The dining area was warm and lively, the flickering hearth casting playful shadows across the walls. The chill of the night seemed to disappear within the room, where Gabriel sat at the long wooden table with Astrid, Liv, and Eira. The fire's glow softened the space, making the simple furniture feel cozy. Gabriel's calm demeanor contrasted with the spirited energy of the twins, who seemed to be in a constant state of excitement whenever he was near.
Astrid leaned back slightly, her posture relaxed but her sharp blue eyes watching the banter between Gabriel and her sisters. Though she said little, her occasional smirks revealed she was just as entertained.
Eira leaned forward on her elbows, her emerald eyes bright with curiosity. "Sir Gabriel, you've been here for two days, but do you even know where 'here' is?"
Gabriel tilted his head slightly, his long white hair catching the warm light of the hearth. "Not really," he admitted. "I've seen the mountains and this village, but the rest of this world is still a mystery to me."
"Well, we can fix that!" Liv chimed in eagerly, reaching for a scrap of parchment and a piece of charcoal from a nearby shelf. She quickly sketched a rough outline of the continent, her hand moving with precision despite the speed of her work.
"This," she began, pointing to a spot near the top of the parchment, "is where we are—the northern region. It's mostly mountains, forests, and small villages like ours. Life here is tough, but it makes us strong."
Eira leaned in, adding with a grin, "Further south, though, it's a whole different world. The land flattens out, the rivers are huge, and that's where the big kingdoms are. They have castles, kings, and queens who think they're better than everyone else."
Gabriel studied the map with genuine interest, his piercing eyes scanning every detail. "So, this continent is divided between independent villages in the north and larger kingdoms in the south?"
"Exactly," Liv replied. "The South is more organized, with their armies and politics, but up here? It's all about survival. We live free."
Astrid, who had been listening quietly, added, "The kingdoms rarely come this far north. They might send envoys or traders, but they don't bother us unless they need warriors—or resources."
Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like the North values its independence."
Eira beamed. "That's right! We don't need fancy castles or kings telling us what to do. We take care of ourselves."
Liv leaned back in her chair, her emerald eyes studying Gabriel curiously. "Sir Gabriel, do you think you had someone special where you came from?"
Astrid straightened abruptly, shooting Liv a look. "Liv, did you forget? Gabriel doesn't remember anything."
Liv blinked, and then her cheeks flushed slightly. "Oh, right. I forgot."
Gabriel chuckled softly, his serene demeanor unshaken. "Astrid is correct. I don't recall much of anything from where I came from—no family, no friends, and certainly no lovers."
Eira grinned mischievously, resting her chin in her hand. "Well, what about now? Do you think you'd look for one here?"
Gabriel tilted his head, his expression turning slightly playful. "A lover?"
"Yes," Eira pressed, her grin widening. "Or maybe more than one? You know, up here, it's not uncommon for strong men to have more than one wife."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "More than one wife? Is that… common among your people?"
Eira nodded enthusiastically, while Liv shifted uncomfortably but couldn't hide her interest in the conversation. "It's practical," Eira explained. "A strong man—someone like you—would be sought after. It's considered an honor for a family if their daughters marry someone capable of protecting and providing for them."
Gabriel smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "I see. So, polygamy is seen as a way to strengthen bonds and families in your culture."
Astrid groaned softly, burying her face in her hands. "Eira, stop embarrassing him."
Eira feigned innocence, spreading her hands. "What? I'm just explaining our traditions. Gabriel asked!"
Gabriel chuckled, the sound warm and lighthearted. "Astrid, it's fine. I find your customs fascinating."
Eira leaned closer, her grin turning to tease. "So, what do you think, Gabriel? Would you consider it?"
Gabriel looked at her with a glimmer of amusement in his pale eyes. "Who's to say? Perhaps I would. Or perhaps I'd surprise you all and choose solitude."
Eira gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Solitude? You? Impossible! Women will line up outside your door, begging for your attention."
Liv's cheeks turned pink, though she managed a shy smile. "She's not wrong."
Gabriel chuckled softly, his gaze flicking to Astrid, who was doing her best to look uninterested. "And what about you, Astrid? What do you think of your sisters' theories?"
Astrid's blue eyes met his briefly before she turned away, her blush deepening. "I think they're ridiculous."
Gabriel's smile widened slightly. "Fair enough."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the evening wore on. Eira recounted a childhood story about how she and Liv had once gotten stuck climbing a tree, much to the amusement of Gabriel and Astrid. Liv protested, claiming Eira had exaggerated the story, which only made Eira laugh harder.
Gabriel, for his part, listened attentively, occasionally offering a playful comment that set the twins giggling. Even Astrid couldn't suppress a few smiles, though she quickly composed herself each time.
As the fire in the hearth began to burn low, Liv yawned, her energy finally waning. Eira stretched dramatically, declaring she was ready to collapse into bed.
Astrid stood, brushing her hands off on her tunic. "It's late. We should all get some rest."
Gabriel rose gracefully, his movements fluid and effortless. "I agree. Thank you for the conversation—it was… enlightening."
Liv and Eira exchanged smiles, their eyes still sparkling with fondness. "Goodnight, Sir Gabriel," Liv said softly.
"Sleep well," Eira added, winking playfully.
Gabriel inclined his head. "Goodnight, Miss Liv. Miss Eira. And goodnight, Astrid."
Astrid hesitated, glancing at him briefly before nodding. "Goodnight, Gabriel."
As they each retreated to their rooms, the village fell silent under the blanket of night. Gabriel lay on the simple wooden bed in his room, his thoughts lingering on the warmth of the evening's conversation. For all the lightheartedness, he couldn't entirely shake the faint tension in the air—the awareness of what lay beyond the horizon. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, the soft sounds of the village lulling him into a quiet rest.