Ásdís watched as the tall man disappeared, he hadn’t even introduced himself, in disbelief. Where could he want to be that was more important than being here? Now? This hall, meeting the captain. This was her destiny surely! She’d meet it head on. 

Turning to see the captain  she recognized him immediately. Of course Ásdís had never had reason to approach Hralding, let alone speak to him, but he was easily identifiable. Tall, broad, fair, ice in his veins or so she had heard the other warriors say. He was an accomplished man and Ásdís found herself lingering at the back of the pack, watchful as Hralding considered his new crew. 

Was he amused by the lot? Angered? Hopeful? Ásdís could not tell, his expression too guarded and hidden from view for her to guess at his thoughts. Surely this was no small task to be under taking, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t excited by it all. 

Ice blue eyes fell over her and Ásdís could feel a blush covering her cheeks, green eyes meeting the icy stare of their leader for a moment longer than they ought to have before she dropped her gaze to the ground. Her stomach fluttered nervously and the redhead frowned. She was a warrior! Not some fickle maiden turned to puddles by some man’s gaze. 

Straightening her back Ásdís told herself firmly to look up, chin up. She belonged here. 

Out beyond the hall Adlif was making his way slowly back to the farm, weary with the days events, with the knowledge that his daughter would be leaving at first light. His gaze was fixed on the path before him when the tone of the villagers behind him changed. Murmurs and whispers took on an accusatory tone. 

Adlif turned to see what had changed his peers and saw the witch shuffling out of the mead hall. The coward was not even staying to meet the captain. Ásdís’ father straightened, and turned to intercept the witch. 

“What were you doing with Ásdís?” He wanted to know, his tone sharp and displeased.