Foreshadowing In The Clouds [Bors]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A cold winters morn, just another day about to begin in Norvegr-fen. The small pony's nostrils flared expelling a hard mist with it's breath as Théo adjusted the girth around it's stomach to tighten the saddle in place, a stamp of his back hoof a sign of protest at the sudden pressure. Théo turned and grabbed hold of Thora and seated her in the saddle, handed her the reins before taking hold of the reins by the mouth to lead them both out the mustering gates. Thora looked good in the saddle, and she had a natural seat which pleased her father greatly, as if she was born to ride.

"You must do as I say Thora, you understand?", the response was a quick sharp nod and smile, she was happy to be out today and in the outdoors, seems his daughter loved being apart of it all. Awaiting them on the other side of the gate was his mount who nuzzled at the small pony with a sense of intrigue, after which he started chewing on Thora's hair to which Théo pushed him away although Thora thought is highly funny.

Théo threw himself into the saddle with ease, not even bothering to place his feet in the stirrups, gathering up the reins they both moved out into the street and along the cobbled surface until they reached the edge of the city. This was the only path in which one could access Norvegr-fen on foot, or hooves or leave it for that matter. It would take them through a mountain pass north before turning south, it was the long way out to the rest of Midvinter, the quicker was by boat of course, but today father and daughter were riding out to see some of the country side and find a place to lunch.

"Don't forget, hold the reins firmly so the pony knows what you want him to do".

It was also Thora's first riding lesson out of the safety of the mustering yard and her first solo. They had turned the bend into the narrowest part of the path, although the sounds of the city could still be heard in the distance, they were some way out by now and is his way, Théo looked to the sky to read the weather. This was something he had done since a boy and without fail determined that it would snow come the evening. Natives to Midvinter always had to have knowledge of reading the weather, it was part of their skill set to survival in this harsh place.

Thora watched her papa and followed his gaze to the clouds, "It looks like a piggy", she informed him to which her papa smiled and agreed. No doubt a game Boo had played with her many a time. "You see the other clouds higher up", he pointed beyond the 'piggy', "They are thin and rolling in from the south, by the evening they will be be heavy with snow". He looked down into her face as she tried to see them and understand why he said that.

It was a start ..

[member="Bors Greythorne"] ​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

"The wee lass is not wrong," a voice came from a group of trees, soon joined by the steady marching of hoofs. "It does look like a piggy."

Strolling into view did a noticably old man, sitting somewhat hunched in his saddle atop a likewise noticably old steed. His hair was closely cropped, not tring to hide the fact that he was balding, and he wore a facefull of silvery beard containing only a few spots of darker hairs. He wore rugged and well-worn leather without any sort of trinkets or fineries, save for a simple chain around his neck carrying a plain-looking ring. Deep wrinkles sat plenty upon his face and each time he spoke more were revealed, along with a steely gaze capable of drilling holes into a person. "No need to go for your sword there, lad. I come in peace." Even so he came ever closer until mere feet away. His eyes fell upon the little girl upon her pony, and as he smiled it seemed as if his entire facial structure shifted from all the wrinkles. "Fine animal you got there, little one. No jittery motions, a calm look in his eye... It will serve you well."

As he turned to the young man his gaze narrowed, taking a good, long look as if searching for something. "Aye, you're him, alright. Théodred of the famed House Heavenshield, Lord of Norvegr-fen and Protector of the North. Firstborn son of Lord Thurion Heavenshield of Fridheim. A good man. Honourable man. Takes after his old man." Only now did he offer his greetings in the form of a gentle nod, maintaining eye contact throughout. "People call me the 'Grey-Boar', and have for many years. You may simply call me 'Bors'."

"This young lady must be your daughter, I take it? Taking her on your first ride?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo's grip on the hilt of his sword only relaxed after he could sense no ill intentions for the stranger. He is always careful when he has his daughter in company with him, even though for the most part, peace reigns on Midvinter but there is always some form of dispute among the clans and some of which is not so friendly or easy to dispel with words. Théo's horse shifted under him, moving weight from one foot to the other preparing for engagement if called upon but Théo eased the mount with a gently hand on the neck to assure him.

"You seem to know a lot about me and my family", he stated looking him over with a keen eye, noting his age. Théo estimated that Bors was of the same era as his grandfather, younger probably but still would have been around that time. In fact if Thrand had not been killed in the great battle, he would be still with them, much aged of course but still with them. He disregarded the question about Thora's first ride.

"I am Théo yes, welcome to the Northmark Bors", he said turning back toward the path on which they had just traveled. "Norvegr-fen is not far off, just follow the road", he assumed that was the old man's destination, and since he did not know his business Théo believed that something was awaiting him in the city.

"You don't look Northborn", he pointed to his attire, although the Northmark is vast with many villages and townships Bors did not have their features, which are more hardened then the most of the Valkyri due to the harsher colder conditions. Beside him, Thora pulled on his cloak hem trying to get her father's attention and without any sense of appropriate questions, "Why has he no hair on his head?". She had never seen anyone without hair before.

