Eric meets Sif Arnske

It was then when I met Sif for the first time. She was the granddaughter of another Elder, and she was the prettiest girl I have ever seen. Not that I had paid much attention to girls before. The thin veil she wore over her face did little to hide her beauty, somehow even enhanced it. She had long golden hair, uncovered, held back by two small braids and a circlet of gold that also held the veil. She wore the traditional dress of a noble girl that fit her quite nicely, that her dress was maroon and had golden seams. However, as they were also my mothers' favorite colors, caused me much pain.

She noticed me looking and gave me a shy smile. It was then I learned that a girl could smile and show she has even while wearing a veil. She managed to sit down gracefully and watch the competition. Again she smiled at me for a moment and then actually spoke to me as she said. "I love watching the men compete for the hand of a young lady.  One day a warrior will throw his ax to cut my braids."