Astrid did not miss the shiver that coursed through Svala as they had walked for a while. She smiled kindly and took off her own fur, placing it on the girl's shoulders without a word. There were no words needed, just the kind deed in itself, although she doubted the girl's mind would be as malleable as that. But perhaps she would realize that if she gave in just enough, she would greatness in her new home. It would be different, but worth it. Astrid herself had been in Svala's position a long time ago and recalled the anger she had felt. But eventually she had adjusted to her new home and forgotten about her past. It was how life went. Inge was lucky she had not yet faced such fate, but an attack on their village would be inevitable once their handywork was discovered.<br/><br/>After walking for another hour or so, they could make out the lights in the distance. Their village was still awake, waiting for the warriors to return from their raid. Astrid smiled gratefully to the skies, thanking the gods for protecting her women at least through that night. Tomorrow, however, was another day with another victor. "Welcome to our village, Svala." She spoke as they arrived to the first houses. Those who were still awake had come to greet the warriors and curiously peeked over to Svala. "Great work, everybody. Things went smoothly. You've deserved your loot. Now, go get some rest. Let us hope tomorrow the gods will be just as favorable to us as they were today."<br/><br/>The women nodded and returned to their houses, joining their younger children or elders who had been expecting them with anticipation. Astrid turned to Svala and the women who guarded her. "Come, let me show you your new home." She walked over to the biggest house of the village and stepped into the warmth. It was clear that the inhabitants were particularly wealthy; there was plenty of room and even separated bedrooms for the many children of the house. Unfortunately many of them were gone as they were men, and would be back in several moons. One of them was still there, however, a lazy brother of Inge. And speaking of Inge, she was sitting with him at a fireplace, drinking mead she had stolen from one of the houses and getting gloriously drunk while bragging about the battle.<br/><br/>"Inge." Astrid spoke firmly, causing the blonde girl to lazily turn her head towards her mother and Svala. "I'd like a bit of decency from you and your brother at a time like this. We have a new addition in the house and instead of introducing yourselves, you are feasting on mead like foolish drunkards. Come on now, let's make her feel at home."<br/><br/>The two siblings gave suspicious looks towards Svala. Inge, especially, seemed uninterested in having her in the family as the second daughter. "Mother, we've deserved this!" She exclaimed. "Jonas was already drinking when I got back anyway." Her brother grinned widely, raising a cup of mead to Svala to greet her. An idea seemed to suddenly hit Jonas. "Perhaps she'd like a drink too? Might help to put you to sleep when your entire village has been slaughtered..." He hiccuped, receiving a terrible look from Astrid.<br/><br/>"Don't bother, she looks like she can hardly handle her ale!" Inge chuckled.<br/><br/>"Enough! You are uneccaptable, Inge. Your arrogance is what would have made Svala a winner in your duel tonight had I not arrived in time. Do you understand that?" Astrid growled.<br/><br/>Inge sneered, turning her back to her mother to continue drinking. Realizing that she wasn't going to be of much help, Astrid turned to the guards instead and asked them to lead Svala to an empty room that belonged to one of Inge's brothers. She followed after them, still keeping an eye on the young girl and wondering how they should go about the night. Tying her up for the night would make her uncomfortable, but she couldn't risk having run free either. Then again, perhaps it would be a good opportunity to test her, and so she instructed the guards to remove all her weapons and then untie her. "This is your room for the time being." Astrid explained and nodded over to the bed with fur blankets. "I am untying your for the night. That is how much I believe in your common sense and judgment. Running away in this cold would not be smart, but I'd be happy to see you try it." She gave her a short smile before leaving her into her new room and walking off with the guards.