Hilla came early, born at the height of spring—that time when the first fruits of field and forest ripen. And yet a time of hunger still, when the beasts of the wood stir from their winter slumber, drowsy and ravenous. From her first step she proved an unruly creature, with a thirst for sight and sense.

“She is hardly a girl, our daughter," her mother lamented, “I have birthed a wild bear.”

The years passed quickly, and her longing to see the world beyond grew ever stronger as the seasons passed. Before long, she took to stealing away in the dead of night, desperate to see what ventures lay beyond the walls of Hultvís. Out, into the wood, in search of empty caves and running water, ever alone despite her best efforts at goading others into joining. Her brother frequently would come to take her back, whenever her absence was noted in the early hours of morning, and so her exploits always ended in a warm bed of her own. 
 

Every venture cannot end in such comfort. This she has always known, and for this she was ever prepared, so long as the risks were those of her own choosing. But such choice is no small luxury, and in due time, her well of freedom is bound to run dry. 
 

Image Citations:
1. By Daniel F. Gerhartz, 1965
2. "Study" by Dzydar
3. "Viking Village" by Razaras