The summer of 376 AD. The Gothic female warrior Elja is forced to give in to the marauding Huns and to seek shelter for herself and her clan in the Roman empire. Once at the border they must wait for orders and provisions from the Roman authorities. Elja tries to understand the Roman plans in spite of the language barrier.

For three weeks Joy has been on her own when her mother Martina, who had not come home after a date, suddenly shows up. When Martina falls for a new lover, Joys anger is unleashed. Out of resentment a fight for each other's love begins.