An Unexpected Journey [Théodred]

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

When the lad called Alfr appeared beside him at the front of the ship Thyrian didn't make much of an acknowledgement of his presence. He remained frozen in place, his cloak caught by the steady breeze while his thoughts took him elsewhere; he thought of the woman he loves above all else, left behind in the comfort of Tháinbroek along with their unborn child. He thought of his father, the greatest of men who, in the end, didn't let his personal demons prevent him from forging his own future and provide for the family he'd once abandoned. Thrand had room in his heart for every man, woman and child on Midvinter and beyond.

Looking over at father and son marvelling over the mighty sea creatures, he wondered if he would one day be so close to his own son. Thurion had always been better than him, even as a child; he was kindhearted and selfless - a good person. He deserves the life that's been given to him, but what of the Sith Lord with little else but brutality and hatred in his past? Would regret alone be enough to atone for the horrible things he's done?

While deep in thought, the High King was finally brought back to the world of the living as Alfr made seemingly futile attempts at dialogue between the two. He turned with a baffled look on his face. "My... what? No! Ancestors, boy - do you believe everything you're told?" Now looking back at his brother and nephew soaked to the bone and in the process of changing into something a lot more dry and warm, he felt as if he'd been gone for hours. "The hell happened to you two?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Before his father could answer his challenge, Théo moved to the side of the ship and looked over into the water, it looked cold to say the least but that would not stop him from swimming with the whales. Turning his head sideways, to see if his father was about to join him when he heard the voice of his uncle. Alfr was beside him looking very pink in the face and even more uncertain of what to do, Théo had not heard the conversation but it was clear through the emotions from Alfr that something had happened between them. For a moment, his uncles words made no sense, what had Alfr asked of the King .. and then the penny dropped. Théo threw back his head in loud laughter. Oh he did ask him.

The ship matched the speed of the pod, it was as if they had decided to accompany them out to sea, at least for a little while before getting bored with the humanoids and going on their way in the world. Théo had to wonder what and where these majestic creature went in the harsh bite of winter, no doubt like all creatures on this fair land of Midvinter, they had adapted to the conditions over countless years.

"The whales decided father and I needed a shower", Théo yelled back to Thyrian, and knowing his uncle had a great gift for fires considering his love for the hearth in the grand hall and setting it as hot as hell in there .. "I don't suppose you could you know.. start a fire?", but this thought was dismissed almost immediately as his eyes looked around to see only a wooden ship. Not the best place for a fire under the circumstances.

Théo went to Alfr's aid, feeling bad about telling his jokes about his uncle only to have himself in hot water over it. "Hey, don't feel bad about it Alfie, my uncles is a grumpy sod, he doesn't shoot fire from his arse, it comes out his ears", he winked at Alfr to make sure he knew it was yet another jest. However Théo spoke just loud enough for his uncle to hear. And yet Théo moved swiftly back to his father, in case he sudden found his uncles foot firmly planted in his rump.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion observed the three while getting dressed in warm, dry clothes, chuckling to himself when Thyrian raised his voice at poor Alfr. Poor lad looked like he was about to pass out from sheer embarrassment, and once he'd wrapped the thick Älk fur around his shoulders and pulled his boots on he intervened. "Théo, why don't you and Alfr take a break, have something to eat," he suggested, giving them both a pat on the shoulder. "It's getting dark, and we have a long trip ahead of us. You two get some rest while we keep the ship afloat." Before Théo could leave Thurion ran a hand through his black locks. "Try and stay warm and dry from now on, alright? I'll see you in the morning." He gave him a wink and brushed a stay bead of water from his cheek.

Thurion joined his older brother at the bow of the ship, where Thyrian once more stood ever watchful of what might lie ahead. "I know what you're going to say. I don't... I'm not--" The younger wrapped an arm around the elder's shoulders. "It's alright, Thyrian. They'll get over it." It must be difficult for him, having to try and be social when Thurion knows full well where his brother would rather be. He felt the same way, his mind always keeping a thought of his beloved in the back of his head. "I'm very proud of you, you know," he told him, causing Thyrian to lean his head against his and close his eyes. "So is he." They looked to the orange sun on the horizon, steadily crawling downwards. "Good night, father. See you again soon."

