𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟. 𝐈𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.
Humans reveled in the idea of immortality, but those who possessed it wer...
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993 - Vinland (present-day America)
"Come on, Elijah," Astra called over her shoulder as she took off through the trees, her long braid flapping in the wind behind her. "We're almost there."
Elijah sighed but took off after her. He had no idea where she was leading him, but he couldn't find it in himself to care. The sun was bright in the sky, shining through the tall trees around him. The celebration for the summer solstice was later in the evening and the whole village was bustling to finish the final details for the festivities. This day always brought such joy to the village. Even Mikael was in an upbeat mood for the moment, leaving Elijah a few selfish moments to himself without worrying about his siblings.
His mother had sent him to check with Astra's father if he had timber to add to the bonfire. He was, as always, annoyed by Elijah's presence but gathered the lumber he had set aside and began the trek to the village. Once he was gone, Elijah noticed Astra giving him a mischievous smile and begged him to abandon his chores so she could show him something she just discovered.
This wasn't anything new for them. Astra couldn't sit still for long and was always sneaking out to explore the nearby woods. Much to her father's displeasure. Astra was Erik's only daughter and he was often vexed by her lack of a desire to settle down and have a family of her own. Astra would often tell Elijah that the only reason her father wanted her to be married was to get her out of his house. Elijah could never really argue with her. She was likely right.
Unlike her father, Elijah loved her free spirit. How her eyes would light up when she found a new hidden paradise. Or the way she would screw up her nose when one of the boys in their village made a disparaging comment. Where Elijah was unable to express his emotions easily, Astra wore hers for everyone to see. He couldn't help but be captivated by it.
Elijah followed her further through the woods. He nervously glanced around as they were approaching the wolves' territory. They had a tenuous peace with the wolves but he still preferred to avoid any unnecessary contact.
"Relax," Astra reassured him, reaching back to grab his hand. "I'll protect you from the big, bad wolves."
Astra gave him a bright smile that he couldn't help but return. She pulled on his hand but didn't pick up the pace as he followed her through the trees. He listened carefully and could hear the bubbling of water.
"You found a new watering hole?" Elijah asked in surprise. As the winter melted away, they would often dare each other to dive into the frigid cold water at the lake near their village. However, as the weather turned warmer, their favorite lake became overrun by the villagers.
"Patience." She tried to hide her smile but he could tell she was as excited as he was. Elijah picked up the pace slightly as they both hurried to see what lay before them.
