Athelstan had been good to his word and had spoken with Ragnar. The Viking allowing the monk to free his gift; for as Ragnar had put it, the nun was Athelstan's, to do with as he wished. The man taken from Lindisfarne, ignoring the look that his friend gave him over the rim of his tankard. Though Ragnar had added that he would be interested to hear of anything that the monk might learn from the new occupant of Kattegat. Athelstan deciding to tell him what the beautiful woman had confessed. That she was in truth the warrior that Ragnar had expected her to have been, and that she had only sworn herself to their God, after the nuns had saved her life. The once simple farmer, seeming to become even more intrigued by the woman that he had refused to kill with every word that Athelstan spoke. Yet one thing that Athelstan had not been able to do, was get (Y/n) a cabin of her own; Ragnar simply stating that there was enough room for two in the cabin that Athelstan had, and that he should enjoy having a woman around. That he was sure that she would keep the place clean and cook for him; and....... Perhaps, in time, do other things for him. The not so subtle innuendo, making the monk blush; Ragnar getting a feeling that despite his friend's vows not to bed a woman, Athelstan had not failed to notice the beauty that had been gifted to him.

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

Athelstan made his way to the door of the cabin, he had asked (Y/n) to go for water some time ago, and he had to admit that he was getting a little worried that she had not returned yet. It had only been a matter of days since Ragnar and the others had returned home, so there were people in the town that were still not happy about the fact that the nun had been able to remain alive. That, and he knew that the boatbuilder, Flóki, did not like him; so how he would take having another Christian in Kattegat, he didn't know. Yet, despite his fears of her coming face to face with someone that might want to harm her, he had a feeling that she would be able to deal with that. That even though she was unarmed, (Y/n) would still find a way to defeat anyone that might challenge her. No, his biggest fear was that she might have decided to escape. That being sent for water, was what she had been waiting for, and she was now running from Kattegat; Athelstan feeling a sick sensation deep inside him, as he thought that he might never see her again. But then, there she was, a smile coming to his face, as he saw the nun with two very familiar children.

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

(Y/n) filled up the wooden pail. Even though she had not outright said it, she did appreciate the fact that Athelstan had been true to his word; that she was free, and not a slave. Though living with him over the last few days, had certainly presented challenges for both of them. Yet she had to confess, only to herself and her God that was, that she was finding that she didn't mind. The monk already having proved that he was a good and kind man. That, and he was quite a handsome thing; not that that was important.............

"What's your name............?" A voice suddenly asked. (Y/n) turning to see a girl had joined her. Her dark blonde hair braided neatly and draped over her left shoulder.

"What's yours.............?" (Y/n) countered, as she picked up the heavy pail.

"I'm Gyda, and that is my brother, Björn." The girl explained, pointing to a blonde-haired boy, that was making his way over to them.

"Well, Gyda, my name is (Y/n)............"

"You're the one father brought back with him for Athelstan.............." The blonde boy stated, as he joined the two females. The nun looking into his eyes, able to see a similarity between his blue orbs, and those of the big man that had taken her from the convent.

"Why is your hair like that..............?" The boy continued, as he and his sister followed after her.

"Why is your hair like that..........?" (Y/n) countered. Having to admit that she had never been the best with children. Yet she had a feeling that getting away from this pair, might be easier said than done.

"I am a man................"

"A man.............? One day you will be a man, yes. A man just like your father; but at this moment, you are a boy.............." The nun retorted, the trio stopping in the middle of the street. It obvious that Björn hadn't liked being referred to as a boy. The young Ragnarsson taking it upon himself to pick up the heavy pail that (Y/n) had just placed down. It seeming as though he were trying to prove her wrong, as he moved ahead of the nun and his sister, with his head held high.

"But you aren't.........a boy or man, I mean. Why don't you have long hair like other women.........?" Gyda enquired. (Y/n) not sure whether to find the inquisitive girl annoying, or interesting.

"When a woman chooses to wed herself to God, my God, then she must surrender all her worldly goods. Our hair is a part of that. We are no longer seen as women, as others are. We have surrendered ourselves, our femininity, our allure, so that we can live only to glorify our lord's name." (Y/n) explained. Chuckling to herself, as she saw the musing look on the young girl's face.

"So.........you can't marry Athelstan then............?" Gyda finally continued. The question nearly making (Y/n) stop again.

"Well...........Athelstan took a vow as I did. We promised to stay..........to not..............to not be with..........I doubt that Athelstan would want to marry me.........." (Y/n) replied. Not about to go into the fact that neither she, nor the monk were supposed to be interested in the opposite sex. That such thoughts were sinful; and their devotion was to God, not the body of another.

"I think he would. I heard my father talking to my mother. Father said that Athelstan likes you. That you were meant to be together..........." Gyda added cheerily, quite liking the idea of the monk being happy. Of him being married to a woman that the gods had helped her father find for Athelstan. (Y/n) feeling the daughter of Ragnar, slip her hand into hers, as they followed after Björn. The nun looking at the man in the doorway of the cabin that they were headed for. The heartwarming smile on his face, making her wonder whether the girl by her side, might know something she didn't; and that Athelstan had been right the day they met, and God indeed might have plans for her.