All Good Things...

[Charlie Nooran]

A smile wider than any moon crossed Charlie’s face. She was happy that she would be able to get the apple pie, but more so the former Grandmaster wasn’t going to be leaving for good. The padawan had an odd issue with people leaving and she didn’t know why she slightly anxious when hearing Valae would be stepping down and leaving Kashyyyk. Either way, there was something good coming out of this.

She took a moment to catch up to the taller women as they left the OPS room, she cursed her short legs, but stopped as she noticed Jyoti had waited for her to catch up. Once they were planet side, Charlie wore her environmental suit. She knew tapas enough to keep her comfortable in the suit, but she hoped that one day she would be able to avoid the thing all together. Still, with the suit she was able to experience the planet with everyone including the snow.

As they headed towards their destination Charlie was at her Master’s side hearing the stories of the Rangers. She became engrossed and extremely animated when she heard the tales. Even more so she was highly interested in their plans after they arrived home. Feasting always meant food and Charlie loved food more than anything in this galaxy. Then there was the word drinking, she wondered if they had that bubbly champagne stuff – or something like it. She was highly interested in finding more of it and other drinks like it. Though like her last trip with Finley, Jyoti had made sure she wasn’t’ allowed to get any. This meant she needed to hang out with the Rangers.

As her little mind’s cogs turned, Jyoti spoke to her and she looked up at her Master through the suit. “That would be nice, I feel like I should be walking in zero gravity” As she finished, the Padawan started to move in slow motion as if she was floating in space. Stopping she smiled and looked at her Master. “I have 3 sweaters on, you think Master Valae has more?” As she questioned her Master, the Corellian pilot wandered over and spoke as well. Charlie gave the woman a smile and a wave as she continued to pretend she was in zero gravity.




[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
[member="Valae Heavenshield"]
[member="Drystan Marakos"] [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Yuroic Xeriac"] [member="Ylva Solveig"] [member="Cassius Droma"]

 

[Audren Sykes]

This day was unlike most others, for this day they had guests arriving. The Valkyri took their responsibilities as hosts quite seriously; that the guests were Jedi of the Silver Order was one thing, that the guest of honor was a guest of the Heavenshields took it to a whole other level. Fridheim had turned out in force to greet the new arrivals.

Audren could only wonder what the reactions had been to the debris in orbit. Apparently during the most recent battle on Midvinter something had happened to obliterate the capital ship stationed in orbit. Some of the native warriors had explained the event as the Jedi didn't remember much beyond a point of that battle, but the explanations were nonsensical. Talk of gods and thrown spears destroying a capital vessel...preposterous. Even so, the fact of the destruction was undeniable: though much of the debris had fallen planet's surface, a significant amount remained in orbit. Fortunately it didn't seem to cause any difficulty for the Jedi ships as their descent was without panic.

The Sephi stood with the crowd rather than with the Heavenshields. He was not family and was not present as a member of the Dawnguard after all. The newcomers were clearly visible to him, but they would be less likely to notice him in the crowd, especially since his clothing was similar to that of the natives. He recognized many faces, most of them veteran Jedi he'd served with in some form or another over the years. However, there were a number of faces that he did not recognize, newer Jedi that had joined since his focus had shifted to other matters. He was still a Jedi, still wore his lightsaber at his belt and considered himself a member of the SJO, but it was no longer the core of his life.

Going forward, such would also be the case for the guest of honor - Valae Heavenshield. Or rather, as he'd first met her: Valae Kitra. He'd been there the first day she'd arrived at the Temple on Voss, the day she'd assumed the role of Grand Master. Now he was here for her retirement to Midvinter. Rumor had it she was going to spend her time with family. She wasn't close to elderly, even by human reckoning, so she had a long time ahead of her. The change in pace from being Grand Master of the Silver Jedi Order to being here on this frost-covered planet would be significant however. He hoped she had a hobby...she'd need it.

Spoiler

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Cassius Droma"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Jessica Med-Beq"]

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

By the time Ylva found her way to Coci and her Husband [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], the greetings had already been taken care of and the red headed woman was allowed the opportunity to glance upon their Guests without being forced to speak up before she had acquired a feel for the type of people they were. Where was Théodred when she needed him, it was bloody typical that he'd be out somewhere getting lost in the wilderness while she was stuck here with no real idea how to approach these people.

