At Long Last [Kära Vi'dreya & the Heavenshields]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As he listened to his brother's words, Thurion felt Coci's loving touch upon his hand and their fingers entwined, her wedding ring sparkling white as the snows of Midvinter. He noticed her tears and frowned, but before he could wipe them off her cheeks Nina had already started doing so. When she finished, Thurion placed a kiss upon his girl's white hair. Thyrian looked on with his ever-present stoic expression after finishing his story, with a hint of confusion at the display. Why would this woman he'd never met before be shedding tears for someone like him? The concept was difficult for him to grasp; he'd never ask for pity from anyone - what happened to him was not their doing. It seemed he still had a lot to learn about being human, more so than he thought.

"She's right, Thyrian," Thurion finally spoke, eyeing his brother. "There is always hope, and there is always a choice. If you were to make the conscious choice to shed these chains of the Dark side you claim to bear, the Light is not too far away." He looked across the table to Kära, making sure she understood the words were intended for both of them. "I don't know what either of you have done in the service of the Sith, but the fact that you came all this way to see us I take as a sign that you're both willing to change. Wanting to do so is the first step to redemption."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa walked into the conference room alongside Thyrian without a word. She was usually a rather quiet girl, unless she was feeling particularly curious, but this was something else all together. It was introspective, reserved, and when they reached the table she jumped up into a seat and peeked her head over the tabletop. Everyone else took their places, and listened as Thyrian spoke of his troubles, of all that had happened. Of what her Creator had done. Mysa did not know if it was a good thing or not, the way the woman had treated him. How she had made him work for her, how she continued to bring him back to life once he died. Was it not better to let the dead become one with the Force?

Finally Coci and Thurion spoke, expressing their support for the situation and for his redemption. Mysa didn't fully comprehend, however. "He's already light inside" she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else, her gaze lifting up to peer curiously into his eyes. Despite the gruff exterior, the fiery iris', she knew that there was light beyond. He genuinely cared, but fate had not been kind. Who knew who he might have been.

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Listening to the words of Thurion and his wife, Thyrian reached across the table to place a firm hand upon his brother's shoulder. Their eyes met, and slowly he shook his head. "I'm sorry. I did not come here seeking redemption, brother. Not for me, at any rate." He leaned back in his chair and instead found Kära's hand. Thurion was undeniably disappointed in his brother's decision, but he would not give in any time soon. Then again, you cannot force someone to see the light; such is not the Jedi way, to force their views upon a person - Sith or no. "There is... one more thing," Thyrian spoke again. "...and you're not going to like it."

The Ashborn looked to Kära before making his request, as what he was about to ask had not been talked through before coming here. "The little one... Mysa," he said as his fiery gaze focused on the girl. "I wish to ask for your permission to let us take her with us." As he uttered these words he lowered his head to the couple, almost submissive-like or as if ashamed to ask. "What?" Thurion rose from his seat and stepped behind Mysa sat in her chair, placing both hands upon her little shoulders. "Mysa is one of us, Thyrian. She's part of our family here. We took her in when no-one else would," he said, eyes trained on Kära. "I'm sorry, but why should I let you take her? Two rogue Sith on the run--" Thyrian too rose from his seat, eyeing his brother but remaining silent.

"Kära, say something."

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

The Lady in White hadn't said much throughout the reunion. She had come to support Thyrian, and to catch a glimpse of Thurion in order to ensure that he was well after so long apart. What she hadn't been expecting was a reunion of her own. So it was that she had sat beside Thyrian and listened to the retelling of a story she knew too well, watching the reactions of all at the table and hearing their assurance of his chance at redemption. The way Thurion looked at her suggested that the same reflected onto her. Kära wasn't certain how she felt about that, but it was true that lately she wasn't feeling the allure of the Darkside quite so much. Then again, she had opened herself up considerably more, and found peace alongside her Phoenix.

So it was that when Thyrian brought up a subject she had never considered, when he spoke of his desire to take Mysa back with them, Kära stiffened. She had faced all kinds of responsibilities throughout the years, including caring for wayward children whom she brought into her cause. But being a Mother? That wasn't in her agenda. She felt no connection to the young Umbaran whom her Phoenix had taken a shine to. "I don't want her" the woman said, without thinking about her choice of words. The hurt which showed behind young Mysa's eyes caused her heart to ache, and Kära bit her lip. "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant, it's just... I don't know what to make of it all. Why do you want to drag her away from what she already has?"

