"Open the gates! The chief is back!" a sentry called from the watchtower. His voice rang through the village, stirring the bustling community. The heavy wooden gates creaked open, revealing Bjorn and his warriors riding in, their faces marked with exhaustion yet calm assurance.
The villagers gathered quickly, eager to welcome their protectors home. Children laughed and ran to see the returning warriors, while others whispered in curiosity about the fiery explosion that had shaken the land earlier. None of them noticed the figure gliding gracefully through the sky above the forest, too high and slow for the crowd to see.
Gabriel, soaring on his radiant wings, was lost in thought. The vibrant life around him—the trees, the animals, the flowers—stirred something deep within. Every birdcall and rustle of the leaves seemed to speak to him. "It's my first time here," he murmured to himself, "yet I feel connected to this world, as though I've always belonged."
---
As the warriors dismounted, three women emerged from the crowd and moved toward Bjorn and Astrid. The first was Sigrun, Bjorn's wife, and Astrid's mother, her presence commanding yet tender. She had ash-blonde hair woven into intricate braids, and her emerald green eyes glowed with concern. Despite her years as the chief's wife, the lines on her face told not of weariness but of a life lived with strength and wisdom. Draped in a fur-lined cloak, she embodied the balance of a Viking matriarch—graceful, fierce, and unyielding.
"Bjorn," she said softly, cupping her husband's face. "Did you find out what caused the explosion?"
Astrid's twin sisters, Liv and Eira, darted toward her, their youthful energy undeniable. At sixteen, they were still in the bloom of youth but already carried the fierce determination of their lineage. Liv, with her wild golden braids, was the more reserved of the two, her green eyes thoughtful as she hugged her sister. Eira, her hair a loose cascade of golden waves, was more spirited, practically bouncing as she grabbed Astrid's arm.
"What happened, Astrid? Did you see anything exciting?" Eira asked eagerly.
"Did you fight anyone?" Liv added, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Astrid smiled, ruffling Eira's hair playfully. "Father will explain soon. You'll have to be patient."
Bjorn took a step forward, scanning the gathered villagers. His piercing green eyes softened as he looked upon the people he had sworn to protect. Many were family, friends, or comrades who had stood by him through countless seasons. These were his people, and their safety was his greatest purpose.
"Today," he began, his deep voice steady and commanding, "we learned the cause of the explosion. It was not an attack."
A murmur spread through the crowd, villagers whispering among themselves. Bjorn raised his hand, and silence returned.
"It was... a man," Bjorn continued. "He is unlike any of us—unlike anything we have ever seen. But listen well: he means us no harm. He has promised to protect our village while he resides here."
The crowd exchanged uncertain glances. The idea of someone so powerful and otherworldly living among them was both thrilling and unsettling.
"I trust him," Bjorn said firmly. "And I ask you to trust him too. Treat him as family, as one of us. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Chief!" the villagers replied in unison, though a few voices carried a note of hesitation.
Bjorn turned toward the forest, his voice ringing out. "Gabriel! It's time for you to show yourself."
---
The villagers gasped as a figure emerged from the treetops, descending slowly. Gabriel's wings, glowing faintly in the late afternoon light, spread wide as he landed softly on the earth. His waist-length white hair shimmered like spun silver, framing a face so flawless it seemed otherworldly. His alabaster skin seemed to glow faintly, and his serene expression radiated calm and confidence.
Gabriel made a slight bow, his voice carrying a warm resonance. "My name is Gabriel. Your chief has allowed me to stay in your village for the time being. In return, I offer my protection to all who live here."
The villagers stared in awe, their voices stilled. To them, he looked like a god from the heavens.
Gabriel's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression softening when he noticed a woman clutching a pale, weak-looking baby. Her eyes were red from worry and lack of sleep, her arms trembling as she tried to soothe the child's cries.
"It seems your baby is unwell," Gabriel said gently, stepping forward. "May I help?"
The woman hesitated, glancing nervously at Bjorn. He nodded reassuringly. "It's all right. Trust him."
The woman approached slowly, cradling her child. Gabriel knelt slightly, his movements deliberate and careful, and reached out. He gently touched the baby's forehead, his hand radiating a soft white light. A translucent barrier of light surrounded the infant, shimmering briefly before fading.
The baby's cries ceased. Its pale skin warmed to a healthy glow, and it settled into a peaceful sleep, a small smile forming on its lips.
Tears streamed down the woman's face. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. She dropped to her knees, overcome with emotion. "Thank you."
Gabriel helped her to her feet, offering a kind smile. "There's no need to kneel," he said softly. "A simple thank you is enough."
The crowd erupted into whispers, their awe now mingled with gratitude. Bjorn stepped forward, his expression serious.
"Gabriel," he said, "thank you for healing her child. Our elder had said she wouldn't survive another month, yet with a simple gesture, you saved her life. For that, we are in your debt."
Gabriel inclined his head. "There is no debt. As I promised, I will protect your people."
Bjorn turned back to his villagers. "Now you have seen his power. Gabriel will live among us as a family. Treat him with respect and kindness."
The villagers cheered, though they maintained a reverent distance from Gabriel, as if afraid to disturb his divine presence.
---
As the crowd began to disperse, Bjorn addressed Gabriel. "You'll stay in our house for now. We'll begin building a place for you soon."
Gabriel nodded. "Thank you, Chief."
Sigrun welcomed him with a warm smile. "You are most welcome here," she said, her tone motherly. Liv and Eira, however, were less composed. They trailed after Gabriel like shadows, their giggles and whispered comments far from subtle.
Astrid rolled her eyes at her sisters. "Liv, Eira, don't hover. You're embarrassing yourselves."
Liv blushed. "We're just... curious!"
Eira grinned. "He's just so... perfect!"
Gabriel chuckled softly, his expression amused. "Curiosity is natural."
Astrid led Gabriel to a room in their home, the largest in the village. "This will be yours for now," she said, her tone polite but firm.
Gabriel glanced at her, his serene smile never faltering. "Thank you, Astrid."
Liv and Eira peeked in from the hallway, still giggling. Astrid shooed them away with a smirk, muttering under her breath. Gabriel said nothing, but his amused expression lingered.
For the villagers, Gabriel's arrival was a miracle. Yet in their hearts, a question remained. Was he truly a blessing—or a challenge from the gods?