Following Skallagrim back to his hall at Fjell, Arnulf could scarcely believe his luck...all the gods seemed to be with him, especially his particular one Baldur Light-Bringer. He had had some doubts that his deal for Sigyn's hand would go through, especially since he had to wait for his brother Freyr's arrival to complete the amount of merchandise he had offered for her! He was overjoyed that Skallagrim had agreed, and could scarce wait to tell Sigyn of the match; he was sure she would be pleased, though he had exchanged words with her only on his first arrival in Fjell, and those traditional ones over a guest-cup!

He found himself laughing and joking with Skallagrim as they headed down the mountain trail, and looked forward to sharing one or two drinks with his brother-in-law before talking with his betrothed. If all went well, he could be wed to her before the end of the month, then continue on with his trading before returning home to his own steading at Sciringsheal in Norway. He knew Sigyn would like the place, and would also be a great help to his mother!

The servants seemed surprized to see their master return in the middle of the day, and more so when he called for the best ale. He led Arnulf up to the high table, and sat him down next to the High Seat usually occupied by his brother Haakon, but in his absence was used by himself. With his own hands, Skallagrim poured out the golden liquid into two large horns, making a toast as he finished: "To my new brother, Arnulf! May his days with Sigyn be long...and the nights longer!"

Arnulf was amazed to see him drain the large horn in one quaff, and he attempted to do the same with his own...and eventually succeeded. The horns were refilled, and this time it was Arnulf's turn to toast: "To the family Larsson, full of honor, and of beautiful women!" This second draft seemed to go down easier than the first, and made his insides feel warm.

Arnulf rose to go find Sigyn, but Skallagrim laid a hand on his arm to restrain him. "We must drink to fortune, and the gods...for today is a day of celebration! Sit! I will say when it is time to go!" And Skallagrim clapped him on the back and laughed loudly.

The time for the evening meal was coming on, as Arnulf could tell by the hurried activity of the servants, and the growing smells of roasting meat. He could not remember how many flagons he downed with Skallagrim--the last he clearly recalled was five, but that had been a while ago now. Blurrily, he saw the figure of his beloved enter the hall, glaring at the two men at the high table. "And what have you been doing Skallagrim--drinking away the day when there is work to be done!"

Skallagrim looked abashed, but drink made up for that with false bravado. He rounded the high table, and walked unsteadily up to his younger sister. "I have concluded business of great importance today! Fjell has gained advantage over her neighbors by it...and the family has grown larger also!"

Sigyn looked crossly at him. "You're drunk! What business can be done drinking the day away?"

Skallagrim motioned Arnulf to join them, and Arnulf rose to his feet--and promptly fell face-down into the rushes on the floor. "May I present, dear sister...your betrothed...Arnulf Kjalarson, merchant of Norway and my new brother-in-law!"

Arnulf looked up from the floor, waved a hand weakly, and passed out.