Mysa sat uncomfortably, her eyes drifting to her lap. Knowing that even her own Creator didn't really want her around made her feel awkward and her usually pale cheeks reddened. The child had nothing to say. At least Thurion seemed to have no intentions of casting her aside, but that didn't heal the ache. Why would the fiery-Giant want to take her away? The calming touch of her Guardian's hands upon her shoulders was all that kept her from fleeing the room.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Placing Theo on the floor beside her, it was Coci who stood now. Taking Nina and Theo by the hand and leading them to the far end of the room. Nina, at the first sign of trouble take yourself and Theo back to the Temple and get help, do you understand? Coci spoke to Nina's mind. Her first priority was the children which included Mysa and Thurion had her protected. Nina looked into her mother's eyes with understanding, both children with confusion and disbelief on their face and Theo could not take his eyes off Mysa.

Placing herself between the children and the room, Coci walked forward to speak. "The permission you seek, that you ask of us is not ours to give it is Mysa's", she began trying her best to level off the emotions and seek calm. "Mysa came to us some time ago now and has become part of our family, and if she wishes to remain with us she may. However, there is more involved here, she is also my Padawan. Training to become a Jedi, can you offer her this? or will you remove her choice. And as your brother has stated why would we simply hand her over to two people self declared Sith? This is simply something a Jedi can not do. But putting all that aside we love Mysa you have only just met her. She is not a possession to be passed around from hand to hand like an insignificant object, she is a person with a beautiful heart and mind. Regardless of your .. liking of Myas it is not enough".

Coci stood firm and tall her eyes moving between Kara and Thyrian, her family the most important thing in her life now threatened. The sadness and pity she had felt moments ago for their plight vanished as the Sith spoke their cold words.

​

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Thyrian took notice of the defensive expressions on all of their faces, and slowly slumped back down in his seat along with a weary sigh. He then presented them his lightsaber, resting the hilt in the palm of his hand. His eyes turned to Coci, as she would have the least reason to trust him. "I do not wish to fight you. Of all the people in the galaxy, everyone I ever cared for is in this room," he said while levitating his saber into Coci's possession. "Take it." Relinquished of his weapon, Thyrian took Kära's hand in his. "Your entire childhood I was forced to watch from afar, unable to hold you like I wished I could've. It was filled with death and hellfire." He could feel his eyes begin to water, but he didn't care.

"I only wish to do right by you. Give you the upbringing I never could," he spoke as his eyes turned on Mysa surrounded by people who obviously already love and care for her. "I would never let the girl come to harm, nor would I take her away against her will. If you are happy here, Snowflake, then... then I will not press the issue." Watching his brother speak with such softness caused Thurion's grip of Mysa to soften as well. He had only heard that kind of voice uttered when they were alone as children, when all Thyrian cared for was him. He knew his brother's feelings towards Mysa to be genuine, and so Thurion got down on one knee before addressing the girl. "Mysa," he spoke as he would to one of his own while taking her little hands in his. "Nobody in here wants to force you to do anything you don't want to do. This decision has to be yours to make. No matter what you choose, you will still be as loved as the day we took you in. I swear it."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa gulped. She felt Furry's hand soften on her shoulder, and knew that Thyrian had won him over. The choice would be hers to make: did she leave here with her birth parent, or with the family who had adopted her as their own? Her brows furrowed as she contemplated the vast decision placed before her, and very quickly Mysa found herself extremely overwhelmed. Whatever choice she made would have a negative fallout.

Breaking in slowly she glanced around the table. She saw where Coci was stood, with Nina and Theo behind her. Her Master, her Guardian, her Mother. Did that trump her Creator? That woman did not even want her, she had said so herself, so why did her giant companion want anything to do with her?

