Just as Ásdís was wondering if the old woman had been right, was she abandoning her people to seek glory only for herself? Was she ultimately being selfish and a coward by not staying and helping…? Fjalfar’s words had her instantly on her feet. 

She wanted to be a hero so badly, to be more than just Ásdís , to be more than just a small girl in a family with many girls. Was that so wrong? 

The grim look of determination in Ásdís’ eyes made Adlif feel some relief. Ásdís  was clever enough, bold enough. She’d fare well...She’d survive surely and bring honor to her own name. And then the wandering and the wondering would end and his last child would know her place in the world. 

This might be a fool's mission but that did not mean Ásdís could not find her way. Uncomfortably Adlif nodded in acquiescence to his daughter's wishes, trying to find pride for this choice but finding only misgivings. 

Uneasily Adlif watched as his daughter strode up to the gaggle of youth and the likes forming around Fjalfar, she was smaller than many, her shoulders and hips narrower, her arms slender in her plain wool dress. Immediately Adlif had the urge to rush forward, to grab Ásdís by the neck and haul her back home. She was too rash! Too young! Too small! She couldn’t do this. 

Grappling with his own insecurities Adlif stood unmoving, braced against the wall. 

Be reasonable… He told himself. Ásdís was not the youngest nor the smallest. She was a woman grown really, she was no fool. Surely she was over zealous at times and passion gripped her tightly, but his daughter was capable of more than just wandering around the pastures, chatting with the swine…

Ásdís  herself had none of these worries or doubts. Their great leader asked for heros and she had stepped forward, pride bursting from every pore of her.