Anlaf watched Saga disappear somewhere into the crowd, not listening to Ashley as he rambled on. She was shaken to the very foundation of her being, seeing the young woman. Perhaps it was just a coincidence. Perhaps it wasn't really<i>her</i>.  Yes, that had to be it. It had been too long, this young woman just had an uncanny resemblance to her long, lost lover. Nothing more, nothing less.<br/><br/>As the moon rose higher over the festivities, the crowd began to thin out. Families went home for the night, leaving only those who wanted to celebrate with drink and dance and... other means. "<i>Come, let us go home</i>," Anlaf bid Dagny as she stood from her seat. Her personal guards were only a step behind the two women as they headed through the streets of the city. The sounds of music, laughter, and cheering followed them all the way into the longhouse.<br/><br/>"<i>The people are happy here, but I have not seen that kind of joy in quite some time</i>," Dagny said, linking her arm with Anlaf's as they walked through the main hall of the grand house. The fire in the large pit burned low, giving off just enough light to see by - not that either of them needed it. Only a couple of caretakers of the house were out and about now, tidying it up for the following day.<br/><br/>"<i>We shall go for a hunt after the humans have settled more properly</i>," Anlaf decided. "<i>That, too, shall be a celebration</i>." She led them through the latticework doorway and turned down the hall to their left. That was where her private quarters were - including a bedroom, washroom, and small dining room.<br/><br/>In the bedroom, Dagny parted from Anlaf's side so they could both dress down for the night. The bedroom was finely decorated in rich, dark colors accented by pops of bright vibrancy. Tapestries hung on the walls, sconces were strategically placed, and it held a large bed that was laden with furs. "<i>Anlaf... that young woman Ashley introduced..."<br/>
</i><br/>Anlaf had been fearing this conversation would come up, when all she wanted to do was forget. "<i>What about her?</i>"<br/><br/>"<i>You looked as if you'd seen a ghost</i>."<br/><br/>Anlaf was quiet for a few moments, taking off her jewelry. "<i>She looks a great deal like a woman I once knew</i>."<br/><br/>In utter silence, Dagny walked over and wrapped her arms around Anlaf from behind, resting her chin on the woman's shoulder. "<i>You know that could mean-</i>"<br/><br/>"-<i>I do not think it's her</i>," the Earl interjected. "<i>It has been too long. Now, let us go to bed.</i>"<br/><br/>Dagny didn't press the issue any further and allowed them to retire for the night in peace. Behind sturdy walls, in the heart of the city, the lingering sounds of the party didn't reach them, even though it went on well into the early hours of morning.<br/><br/>By the first rays of dawn, several people had gone out to clean up what was left over from the festivities. Despite how much food and drink had been brought out, hardly anything was left over. That left mugs and plates to clean up, tables and chairs to put away, and remnants of bonfires to clear away.<br/><br/>Also with morning came word from the Earl. She sent a messenger to the house that Ashley was staying in. While she did not require his immediate presence, she did want him to know that he and the rest of his people would need to find themselves work, so long as they intended to stay in Kaupang. They could all have some time to settle, but for the city to function as well and be as prosperous as it was, everyone had to work at it.