#hrefna

Hrefna smiled when her eyes locked with Freydis’ from afar. Her mother had allowed her to travel back to Kattegat and seek out the keeper of the faith. The path her life had taken was so unusual from what she thought it would be, that eventually it split in two, leaving Hrefna with a hard decision to make. She’d known the moment she saw Freydis, how strong and knowledgeable she was, that Hrefna wanted to be a woman just like her. In order to become that, she thought her only chance was to ask for advice. 

As she got closer, she could see little Harald in a sling strapped to Freydis chest, her sword at her hip where it belonged. “I am glad to see you, Hrefna,” Freydis greeted her, the warmth Hrefna felt radiating from her, engulfing her like a loving embrace. “What made you come to Kattegat though?” she asked, smiling with the edge of confusion to the corner of her mouth when Hrefna handed her a bouquet of flowers. 

A moment of silence passed in which Freydis accepted the flowers. They moved away from the crowd and Hrefna cleared her throat before she answered, “I am in need of advice,” she said, stopping when Freydis touched her arm. “I want to help you to keep our faith and become a priestess,” Hrefna told her, biting her lip nervously, “But I also want to be a shieldmaid to protect my mother and people.” Once more, dread settled in her stomach as she thought of the way Harekr had slain the refugees he pledged to protect or Olaf and his troops killing her father so easily. She did not want to be defenseless, but she could see the people’s faith dwindling– due to fear and false promises. 

Freydis suggested they should retreat to her hut to talk about it, leading her through the many little nooks and alleys that seemed to have grown since the day Hrefna had fled. She watched Freydis carefully place the flowers she’d gotten her in a vase meant for them on the table before sitting down, inviting Hrefna to do the same. 

“The way I see it, you can do everything you want,” Freydis said, her gaze heavy on Hrefna. “You can be strong and still guide our people as a priestess.” She added, her hand reaching for Hrefna’s face and softly touching her cheek in comfort. “It won’t be easy,” Freydis warned, “But I am certain you will manage.” 

Hrefna was taken aback by Freydis faith in her and blinked back the tears. “I am not you, Freydis, I am not as important.” 

There was no pity in Freydis' gaze, only understanding. “You do not have to be like me, only like you.” she insisted and wiped the tear off Hrefna’s cheek that dared to escape. “You are so much more than you know and you are important,” Freydis said with a soft smile. “Train hard, learn everything you can about the Gods and let them guide you,” she put her hand over Hrefna’s heart. “Do not settle for just one path.”