Several days came and went, and the small crew aboard the wooden vessel took each day at a time. There was little in the way of arguing, save for some very minor issues that would arise only to be subsequently resolved later that same day. Favourable winds, clear skies, and a warm sun accompanied them, making it an easy task to keep mood and morale up for the four sailors. They'd taken shifts, making sure there was always someone fully rested on deck at any given time.

It wasn't until a week had passed that the weather took a turn for the worst. Dark clouds rolled in from the north and the wind picked up, waves started crashing against the hull, causing it to sway violently from side to side. Théo stood at the helm, desperately trying to keep them on course while Alfr navigated for him. The brothers fought through harsh rain and even harsher winds to keep the ship seaworthy, obeying every command issued by their brave captain. Many hard hours later, the storm finally subsided before disappearing entirely, and the crew were allowed respite.

Huddled together by the mast, exhausted and shivering from the freezing cold, Thurion watched as an iceberg passed them by. "I take it we're not where we're supposed to be, Alfr," he asked knowing the answer. Before Alfr could answer, his brother - who barely seemed phased by the cold - reached out and opened his hand to reveal a bright red flame emanating from his palm. The warmth of it washed over the three, and Thyrian even afforded Alfr a nod. "There's your answer, lad."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

After providing the evening meal, for all the crew and his father and uncle, Théo and Alfr turned in for their allotted sleep. His father and brother would take the first watch. Théo's sleep was pitted with dreams, strange images plagued his mind and like most dreams did not make any sense. The visions of his youth had all but gone, probably because his mind had grow to learn the constraints of convention, clouding them until they are but a blur. Yet, the dreams spoke to him of strange events, two to be precise, and both mysterious as the next. He woke with a start, but laid quietly within the álk furs that kept the biting cold and wind away. He turned his head to see his father and uncle toward the back of the ship, sitting in conversation and he wondered what they could be talking of. A reformation of brotherhood, if nothing else ..this trip was worth that much.

The night passed in relative quiet but come the rise of the dawn dark cloud rolled in from the north and strong winds began to beat against ship and sail. Théo and Alfr did all that was possible of them to keep the ship upright, let alone on course. Turning the ship to ride the swelling waves head on, the sail pulled down in order to save it from distruction, and all that was left to them was sheer man power on the oars. But once the storm had abated and the Maw became calm once more, it was only then they could gather and count the losses of the storm. Some provisions had been swept overboard, the mast snapped at the top but they would still be able to run the sail to half, at least that was something .. for now.

Taking the much needed time to refresh mind and body, Théo joined his father and uncle. The warmth emitting from Thyrian was welcome and not only warmed their bodies but their minds and souls as well. "Our ever present dawn Uncle", Théo said of the flame in his uncles palm, and catching Alrie's eyes that were filled with complete wonder yet he did not seem afraid of it. In fact Théo could see a smile on his friends face.

Yet, the flame in his uncles hand began to flicker with the change in the wind. "We had to abandon the navigation in order to save the ship .. we are lost". Théo raised his head, his force senses alerting him to something coming.. He looked to see a stray rope, tell tail of wind, it turned as the wind shifted from direct north to north west pushing the boat south east. His brow forged furrows he could sense .. life beyond the waves. He turned to his father with a questioning look, his eyes asking those of his father's ..if he felt it too.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Without the two having to share a word, Thurion picked up on the same vital signs as his son. These were not whales or any other sea creature happening to be nearby; whoever they were, they were sentient beings. He got up and turned around to gaze ahead of where they were headed, only to find what appeared to be a massive glacier with nothing but solid ice formations on all sides. He was just about to suggest they find an alternate route when he spotted a path straight through. "Might as well go all in on this new course of ours. Whichever direction we go, we'll reach land eventually, right?" Flawless optimism at its finest.

"We go straight ahead, through the pass right down the middle. There won't be enough room for the oars but we could use them to push our way through," he pointed before facing the others. "Théo, you take the rudder and while Alfr navigates in the front of the ship so we don't hit anything. Me and Thyrian will man the oars." Thurion then turned to his son with a smile. "That is, if our Captain deems it a worthy suggestion."

Once the plan had been approved by their captain, the ship eventually entered the narrow passage between the two massive walls of ice. The ship was just wide enough to fit, and using the oars the two brothers would place them against the ice and push to drive them forward. No wind was granted access, blocked by the glacier making it a slow and tedious progress. The crew was in too much awe to notice, however, as the smooth surface of the ice caused the most wonderous of reflections and colours. There was also the constant danger of having huge icicles fall down on their heads.

