Controlling Wrath, Kindling Joy: Ragnar's Redemption at Christmas.

Dalla was restless, I could tell. I had seen that look in her eyes for the past few weeks. Ever since Helgi came to teach us about the way of the warrior.

Dalla seemed entranced by those lessons. Focused intently on a task, unlike the young girl who used to doodle on the walls of our home or skip out of chores.

I got up from my bed and went to her room. She was facing the wall, her back to me. Her long black hair hid her face as she drew something on the whitewashed stone.

"Dalla," I whispered. "Are you okay?"

"Yes father," she said, not turning around. "I'm just drawing."

"It's late, I know you have to get up early tomorrow to help with the chores."

"This is important."

"What is it? Let me see."

She turned around. On the wall were two human figures. One tall and lanky with green skin and pointy ears. His hair was black and slicked back, his eyes piercing red. The other figure was smaller, stockier, with orange hair and blue skin. It had a round face and wore what looked like a mask of a boar.

"Oh, Dalla," I said, "this is Helgi and me, isn't it?"

"Yes father. Why did you meet with him?"

"He...helped me with something."

"Helped you what?"

"He helped me see things differently. He helped me understand that sometimes it's best to let things go."

"You mean your anger?"

"Well, yes. That as well. Helgi says that anger clouds our judgment and makes us do terrible things."

"Did you..."

"Yes. I did bad things to some men who wronged our village. But with the help of Helgi, I don't feel the same rage towards them anymore. I try to put their treatment at the hands of our king behind me. I think I'm getting better."

"Oh father, I'm happy for you."

"I'm happy for you too Dalla. You seem happier. Less angry and violent than before."

"That's because of Helgi. He taught me to let go of my anger and my hate. He taught me to become a better person."

"That's very good Dalla. Very good indeed."

"Can I see him again? I want to learn more."

"I'm sure he'll be back during the Spring festival."

"I can't wait," Dalla said, her eyes alight with excitement. "I can't wait to see him again."

"Alright then. Now go to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow."

"Yes father. Goodnight."

I exited her room and made my way downstairs. My wife Ina was already asleep, her breathing deep and even. I went to the kitchen and cracked open a window. The night air was cold, but fresh and crisp. I stood there for a while, watching the snow fall outside. I felt better than I had in years. More at peace with myself. As if a weight had been lifted off me.

I wondered if Helgi would return. There was so much I had to ask him. So much I wanted to learn.