A Life Debt [Vilaz Munin]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Midvinter​

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Tháinbroek​

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[member="Vilaz Munin"]​

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A few weeks had passed since the battle against the Vinterbound, the loyal members of the Silver Sanctum Jedi Order had answered the call to arms to fight against this unnatural foe. Many lives had been lost, of Valkyri and Jedi and the souls of the undead had finally been granted their rest. The fight had been a long battle, exhausting for all save the Vinterbound who seemed to have a well of power which came from an unknown sources. Well the source of this had been revealed and one day Coci and Thurion would have to resolved this threat to Midvinter. But they would not be alone .. not any more.

Coci had returned to Midvinter with Théo and had taken up residence in the Grand Hall. Time spent with Thrand is always a pleasure and valued especially for Théo, who loves his grand papa very much. The two of them had vanished together, on men's business no doubt but this gave Coci the opportunity to see a man who was fast becoming a friend. Vilaz Munin, a Mandalorian who had joined the Silvers on Ziost with a unit from their allies. Who had answered the call to arms for Midvinter, when he did not have to but still came to their aid. And ... he had saved her life.

She had not forgotten this ...

Coci had invited Vilaz to Midvinter, to spend a little time with the peoples he had aided and who now hold his valour with great esteem. So strange are these Offworlders to the Valkyri, even the members of the Royal Family seem foreign to them in a way, as they are not full blood. But their King, the Dawnbringer is more liberal than those of the past having been off world himself, his eyes opened to the vast galaxy and the diversity it offers.

She strides into the Grand Hall, the Throne Room afforded to her for the meeting, and waits the herald of Vilaz Munin.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

One of the most peculiar systems the Mandalorian has ever endeavored was perhaps Midvinter. Not that he discriminated the world and its inhabitants, but the technology and the harsh cold Midvinter had wasn't something he encountered on a daily basis. The first time he ever came to Valkyri homeworld was when he aided the Silver Sanctum against an undead foe that threatened a local village. The Field Marshal did it as voluntary and didn't demand any pay from the Jedi. He didn't know what relationship was between the Clans and the Coalition, even when he and a few Mandalorian representatives came and negotiated with high profile members of the Coalition. Whether he and his vode had an accord with the Silver Sanctum or not it didn't stop him from lending his strength to any neighboring faction. He did took orders from the Mand'alor when it was time for war and they were indeed at war, but other than rallying to the call of the Sole Ruler he could do anything he wanted as long as it didn't affect the Mando'ade in a negative way.

While minding his own business at Ijaat's bar on Mandalore he suddenly received an invitation from the wife of the Grandmaster of the Silver Sanctum, inviting him to world he had helped the Coaliton against the Vinterbound. He remembered her. The one who he had saved from a Vinterbound that was struck with a bolt which cleaved off the head of the zombie from its shoulders. Vilaz knew that both Thurion and Coci were grateful for his action because of their affiliation to the Jedi Order. The Warrior had nothing else on his schedule, allowing him to venture out without worrying about his duties. He wasn't bothered at all from the sudden invitation. Perhaps she wanted to thank him in person and not a simple nod.

The Redneck arrived to the capital of Midvinter on The Rattlesnake and stationed his ship in an open area with flat terrain. The capital was no different from the other neighboring towns and villages due to the technology it offered. The population was large and the streets flourished with children, women, and men since this was the capital of the Valkyri. No doubt, would children with such curiosity would race to where Vilaz had landed. The landing pad opened up to reveal the Field Marshal dressed in his new Beskar'gam that was made from the hands of Ijaat and his workers. He had no weapons with him except the ones integrated on his armor, and his buy'ce was clipped on to his utility belt showing his face instead of a fearful emotionless, T-visor face. He walked through the plains and saw racing children coming to him. He didn't know what to do with them, and just continued walking towards the city as the children surrounded him. He didn't know the culture of these people and thought it was better to not interact with the kids so no conflict comes between Vilaz and the locals.

As he entered the city grounds a squad of guards approached him and greeted him by asking him questions. "Greetings, foreigner. What business do you have here on Midvinter," which the Mandalorian responded back, "I was invited by Coci Heavenshield." The guard gave a nod to the Redneck and gestured him to follow him to the Grand Hall where Coci resided in.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The large double doors opened, the light of day streamed through the Hall accompanied by the biting cold. The fire in the central hearth, flickered and roared with the sudden feeding of air. There on the threshold stood Vilaz decked out in full armour which caught the eye of the Herald who is warrior and seen many battles between clans. The banners of the Clan hang from the ceiling of the Hall and behind the Throne is the standard of House Dawnbringer and Heavenshield which will soon be accompanied by another in the near future, as a long lost son will one day return. The Standards and Banners sway with the intruding breeze before settling once more when the doors close.

