Acutely aware of Hralding circling the group Ásdís made an extra effort to stand up straight, her shoulders back, assuming what she could only hope was a look of self-assuredly calm and readiness at what was to come. In reality the way her green eyes flickered to Hralding belied her inability to look away and eagerness to please him. 

Yes she would be a warrior for the personal glory, and yes she was joining to help their tribe, but now she had a mighty leader who she would fight for diligently. She would never give him reason to quarrel with Ásdís. She’ d make herself, her family, her tribe and her mighty leader proud. 

Any doubts Ásdís might have had previously evaporated at the stirring in her heart Hralding caused. Surely this was the loyalty and preeminence she heard the older warriors speak of? What it was to truly be a Viking? 

Adlif frowned deeply, the lines and crinkles of his face becoming stone at the witch’s dismissive tone. Did he think Adlif would believe such a falsehood? 

“Trees…” He repeated as if the witch might reconsider his story and choose the honorable truth rather than these womanly deceits. 

“Whatever it was you spoke of…You will leave Ásdís alone.” There was no doubt in her father’s voice, the threat there not even thinly veiled. He leaned closer to the witch. While they were a similar height, Adlif was by far broader. “She is a good girl and you are not to corrupt her with your…your devious ways.” The larger man loomed over the witch for a moment longer then straightened his shoulders. If the witch was truly a coward as rumor had it then this warning should be enough to keep his daughter out of harm’s way.