This was a rather bizarre experience for Ylva, to be feeling so aware of her anxiety. She was most always proud and readily showing it by threatening the first person who looked at her wrongly, yet these were also people whom Théo's Mother held in great esteem. The Jedi she had mentioned during their training together. If there was ever hope that her partners parents were to come to know and accept her then it was in her best interests to be put on display in such an awkward circumstance.

These Jedi also seemed to be rather nicely dressed too, which compared to the furs and leather garments strapped around her in self-made fashion, Ylva looked rather more uncivilized. On Midvinter this wasn't entirely odd, yet her perception of high-born or noble bloodlines and those with a good deal of coin often followed by judgement and persecution and thus she hoped she wouldn't be taken for a fool by these people.

Gradually, she made her way to Thurion and [member="Coci Heavenshield"], remaining mostly in the background as she watched and listened to the Valkyri folk mingling with the newcomers. Not wishing to interrupt, she kept an ear out and held her wits about her, listening for pieces of information that she might catch up on what she had thus far missed.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Cassius Droma"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Jessica Med-Beq"]​

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan's hazel eyes met the strong silver gaze of the new Grandmaster, and a smile passed over the Jedi's lips. The way which [member="Jyoti Nooran"] looked at her helped her to feel like she'd made the right decision, joining this outing... At first, Drystan had been nervous of taking part in such a large gathering, but the allure of a winter wonderland (as well as a chance to get to know her friends better) would have been more than foolish to pass up.

The Sentinel stepped from the console she'd manned for a good portion of the journey, tucking an errant strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she made her way toward the exit of the bridge; before leaving the bridge and the whole group of them began their descent to the world below, Drystan joined [member="Valae Heavenshield"] at her side, reached out, and gave the woman a gentle squeeze of her arm.. "Home sweet home, Master.." She said, giving Valae a warm look before turning and exiting the bridge. She caught up quickly to Jyoti and her apprentice, [member="Charlie Nooran"]. "I'd sure like to try one of those pies..." She remarked to the Padawan with a grin.

The trip to the surface was brief, and Drystan exited the ship alongside her companions. She was dressed in a set of black & grey furs over her white & silver flight suit; the coat would keep her alive as well as help her to stand out against the backdrop of solid white. Drystan's boots crunched in the soft snow as she walked alongside the group from the transport toward the waiting gates of Fridheim and the small group which had gathered there; was present to hear the welcome speech by [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], and beamed at he and [member="Coci Heavenshield"]'s offers of friendship and welcoming...

Drystan was growing exceedingly glad she'd made the decision to join the gathering.

As the group began to file into the city, on their way toward feasting and stories (two things of which, it seemed, everyone was looking forward to), the blonde Jedi found herself walking alongside [member="Ylva Solveig"]... and Drystan shifted her attention to the woman, deciding to approach her. "Hello, friend..." She started, giving the woman a warm smile. While Drystan wasn't always the most sociable type, her years of experience gave her an eye to see the woman's social awkwardness. Acting as the diplomat Jyoti knew her to be, Drystan would try to make friends.

"Joining us for the feast?" She asked the stranger.

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva hadn't noticed her proximity to [member="Drystan Marakos"] until the fair-haired woman spoke up and generously broke the Ice, so to speak. Ylva found it much easier to take up conversation with newcomers when they approached her first, relying on those age old fight or flight instincts and responding based upon reaction rather than having to sum up something intelligent sounding and close to home for their Guests whom she knew next to nothing about.

With Drystan's greeting however, the Red-head turned to offer a welcome smile, nodding once in confirmation though inside she found it a little amusing that she was asked, given it was she that had acquired a good portion of the meat soon to be consumed by all; naturally Drystan could not have known of course and so it wasn't any fault of hers. "Indeed I am" she replied in kind, studying the woman curiously as if trying to learn something of her kind; "I'm sorry I could not be there on time to greet you with the others but I've just returned to Fridheim from a Hunt", and she looked every part the type with her two Axe's sheathed against her hips, their wooden straight handles carried by the steel ringed holsters while her Bow remained slung across the back of her shoulders and a quiver of Arrows at her back. It hadn't occurred to her that these people might be put off by the carrying of such weapons, whether or not that was the case it probably would have been polite of her to keep them safely strapped to Bjomolf's harness. She had heard however that they were warriors of a sort and so hadn't considered it at all until now.