"Field Marshal Vilaz son of Munin of Mandalore", the herald bellowed assuming the title of the warrior, Coci had only given his name and status. She is by the fire warming her hands, Coci does not use the force frivolously when she has equal means to keep warm. She stands in her robes covered by her Älk fur coat and turns to greet her esteemed guest.

"Field Marshal Munin", she bows in respect to a warrior as she would a Jedi. "I am pleased to see you are well and found your way back to Midvinter", she approached and extended her hand in greeting.

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[member="Vilaz Munin"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Vilaz Munin]

The interior of the Grand Hall was very similar to the one on Mandalore. Each Clan's flag was represented and there was a grand table for the Chiefs of each Clan to sit at, and discuss micro-politics between the Chiefs and the Mand'alor. It also served as a location whenever the fight for the helm of Mand'alor occurred which was public for the Mandalorians. Every decision, every strategy, every discussion would take place at the Mandal Motors Hall. Indeed, the Mando'ade weren't politicians and thought that things should be dealt with actions and not words, but not everything was resolved with a fight. If that was to be the norm whenever a meeting between the Clans happened than there would be anarchy roaming through the vode and no official direction to lead the Mandalorians to survival. The Field Marshal only assumed that this complex served just the way the Mandal Motors Hall served to the Mandalorians.

Upon entering the Grand Hall he could hear the voice of a man bellowing the rank and the name of Vilaz. He wondered how the Valkyri knew his name and rank when they barely know him, but he wasn't bothered at all. He didn't mind if one knew his name or not unless he was capturing a bounty or having a drink with some Bounty Hunters. Out in the Bounty Hunting market he wanted his name to be known to every Hunter, every contractor, and to every bounty. Other than that he didn't try to brag to those around him or tried to act that the whole Galaxy revolved around him.

He then saw his hostess who had turned away from her business to greet him. The Warrior returned the bow to the Jedi and approached her as well taking her hand and shaking it. "Thank you, Master Heavenshield, and if it weren't for the coordinates you sent me then I would've been parsecs from Midvinter. Are y'all having trouble with the Vinterbound still?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member=Thrand Dawnbringer]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Please, call me Coci", she broadened her smile. But before she would inform him of the Vinterbound, Coci turned and extended her hand toward the long table. "Come and sit with me near the fire and partake in some food". The end of the long table is set with three places, two opposite one another, the other purposefully placed at the head of it. Coci offered Vilaz a place opposite to her and she sat.

Awaiting them, is a basket full of breads baked in the Grand Hall ovens, cheeses from the west and dried fish for the Isles of Tears to the south. There is water in a large jug and a full tankard of honey mead, the froth of which creeping down the side of the vessel. The honey mead is the strongest scent in the room, and delighted her tongue. The brewers of the Capital the best in the lands.

"The Vinterbound are not yet dispatched entirely", she began as she shifted on the wooden bench for comfort. "We have intelligence suggesting that there is a more 'known' source of there existence, rather than something supernatural", She refers to the information given that the Vinterbound are created and controlled by a Sith artifact somewhere further north of the village they had attacked.

"Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy the fare of Midvinter", in a little while the serving girl will bring them hot stews and meats, roasted vegetables and oh so much more mead.

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[member="Vilaz Munin"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Vilaz Munin]

"Will do, and you can call me Vilaz. I am only a Field Marshal when it's time to battle," the Mandalorian said to Coci as she asked him to call her by her first name. He nodded to her and then walked with her as she invited him him to the long table that looked promising with food at the end of it with three seats. As he approached the three seats he could smell something sweet in the air, and it became stronger with each step he took. It was the one thing that he was determined to taste as he had eaten bread, fish, cheese, and other varieties of drinks and food in the past. Though, what surprised him was that the Valkyri could do the arts of agriculture in this harsh cold. Vilaz was already surprised of these giants enduring the forever cold with coats of fur. The Field Marshal's only source of warmth when being exploited to he cold of the arctic or the heat of the desert was his armor. Without his beskar'gam he couldn't survive in environments like Midvinter.

He took the opposite side of Coci and sat down on the wooden chair, shifting to make himself comfortable. "I thought the dead wouldn't be coming back to haunt the living. What type of source did the scouts find," the Redneck asked the Jedi Master. The only thing that he knew that could reanimate a corpse was a Witch or a Sith Lord, and he had witnessed the power of a Sith reanimating thousands of corpse to be used against the Lotek'k he and a few others fought that was threatening to a civilization nearby One Sith territory.

