Most people do not like Christmas carols. Well, I love them and the sleigh ride into Gladsheim was much less like the allegro of that famous tune and more like a luscious, ballad at a lovely, romantic adagio. I never have first dates like this. Beyond a few funny and awkward moments at dinner this evening is shaping up quite nicely.

Bragi is pointing out all of the local haunts and being very witty, as the massive horses slow down I suddenly feel the warm embrace of Bragi’s hand over mine. As I look up into his eyes I feel my fair, freckled face begins to burn and blush from the neck up, as the young troubadour’s face mirrors my own with an awkward smile ‘What I thirteen?’ I ask myself embarrassed.

We arrive in the sweet little village and into the heated coffee shop. The owner, Sigrun, greeted us warmly and I grinned at Bragi’s discomfort at the amazing memory of the owner and then at the music playing overhead.

As I sink comfortably in the huge, maroon armchair, Bragi asks me what I would like to drink.

“Well, I am not much of a fan of joe, but I would love some hot chocolate with a slice of that cheesecake you promised me.”

Bragi turns sideways on the piano bench “Sigrun, you got that?” The large Nordic proprietor grins at Bragi as if he was a long lost nephew or something, her blond-grey braids swinging behind her as she busies herself behind the glass of the cooler filled with desserts and pastries .

Bragi turns back to the ivories and begins playing a soft jazz tune. I close my eyes for a moment to absorb the rich textures emerging from the keys. Now, I am not the kind of girl to go out with a stranger, but I was in a stranger mood when this muse entered my perspective. And this is the best serendipitous first dates I have ever had. Ok, the only serendipitous date I have had at all with a complete stranger. Being set up with my second-cousin’s best friend does not count.

I wonder why that it seems we have such kismet. Is it the allure of the unknown and someone new? I open my eyes languidly to see my dessert and hot cocoa on the small table beside me. Bragi finishes his improvisational serenade as I begin to sample the delightful dessert and sip the warming drink. I look up. I can see why all of the girls swoon over him, with or without vocals he truly is a teenager’s pin-up dream.

“So do you pick up random girls often?” I jab at him as I eat my last bite of divine cheesecake.

“When they are as beautiful as you” he grins impishly. I wonder how serious a man can be on a whim of a date.

I really don’t know what to think. I planned on spending my time in Valhalla enjoying myself and maybe engaging in some meaningless, fun relationships and parties, but suddenly I feel out of my depth.

To ward of these thoughts, I play offense and begin peppering Bragi with questions. He answers a few enthusiastically: When and what he hopes to play at Valhalla, his friendship with the guys in the band. Other questions are parried quite deftly: his background and relationship with family.

Unfortunately, I frustrate him with questions about my own past, as I tell him they are too boring to endure.

Finally, Sigurn begins moping up and I see the moon is high in the sky. “What time is it? Don’t you have to get back?”

“Why do you have another hot date waiting?” his rakish grin turns a bit serious. “Let’s walk a bit before heading back, I am not sure I am ready for this evening to end quite yet.” There is the boyish grin back again, a sense of adventure flooding his face.