying in my sleep. I sat up and pulled her into my arms. I was still sniffling and the tears still coming forth. "What happened? I heard you scream no." She nuzzled into my neck. I was silent for a moment but I finally answered. "I dreamed of your death." I hugged her tighter while rubbing her back.

She pulled away and guided her hands to cup my face. "It's alright. I'm here and nothing is going to happen." She kissed me.

My hands took hers in mine and I just gave her this pathetic look. "How can you be so sure? People like you are being killed like animals."

She just kissed me on the forehead and stood up. "I'm going to the village for a while. There are things I need to pick up. I'll see you then."

I nodded and stood up as she left the hut and down the path to the village. "Please be safe," I whispered to myself. I turned around and sat back into a chair. When that didn't help me calm down I decided to get up and make sure that the compartment where she hid Näcken's altarpiece wasn't obviously a hidden space.

I wasn't sure how long Eføy would be in the village so I decided that maybe a swim in my pond would ease my nerves. The lake was nice but it wasn't home to me. I left the place and walked through the forest till I reached the pond.

I took a step in and slowly waded in till I was up to my shoulders. I treaded water for awhile letting the cold water flow between my fingers and watched as my hair spread out across the reflective surface like a cloud of ink. I dunked myself under and ran my fingers through my hair and sunk to the floor of the pond. I was starting to feel way better and soon enough I realized it was late noon. I pulled myself up on a bank and laid down. My yellow eyes stared up at the now pink and yellow sky. Its beauty was soothing.

"I guess it would be best if I return to Eføy." I got up and was met with the sight of the latter walking to me. I waited for her to reach me and when she did a hand placed itself upon my chest. I looked away because every time I made eye contact with her I instantly thought of her eyes devoid of life hung up like a hide on a tanning rack.

She lifted her arms around my shoulders and brought me to her. "I love you. If something does happen to know that it's not your fault. Promise me you will move on after I am gone? If I'm gone?"

I hugged her close to me. "I'll try."

We turned to leave back home and we heard the twigs snap and what sounded like running. We both stopped and I felt Eføy's hands tighten around my arm. "Maybe it was just an animal?" I shakily let out. "Yes, just an animal." She didn't seem convinced but went with it.

"Just stay here Eføy. I'll get the tents and we can leave for another village. Alright?"

She gave me an uneasy look but she nodded in agreement. I gave her a quick peck on the lips and left.

Does it bother you that some of the chapters are short while others are long? What do you think will happen to Eføy?