"I love him father, he is a good man!"
Hagdil stared at his daughter in disbelief, "You… are disillusioned, my sweet daughter. Please realize he is bad for you."
She turned to her father, anger flashing in her eyes, "You're wrong! I love him and he is a good man!"
A rare flash of anger overcame Hagdil, his voice bellowing and shaking their humble dwelling, "And how many of our people has he slain?! How many, Gwawr?! How long till you are another tally mark on his sword?" He deflates a little, his voice and expression softening, almost pleading, "I am begging you, please. Listen to your father, to your elders. I can't bear another loss."
Gwawr lifted her chin, defiant. A fierce look resided on the short red-heads face, "I am not weak like you or mother. If he dares raise a hand to me, I will fight back." She regrets her words as soon as she said them, not thinking about them. Gwawr winced and recoils as she sees the hurt and anguish on her usually stoic father's face.
Hagdil murmurs, "Be sure to tell your mother that when you meet her."
Gwawr took a step to her father, trying to grab his arm, but he pulled away before she could.
Hagdil turned his back to her to hide his face and emotions from her. "You are like your mother, your own woman. I cannot stop you like I cannot stop her. She was an amazing warrior and I see her fire in you."
Gwawr's voice was scarcely above a whisper, "Father? I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"
Hagdil stood silently for a moment before he spun around, grabbing his only child in a tight embrace, "I know. Just promise me this; you will fight back, please?! For your children. They need their mother." He leans back, raising a hand to wipe away the tears running down Gwawr's face.
Gwawr swallows and whispers, "I promise. I love you, Pa." She clung onto him tightly, crying into his beard like she did as a child.
Hagdil held for for as long as she needed. He murmured, "Your rider awaits for you. Stay safe, and remember to write to me and visit."
Gwawr nods and beams, wiping away her tears. "I promise Pa, thank you." She leans up to kiss his cheek and embrace him one more time before running off to meet with her husband to be.
Hagdil's shoulders slumped, resting his head on his staff. A warm, familiar hand resting on his back, a man murmurs softly to him, "She will be alright, love."
Hagdil gives his lover a bittersweet smile, "She is in love, but that man will be her doom."
