Inside Throrald and his brother settled down to a game while the rest of the household went about their work. It was there, on his high seat and between moves, that his eyes drifted. First towards his shield mounted on the wall, then to the handle of his sax, and lastly to the carvings of the Gods he had etched into the door frame. It had always been meant as welcoming to the gods and as a reminder to the residents of how far the gods had led them. Yet there was something different in them now, a sense of presence he hadn't felt since he'd decided to sail for his new home. He wondered what it might mean, what new message might the gods be sending him?

"What troubles you brother?" Bjor said suddenly, snapping Thoralds king from the table "you don't often play so poorly."

"Poorly? Three more moves and I'd have escaped." He snapped back as he tore his attention away from the carvings and rising form his seat. "I was a boy when last I spent summer home and working the fields. Tell me, did you long for the sea and fight when you stayed home?" He asked.

"Is that all, one summer and already you long to harry again." Bjor replied with a laugh. "You will find yourself another battle before long, of that I have no doubt."

Before he could reply however one of the hired men strode inside announcing a traveler had arrived at the gates. "Perhaps that would be it." Bjor muttered with a quiet laugh though Thorald paid him no mind. Instead he made his own way outside to see this traveler. 

Once outside he was struck by such a sight that he thought perhaps the Odin himself was at his gates, leaning upon a spearing the likes of which he had never seen before. The others that were still working in their fields might have thought the same as several had been drawn away from their work and watched him as he made his way towards the gate. Once he was closer he could make out the form of a women and noted her gaze aimed towards the house. He threw his arms out wide in greeting and shouted a warm "Good day!." before he made it to the gates, loud enough so that both she and the hands in the fields could here. "I am Thorald, head of this house."

Stopping at the gates he finally noticed the effects of the chilling air on the women and the weary look of one who had traveled some distance. "I hope I can welcome you inside," He said as he opened the gate ushering her in "You look as if you've felt the chilled air for long enough. I have a place by the fire for every traveler, and a meal for any that is good company."