_{perhaps much of their current situation would spark familiarity,
        the manner in which they gathered about the fire, Björn at his
        side —- a  f r a c t u r e d  family reunited. for a moment, the
        shieldmaiden allowed herself to revel in fleeting comfort just
        as it escaped through the spaces between her fingers, the
        distant ache for Gyda’s company jarring her to reality. crystalline
        irises collided with Aslaug’s visage through the apex of the
        flames as her former lover’s words were etched into her psyche.} 

        _{attention hastily flickered to the faint smile on his lips,
        war being waged to keep her muscles from mirroring the
        expression. Consciously remaining solemn, her line of
        sight steeled on the fire once more.}

                                                         _{❝ ——- too familiar. ❞}

         _{two words were uttered in response whilst rising
         to her feet, moments before pursuing the nearest exit.}