After being comfortable on the chair Vilaz began to serve himself as he took the offering of Coci. "Thank you, Coci, and what's that," he asked and pointed at the gallon of honey mead that smelled more than sweet than when Vilaz entered the Grand Hall.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member=Thrand Dawnbringer]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"All we really know, is that it is Sith related, some kind of artifact located in the north. Thurion and Myself will have to go and find and destroy it", she said pouring a large glass of mead for Vilaz. "Else we will face an attack again if not and more people will dead".

Coci smiled as she place the mead in front o Vilaz, "This is mead, brewed here in the Grand Hall and one of the best in land. I am not usually a big drinker, I let my Corellian blood down in this regard, but this mead is delicious, please try it and we will toast to new friendships".

She poured herself a healthy portion and raised her glass to him before sipping the frothy brew and wiped the foam from her upper lip. "I have invited you here for another purpose, I wanted to thank you for saving my life. I owe you my life, and so have a life debt to you". This is not something Coci holds lightly. "The Coalition thanks you as well, for coming to a battle that was not your own but assisting a people that required protection. We lost a good number of Valkyri and Jedi that day, each one now is held with respect in the Halls and with the King. He, has not forgotten this".

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[member="Vilaz Munin"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

He had not. When word reached the capital about the victory at Fafnersvik and the staggering death tolls, the High King of Midvinter had never felt so responsible for so many deaths. But they were in a better place now, feasting and fighting alongside the Gods and their ancestors. There was comfort in that, and even more so in knowing his son and his wife had made it out alive. It shamed him now that he was unable to join the fight himself, but duty demanded that he remain in Tháinbroek to avoid panic spreading through his people. In his heart, however, he secretly longed for the day when he would be able to swing his greatsword in battle one last time. He was a warrior, and yearned for a warrior's death.

When Thrand entered the large room there were no slamming of doors being thrown wide open, but rather the soft creaking of an elderly man stepping inside and shutting the door behind him. He took a moment to himself as he faced the door, letting out a soft sigh before turning towards his daughter-in-law and the warrior she was with. As he drew closer a smile appeared, growing in size and warmth until he simply took Coci in his arms to embrace. "My child," he spoke with relief. "Whenever I see you it does my heart good." As the hug ended he turned to the man of unknown origin. "I don't know you, stranger," he told him with a stern look at first. As he stepped closer to him his facade ceased to be and the smile reappeared. "But you saved the life of my kin," he then said and shook the man's hand vigorously. "Welcome to Midvinter, friend!"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She heard the creak of the door, but more so she sensed him approaching. A smile formed on her lips even before he arrived at the table. Coci stood and bow to the King of Midvinter, before he took her in an embrace which always would engulf her. It was good to feel the arms of their father around her, he means more to her than she has ever told him. Present, when his grand son entered the icy world, always there for Nina and Théo when in need for Coci and Thurion when called to duty, there simply was no better protection within the galaxy than Thrand, he would lay down his life for his kin.

Her senses also alerted her to his fatigue, an elder of this ancient land steeped in vast history of glory and gods, clans, warriors and wonderful creatures and the view is never bad when looking out the window. "My Lord .. father, it is good to see you in good health, nothing gives me joy but to see you well", she greeted in him in return before dropping all protocol and kissing his cheek and stepping aside for him to greet Vilaz.

"My Lord, please allow me to introduce you to Vilaz son of Munin, from Mandalore".

As soon as they would exchange pleasantries, Coci resumed her seat at the long table and would wait before she signaled the girl to bring their food.

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[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"]​

 

[Vilaz Munin]

"I ain't surprised that the works of a Sith is behind reanimating corpses for its own bidding. It's a disrespect for the dead and nothing else," he said to Coci after hearing the reports of the Valkyri scouts. There always had to be a source for something. Things didn't happen just naturally especially when it came to the dead all of a sudden being resurrected. "Well, just give me a call when y'all do go and destroy that source. I bet creds that it'll be heavily fortified with those undead creatures," and then grabbed his glass full of honey mead that Coci served him. He observed it and heard the Jedi giving him the details of the drink. When he heard the word "brew" coming from Coci's mouth he knew that it was alcohol being served to him. The Mandalorian wasn't a heavy drinker, but he did enjoyed drinking which was a habit for him to drink everyday. He knew his limits when it came to drinking and refused to be an alcoholic like his late father. His childhood wasn't all great, however, he did learn some things from it which helped him not make the same mistakes like his father.