"My name's Ylva.." She informed Drystan, that the woman might know her by name and therefore offer a bit more of herself to the meeting. "I don't call Fridheim home though I'm here with the Lady Coci. I hope your travel here was comfortable?". It seemed a fair question, especially given that Ylva didn't overly enjoy transit across space and skies. Nirauan had been a sheltered life from such technologies and it wasn't until meeting Théodred that she had been introduced to the more complex structures of technology and society outside of her formerly violent and one might even say primitive lifestyle. Truly, she was more at home in the wilds than she was among such things.

Spoiler

Apologies for jumping the gun but due to real world priorities, I'm not certain when I'll next be available to post. Wanted to get this one in while I could so I wouldn't continue to stall or leave anyone waiting!


[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Cassius Droma"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Jessica Med-Beq"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

There wasn't much, as yet for [member="Ylva Solveig"] to immediately discern of the Jedi woman she spoke with; Drystan's background was similar to the huntress' own in-so-much as stalking, hunting, and taking prey... but the Jedi Knight sought much different prey in her travels across the Galaxy. She seemed quite plain, in fact... underwhelming, if not quite beautiful. There was no remarkable discerning feature, except for how she carried herself - light on her feet, and completely in-tune with her surroundings.​

​

Drystan listened to the woman as they made the brief journey into Fridheim. A breeze whipped up, stirring a haze of sparkling glass into the sky - causing snow to fall from hanging branches nearby. The frigid air bit into her skin like a vibroblade... Even through her furs, Drystan felt herself wince and cover her face. It was not quite like sand (which got everywhere)... but it was trouble enough.​

​

"Ylva..." Drystan repeated it under her breath, committing it to memory, then responded: "You mean we have you to thank for this great feast?" And flashed a smile which could have melted all the snow on the planet. "It was, indeed... Our ship, Nightshade, is quite comfortable... but I do enjoy soil beneath my feet."​

​

Their feet crunched through the snow. The air, when she breathed, felt like razors in her nostrils. She was in heaven.​

​

"I actually haven't been in snow for a long time, you know." She said, before reaching down with her bare hands and scooping a handful of white powder from the ground. Inquisitive hazel eyes and a coy smile formed on the Jedi's features, feeling the chill ironically burn her hands. A familiar friend, that pain...​

​

And as they walked, Drystan balled the handful of snow into a ball, then held it out before her, cupped in her hands. Hazel eyes focused intently... and Ylva could have seen a similar intensity there in how she might have taken game.​

​

The snowball Drystan had formed began to solidify and crystalize. Shrinking as it did-so & losing mass but becoming as hard as stone. The ball of white compacted snow turned opaque and began to resemble something like blue marble... a number of imperfections forming within a sphere as crystalize structures, providing an inner surface which seemed to refract light if one held it at the proper angle. The small orb was about the size of a chicken's egg, felt cool to the touch but would not cause pain, and would prove incredibly difficult to damage. So-long as it remained in a cold environment, it would likely remain in its' present state. ​

​

Drystan took the orb in her left hand and offered it to Ylva in a way which would indicate a gift... An act of friendship, which cost absolutely nothing, but would hopefully mean something. Drystan gave the other woman a genuine smile, and if she were questioned, she would simply reply, "For you."​

​

​

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

And with that, Valae was gone. Possibly for a long time, as he didn't know if he would be seeing her again. Jason hadn't gotten to say goodbye, as the child was still asleep on the ship. Though as if on cue, an HK unit with blue plating would walk through the crowd, causing people to shuffle back and away from the droid who's model was generally attributed to assassination droids. Not that all of them were, as some knew. For some, they were just really good combat droids if programmed as such. But it was such a pain to get them past their default assassination protocols. Following next to him, holding onto the droid's leg was the three year old who was wearing a little sweater. Likely one of the ones that Valae had made. The child was all bundled up for the Midvinter weather as the HK droid would lead him to his father.

"Master, the boy has woken and immediately went searching for you. I have brought him here before he tears the ship apart."

Josh chuckled a bit as Jason would look up, see his father and dart through the snow to clutch his father's leg. Picking him up, Josh would smile and ruffle his head before looking to HK. "Stick with us, if you like" He spoke, giving the droid a choice before he would make his way toward [member="Jyoti Nooran"] and [member="Charlie Nooran"] (And [member="Allyson Locke"]) who seemed to be just chilling by themselves.

"How's everything over here?"

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Standing there in the Midvinter snow, an odd feeling struck Valae. Members of the Silver Jedi were here to see her off and members of the Dawnguard and locals of Fridheim had come to welcome her. It was an ending and a new beginning, all in the same moment. There were many new faces today, even some within the Silver Jedi Order that she had not yet gotten to know. [member="Drystan Marakos"] was among that small number. Though she had not had the chance to interact much with the young blonde woman, Valae had a good feeling about her. She would surely do well within the Order.

