The great hall was empty, the feast honoring a great leader finished. The immediate family sat at their usual table. It was very late but none of them wished to leave their mother alone, to face her first night without her husband in over thirty years.
Astrid wasn't surprised at how well her mother hand handled the funeral. After all, she was the wife of a brave Chieftain, and would not disrespect his memory by showing weakness. She had stood tall and regal as Scott was laid to rest, and accepted condolences with grace.
However, Astrid couldn't help but worry what life would be for her without her beloved husband, though she would not say so aloud. "We will do well," she said instead, sharing in the vast loss that was apparent on everyone's sorrowful faces.
"Of course we will," Vevina