"To friendship," he said and raised his cup to Coci and took a sip of the mead. These brewers knew how to make mead. Its taste was promising as the odor of the mead. After their toast he listened to the Jedi and heard her speech of gratitude. The Field Marshal didn't like it when someone owe him anything unless it was a contractor who didn't promise him his whole sum of credits after accomplishing a job. "Coci, you don't owe me anything. I know I saved your life from the Vinterbound, but you don't owe me. I came to help the Coalition because I did say that we Mandalorians, my vode, stay true to their word. I'm a man who's word is worth more than credits. It's a shame that we lost good men, but war comes at a price. A price that still hasn't come for me yet."

Suddenly, he heard the creaking of a door from the main entrance of the Grand Hall which happened to be an elderly man. He could see a smile on his face as he came to the table. The Warrior saw both his host and the man greeting each other assuming that they knew each other very well. He didn't know this was the King of Midvinter. The Redneck stood up to greet him and was met with a serious face at first. Vilaz didn't say anything until the face changed to a smile and the man grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. "Thank you, sir. Nice grip you got there," was all he could reply to the man. He knew he was a Lord of the planet but not his accurate title. After greeting the man he returned to his seat and would wait to eat until everyone was at the large table.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Joining them at the table, Thrand preferred to pour his own mead. No need to have servants do anything you're capable of doing yourself. Keeping the castle clean he gladly left in their hands, however. Cleaning is just downright boring! Grabbing his plate and what was on it, he made short work of the meat before turning his attention to the vegetables on the side. He comically wrinkled his nose and shook his head, then pushed the plate aside. Instead he reached for a piece of bread to shove in his mouth.

"So, you're one of those 'Mongolians', are you not? I've heared much about your people; clansmen and warriors, not much different from the Valkyri. No Hrothwûrms to wrestle, though, which is a shame!" Two he'd killed in his long life: One when a young man on his own and another not so long ago with the help of his son. "Ah, probably for the best. Terrible creatures, they are." He downed another tankard of mead. "We'll have to swap war stories some day," he added and let out a chuckle before turning to his daughter-in-law, taking her smaller hand in his. "How are the little ones, Coci? Still growing strong, I hope?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Vilaz, this is Thrand Dawnbringer, King of Midvinter", she introduced them as the conversation began. Coci had not interjected when Vilaz spoke of the life debt, not yet. "And Thurion's father".

She smiled as her hand lay like that of a child's his Thrand's hand. "Your grandchildren are growing stronger by the day, Nina is becoming a very beautiful girl and womanhood is but on the horizon. Théo, well he has your blood and stands tall above those around him, he has just about as tall as Nina now and so very strong. I think Valkyri blood is king in that boy".

Coci allowed her hand to remain in his, "Vilaz, regardless of what you say, I thank you for my life and so does my family. I shall not forget". And she would not, even if he does not consider her in debt .. she does. "Father, this man was very valiant on the battlefield, had slain many Vinterbound and saved the lives of Valkyri and Jedi alike. He is a good friend and ally to Midvinter". The food in front of her, although delicious was not appealing to her at this point and so Coci took up her tankard of mead and sipped the honey brew.

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[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand couldn't be happier hearing about his grandson's growth spurt. "Ha! That boy will become a great warrior one day. And you got it wrong," he added. "I think there is a Valkyri King in him, just like his father." While aware of Thurion's disinterest in ruling over anyone, there was no denying he had all the wisdom and strength needed to become a good king. He was also aware of his Jedi obligations, but surely family came first? Ah, well... A discussion for another time. He'd faced similar dilemmas in life, too. He could've attempted to seize the throne back when he was young, but instead he chose exile over risking the lives of his subjects. There were times when he wished he'd make the same choice a second time, rather than let duty to his people dictate his decision.

"Vilaz, son of Munin and Champion of the 'Mandragons', you have saved the life of my family. Tell me what it is Midvinter can do for you."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"]​

 

[Vilaz Munin]

So he finally met the king of Midvinter. The Mandalorian thought that such figure would be grumpy and have a heavy voice. The and was the complete opposite of that stereotype. He seemed to be one do those rulers that didn't gloat to everyone of his position and be an arse about it. Instead, like Vilaz, gave respect to everyone and viewed himself the same as everyone. To Vilaz that was a quality of great leaders in societies, not the type who was greedy and thought was superior to everyone.

As the food was before him he served himself a lot of meats with some roasted vegetables. He always looked for ways to gain protein for his body. As Coci returned her attention to Vilaz the Warrior said to her, "Now, gratitude I can accept but nothing about you owing me. Unless you are a contractor, then I might kick down the door and demand my pay but when I save a life I don't consider that as a debt." He didn't say anything about Coci praising for his actions on the battle against the Vinterbound. He just did what he thought was right to do.