Also a new face was that of [member="Ylva Solveig"], Valae watched as Drystan struck up a conversation with the flame-haired woman. The Jedi healer was glad to see that [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] had come as well, he was a good friend to her and to the Order as well. He had already served well as their Battlemaster and Valae had come to expect great things of him. In fact, he had been her only recommendation for Master of the Order, a role that she felt he would excel in. As he moved in to offer a hug, Valae returned it with a smile and a soft squeeze of his arm.

She'd also spotted [member="Audren Sykes"] present in the crowd. The Sephi stood out to her for many reasons, his face very familiar to her. Valae had fond memories of their first meeting at the Silver Temple on Voss, a time when she had sorely needed a friends. She had been glad to find one in Audren, even if their interactions had been few. Though, she had not forgotten that he'd played a role in saving her life. That 'swim' she had taken on Arkas was still remembered with a measure of embarassment. But, at least now she could say confidently that she had learned to swim... she just didn't like to.

“Thank you for the warm welcome,” She responded to Thurion, and smiled as he addressed the group. Valae hoped that the members of the Order would enjoy themselves here. “You will find some familiar faces here today. Namely, Master [member="Jyoti Nooran"] – my successor.” Valae motioned to the tall Echani.

Glancing to Coci, she offered a wide smile and then turned to walk with them into the town. “I'm excited to see more of Fridheim,” Valae nodded, giving her parka a tight tug around her. “Things on Kashyyyk have been good, the Order continues to grow and expand.”

She tucked her hands into her pockets, and looked up at Thurion.

“And Theo? Will he be here today?” She asked, grinning.

[member="Allyson Locke"], [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Charlie Nooran"]

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

"Valae is one of the few people here who have known me both as my older non-Force-using self and as a Jedi. The elder Heavenshields also knew me right around when I became a padawan, so they knew about what kind of Force-user I was since I began Jedi training much later in life than many"

These Valkyri have Wookiee morphologies... hopefully, they will have tasty ways to cook game meat or fish. That's often what people on ice planets eat, Jessica thought, while feeling a little petite in her otherwise massive frame, next to the Valkyri she was passing through to get to the rest of the party that was going to some sort of feast where [member="Valae Heavenshield"] would say goodbye to the Order she knew her in before she even became a Jedi in the first place. In fact, she was one of the few Jedi still active that knew Jessica both as a Jedi and as her older, NFU self. But most people here that actually knew her only knew her as a Jedi, and especially those who only knew her recently, such as the current master of the Order, [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], or even, [member="Drystan Marakos"] or [member="Jyoti Nooran"], would have known her mostly for a handful of things, such as her purity in the Light, or her command-level skill. For each [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], there would be people like Valae or Jessica, to whom they could look up when times get rough, and she knew how [member="Charlie Nooran"] would react to any feast whatsoever. Especially since they were soon getting seated if they weren't already.

"I have to say that Valae was as good a Jedi as one could desire, and even I would be hard-pressed to match her purity in the Light"

 

[Cassius Droma]

He gave a small wave to Valae as he saw her, satisfied that his job had been fulfilled. Adjusting his gloves, he walked away from the Tumbleweed to catch up with the larger group, giving the VCX-100 freighter one last look. He’d see it again when he left in his A-wing, but he wanted to steal one more glance in this light.

His shoulders shook a little bit as he adjusted to the weather – perhaps he’d been spending too much time in warmer climates, or maybe he’d underestimated just how cold it was on Midvinter. Regardless, he still felt he’d dressed well for the occasion – a thicker set of his simplistic Jedi robes did the trick. Normally, he had taken to wearing more civilian-type clothing while operating with Jade Squadron, but this was a special occasion.

Since he had been a little further off than the rest of the group, he walked up just as Thurion was giving them his warm welcome. So that was him – the Thurion Heavenshield. He’d read the data disks, seen the holo vids… but it was still fascinating to see him in person. All of this, really, was something he wanted to explore more of. The trip had been long from Kashyyyk, so he’d used a lot of that time to read up on Midvinter and the more significant inhabitants. Normally, he was a wallflower, but as a budding anthropologist and archaeologist, he knew he’d have to get out there and mingle with the locals to truly learn about their culture.

Also, there was the promise of free food. He never passed up on that.

