In the green valley below, I could point out the small mushroom-like houses that awaited our tired souls. The grass was greener, the flowers brighter and a buzz of hard-working bees welcomed me back home.

"It was a nice trip, but I wish something more interesting would have happened." The disappointment in my words faded away in the light breeze.

"So you would rather want to face murderous thieves or hungry wolves?" Jen seemed satisfied enough with a journey.

"At least I would see what this world is made of and aren't you here to handle any dangerous situations I am getting in?"

"It is ugly, Freya." Jen's voice lost its playful tone. "I wish your father would give you more freedom and you could see for yourself the beauty and also the more sinister side of Sedahra."

"He will not let me go... After my mom left us, he is holding on to me more strongly than ever."

"I am sure he will get over it. Have some faith in your old man."

We entered Wahrlenn, the majestic crown of an ancient elk marked the gate. It's antlers spread out a meter and more on each side to remind all of us about the magnificent creations of the northern forests and the power each being held.

My village - one of those creations - strong, wealthy and filled with talented men and women who were strengthening the power and status of my people all around this part of Sedahra.

"Ahhh!" Jen sighed - his lips moved up in a faint smile and he stretched his powerful arms up in the air. "Off I go. I wonder what my mom is cooking tonight..." He took a second to look at me before parting our ways. "I will surely see you around later!"

Like a hungry wolf, he was gone in a second to chase the delicious meal he had been longing for.

Further down the path more of my guards dispersed to return to their families. My gaze glided over the reed roofs until I spotted the wide top of chief's building - my home.

My father was eagerly waiting for me, I had a feeling. After every trip, he awaited me on the grey stone steps along with the worried expression he wore lately. Sometimes I think he had not moved since I left, seeing him in the same spot on each return of mine.

I reached a corner and there he was. He had lost his shape over the years, the hair on his head and face turned snow white. Perfectly trimmed beard, round at the end, thick mustache and slightly balding head gave a vibe of a loving grandparent. His blue eyes burned with compassion as he watched me return.

My heart ached to see his disappointed reaction after I tell him the news. Dad will not be happy, but I thought he will forgive me as many times before. His heart was just too soft for his only child.

I could get a glimpse of a smile he was hiding behind his mustache.

"How was the journey? Party? Food... your man?"

I rolled my eyes but hoped he did not see.

"Ummmm... It turned out not as we planned..."

He scrunched his white eyebrows. "Freya... Did you do what I think..."

"I am sorry, dad. It will be the last time. I did not like this man and he thought the same way and Lorey, and... and all kinds of other things got in the way... " I struggled to take a breath.

Before I could continue, my dad interrupted me.

"Yes, it will be the last time." He sounded very confident.

"Really? Are you telling the truth?"

"I know your games and I am so tired of them, therefore I will quit pushing you."

I felt a smile creep on my face which was so hard to try and hide. I could not believe his words.

"Another important news for you, Freya."

I stayed silent in anticipation to hear the news he might have prepared for me.

"For quite some time I have been hearing that you are regularly venturing outside during the nights. You know how much I worry for you, but with your disobedience, you are making my hair turn even whiter."

I could feel a dread fall on me like a heavy blanket of snow. There was no good news and I struggled to get a glimpse of any light-hearted emotion in my father's face.

"Come inside, I will show you what I have planned for you."

Nothing seemed out of ordinary in our home. The glowing logs burned quietly in the middle of the room held by the safety of a stone fireplace, the same rug of a bear marked the comforting spot in front of the flames, a dinner table, and few chairs. Head of a wild boar was watching me intently on top of the fireplace. It's tusks shining sinister in the firelight.

Upon reaching a small corner of the room I noticed a man seated in the chair. He exchanged eye contact with my dad and stood up.

I lifted my head as I faced this unknown man.

His blue eyes were warm, just like my father's, but the thick, black eyebrows made his gaze seem colder, more distant. The hairstyle was different from my people too - both sides of his head shaved smooth leaving only a thick stripe of black, silky hair on the top. He was built powerful, sturdy, every muscle toned showing his fitness. He must be a warrior or someone living that kind of lifestyle.

Nothing seemed out of ordinary in the rest of his appearance, he could be surely mistaken as one of our own, someone from this village. Only one thing stood out - he had painted a black, thick line over his eyes and his blue orbs burned brighter in the dark contrast.

"His name is Gunnar, Freya. He will be your guard from now on." My dad seemed proud as he moved his gaze from his head to toe before taking his eyes back at me.

"You mean... like a... bodyguard?"

"You could call him like that I suppose."

Gunnar seemed unfazed by anything, his facial expression did not change, the same fixated stare watched us from above.

I huffed in frustration.

"I need no man to guard me, especially if I am not allowed to leave my home."

"...but you do..."

He had a point. Even though I was not allowed to leave and stay in Wahrlenn, there were times I went much further than the border and my dad had made it clear he knows the fact.

I and my father stayed silent, our eyes connected almost like we had a conversation without words. There was so much I wanted to say, spew out all my dissatisfaction with his decision and the new reality I had been put into.

He was a total stranger, a man of unknown origin. How could I entrust my life to a person who saw only wealth and money in this deal?

I sent a glaring stare in Gunnar's way too to show I will not comply with anything he presents.

For a split second, I thought I saw a muscle in his jaw flex.

"How much did you pay him, dad?"

"Enough to put up with your childish behavior." Gunnar finally spoke.

It came as an insult and stabbed me in the heart, like deadly assassin he knew where to throw his knife.

"You, do not talk to me like that! We will see how long you will last!"

"Freya! Watch your manners!" My father intervened. He did not seem in such a good mood anymore.

I was mad and frustrated, trying to suppress my dislike was hard enough to make me leave the room. Before I left I heard a low, growling voice of my new guard.

"I have plenty of patience..."

I huffed another time, loud enough for them to hear.

"You will have a boring job, GUNNAR."

I stared in his fixated gaze showing all my displeasure, how much I needed him - that is... not at all.