When Arnulf awoke, he found himself in almost complete darkness, and he thought that so much drink had robbed him of his sight--as it surely had robbed him of his reason. He tried to sit up, but found for some time that the effort was beyond him. As his eyes adjusted, he realized he was in a private sleeping cabinet--a fully enclosed bed in essence, to conserve warmth--which meant that he was somewhere in Haakon's steading. At length, he located the door, and eased it open slowly. Blinding light caused him to shut it again, but not before he had grabbed the chamber pot by the door.

Eventually he forced himself to brave the light of day...his head pounding like a smith's hammer on anvil. He climbed through the small door and out into the hall beyond. With some fumbling, he managed to replace his boots, and eyes narrowed still against the light, he took stock of his surroundings. He was at the farthest end of the great hall, well out of the way of hurrying slaves, and of his new-found evil brother Skallagrim--for only one touched by Loki would force so much drink on one about to meet his future wife! A passing slave handed Arnulf a bowl of porridge, and led him to the table set up for serving meals. When asked if he wanted beer, Arnulf quickly shook his head, and asked instead for water. Arnulf noted that he was the only one still eating, everyone else had finished long ago and gone about their business.

He was about to rise, when he heard a laugh behind him, and a large hand clapped him on the back. "So! Lazy One! It is time you were up and working! How a merchant can become rich sleeping so long is beyond me!" Again, Skallagrim's hand landed on his back, nearly knocking him from his seat.

"Please, brother...not so loud! It feels like a giant is using my head for a ball!"

Relenting a bit, Skallagrim's next laugh wasn't quite so loud, and his words were kindly meant. "Truth be told, mine is the same! But you get used to it in time....Come, it is nearly midday, and time for you to greet your new bride!" And he headed for the door of the hall, wincing only slightly at the daylight beyond.

"Skallagrim...I am not presentable! Wait a bit..." but it was no use--his 'brother' was already out the door, and Arnulf must perforce follow. He too winced at the bright light of day, but within a few moments he could see well enough to follow the warrior down the track leading through Fjell and to the harbor. He straightened his clothing as best he could and ran fingers through his blonde hair--it was longer than he usually kept it, and he felt an urge to cut it before meeting Sigyn, but Skallagrim was obviously in a hurry to get the introductions over.

In the town's small market, Arnulf spotted Sigyn's bright hair, and felt ashamed. How could she accept me, even if I weren't in this state? She is so beautiful--Freya herself could not be prettier! Skallagrim walked up to his sister, and greeted her warmly, a laugh playing about the edges of his mouth, though it did not escape. "Sigyn, once again...I present your future husband: Arnulf Kjalarsson!"

Under Sigyn's cool stare, Arnulf felt as if he were being flayed alive and wanted nothing more than to disappear into the earth like melting snow. Her gaze raked him up and down, from his red cloth cap, blue tunic and to his grey breeches gartered in yellow. She sniffed somewhat--in disapproval?--and her steely gaze settled on his face: shoulder-length silver-blonde hair, sun-burnt skin untouched by any beard, and pale grey eyes. She held onto his gaze for a long time, determining her next move. Was that the faintest trace of a smile which touched her lips as she spoke?

"Seen in the light, you could almost be one of the fairy folk...those eyes are almost colorless."

She had not rejected him out of hand!--such was her right, and Arnulf had feared she might take it after the impression he had surely made the previous day. He found his voice, and cleared his throat before replying. "Tradition has it that long ago, there was some contact with the Light Alfs...and every so often, one of our kith is born very fair...the elves alone can tell if it contains the light of truth or the darkness of deception!"

Sigyn laughed. "A well-turned phrase--and after what you drank yesterday! Know, Arnulf Kjalarson,that my brother Skallagrim is ever the joker--and he played a very bad one on you! I do not hold this against you."

When her brother started to laugh, she stared him down until he stopped, then turned back to her intended groom. "I see no harm in you, and think there is no reason why we may not get to know one another better...for a time. After that, should you agree, we will set a date for the wedding."

Arnulf's spirits soared at her words!