The early morning sun bathed the snowy landscape of Bjorn's village in a soft golden glow. The longhouse at the heart of the settlement was warm, the fire pit crackling gently as Sigrun stirred a pot of morning stew. Bjorn sat at the long wooden table, his arms crossed, his expression thoughtful. Astrid, Liv, and Eira sat nearby, their gazes flicking between their father and each other as if trying to gauge his mood.
The events of the previous day still lingered heavily in the air—the sight of Gabriel's transformation, his gentle invitation for the girls to live in his divine home, and the clear excitement on their faces. Bjorn hadn't said much on the ride back, but now, as the morning light streamed through the windows, the silence was about to be broken.
Sigrun placed a steaming bowl of stew in front of Bjorn before settling beside him. Her calm demeanor belied the curiosity in her eyes. She looked at her daughters, who seemed unusually quiet, and then at Bjorn. "Well, husband," she began lightly, "are we going to talk about it, or will we sit here in silence all morning?"
Bjorn grunted, running a hand through his thick hair. "I was just waiting for them to bring it up," he said, nodding toward his daughters. "They're the ones itching to talk."
Eira, the youngest and most energetic of the three, couldn't hold back any longer. "Father! You know we want to go back to Gabriel's!" she blurted, her eyes wide with anticipation. "He said we could stay with him! Why wouldn't we?"
Liv, always more composed, chimed in, her voice steady. "Father, you saw his home. It's not just a house, it's a sanctuary. We'd be safe there."
Astrid, who rarely showed vulnerability, spoke last. "And it's not like we're leaving forever. We'll still come back here often. You and Mother can visit too."
Bjorn leaned back in his chair, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. "You say all that, but do you even understand what you're asking?" His voice was firm but not unkind. "Living with Gabriel isn't the same as staying in this village. He's… different. Not just in power, but in who he is. Do you truly think you're ready for that?"
Sigrun placed a hand on Bjorn's arm, her tone gentle yet firm. "Bjorn, they're not children anymore. They've made it clear they admire Gabriel, and I don't blame them. He's kind, he's respectful, and he's done more for our people than we could ever repay. If they want to live closer to him, why should we stand in their way?"
Bjorn sighed heavily, his broad shoulders slumping slightly. "It's not that I don't trust him. I trust Gabriel more than I trust most men in this world. But you've seen what he is, Sigrun. He's not like us—he's something higher. What happens when they get too close? When they…" He trailed off, his gaze flicking toward his daughters.
"You're afraid we'll get hurt," Liv said quietly, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "You're afraid he won't feel the same way."
Bjorn nodded slowly. "Aye. I've seen how the three of you look at him. I know what's in your hearts. But I don't want you to pin all your hopes on someone who might never see you the same way."
Eira crossed her arms, her youthful defiance shining through. "And what if he does see us that way? Shouldn't we have the chance to find out for ourselves? Father, you're always telling us to be brave, to face challenges head-on. How is this any different?"
Bjorn opened his mouth to reply, but Astrid cut him off, her voice calm but firm. "Father, we're not naïve. We know Gabriel isn't like anyone else. But that doesn't mean we should stay away from him. He's treated us with nothing but respect. He's never once acted as if he's above us."
"And if it doesn't work out," Liv added, "then at least we'll know we tried. Isn't that better than wondering what might have been?"
Bjorn looked at his daughters, their expressions filled with determination and sincerity. His heart ached with both pride and worry. He glanced at Sigrun, who gave him an encouraging nod, her quiet way of saying, Trust them.
After a long silence, Bjorn sighed deeply and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Alright," he said, his voice low but steady. "If this is what you truly want, I won't stand in your way. But I want you to promise me something."
The girls leaned in, their expressions serious.
"Promise me," Bjorn continued, "that you'll always put your own happiness first. Don't sacrifice yourselves for someone else, no matter who they are. If Gabriel cares for you the way you hope he does, he'll respect that. And if he doesn't… well, you'll always have a home here."
Astrid, Liv, and Eira exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
"We promise, Father," Astrid said, her voice firm.
"Thank you," Liv added, her tone warm.
Eira grinned, unable to contain her excitement. "You're the best, Father!"
Bjorn chuckled despite himself. "Don't make me regret this."
The rest of the morning was a whirlwind of preparation. Astrid, Liv, and Eira packed their belongings quickly, their excitement barely contained. Sigrun helped them, offering quiet advice and occasional hugs.
"You've grown so much," she said softly as she embraced Liv. "I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Mother," Liv replied, her eyes shining. "We'll make you proud."
When it was time to leave, Bjorn stood outside the longhouse, his arms crossed as he watched his daughters mount their horses. Despite his earlier worries, a small smile played at the corners of his mouth.
"Take care of yourselves," he said gruffly. "And don't forget to visit."
"We won't," Astrid promised, her voice steady.
Eira waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Father! Bye, Mother!"
As they rode away, Sigrun placed a hand on Bjorn's arm, her gaze following their daughters. "You did the right thing."
"I hope so," Bjorn replied, his voice tinged with both hope and hesitation.
The ride to Gabriel's home was brisk, the crisp air and clear skies making the journey feel almost dreamlike. When they arrived, Gabriel was waiting outside, his six wings folded neatly behind him. His serene expression brightened when he saw them, his lips curving into a warm smile.
"You're back," he said, his tone welcoming.
The sisters dismounted quickly, running toward him. Liv reached him first, wrapping her arms around him in a hug that radiated both affection and gratitude. Eira wasn't far behind, her embrace just as enthusiastic.
Astrid hesitated for a moment, her usual confidence faltering. But as Gabriel looked at her, his smile reassuring, she stepped forward and hugged him briefly before stepping back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Gabriel chuckled softly, his gaze moving between them. "I take it your father approved?"
Liv nodded, her eyes shining. "He did. But only because he trusts you."
"And we do too," Eira added with a grin.
Gabriel's expression softened. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
As they began unpacking their belongings, the warmth of the moment lingered.