"Why do I have to choose one or the other?" she finally asked, her eyes drifting from the table down to her lap. Her presence within the Force fluctuated for a moment as her emotional levels rose. "I never got to know my Creator--- I... I mean, Kära. But I don't want to lose my chosen Family or my Master just to see how things might have been. Is there no balance?" The last bit she whispered, trying her best to keep her emotions in check. Mysa never wanted to upset anyone. But how, in this situation, could she satisfy them all?

[member="Thyrian Ashborn"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Coci stopped the Sith lightsaber by raising her hand and taking it through the force and lowering it to the table before Thyrian. She had seen such dramatic actions from Sith before today which would only end in a ruse and it does not do well for Jedi to touch such vile items. Regardless the gesture had been noted but it paled by comparison to the emotions that Mysa was feeling.

She turned toward Mysa now, taking in a deep breath. "I think it might be prudent to take a break and allow Mysa to take some fresh air, in fact I think we could all do with some". Coci could sense that the little girl needed to get out of here and gain some space which might help her to come to terms with the situation now presented to her. "This room is hardly the place to discuss such important things as this". The only thing that all should be concerned about was Mysa's mental welfare, not what they all wanted. It is words and actions such as these that can scar a person for life.

"Mysa we will do whatever you decide, if you need us to find a balance or compromise to draw conclusion to this, we shall". Coci had moved toward her, standing on the other side to Thurion.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Thyrian Ashborn"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa nodded her head ever so slightly to what Coci was saying; she was more than happy with the idea of getting outside for some fresh air, in fact before anyone else could say anything on the matter she was on her feet. Her arms wrapped around [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] in a tight hug, and in doing so she whispered "I hope you're not upset", loud enough that only he would be able to hear. It felt as though everything was falling, crumbling around her; thankfully no one was pushing for an answer now, nor were they going to force her to choose one over the other.

Pulling back she peered up at Coci who had neared she and Thurion, with a soft nod of understanding toward what her Master said. At the end of the day, regardless of what happened, she would always have Coci as her teacher, her Master, and that would keep her tied to the Heavenshields. She didn't want to leave them, they were the only family she had known. But did that mean she had to forsake her real family, even if her Creator didn't want her?

"I... I'm going to head downstairs" she said, chewing on her bottom lip, "I won't go far."

She needed a little bit of time to think properly, without the pressure of so many eyes upon her. Deep down she wanted to snatch Theo's hand and drag him along with her but she didn't like the thought of him running around the City on his own. Instead the little girl snatched her beloved Ear from the table, plucked her Valkyri cloak from the floor where it had settled, and hurried from the room before anyone could stop her.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Never," he whispered back as he returned Mysa's loving embrace. Watching her leave the room, Thurion then got back on his feet to reach for Coci's hand. A smile found his lips as he brought her hand to them for a kiss before sitting back down in one of the empty chairs. Suddenly his brother rose from his seat only to leave the room, most likely following Mysa downstairs. To see him so readily care for the girl made him think back to his childhood when Thyrian would sacrifice everything for a moment of happiness for his younger brother. He found himself lost in thought for a moment, but when he snapped back into the present he was met with the looks of his children in the form of Nina and Théo. Understandably, the two were not sure as to what was going on.

"Listen," he spoke while reaching for their smaller hands, letting them rest in either palm of his hands. "We all love Mysa very much, and we would never let anything happen to her. But Auntie Kära here is... well, her mother, for lack of a better word." He looked to Kära still sat in her chair, offering his dearest friend a boyish smile. "And Uncle Thyrian is very keen on taking care of Mysa. She will still be able to come and see you from time to time. But the decision is not ours to make, and we should support whatever Mysa chooses. That's what family do, am I right?" Nina found herself able to smile again and gave her father a nod, but Théo seemed harder to win over. It was clear he'd grown very fond of their little house-guest. "Théo? What are you thinking of?" he asked with genuine interest.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Run Mysa run. was all he was thinking at this point, and he only hoped she had gotten a big enough head start to get away and hide away from Thyrian. He would have given anything to have gone after her and helped her, but Théo is caught between his love for Nina and Mysa, he did not want to leave Nina either, who knew what would happen next. He could not meet his father's eyes at this point, his gaze lowered to the floor but his mind was thinking, racing with thoughts. "I don't like them", he suddenly said whispered so only his father would hear and he felt ashamed to say it since Thyrian is father's brother.