As their little party processed further into the city, Cassius’s head was on a swivel, taking in all of the sights and sounds. He was a few steps behind Valae, not wanting to interrupt her time with the Heavenshields. Everyone around seemed to be making good friends, though – Cassius could only imagine hanging out in a local tavern after the feast. Speaking of which… he was glad that he had held off on eating before making the last jump to Midvinter. He was starving, and he needed to make sure he enjoyed all of the cuisine this place had to offer.

[member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] |[member="Ylva Solveig"] |[member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The dangerous Westgate Pass had delayed Théo and his ten wagons of the best barrels of mead on Midvinter, the Pass once more closed due to a heavy dump of snow. It is dangerous at the best of times, even on a sunny day so they had no choice but to wait it out. The mead all bound for the Howlin' Wolf Inn, well most of it, some was to be delivered to the feast in honour of Val and the Silver Jedi. So if anyone was looking for a place to stay or kick on after the feast, that was the place to be, [member="Cassius Droma"].

Théo sat atop the leading wagon, he had not had a good shave in several days so his black beard was unkempt along with the rest of him, which was all wrapped up in a long black cloak of fur, his long black hair trailing down his back looked to be a part of the fur, the only colour in the mess was his sapphire blue eyes, which mirrored that of his father's. That and a large grin on his face exposing his white teeth, he could see the gathering up ahead as the wagons passed through the Fridheim gates. The gate keepers were pleased to see him and the wagons arrive, there was fear in the city that the Inn would run dry.

"Move aside, make way .. coming through", he yelled ahead of him as the wagons approached the Silvers. The horses pulling the wagons stopped for no one, they were looking forward to a nice warm stable and plenty of fare of their own. Over the top of the gathering he could see his father, a throw back to the Valkyri like himself, so he stood tall among them, no doubt mother was not far away. He looked around to see some faces he knew from the Silvers, but mainly he was looking for Val, his sister. But why were they all wearing sweaters? Maybe it is the new Silver Jedi Robes?

The sea of people parted and Théo stopped the wagon before his parents and Val, "Someone say my name?!", he grinned before jumped down from the wagon, and he wasted no time in taking Val into a big bear hug, lifting her off the ground. Val and Théo had known each other from his childhood, when she was his father's padawan and they had grown up together, although she was the elder of the two. He had not seen her since her visit to the Iron Empire and that was too long between drinks.

"It is so good to see you again", he whispered with heart felt delight, before pulling back from their embrace to place his forehead to her's in the Heavenshield way. "Whats with all the sweaters?". He grinned more with typical Théo mischief.

​

​

[member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion looked to where Valae motioned, over at the tall echani woman interacting with another young woman. "I do?" His eyes narrowed at [member="Jyoti Nooran"], before eventually memory kicked in. "Is that..." Arisa Yune. He didn't say it aloud. It was a name he had not heard in a long time, not since his retirement from the Order. It would seem she had opted for a new name since last they met, and a new look to go with it. A way to avoid unwanted attention from enemies made, perhaps? In any case, determining who she was through her Force signature proved easy enough even though she did not look anything like the person he once knew. Cybernetic implants?

However what really got his attention was that Valae had named her her successor. He was about to say something when suddenly Théo was brought up, prompting the very same person to show up with a cart laden with barrels of mead. Thurion shook his head and chuckled. "And he shall appear," he said aloud, skipping the entire first part of the saying. "Did you get enough for all of us, or just you," he asked as Théo approached them and embraced his adopted sister. His other adopted sister, that is. "I'll let you guys catch up," he said and instead strode over to where this Jyoti stood chatting.

He did not announce his presence or even offer greetings, but rather simply towered over her and her friend with his arms crossed as he took measure of the person. There was a determined look on his face, and for a good 10 seconds there was a heavy silence between the two. "I hear you're to assume the mantle of head of the order," he finally spoke, leaning closer to get a better look at her face. "Just wanted to make certain Valae picked the right person for the job. I happen to be a bit of an expert of the subject, and I also happen to care very much about the Silver Jedi." A smile found its way to his lips as he extended a hand. "Then again, I have never known her to be a poor judge of character."

"Congratulations, Grandmaster Nooran," he shook her hand, avoiding calling her by her old name. But his eyes would let her know he recognised her - Arisa Yune had been one of the bright young up-and-comers during his tenure as head of the order.

[member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Joza Perl]

When news of [member="Valae Heavenshield"]’s retirement from the helm of the Silver Jedi reached her ears (or rather, datapad) Joza couldn’t deny the nostalgic soft spot she had for her time in the Order. Both she and Valae had joined at roughly the same time and took part in a handful of missions as Padawans.