The further they got, the less light shone through the narrow passage. Fortunately, they reached the halfway point just as it got too dark to see their surroundings, and their only lightsource slowly returned the closer they got to the exit. "Just a little bit further," Thurion assured them, his soft whisper echoing for what seemed like an eternity between the solid glacier walls. He looked back to Théo at the stern and offered him a nod of reassurance that all would be well.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

One of Théo's main strengths in the force had always been is force awareness, trained by his master from the age of three. She had instilled in him the importance of it though hours of training and speaking on the ways it was to be used in order to protect ones back, but also to be aware of ones surroundings. Using the environment to advantage, to know every single pebble, blade of grass, leaves on the trees until one was attuned to it completely. His father's optimistic view made him smile but more importantly he would learn to have faith in his own son's abilities. "Don't worry father, I will get us all back home to Tháinbroek", but for now they have ventured upon something unknown to them all and in all honesty, Théo was excited to do some exploring .. it had been ages since he had done just that on Midvinter. And this was going to be on a grand scale.

The sight of the vast icebergs was awe inspiring to say the least, not only in it's sheer beauty but danger as well, his skin began to prickle with excitement. "You just can't help yourself ..", he said to his father after all the instructions issued from him, once a grand master always a grand master. ".. He can't help himself", he said to Alfr and his uncle to further the jest. But his father's plan was sound and soon they would approached the tunnel of ice.

From the bow of the ship Alfr shot commands of navigation over his shoulder while keeping a firm eye on the water to try and find any hidden bergs beneath the water. He had done so, and guided the ship around them telling Théo who was now on the rudder. When there was time for pause, he could not help but look up marveling at the sight of the ice cavern they sailed through, the sound of cracking ice so loud filled their eyes, it almost set teeth on edge as it grounded together. In the distance loud break aways would be heard before large chunks of ice fell into the Maw, it was an added threat to them as in any given moment the walls around them could give way without warning.

But the ship pushed onward, until a shore line was in sight. "Look! .. land ahead", the call come from Alfr .. "It looks like some sort of rocky beach .. stay the course Théo! and as we get close pull up the rudder". The last thing they needed was a broken rudder, as it was they needed a new mast. As the rocky beach became clear to sight, Théo hoisted the rudder out of the water and the hull of the ship grazed and slid up on the shore.

"What.. what is this place?", Théo turned to look at his father and uncle, to see if either of them had the answer.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It would be natural to assume that the storm had pushed the ship back toward the mainland, the great continent of Midvinter, but something was not right in Alfr's mind. He did not stand to long wondering over it however, rather he darted back to his charts and navigation instruments and poured over them once more.

Pin pointing the last known location of the ship before the storm hit, he used all his abilities to ascertain where they might have ended up. He knew they had passed the Isle of Tears, the signs of avian in the skies as they passed a testament to that and not to mention his educated eye on the navigation. And so he calculated an approximate position without the ability to see the sky at this point.

"I .. I don't know what this place is .. but. This is not the mainland, we have drifted south .. deep south", southwest to be exact. With a quick sketch of his rudimentary pencil, Alfr drew in the shore line of this new place at least the part of which they could see with the naked eye, complete with icebergs. He looked up from his map, with a wide smile and no inclination to hide his excitement that they have discovered a new land on Midvinter. At least .. new to them. It would come to pass that they would discover this land and it's people are older then even the Valkyri.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Ever watchful with fiery gaze, Thyrian worked alongside his brother in pushing them forward along the narrow path through the otherwise solid wall of ice with the help of his oar. The mystery of their whereabouts was somewhat explained by Alfr, or more akin to a guesstimation. It mattered little to him where they were - he was more eager to find out what they would find on the other side once they reached the end of the tunnel. They kept their cool despite the looming threat of being crushed to death by the large chunks of ice hanging from the ceiling, moving along at a steady pace. They were close now, as indicated by the blinding light of the midday sun eminating from the exit.