Now he looked up to meet his father's eyes, the same as his but bubbling deep down in they young man is disappointment. For the first time ever, Théo doubted his father and it showed in his eyes. "Families also stick together, protect one another from.. strangers", his eyes darted over to Kara. "They came here to find you to find Nina. Are you going to give her away too? if they simply ask?". Théo pulled on Nina's hand wanting to take her out of there and run. "She does not want Mysa, she said so herself. Just because she .. created her does not make her a mother". Tears streamed down his face now. The family was been torn apart.

Théo looked toward his mother, who seemed to be pacing the floor after father had joined her briefly. What was going through his mother's mind Théo could not fathom.

However, Coci had been going over the events of the day, the words that had passed between them all and that recollection that had been plaguing her since they arrived. The history that Thyrian had hold them replayed in her mind, his devotion to Kara ... Togoria.

Théo noticed a slight hesitation in his mother's steps before she stopped and stood like a statue.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

​

Spoiler

I did not enjoy writing that post at all.

​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The despair on his sons face alone was enough to break his heart, but as long as Théo spoke he would listen before finally pulling him into a firm embrace. "I would never," he told him. "Nina is my daughter, and you are my son. I would never let anyone separate us, nor would your mother, do you understand?" He felt his sons tears against his cheek and so lifted him off the floor to sit in his lap. "Théo... let me tell you a little about my childhood," Thurion spoke while brushing the boy's tears away using his tumb. "I grew up not knowing who my mother and father were. All I ever had was my brother looking after me, from the moment I was born. We were orphans, living on the streets without any food or credits to buy food with. Whenever we found something to eat, it was never enough for two people. Thyrian always let me eat first, insisting that I don't bother saving him a piece. I would anyway."

"For seven years all we had was each other, but your uncle refused to allow himself to look weak in front of his little brother. He was always the strong one, determined and protective. I look upon him now and I see that same strength in his eyes, and I know he will do for Mysa what he did for me growing up." He wiped another tear from his son's face. "Mysa's leaving does not diminsh us as a family, Théo. If anything, our family is only growing bigger and stronger. Just like you," he smiled and tickled the boy where he knew he was ticklish. "Without Uncle Thyrian I would not be here, and neither would any of you. So yes, I put my blind faith in him."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

Kära sat in silence throughout the majority of the discussion, she had never been one for wasted words. But now she saw the true despair in the eyes of these children, and could not bite her tongue any longer. Rising up she took one single step toward them, her eyes flicking between her best friend and his wife in hopes that they didn't see her actions as hostile.

Then she glanced to the children.

"Hello, Théo" she began, lowering herself into a crouch which would put her at eye level with the little Valkyri, "my name is Kära. I'm an Umbaran, like both of your sisters. See?" She tugged at a strand of pure white hair, curling it around her finger. "They are your family, and I do not seek to take them from you, but they are my family also. Nina here is my sister,"

The last five words were almost a whisper, with Kära being afraid of the reaction of the Heavenshields to this revelation. Did they know this fact, or not? "And Mysa is my child the way that you are to Coci." She let that settle for a moment, before shaking her head.

"But blood does not give anyone a right to claim familial ties; I look at my sweet sister, I know the pains she felt at the hands of our crazed mother, and all I see now is happiness. She is loved by all of your hands, doted upon, encouraged... And that is what makes her your family. So I will not interfere."

Biting her lip, the woman rose up, this time glancing to Thurion. "But I intend to stand beside Thyrian. If nothing else, that may one day mark me as their aunt." This wasn't anything she had really spoken about before, but as the words left her she knew it was true. "Thyrian believes me to be Sith still, but since my... return... that hasn't been so. I'm tired of fighting against the tide, I'm so tired."

She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling slowly.

"Thyrian sees in Mysa the child we never had" she finally adds, her gaze drifting across the gathered, "he sees the children that you and I once were" she adds, looking directly at Thurion, "And I know that doesn't make his claim greater than any of yours."

