The morning sun crept slowly over the jagged peaks of the valley, casting pale, weak light across the snow-dusted logs of the main house. Inside, the hearth crackled with comforting warmth, the scent of woodsmoke and toasted rye bread filling the cozy room of Gaelan’s home.
Gaelan sat at the table with his large hands cupped around a steaming mug of Rafa’s herbal drink, letting the heat seep into his calloused palms. Across from him, Rafa was quietly moving about the small kitchen area. Her movements were fluid even with her growing belly between her and everything else. She cleared the remains of their morning meal with a soft clatter of earthenware. Between them, Fin was seated on he chair Gaelan had lifted him in, his small legs dangling from the oversized wooden chair. His face was a