Then finally, with one last push from his oar, the ship had made it through the passageway and into the light. They soon after struck land, and together they pulled the vessel up unto the rocky beach so it would not risk getting caught by the tide. "Only one way to find out," he answered his nephew's question after having gathered his few belongings, prompting Thurion to do the same. "Bring only the essentials. That goes double for you, Alfr," Thurion said, the latter part with a more humorous tone. "So, which way," he asked his brother, who pointed straight ahead.

"That hill there will give us a good look at the surrounding area. Bring your maps, Alfr, and we'll if we can't discern where we might've ended up." Thyrian caught himself before he could take another step, and instead turned to Théodred. "That is, if our Captain agrees to my proposition." He even offered his nephew a subtle bow of his head to emphasise his command of their little band of explorers.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"The bear necessities father?", he said with a grin to his father. Théo was standing in them ready to go, Alfr however gathered his maps and instruments and stowed them in the bag he arrived with, he travels nowhere without them and after throwing the bag over his shoulder it bounced on his back as he rejoined the others. Théo however, turned to look back at the ship, happy enough it was secured, but still he hoped it would survive the ice. Midvinter is isolated enough but way out here, in a place not known to them he did not relish the idea of being trapped. Although mother would come for them if the need arose. Yet, what caught him attention for the moment, was the wind. The sound of it echoing through the tunnel of ice they just traveled through, it was musical to the ear, a high pitch of melody that wrote itself upon the heart, a trick of the ice and elements? maybe but there seemed more to it then that, something almost magical.

His uncle spoke of a plan, which brought Théo back to the now. "Just .. just hang on a moment", he said standing between his uncle and father. "Are you suggesting, we simply walk up the hill, in this place we know nothing about, a place most likely not the main land, a place in which there is the presence of being that may or may not be hostile, and just go and find out?". Now this plan of his uncle was akin to Théo plans, and adventures he is prone to, especially in his youth. "I like it, what are we waiting for?".

This was easier said then done they would soon discover. The rocky isle covered in ice and snow was unstable underfoot, below the surface of the snow the rocks would give way causing them to stumble along the path and the hill had a steeper gradient then first thought which made them all work to reach the top of it. Théo could hear Alfr breathing hard behind them, falling back a little but managed to keep within a good distance of the other three. There is nothing like good physical labour and exercise to strengthen the body, a robust walk nothing unusual on Midvinter. Eventually they reached the top of the hill, the wind had beat them there and belted their backs with flecks of ice and pushed against their bodies.

Théo looked out and down into a valley, his eyes unable to be removed from the sight that entered his vision. A village, nestled between two more hills, ice and snow coated. It was different to anything he had seen on Midvinter ..

He turned to look into his father's face and eyes as he moved beside him, then to his uncle's to see what was on their minds. "The presence of the force is here, and it is old". He said in but a whisper, as the unknown just became known.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Arnor Oathkeeper]

There was a stillness in the air. One white-furred foot moved ahead of the other, taking great care not to cause splashes in the otherwise calm waters of the shoreline. Steady, deep breathing was essential for balance, and his right arm was slowly raised with spear in hand. Throughout it all his gaze was strictly focused on his prey leisurely swimming around in the massive shadow of the Beorni. Teeth were bared as he pulled back his arm only to release the spear, and in a matter of less than a second the large fish was pinned to the stony shore. Letting out a sigh of relief as the tension in his body eased up all at once, the large bear collected his latest game and put it in his bag with all the others.

"The wind has changed direction," a visibly much older Beorni with patchy, grey fur spoke calmly in his periphery, prompting the younger to turn and face the shaman with a bow. "Elder. You shouldn't be up and about in your condition--" The old one merely raised a finger and let out a tsk-tsk. "Nonsense, Arnor. I feel just fine." The ragged breathing of the elder spoke otherwise, but he wasn't about to argue. Stepping out of the waters and back onto the shore, Arnor stood several feet taller than the elder, who settled a trembling hand upon his forearm.

"The Spirits saw fit to grant me a vision this morning," he said while leaning on his staff. "That sword you found on the ashen wreckage, do you still have it?" Arnor brushed some dirt from his otherwise pure-white fur, evidence of his maturity and vigour. "It's in my hut, hidden." The elder nodded approvingly before he turned to the hill overlooking their village. "Very good. Visitors come to our forgotten island." Upon hearing this, Arnor's head snapped in the direction of the hill and his senses tensed up once more. His eyes scanned its crest, and sure enough a few figures could be seen standing on top of it.

