Björn stared at the woman's figure as she made her way in thorough the door......Höðr?.........Did she mean who he thought she meant.......? Did she mean the god of winter, of nighttime and shadows? But if that was the case, it would mean that she was also..........and she too was............ Björn's mind racing as he stood in the fresh flurry of snow that fell from the sky; the notion of not only meeting one that could be of Asgard, but also the grandchild of the allfather.........the oldest son of Ragnar having to wonder whether he had lost his mind; whether he was seeing and hearing things due to fatigue or hunger. The beautiful woman, a mere figment of his imagination. Yet this all seemed real enough, as did the arrow that she had had pointed at him..........

"Are you hungry or not, son of Ragnar.........?" The sudden question from the woman in the doorway, shaking all thoughts of what she had just told him from his mind. The growl from his belly, assuring him that yes, he was indeed hungry. Björn nodding, before making his way through the snow and into the cabin.

                                                       >>----------------------------------<<

Björn pulled the hood from his head. The cabin was so different to the one that he had been staying in; his as basic as one could find, yet this........this was no mere hunters' cabin, this really was a home as he had thought it was, when he had first seen it.

A fire, that was already slowly cooking half the deer that she had been hauling behind her on the sled, calling him into the middle of the large room, so that he could warm his chilled hands. From the rafters hung freshly caught game, as well as plants and dried meats. In a corner, a good store of vegetables that he was sure could last her the rest of the winter, were stored. There was furniture that was covered in the finest and warmest looking furs, and a bed that looked so comfortable, he was sure that his body would only have to lay on it for a moment, before he drifted off to sleep. It the kind of place that he was positive that any man would be proud to call his home, and if his beautiful host was also their woman........

"You should take off your coat......you will feel the warmth of the fire, better......" Björn nodding and pulling off his heavy coat, before she took it from his hands and pointed to a place for him to sit next to the hearth.

"And I assure you that I mean you no harm, Björn son of Ragnar..........." (Y/n) added. Björn only realising then, that he had his dagger and axe in his belt.

"I didn't think........I didn't know who I would be coming across, who you might be, so........."

"There is no need to explain..........." (Y/n) interrupted, holding up her hand.

"It would be foolish for you to be out in the wilderness without your weapons. There are still wolves and the odd bear wandering the woods, always in search of an easy meal. But as I told you, you will not be harmed here; you are my guest. I have no desire to offend those of Asgard by not making you welcome......." She explained, as she draped his large, heavy coat over the back of another chair that was placed at a small table. The mention of Asgard and the allfather, bringing back the thoughts of whether the woman coming to join him at the fire, really could be the child of the blind god.

"May I ask you something........?" The huntress nodding, as she took a seat across from him on the other side of the fire. Checking the deer, before she turned her attention fully to him.

"When your said that you were the daughter of Höðr, did you mean........?" Björn's brows raising, as a sudden peel of laughter filled the air. Laughter that to his ears, sounded like the sweetest of music.

"Yes, I am the daughter of that Höðr, the god of winter. Twin of Baldr and son of Odin and Frigg..........."

"But.......but that would mean............."

"You seem surprised, son of Ragnar. You believe in the gods, do you not? Those of Asgard often come to Midgard and wander the lands, keeping a watchful eye on the people. Often interact with those that call on them in prayer..........."

"But what are you doing here. Why are you..........?" Björn interjected. His shocked expression making the beauteous woman laugh again.

"As you may know, after my father was tricked by Loki into killing his twin; his brother, Vali murdered him to avenge Baldr's death. With my father gone, there seemed little reason to stay in Asgard; so, I journeyed here with the blessing of the allfather and found this place. The winters on Midgard allow me to feel close to my father, again. They remind me that one day, he and Baldr will return from the kingdom of Hel, and rule over the heaven. That......." (Y/n) getting to her feet and retrieving a large black pot, sitting it in the fire before she retook her seat.

"And I have come to love Midgard. It has come to feel more like home than Asgard ever did. This cabin may be nothing compared to the Halls of Valhalla; but it is mine, and I am content. I hunt, fish, grow vegetables in a little garden in the warmer months.......you may think that it is a strange thing for a goddess to do; but I would not change it........" She added. Chuckling to herself, at her guests continued expression of shock. (Y/n) well aware that such things were much to take in. This Björn not the only one that she had met during her years on the hillside, who had been taken aback by the news that they were in the presence of a goddess. Though, she would have to confess, that he was the most handsome Midgardian that she had come across. There something about him......maybe it was those eyes. But whatever the case, she did not regret asking him to join her.

"Now, the deer will take a little longer to cook; but until then, there is hare stew in the pot that you are welcome to eat. And while you do, perhaps now you know who I am, you will tell me why you are out here, son of Ragnar.........."