*Eleanor*
Erik leads me down a path toward Harald’s house. It’s not as big as I expected for as many people as he’s invited to stay, but it’s bigger than our house in the previous village.
He opens the door and gruffly welcomes us in. Catherine and Thora cook at the center fire while Hvitserk attempts to occupy their son. I approach them after handing Mani to Erik.
“Good morning,” I say, and they both smile in greeting. “Everyone good?”
“It’s a little crowded, but it’s nice,” Catherine tells me.
Thora sets a pot into the coals. “Harald just wanted Catherine to stay here and knew she wouldn’t by herself.”
“I assumed as much,” I agree with a giggle.
Catherine sighs. “We aren’t married. You know what it is like at home,” she tells me.
I nod. I do know what it was like. “