Without another word he left the elder where he stood, a knowing smile upon his weary lips as Arnor rushed to warn the others of the intruders. It didn't take long for the entire village to awaken from its slumber, mustering the strongest of their kin and arming themselves with whatever makeshift weapon they could find. They soon rejoined the elder where he stood, forming a perimeter. Tiny cubs looked on with excitement as the strangers appeared more clearly on the horizon.

From atop the hill, Thurion watched as whoever these people were, they clearly didn't take too kindly to visitors. "They don't seem to happy to see us," he said, head turning to his brother and son respectively. "Théo, how do you want to play this?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A large brown paw pulled back the leather curtain that draped across the opening of her home. The spirits that ride on the winds whispered continually this day, not so much in words that one could cipher meaning, but a sense of things around her, around the Isle as they spoke of change. T'was the season of change, the Sun had shifted, Midvinter tilted on it's exis and soon the deep drifts would return and the great maw would freeze. Yet, this was different.

She could hear them, the others gathering in the village that her home overlooked. Coming out of the entrance she stood watching the Beorni moved toward one of the elders of the village, others taking hold of their children and taking them to safety within their homes, and others stood by curious and pointing at something. Her eyes followed their gaze, and it was then she saw four figures, tall and thick atop the hill. They stood there not moving, the spirits telling her of their uncertainty within them and a sense of wonderment within them. It was odd how she could 'feel' them, her brown head tilted to the side and her thick brow etched in confusion.

"What have the spirits sent us?", she spoke to no one, yet she found her padded feet moving down the hill to the village and she too would stand among her people with as much curiosity as the young cubs. Her eyes darting around them all, finding Oathsworn among the crowd standing with weapon in hand, she understood their trepidation, it was in her as well, but it had been far too long since Beorni held weapons against a foe.

​

[member="Arnor Oathsworn"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo's eyes narrowed as his father spoke. The view before them was extraordinary to say the least, although still a distance from the people of the village it was hard to make out details of them, yet the structures of their village so very different to anything on the mainland. He stood for a moment, not only in thought but focused through the force. His ability to be able to touch on his surroundings important in this situation and Théo could sense them to be not only a sentient race but peaceful as well. There is a strong sense of uncertainty in them, and rightly so as the four stood atop the hill a complete unknown to them as much as they. There is trepidation within one in particular, a large white creature armed with some sort of weapon and gathering others around him. A warrior of the clan no doubt but yet not the leader, that seemed to be the right of another that stood surrounding as if being protected.

"I will go alone father", he said with clear and firm voice. "I will not have you, uncle or my friend in any danger". It was now Théo took command of them all regardless of rank or family authority. He turned to his father and looked him in the eyes, "I am not a boy any more father, I will always be your son but now is the time we shed connection of the infant and embrace the man that is your son". Théo handed his father is lightsaber for safe keeping. He looked at them all in turn to make sure they all understood as he allowed his fur to fall to the ground at his feet.

Making his way down into the village, Théo pulled in a deep breath as the creatures of this Isle become clear to him. He could not help marveling at them, the amazing size of these ursidae like people and as he approached them, he did not speak but held out his arms to the side exposing his palms to show he was unarmed. Théo's pace slowed, and within a few meters of the first line of defense, he stopped and bowed his head before going down on one knee.

​

[member="Arnor Oathsworn"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion was about to object to the idea of his only son going down there alone, without protection, but the look in Théo's eyes when they locked gazes spoke of his conviction and determination. It was the look of a man making a conscious decision, with no hint of having ever been a child. It both inspired and terrified Thurion; on one hand he was proud of watching him reach adulthood, while on the other he mourned for the loss of the boy he'd raised from birth. Théo's words didn't stop him from throwing his arms around him in fatherly embrace, however, before he could turn and begin his descent down the slope after handing his father his lightsaber.

"If anything happens to him, I'll never forgive myself," he spoke to no-one as he clipped his son's saber to his belt, next to his own. By now Thyrian placed a hand upon his brother's shoulder, squeezing him gently. "He will be fine," he replied calmly, infernal eyes intently scanning the village and the burly bipedals. While he as leader of his people ought to be the one to initiate dialogue with these creatures, he allowed his nephew to go ahead with his plan, for now. "Théodred is clever - a trait I'm sure he didn't get from you." This caused Thurion to turn towards his elder with a surprised look on his face.

