Faustina and Weyland returned at the beginning of the Blodmonath. The winter chill had already begun to set in, yet they came back earlier than planned, after receiving word from Aethelric that Weyland’s long-suffering aunt Saewara had died. They buried her with her husband and son, as well as her distaff and jewelled rings. 

“You must settle your cousin Juthwara,” Faustina murmured to her husband as they stepped away from the burial mound. 

“Can she not live with us? We are her family.”

“Of course she can,” Faustina said. “But I think it is time that she has her own family. She has been caring for her mother for many years now.”

Weyland pursed his lips. “Is there a man she... favours?”

“I believe so. Beornwulf, one of your gesiths.”