Haakon Larrson looked out over the feast that had been prepared for Gudrun's wedding. He was glad to have made it to this point in the day. The wedding itself had been incredibly boring, though he was happy for Gudrun and Eirik. The crying had left him staring in disbelief at the women present. Still, he was pleased with the fine ceremony and feast his steading had provided. There were few who could have matched it!

Now the feasting was winding down, but the drinking was just getting started. The man Arnulf Kjalarson interested him. Obviously he was a man of some wealth, and equally obviously a trader. Haakon wondered what sort of deal he wished to make. As he watched the man throughout the course of the feast, Haakon had noticed not a few glances from the man cast at Sigyn. That was very interesting. Could this be the deal the man spoke of? Haakon was uncertain how he felt about his sister marrying a trader.

Still, Haakon resolved to let the man have his say. Standing abruptly, Haakon strode towards the man. Normally he would have attracted alot of attention, but today was focused on others, and Haakon was allowed to move fairly free of scrutiny. Soon, he stood beside the man, Arnulf. "Let's walk, friend," Haakon commanded roughly.

Coming quickly to his feet, Arnulf followed Haakon. Despite the rather large amounts of mead Haakon knew the man had consumed, he walked steadily and quickly. Hmmmph, a point in his favor, I suppose, thought Haakon. Stepping outside, Haakon continued to walk briskly and Arnulf followed. Their path led them not far from the longhouse and Haakon quickly broke the silence once outside.

"What is it you wish to discuss, merchant."

The man looked up at Haakon briefly before beginning to talk. He was as straightforward as Haakon had been. "I would like to marry your sister sir."

Haakon guffawed. "You see one marriage ceremony when you arrive at my steading, and you immediately wish to get married yourself? Come man, where is your brain? Marriage should not be entered into so lightly!"

"I do not ask lightly Haakon Larsson. I am in earnest. Your sister is . . . of unusual beauty and strength of character. Quite frankly, she is exactly the type of woman I have been searching for. I am offering thirty gold pieces in exchange for your leave to marry your sister."

Haakon stopped walking, and Arnulf took two or three more steps before he too stopped. Haakon's mind was mulling over the idea. "My sister is of great worth, friend. And while thrity gold pieces is a large amount, she is worth more to me than that. Until I too take a wife, she performs vital functions here at the steading."

"Then I would offer more," Arnulf broke in. "Treble the offer, and I will provide your house with 3 bolts of silk like the one I gave to the bride today. I want your sister, Haakon. She is right for me."

"You do indeed offer a great deal. I will think on it. I love my sister dearly and wish her to be happy. I must take that into consideration. And, she is still quite young. Still very foolish. When I return from a viking, we can talk more about this then." Turning towards the longhouse, Haakon left Arnulf standing. "In the meantime," he called back, "Skallagrim will have complete authority in my stead. You may call back and trade your goods with him whenever you stop by."

Entering the longhouse, Haakon spied Skallagrim. Joining his younger brother, he quickly told him of his conversation with Arnulf. Skallagrim looked surprised, but then grinned and raised his drink at the merchant who had just reentered the longhouse. Maybe Haakon's absence would not be so boring after all.