"Was... was that a joke? From you?" Thyrian said nothing and simply winked at his brother before a smirk appeared on his lips.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Arnor Oathkeeper]

Behind the defenders of the village a veritable crowd had gathered by the time the youngling had made it down the hill, all gasping and marvelling over the sudden appeareance of outsiders. Arnor looked over his shoulder to see the village elder simply standing in place, supported by his trusty staff and with a knowing smile on his lips. He made no attempts to stop him or the other Beorni from brandishing their makeshift weapons. Further back Arnor could make out the smaller frame of [member="Siare Snörvla"], and his otherwise snarling appearance softened somewhat before turning back to the manling approaching the village.

When the youngling then dropped to one knee with hands outstretched to let them know he was unarmed, the white bear raised his gaze to scan the crest of the hill once more. Three shapes remained, and Spirits know how many else behind that hill.

The manling's act was one of submission, and so upon realising this Arnor took a step forward. Towering high above the kneeling stranger, he grabbed his fishing spear in one hand before sticking it deep into the frozen ground beside him. He then leaned closer and started sniffing the air above the youngling, curious about the completely foreign scent he'd brought with him. For countless generations all Beorni knew was other Beorni, and so were always treated to the same smells. Discovering a new one had this one hugely intrigued.

Muttering something in Runian - far more ancient than the likes of which Théo would be used to - with deep, growling voice, he then rose to his full height just as the elder stepped forward, the others parting before him with lowered heads. "Welcome, stranger, to our humble community," he greeted the young man still kneeling on the frozen ground. "Arnor, why don't you help our visitor to get back up on his feet? It simply won't do to have him sit there all day." The large Beorni looked over the smaller being before grabbing hold of his shoulder with one hand and effortlessly lifting him up so he could stand upright. Their eyes met for a moment, the black eyes of Arnor clashing with the piercing blues of the hairless stranger, only to result in Arnor rejoining the others by taking a step back.

"Forgive my large friend, here - he's not used to seeing your kind," the elder continued as he stood before Théo, their height about equal. "None of us are, really. But, the Spirits had told me about your arrival, young one, and that of your companions." Raising a trembling hand, the elder calmly waved at the others still stood upon the hill a hundred or so metres away. "You may tell them to come and join us. No harm will befall any of you."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo's eyes remained fixed on the ice about a meter ahead of him, focused through the force alert to them and hoping his ability to project his calm and peace to them would work. It was then a pair of large white padded feet came into his line of sight, and for a moment it remained this way until a large fishing spear pierced the ice beside him. Théo could not help let out a breath of relief, he knew what this gesture meant but a more disconcerting event happened next, with the large bear like man sniffing the air only inches above his head. Please don't eat me, was all that would enter his mind at this point.

The language of the people very old but the sense of it familiar, there was some similarities to Runian at least in the tone of it but Théo did not understand the words. It was then he was effortlessly pulled to his feet by the white one, their eyes met in equal determination and wariness but another stepped forward to speak and in a language they would all understand.

"I thank you for allowing us to come forward, we are but four that have traveled far over the Maw and a storm which had pushed us off course brought us to your shores". Théo bowed in respect to the elder and hoped his words would be enough of an explanation of their sudden appearance, he would not speak of the 'spirits', at least not yet this had intrigued him considerably because most, if not all of the people here are attuned to the force, Théo wondered if it was this they are listening to.

"I am Théodred Heavenshield of Midvinter". He turned and found the forms of his father, uncle and Alfr and to his father's mind he spoke. "Father, the people of this Isle wish to speak with us all".

​

[member="Arnor Oathsworn"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Watching from atop the hill how his only son bravely submitted to the towering warriors of unknown origin was more than a little nerve-racking, and when the large white one approached Théo Thurion forgot to breathe for the duration. Fortunately a smaller shape stepped in and seemed to initiate dialogue, even going so far as to invite them down to their village, given Théo's telepathic message. Wasting no time, Thurion more or less ran down the hillside, eager to be reunited with his son. He stopped himself once down the slope, however; best to not do anything that may be interpreted as aggressive behaviour, he thought.

