@beerserker
The sun was only just over the horizon when Beyla took her first steps into the forests outside of Hedeby. She had been awake for hours, helping to start and stoke the kitchen fires and bake bread for a hungry household. There were some hours yet before she would have to return to knead freshly-risen dough, or help watch the master’s children and grandchildren as they ran wild through his halls. She fully expected to spend these precious few hours in silence, letting the stillness and peace of the land settle in her soul and help her brace against the day’s burdens.
But apparently, that was not what the gods had in mind for her. As she rounded the path, it was clear to see that Beyla was not the only one with the idea to pass the morning amidst the trees. There was a man still some paces away, unfamiliar and terribly strong in appearance, even from such a distance. A tiny thing like Beyla would have been best served turning on her heel and returning to civilization, but there was the promise of a fine morning’s walk beyond this man’s place in the path, and Beyla was loathe to give it up.
She deliberately made her steps louder, imagining that a man of his stature would not react pleasantly to being surprised. When she was within hearing distance, Beyla cleared her throat and spoke in her quiet voice. “Good morning,” she called, slowing her steps only enough to be polite, obviously intending to continue on her way into the trees, quite alone.