The last time she’d been to Midvinter it had been to help the planet of snow and ice in the aftermath of the Sith attacks. Today she’d ventured to the Valkyri homeworld for a more pleasant purpose. The Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi—how her heart swelled with pride when she thought of Valae, gentle and strong, leading them—was retiring from her post. Bits of guilt flecked her mind over her own gradual drift from the Jedi as her attention had been drawn to the other side of the galaxy in the Outer Rim. The last time she’d been in Silver territory was to pull her assets off of Lianna when the Silvers migrated further into the galaxy, herself fearful of the rising Sith threat (and of course her profits).

Dressed in thick winter furs, she wove her way through the crowd to find it a pleasant mixed bag of Valkyri and Jedi with some overlap and racial variation. She recognized a few faces, some she couldn’t put a name to but there were those, like the woman she knew as Arisa Yune, that were more familiar than others. All were here to either see off or welcome the next Heavenshield to her new life on Midvinter. The Zeltron looked on as Valae was welcome by her loved ones—Thurion, Coci, and a suddenly-appearing Théo with booze in tow. Her daughter Yula had relayed to her Théo’s success with the brewery and inns he’d established across the planet, and Joza was an admirer of his entrepreneurship.

Her journey through the thongs of people brought her to rest beside [member="Audren Sykes"]. After side-eyeing him for a few moments, memory kicked in. “Master Sykes, if I remember?” She tried, hoping that she hadn’t misplaced his face with someone else’s. Her attention briefly drew back to the guest of honor in reverence for how long it had really been since she’d seen some of these faces.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] - [member="Drystan Marakos"] - [member="Valae Heavenshield"] - [member="Coci Heavenshield"] - [member="Ylva Solveig"] - [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] - [member="Charlie Nooran"] - [member="Allyson Locke"] - [member="Reggie Faayare"] - [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] - [member="Cassius Droma"] - [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] - [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] - [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

With Théo's sudden arrival, Coci stood aside to let the wagons pass, "He takes after you, you know", she grinned at her husband. And her profound statement only illustrated by Thurion's sudden approach to the new Grand Master of the Silver Jedi. Coci gave Val's hand a gentle squeeze, as she excused herself to go and greet the others, and give her respect to the new leader of the Silvers. "We will catch up soon enough", she whispered to Val before she left her to Théo.

"Grand Master [member="Jyoti Nooran"], it is a pleasure to see you", she gave the woman traditional Jedi bow, the new appearance of the girl not lost on Coci either, she remembered the head strong girl that was Arisa but there was a major change in her, not just appearance but in demeanour. There was a sense of the 'grey' around her, the grey that comes from the shadows that Coci could recognise having lived among the grey for years. Her lips curled the corners of her mouth, internally delighted that a Silver Shadow was now the leader of the Order, a little internal (ooc/ic) fist pump if you will. "Congratulations on your appointment".

They were joined by other Jedi, that Coci hoped she would get to speak to over the cause of the feasting, but there was one who had approached the group that she had not seen in years and it seemed that former Grand Masters were thick on the ground. [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, from her time with the Repubic when she was but a budding padawan. He had not aged a day which was good to see and Coci walked toward him.

"Master DragonsFlame!", she smiled, as she bowed to her former grand master from days of yore. "Have you come to retire on Midvinter as well?", it was a jest, but it seemed for all the world that all grand masters find their way here. "But who is this?", she could not help but notice the young boy in his arms.

"My apologies for interrupting", she turned to the young Jedi beside him, a girl fitted out in a environmental suit. "Welcome to Midvinter", she gave the girl a smile.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | @Not sure who else is close by ​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae noticed the hint of recognition in Thurion's eyes as he glimpsed Grandmaster Nooran. She would keep quiet on this front, and said nothing to confirm or deny. Her master had known the presence of Arisa Yune, and though it had changed names and faces, there was a glimmer of familiarity there. But, it was different now, changing.

However, her attention was quickly drawn towards an oncoming wagon.

A wide grin spread across her face when she realized that she knew the driver. She knew him very well, in fact. “Right you are, Theo!” Valae said. Laughing, she returned his bear-hug, her arms went around his shoulders as far as they could. It had been far too long since they'd seen each other, but Valae hoped that would change. She gave a nod to Coci -- yes, there would be much time for the two of them to catch up.

