Always Mine. radiant colors of the sky reflected off of her pale skin and made her look more beautiful than

Transcription

1 Buechel 1 Madeline Buechel Always Mine The sun started to fall across the rolling, beautifully arbored Scandinavian landscape. The radiant colors of the sky reflected off of her pale skin and made her look more beautiful than ever. She had the whitest arms in the entire clan, which she adorned with gold arm bands. Her long, glossy blonde hair was tied up in a braid. Her hair was kept clean and neat, just as she kept the rest of her supple body. She was talking to her aunt next to the fire where there were younger ladies smoking fish. She was wearing a lovely forget-me-not in her hair that her cousin had picked earlier. How graceful she looked just then. Her name was Dahlia. She kept to herself and was busy with the children and household chores of the the clan longhouses. To Gunnar, her beauty drove all other thoughts away. He wanted her for his wife. Her serious and distant face lured him even deeper into the enchantment. He was in love. When she smiled and laughed, time seemed to stop. She was the only person he could think about. And he was promised to her. Dahlia, you are going to marry Gunnar when you turn 15. Dahlia s father, Ebba, had told Dahlia at eight years old. Ebba was the chief of the clan with Gunnar s father second in command, so the marriage was perfect. Yes, father. Dahlia responded. She was not quite sure how she felt about the matter. Gunnar, was not the only young man in the clan who loved Dahlia. Gunther was tall and muscular, with blonde stubble and braided hair that he groomed with a little homemade comb. His eyes held a depth of sadness that told he had seen death and sadness, yet he was always ready for a new adventure. There was a scar that he wore with pride on the right side of his neck.

2 Buechel 2 It was easy to see that he was a very brave man and a wonderful fighter. Gunther finally walked up to Dahlia. Dahlia, would you like to come with me to the meadow? Gunnar asked with more than a hint of nervousness. I would love to, Dahlia said. When she answered, a silent sigh of relief escaped Gunnar s mouth. Later, Dahlia wandered over to the meadow, she saw Gunnar holding a beautiful red campion in his hand. How did you remember that I love red campions? Dahlia asked, with a small smile that made Gunnar gain a little color in his cheeks. I remember everything about you. Your favorite color is red and your favorite flower is the campion, Gunnar said. Dahlia and Gunnar had been best friends every since childhood. Their fathers were the bravest and most valiant men of the clan. Suddenly, there were screams from the village. Gunnar and Dahlia exchanged worried looks, ran off to the village, and saw what was causing the commotion. As they drew nearer to the village, they saw that the neighboring clan, the Ásketill, were attacking. We will continue this another time, Gunnar said and gave her the red campion. He ran off to defend the village. Dahlia took her flower, and started to run to the safe hiding place in the woods. It was a spot behind a tree within a small patch of thorns. All the women of the Ebba clan hid there. She sat among the frightened women and looked at the red campion. He must really love me, She whispered. A smile crept across her face. Back at the village, Gunnar saw his family s longhouse burning.

3 Buechel 3 Why are they attacking now? Gunnar asked a young man. The Ásketill came into the village to seek revenge, he said. The first thing they did when they got here was lock Elof in his house and burn it. Did he make it out? Gunnar asked. Elof was Gunnar s father. The man hesitated, not wanting to tell him the truth. I asked you if he made it out alive! I need an answer! No one saw him leave. Gunnar ran as fast as he could, brandished his sword, and started to defend himself from the Ásketill men. He slowly made his way to the longhouse. As he got closer, he met Lief, the son of Ebba and the older brother of Dahlia. Gunnar, Lief yelled. The Ásketill men have gone, but they have slain your father. Are you sure? Gunnar asked, trying to keep his composure. I am absolutely sure. Lief said, I am going to go get all of the women and tell them it is safe to come back home, Lief then started to walk away. Gunnar now knew that he needed to take a walk and sort all of this out in his head. I need to continue my father s brave and valiant legacy, I need to make the Ásketill men suffer for all of the pain they have caused me, my father would do this if I had died. Gunnar reassured himself as he made his way to the meadow. Lief was now in the hiding spot with all of the women. Ladies, it is all right to come home now. I also want to tell you that Elof has passed away. After Lief had said this, Erika let out a small shuddering cry. Dahlia went over to Erika and started to comfort her. Erika, he was a great leader. You should be proud of him. Dahlia said.

4 Buechel 4 Thank you. You have always been such a great friend to me and my family. Erica wiped away the few tears that leaked from her eyes. Now all the women were out of the woods and walking the field to the village. Do you think he is okay? asked Erica. I do not know, but he is a very strong man, so I believe he is fine. The next thing you should worry about is planning the burial. said Dahlia. I think you are right. I wonder if Gunnar will take over as the second in command. Do you know if Ebba would consider anyone else? Asked Erica. I think that my father realizes Gunnar is young and probably the best for the job. As much as I like the idea of Gunnar being the second in command, I want him to stay here to be with the rest of us. Knowing him though, he will jump at the chance to go, get his revenge, Dahlia said with a hint of sadness. Dahlia wanted to know what Gunnar was thinking. She knew that Gunnar loved her, but did he love adventure and his father more? When the group of women reached the village, they acknowledged the remaining men. Dahlia first sought after her father and brother, then went to find Gunnar. She wanted to talk about his plans for the future. She found him in their spot in the meadow. The sky was starting to darken. There was a gentle breeze floating through the air that caused Dahlia s braid and linen dress to sway softly. Gunnar looked at her and his worries subsided. All that he could think about at that moment was her, the women that he was arranged to marry. Hey Dahlia, Gunnar said. Why are you here?