She lowered back down to her knees, peering directly at little Théo this time. "Do you see Mysa as your sister?" she gave him a moment to think about it, "Because if the answer to that question is yes, then she is; distance doesn't change that. I will not take her from you, just as your mother does not take her from you whenever they are training. The Galaxy may be vast, little one, but I'm certain we can work out a way to ensure everyone is happy here, especially Mysa. Whatever she chooses we are all a family here, through blood, through love, through choice."

Kära stood up and stepped back from the Heavenshields toward the table.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He hung on his father's every word, hoping to find some form of understanding in this situation. There was reassurance that they would not be torn apart, history of he as a young child with Thyrian and the sacrifices they had made in order to survive on a daily basis. Although the tears had been wiped away, more followed in their place, as he would not imagine what his father and Thyrian had to go through each and every day. Théo realised just how lucky he was, to have sure love to surround him, the way he is made to feel important by both his parents and sisters. "I understand father", he said as he threw his arms around his neck and held on for dear life.

Then the white hair lady stood and approached them, although she had been quiet most of the time, she stood radiant before them. She spoke to him directly, giving her name and her birth heritage, which was easy to see considered how very much she looked like Nina and Mysa, there was no doubting her lineage or relationship to them, in fact, before Théo stood the very image of what Mysa would grow into and Nina to a point. Mysa and Nina are beautiful in all ways, their hearts pure and loving and he had to wonder what had happened to Kara in her youth.

She too, spoke words of reassurance, and between father and she, Théo hearts rested more with ease. "Yes, Mysa is my sister and always will be", he could smile now. Théo pulled back from his father only to approach Kara and bowed his head to acknowledge her. "I am pleased to meet Auntie Kara", he took her hand and held it looking over the her skin and noticed the paleness of it. A smile broadened as he looked up to her, "I am pleased I have an aunt and uncle, and I am sorry I thought bad things". He let her hand go and walked back to father and Nina and took position within the family once more.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina had remained quiet for a long time, hanging onto every word spoken during the conversation. Her worries lay more with Théo, however, as he is young still and would most likely be confused by all that is happening around them. She knew Mysa would still be their sister despite anything, wherever she was or whatever she did. Whether Mysa was to remain with them or go with their uncle was not for her to decide. It was a trait all three Umbarans shared, she liked to think.

She'd never met Kära before, despite their close relations; they shared the same mother, she'd been told, but never did her older sister ever set foot on Umbara during her early years. Thinking about her time on her once-homeworld caused a shiver down her spine. Such a horrid place, always so gloomy. She never wished to go back there, ever. Looking at her much older sister now, Nina could only hope to grow up looking as pretty as her.

When her brother had been consoled by both father and Kära, the little Umbaran quietly stepped towards her woman counterpart. Looking up at her, Nina offered her blood a gentle smile before calmy wrapping her arms around Kära's waist, resting her head against her sister's tummy. "Don't go away," she then spoke into the mind of her older sibling, tightening her grip around her waist. "Stay."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

To say that Kära was surprised by both of the Heavenshield children would have been an understatement. In an instance their insecurities concerning she and their sister - her daughter - were gone. The young boy, Théo, stepped forward and took her hand, which had the usually cold Umbaran smiling down at him. And the girl, Nina, her own flesh and blood, went so far as to hug her around the waist.

Instinct bade her to return the embrace. She had not seen Nina since the girl was a babe, and without warning this moved her to tears. So much had happened to them, sent them on completely different paths. Had Kära been picked up by as kind a soul as Thurion instead of the Prophet Lord Depravious who had sent her to the Sith, things would have been considerably different.

And then her mind was alive with sounds she could not keep out, the bond between sisters remaining steady even after so many years apart. I am so sorry, my sweet she countered, into the child's mind, I know the horrors you endured on our homeworld, and I will never forgive myself for not taking you from that environment. But the Force works in mysterious ways, and it has gifted you with a family far greater than our own.

Nuzzling her face down into the child's hair, Kära gave herself a few more moments of comfort before pulling back and lifting her hands to either side of the girl's face. The action was gentle, more caring than she had shown toward Mysa earlier. And Kära stared intently into her eyes. She was as she had been at that age. "I am so proud of how far you have come" she whispered, "You've shed the shadows of our people, and that is no easy feat."

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]