Astrid nodded to her reasoning about death. Blessed was the day when she would find peace. Her mind and body was getting tired from leading a village, but she couldn't possibly show that to everyone who depended on her strong-will and ability to lead. One day a lucky enemy would surely find an opening in her defense and give her eternal peace, but that would be then and now was now. There was no point in worrying about the future. Surely her husband would mourn her, but he would also understand that she was slowly coming to that age and feeling weaker.<br/><br/>"Your father." She repeated. "He must be a fine warrior then." Astrid of course hadn't forgotten about the men in Svala's village. Around this time for the year it was common that men were far out raiding and would come back with hefty loot, but once they would, hell would be broken loose. Some men would never even find their villages that had been destroyed badly and covered by the snow and some were unlucky enough to still find half-decaying bodies inside their homes. She wondered what would happen once the men of Svala's village returned.<br/><br/>"Inge is my only daughter." Astrid said. "The rest of my children are all boys. Most of them are out raiding right now, but Jonas stayed behind, perhaps because he is much like Inge... he prefers an easy life." She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. It had to be expected that out of all her children at least two would be lazy and have trouble fitting into their every day life. Inge especially was difficult, but Astrid tried to forgive her by thinking she was just young at heart. "Your father was wise to train you despite your mother's protests. Without him I doubt you would be here right now. Wherever he is, perhaps you should thank him tonight as you mourn for your village." Astrid smiled a little.<br/><br/>Outside the preparations were in full swing. This meant that Inge could no longer sleep in silence. Her door finally opened and she walked out lazily, glancing over to her mother and Svala before heading over to the water basin to clean herself. "Finally you are awake." Astrid spoke, her voice a little colder now. "Do you even care to know that your brother Ketill has fallen in battle?"<br/><br/>Inge washed her face and seemed unphased by the news. "Jonas must be devastated." She simply commented and dried her face. "It must be a punishment for last night's raid."<br/><br/>"No, don't be foolish, Inge." Astrid scolded. "These things happen. Perhaps you should talk to Jonas?"<br/><br/>"Hmph, what is he? A coward? Let him cry if he's such a baby. I don't really care." Inge snapped.