Meanwhile Thyrian and Alfr made it down at a steady pace, with the former even preventing the latter from slipping by reaching behind him to grab hold of Alfr's arm. However, he didn't bother to look over his shoulder and make any sort of contact with the portly lad. Thyrian was not the sort of man asking for gratitude, after all; call it pride or stubbornness - both traits shared by most Valkyri - but such was his way.

Making sure their lightsabers were tucked away, Thurion joined his boy amongst the large, strange-looking beings. They possessed features from both beast and man; walking upright on two legs with five-digit hands replacing front paws, yet they were covered from head to toe in fine fur. In all his years, he'd never seen anything like it. "Théo, you alright?" He immediately threw his arms around his boy, prompting a smile from the village elder. Thurion soon turned to the oldtimer and bowed his head. "Thank you for your hospitality. I am Thurion Heavenshield, and this is my son."

"I know who you are, Thurion of Clan Heavenshield. The Spirits told me of your coming weeks ago." The elder took a step forward and looked both father and son in the eye, and his smile turned to a frown. "I am so sorry for your loss, young ones. To lose one so mighty as he must be... shattering." He reached out and settled a trembling fur-covered hand upon Théo's cheek. "Know that he has found peace, at long last."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Curiosity had got the better of her, and so Siare moved forward through the gathering crowd here to see these strangers. However, like the others she stood back to allow the Elder to greet them, giving him respect and remained quiet as they spoke to the young cub man. The approach of the other atop the hill took her attention, especially the taller ones, one with bright golden hair on his head and face while the other looked like walking stone. Behind him another young cub man pulled along as if not wanting to be there. The spirits whispered to her, telling her they mean no ill will, but even still she stood back along side Arnor.

See had watched Arnor as he first approached the man cub, sniffing the air to ascertain his scent and intentions, "What .. what did he smell like?", she asked of Theo to the white warrior. All the while her own nose tweaked the air taking in the scent of those that finally came to them. The golden haired one had a sweet scent of pine and a subtle aroma of a fragrance she did not recognise, unaware of his life beyond the stars. The older one of the group was different, he smelled sickly. A fading sickness that had embedded in him for years it seemed, but the spirits told her of a 'change'. She did not understand this, having no experience of the darkside of the force nor the light for that matter, for her there is only the spirits.

Sparkling dark brown eyes turned to look at the white warrior, standing so tall and proud and defiant. A fine example of manliness, so virile in his physicality she could not help but admire him, maybe he would do for her when she comes into 'season', to have cubs to him would mean they would be strong and healthy.

​

[member="Arnor Oathsworn"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The hand of the Elder was warm to the touch. Théo turned his gaze to his father face, as he remained in his father's arms, how does the Elder know of all this? well, it was not hidden he was attuned to the force and these Spirits, one could only assume it was the force speaking to them, all of them it seemed. "I am fine father", he said before turning back to look at the Elder. To the majority of these unique people, the four men are strange to them as much as they are to the Valkyri. Although apart from Alfr, the family knew better of such unique being throughout the galaxy at large.

"I have come to terms with the loss of my grandfather so dear to me", he finally addressed the Elder once more. "But not a day goes by in which I don't think of him, that I don't miss him". The same no doubt for Thrand's sons, if not more so. It was time to learn of these people, a new race on Midvinter had been found, even if they had not wished for it. Théo wanted nothing more then to see their village, to walk among them and learn of their way of life. Yet that would have to wait, his uncle, the King of Midvinter, stood silently for the moment. Did he now have the rein over them too? did these people have their own King? and would they want it, a sudden ruler over them.

Théo did not know of the history between the Beorni and the Valkyri, the tales of them long lost to the Valkyri, and he doubted that his father or Thyrian would have this knowledge as well. And if they did they would release it was a checked past, so how did the Beorni view them? did they know of it? Princes and Kings, Jedi and the all manner of title, Théo did not really care for all that now as this meeting of two people far outweighed all the trappings of life. But regardless of this wanting, the King of Midvinter stood beside him.

"Elder", Théo moved forward and out of his father's embrace. "The .. Spirits have told you of our coming, that the leader of Clan Heavenshield and his son would grace your shores. I believe that the Spirits would have told you of another, the leader of Clan Hearthfire and his Standing on Midvinter, for he is my father's brother, my uncle, and he stands on your shores equally .. this is Thyrian Hearthfire", he gestured to him and offered his King a deserved bow of his head to the King of Midvinter. It was up to his uncle to declare his Station.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​