5 Buechel 5 I am worried about you, Dahlia said, and slowly brought herself to lie right by Gunnar, who was looking up at the impeccable stars. I know that you are worried about me, but just remember that we will always have each other in the end. I love you, but I have duties to both the clan and my father. I will support any decision you make, no matter the consequences. I love you and want the best for the both of us. If that means you have to go out fight, then that is what you must do. Dahlia said, though she knew she would be devastated if he left her. Do not be sad. As much as I would love to stay with you and not have responsibilities, I have people depending on me, Gunnar said. He reached out to hold Dahlia s hand. He looked into her big, dark, gorgeous eyes. I know. You always think with a clear head. I admire that about you. Dahlia said while looking into his piercing eyes. Dahlia knew that Gunnar was going to be with her father in this journey, and accepted what may come of the situation. They looked into the eyes of the other longingly. They both wanted to get married as planned tomorrow, Dahlia s 15th birthday, but knew there were strings attached. Promise me one thing, Dahlia said as she slowly got up and wiped off her dress. Anything, Gunnar responded, followed her lead, slowly got up. You have to remember me and promise that you will always try your best to stay alive. Dahlia said with a lump in her throat. I will always remember and love you. I will try my best to stay alive. Gunnar said. We are still getting married tomorrow, right? Gunnar asked. Dahlia looked at him with wide eyes.

6 Buechel 6 Yes! she said. Gunnar gently closed the space in between the two of them and sofly placed his lips on Dahlia s. They were warm and inviting. Gunnar and Dahlia returned to the village the next morning to get ready for their wedding. Are you sure that this is the best thing to do right now? I know that you love each other, but I am not sure that this is the right timing. Ebba told Dahlia after she ran in to get ready. I have never been so sure about anything else in my life. said Dahlia. I am happy, as long as you are happy. Ebba said. Thank you father! Dahlia said, embracing her father for a few seconds. She then ran to her mother, Helga. Mother, I am getting married! Dahlia said overflowing with joy. That is so exciting! Helga said. Dahlia went over to Gunnar to give him the linen shirt she had been working on in her spare time for weeks. This is for you. You could even wear it today. Dahlia said. Thank you! I would not want to be married in any other shirt. Gunnar said to Dahlia with a smile that now seemed to be plastered on his face. Gunnar in his new shirt, and Dahlia with the red campion in her stunning braid, were married. After the ceremony, Ebba told the clan they were to head to the village of the Ásketill clan.

7 Buechel 7 They want to establish an agreement with us tomorrow, but knowing them, this just means they want to fight us again- and win. We will not let that happen, so I need help from everyone. I know that my daughter has just married Gunnar, but I need his help more than ever. After everyone was gone, Dahlia walked over to her father. Why would you do such a thing! I have only been married to Gunnar for a few minutes! Dahlia furiously said to her father. I am as unhappy as you are about the situation. It is urgent! They said that if we did not come, they would go after you and your mother. Ebba said to his daughter. Dahlia then angrily walked away from Ebba. The next day they all gathered to say their goodbyes. Goodbye, Dahlia said, a tear slipped onto her cheek. Do not be sad. I will come back. Gunnar said while he wiped the single tear gently away. She then reached up to put her hand right on top of his. They looked into each other s sad eyes. I must go. Goodbye Dahlia. Gunnar said. He walked over to the rest of the warriors. A day later, the warriors made it back to the village. We did it! The warriors exclaimed as they hugged their children and kissed their wives. Dahlia heard all of the commotion and went right to the center of it. She first found her father, who gave her a long embrace. I missed you. Ebba whispered into Dahlia s ear. Where is Gunnar? Dahlia said while she searched. Dahlia, Ebba said as he put a hand on her shoulder. I need to talk to you about that. We should go sit down on those rocks. Dahlia could sense what was about to happen, but she

8 Buechel 8 knew he had promised her. He would never break one of his promises, especially one to her, his wife. He never made it back. Ebba told Dahlia. Dahlia then was swept away with so many emotions. The only thing that Dahlia knew, was that her husband was dead. She put her head on her father s chest and started to cry. What happened? Dahlia asked her father after she wiped all of her tears away. The shield wall that we created did not work. The ground that the Ásketill cornered us in was muddy. The wall started to break right where Gunnar was, and he was stabbed. I am so sorry. I wish that I could have done something. Ebba said. Thank you. I just need some time to myself. Dahlia responded. Dahlia got up, walked to her family s longhouse to get her red campion, and then went to the meadow. That was the last thing that he had given her. From that day on, Dahlia always kept a withered red campion in a vase that she made, and frequently visited the meadow where she had put a memorial for Gunnar. He was the first, the last, and the only true love of her life. He was always going to be her s.