“It's good to see you too,” She said, and then added “Little brother.” Even if he stood many heads higher than she. “Do you want one of these sweaters?” She asked in jest, “I'll have one made for you. I'm afraid I don't have one in your size.”

And just like that, it was like old times.

With Thruion and Coci greeting Grandmaster Nooran and those that surrounded her, Valae's eyes were drawn to a familiar face. A very fond smile found her lips as she set eyes on Joza Perl. The Zeltron had been a fixture during her days as a padawan. Joza was spirited and outgoing, everything that Val had not been back then. But, Valae remembered those days with a measure of longing, how they had been carefree.

“That's Joza, isn't it?” She asked, turning to Theo, though she really didn't need the confirmation. “Shall we say hello?” No doubt, Theo would know her well, too.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Joza Perl"], [member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Jyoti Nooran"]

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva watched as [member="Drystan Marakos"] displayed the snowball in her open palm, soon transforming into some sort of crystallized orb dwarfing it's original size. The process was beautiful to see, the marble holding it's many little imperfections, did not distract from the way Ylva could feel this Jedi wielding the Force with a refined sense of control. It was completely unexpected, and even more so that this stranger would offer it over to Ylva as a gift.

"For me?" She blinked, speaking aloud her surprise though reaching for the small crystal pebble not wishing to seem rude; "I...-Thank you?" She soon remembered herself and smiled, holding the orb and looking down into it thoughtfully. [member="Coci Heavenshield"] had only just started to show her the greater ways of the Force, the DawnGuard from what Ylva had guessed, was in some ways inspired by the Jedi that her Master had once belonged to.

"You're very gifted" Ylva added as she walked alongside Drystan with the rest of the group, "I've not long practiced with the Force..." She admitted while taking the moment to glance about their peers, curious to note the manner of Drystan's people. "Coci has told me a little about your kind though, that you're all Force Users...-Warriors like the Valkyri. Théodred too I think, though he doesn't speak of it often", though that wasn't for any particular reason other than Ylva's lack of interest in things outside of the world of Midvinter. She had always been simple in her interests, since living so long on Niruaun and now calling the beautiful world of Midvinter her home and hearth-land; what more could she want, truly.

[member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Little brother, well at least there is one younger than me", he grinned as his gaze shifted to where Val looked and it did not take long to spot Yula's mother standing with Master Sykes. "I believe it is", he replied and not without a small amount of awkwardness at the sight of her. After all he had only recently met Joza's daughter in Thainbroek, who was on Midvinter with a man travelling alone. He decided there and then not to make mention of it in case Yula would be in trouble for it. "And I believe that is Audren with her".

Théo placed Val's arm over his and led her over to them, he could not help but look around for another mop of red hair and just over the tops of the peoples head he spotted her, [member="Ylva Solveig"] walking off into the distance with another, in conversation it appeared which made Théo smile. He wanted to shout out to her, but she was too far away to hear him above the buzzing noise of the gathering.

"Come on, let go and say hello", he said as they approached Joza and Audren. "Master Perl, it is great to see you again", in fact it had been years and Théo was only a child the last they would have seen each other. "Audren", he nodded to the Master Jedi who had spent some time on Midvinter of late and stood with the Valkyri on the bloody field of battle. He had to wonder what he had been dong since that chaotic battle. "Good to see you well".

[member="Joza Perl"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

There were a lot of people present. It really wasn't much more than normally present in the village all things considered, but most of the time people weren't all gathered together like this. Fortunately it was a friendly crowd, animosity in a group this capable would no doubt prove deadly. Théo arrived at the head of a wagon procession, no doubt wanting to make an entrance with the alcohol. The Valkyri loved their mead, and many of the Jedi would no doubt enjoy it as well.

Most of those present were simply milling around or engaging in conversation between small groups. Audren was one who roamed. He tended typically towards the Valkyri, trading comments here and there. All very tame and polite by native standards, possibly less so to the ears of someone unused to it. Then again, there were rude comments everywhere and the slang was usually the only difference. Better they learn to handle it now in a nicer environment.

As it happened, one of the others milling around stopped near him. The Sephi was trading friendly insults with one of the warriors he'd met before and didn't pay much attention to her. It didn't take long for the 'conversation' to wind itself down, at which point her voice sounded and shifted his attention.

"Master Sykes, if I remember?”