The Rednkec then turned his attention to the King and said, "Your majesty, Midvinter doesn't have to pay back me back. I just did what I thought was right. I also said that we Mandalorians never go back on our word to Thurion and Coci. But I'd like to wrestle one of those creatures you mentioned."

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She could not help but smile at father's words. Her son does have the blood of kings, and will one day grow up into a king among men, regardless of whether he takes the throne or no. She doubted it to be honest, there is also the Jedi in him as well beside there is another set to sit upon the hard seat.

"Very well Vilaz, you most certainly have my gratitude and I am sure Midvinter will always remember you as well". She considered the event for a moment, there was still work to be done in that regard, the relic needed to be found and destroyed, the more they waited the more powerful it would grow.

To her father, "I have never seen these serpents of yours, and by the sounds of them I am pleased I have not", she smiled, although she had a strange feeling that one day she would.

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[member="Vilaz Munin"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand let out a bellow of laughter, slamming his tankard of mead into the wooden table. "Ha! I like your spirit! Spoken like a true warrior," he said before reaching behind his neck with both hands. Fiddling a bit, he then presented Vilaz with an amulet carved out of Midvinter rock, resting in the palm of his hand. "This was carved by my own hand when I was but a lad, based on the stories told by my father. I always loved listening to him speak of a time when the mighty Hrothwûrms ruled ancient Midvinter, and he always loved telling it. But once the Valkyri people had been given the arts of smithing weapons and learning how to use them, they drove the foul beings back to the depths from whence they came, ultimately claiming ownership of the planet as its top predator."

He paused, letting the mood sink in for both his daughter-in-law and the Mandarin warrior. "The Hrothwûrms are massive snake-like beasts, living deep beneath the frozen tundras. Their scales are impenetrable, their fangs so sharp that they'll rip straight through any armour worn. And if that doesn't kill you, their deadly poison will. I've heard some offworlders comparing them to something called a 'dragon'; some imaginary creature being capable of both flight and breathing fire? Please." Thrand emptied what was left of his tankard. "I have faced these great serpents twice in my long lifetime, and twice they have fallen before me. I fear my hunting days are over, but if you feel brave or lucky - or perhaps foolhardy enough - you can try and take one on. You won't find them, however - they'll find you."

Thrand got up on his feet as he handed Vilaz the stone amulet. "If you will not accept an official tribute, then please consider this a gift from one warrior to another. As a token of respect, friend."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"]​

 

[Vilaz Munin]

The Warrior grinned as the King laughed aloud and slammed his tankard on on the wooden table. He made a quick nod of his head as the man complimented on Vilaz's spirit of seeking for this creature to slay it. Every Mandalorian had a similar spirit as he did, for they never backed down from a fight or challenge. As Thrand brought out the amulet to show to Vilaz he began telling about the legends and stories Hrothwûrms and the Valkyrie people. The Redneck always loved war stories. He and his Vode would exchange stories whether it was from doing mercenary work or fighting alongside with each other against a common threat.

The story of these beasts reminded him of the stories when the first Mandalorians battled against the Mythosaurs for dominance of the planet, Mandalore. Unlike these serpents that still had influence on Midvinter the Mandalorians had rid of the Mythosaurs from existence. After they had defeated the Mythosaurs they began wearing the signa of they Mythosaurs on their armor which could be seen on the left shoulder armor pauldron of his armor.

As he heard the story and some information of these snakes the King offered him his personal necklace that he showed him and Coci. It fair and respectful between the two men, and as the Field Marshal was about to claim the stone he hesitated and asked Thrand, "You sure you don't want to give this to your grandson?" It was an honor to receive a gift from a high figure like Thrand without even knowing much of him. Especially when he would give it to the Mandalorian and not someone close to him.

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Coci had started eating again, the food was mouth watering as usual and she washed it down with a healthy mouthful of honey mead. Yet she flashed a look toward Vilaz as Thrand spoke of the massive creatures. She was wondering if they are hatching a plan in their minds to go after one and was about to speak up about it when she had a thought.

Their scales are impenetrable ..

She looked at her father and asked. "Father exactly how impenetrable? can you not pierce the scales with your great sword?", she knew Thurion and he had fought one ages ago. "Did Thurion use is his lightsaber on it and did it cut?". She suspected a saber would but if no metal sword could pierce the skin then maybe Midvinter had just found a new set of armour to fight the Vinterbound when the time would come.

Getting the scales however was going to prove more difficult.

​

[member="Vilaz Munin"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​