The woman's face was distantly familiar to him. The pink skin was an immediate indicator that she wasn't human, and she had the sense of a trained Force user like many of those present. While he recognized the face, all he was getting when he tried to put a name to it was the image of a pale pink sphere. It took a second, but his mental perception shifted just slightly and he recognized the image as a small stone. A pink pearl...Perl. Joza Perl, Zeltron. Jedi, or had been last he'd heard about her. She'd been a member of the Silver Jedi Order, then if he remembered right she'd moved over towards Galactic Alliance space. Maybe. He'd headed in the other direction for a bit and had pretty much stopped keeping up on galactic affairs for that time.

"Joza Perl, good memory. It's been a while, how have you been?"

He didn't remember what rank she'd been when they'd last met, but then again quite some time had passed. Rather than assume and call her by a wrong title, he opted to simply go with her name. He'd been fortunate to bring that up as it was. Seconds after he spoke, Théo walked up and greeted Joza. Master...well, it was a good thing he hadn't chosen something else.

"And you, Théo. Let me guess, Ylva took off running the minute she learned about this?"

The question was accompanied by a quick grin. Even he was able to tell that the redhead was more comfortable in the wilderness than surrounded by throngs of people. With a slight shift, he faced Valae. Another Grand Master Heavenshield who was now retiring to Midvinter. Two was a trend...three would become a tradition. It would be interesting to see how long that kept going.

"Grand Master Heavenshield, welcome."

[member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Joza Perl"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | & others

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan offered Ylva a bright smile as she expressed her joy over the gesture of kindness and friendship. She bowed her head, replying with a "You're welcome.", continuing to walk beside the woman as they walked through the chill air. The smell of woodsmoke and roasting meat wafted into Drystan's nostrils, making her mouth water - it had been a long time since she'd partaken in such a meal, and never with the Dawnguard or the SJO. What seemed to be a simple lifestyle held such romance in her eyes, feeling as-though she might have been better suited to such a life as a hunter, a protector of the tribe - a caring hand or voice to soothe the ill.​

​

Drystan nodded at [member="Ylva Solveig"]'s mention that her friends were Force Users. "We are, indeed." Drystan stepped around a branch which had fallen sometime ago upon the path they tread, brushing it aside with her foot as she passed. "Some are healers, some are teachers, some are pilots... but each of us are warriors in our own way." She glanced at the woman, then onward toward their destination, then around them - the winter wonderland stretched out, the occasional patch of white dotted by evergreens or twisting trunks of dead or dormant trees. "You've never traveled to other worlds?" She asked, finding it odd the woman knew little of their Order, though she seemed to possess some dormant sense of the Force... If Drystan reached out with a tendril of thought, she could sense the woman had potential.​

​

She smiled at Ylva, curious over her mention of this group, The Valkyri... and made a mental note to ask about it later, once the drinking had begun.​

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza smiled to Audren in mutual greeting not only because he’d recognized her in turn, but because she had matched the correct name and face. There weren’t many here today she recognized save for the Heavenshields, and even the Silvers seemed to be edging on a new generation of Jedi. This wasn’t something she’d ever entertained the thought of seeing, not for someone who’d forever considered herself young. Raising teenagers had put enough fatigue around her eyes to warrant a thick cosmetic concealer, thank you.

“I’ve been well. The children have been keeping me on my toes. How about you?” Her answer came with a note of mirthless humor, though her eyes crinkled in delight. Joza had decided to move off of the front lines of war after a literal bone-crushing encounter at Utapau. Was she ready to send her children to war? Absolutely not, but they had their way of worming themselves into trouble. Chips off the old (ahem) block.

Her smile turned toothy as Valae and Théo approached arm in arm. “No Master necessary. Just Joza.” Things in the Outer Rim were much less formal. “Look at you though, little Théo—you just keep on going up!” She reached out to pinch his cheek endearingly between two fingers with a short laugh. Letting him go, the Zeltron leaned back to take in his height. “You must be as tall as your father by now, I’ll bet.”

Turning her attention towards the guest of honor, Joza couldn’t help but pull Valae into a brief hug. “It’s so good to see you, Valae. I’m sorry that I haven’t kept up over the years.” Pulling back with a sheepish smile, Joza felt a tickle of surprise in her chest at her throat tightening in emotion. “I hear that you lead the Silvers well over the years. You’ve certainly earned your rest—but why not something more…tropical?” A wide grin spread across her face, tone clearly teasing. Midvinter was lovely but Joza was a fan of more temperate climates that didn’t dry out her skin as fast.

[member="Audren Sykes"] - [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] - [member="Valae Heavenshield"]