She turned her next question to Bors directly, "Do you have tusks?". Although she could not see any, but maybe he was hiding them.

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Théo's welcome was met with a scoff from the old man. He'd spent the better part of a century in the North, welcome or no. Bors leaned forward and rested both arms against his saddle. "Beg your pardon, lad, but neither do you. Which makes it all the more curious why the Northeners would accept you as their liege lord simply because your King Uncle decreed it so." The old nag he sat on strolled forward a couple more steps until the two men were face to face. "Truth is they know, as I do, that the blood of heroes run in your veins. The blood of Kings, as it does your father and uncle. Up here blood matters a whole of a lot to be counted worthy, I've learned that much in my time here."

The interjection of the little girl on her pony had him craning his neck to look behind Théo. "Because when I was your age a dragon swooped down and burned it all off, and it's never grown back since," he explained with a hint of mirth probably too subtle for a child to pick up on. "As for having tusks... I used to once, a very long time ago. But they were taken from me, so now I'll have to make do without like any other man." He offered the girl a brief smirk before turning to Théo again.

"Look, I didn't 'happen upon' you and the lass to ask for directions, my lord. I come to you now because..." His back straightened as some semblance of pride returned to his bones. "I've come to pledge myself to yourself and House Heavenshield. I won't lie to you: I am an old man and cannot swing a sword like I used to, but you won't find another with the same experience in commanding troops, and I've come to know these lands and the Northern ways and customs. I would have offered to join your father years ago, but I doubt he would require the lackluster advise of a man three times his age woefully unfamilar with the Westmark."

Again he bowed his head. "The North is my home now. I would help you protect it, if you will have me."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The man may not be a Northman but he sure spoke like one which Théo liked about him. But regardless of his words, as well intended as they were, the man was a complete stranger to him. "Why have I not heard of you? you say you have lived in the north and although the Northmark is vast in size, it is not in people and word gets around quickly". Théo pushed his horse forward, nodded to Thora to do the same as they passed the man and continued along the path. "Would you join us for lunch?", he invited the older man much to Thora's delight, she liked his stories about dragons and tusks and wanted to know more, but she would wait her time to speak.

As Bors pulled up alongside him, "That is the second time you speak of my family, my blood", he turned on him pointedly to look him in the old eyes. "Heavenshield is a known name, as well as Hearthfire but I think you know more than you are letting on". The truth of the matter was that Théo liked the idea of a second in charge, it would certainly ease the pressure of him traveling to all parts of the Mark for duty but the man needs to earn his trust and that is not given lightly in the North.

Théo pulled up the horses at the base of a rocky outcrop behind it was Norvegr-fen. The mountains the rocky outcrop belonged to were not particularly high like they are in the Westmark or the Southmark for that matter, but they did serve as a natural defense for the city, this and the fens themselves. And Théo knew a place which would take a short climb up to a plateau where they could eat and look over the city below. "You ready for a climb Thora?", he jumped down out of the saddle and lifted his daughter up and placed her on the ground. He let the horses have their heads to graze at leisure.

Thora was off like a shot she knew this place as her father had come with her before, but she left him to carry the bags of food. Although she was sure footed when climbing, "Thora slow down and wait for me", which frustrated the young girl but she obeyed her father without question. Théo turned to Bors with a grin and extended his arm inviting him to go first up the rocky steep incline. Lets see what this old man is made of.

[member="Bors Greythorne"] ​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Bors scoffed. "Who's to say I am someone worth hearing of?" When asked to join in for lunch the old man simply followed suit, thinking it enough of an answer. "Besides, after a hundred years a lot of things become second nature. Laying low, blending in, whatever you want to call it... Northmen tend not to pry and keep to themselves, unless given an obvious reason to investigate. It's not that they're trusting of strangers, usually they simply just don't give a..." he glanced to Thora and paused, "...poo."

Théo's assumption that he knows more than he lets on was met with naught but silence, with only the sound of hooves striking the earth beneath. He did not feel confident in revealing everything just yet; he was still taking stock of the young lord's character, taking into account his every word and action when making his assessment. When father and daughter dismounted, Bors was quick to do the same. The little one seemed so very curious and excited about everything in life, and watching he could not help but smile. When faced with having to climb a rockface however, the smile vanished into thin air.

"I am not much of a climber, my lord. Unlike the young lady," he watched Thora stick to the wall like glue, showing no signs of losing her balance. If nothing else, Théodred was brave to let her climb all on her own. "No laughing, you hear?"

Hesitant hands gripped the first couple protrusions, struggling to find a grip at first but with sheer strength and stubbornness he was able to pull himself up the mountainside step by step, giving his old bones and worn-out muscles a good challenge that left him out of breath by the time he reached the top. It had been slow-going and by the time he peeked over the edge little Thora was already waiting for him. He struggled with the last pull and reached for her, and she was quick to grab hold of his hand and tug at it with all her might, which admittedly was not a lot. But it was the thought that counted and what little help she offered actually came to fruition as he pulled his leg over the edge and with one last push he rolled onto the flat plateu, looking up into the sky with laboured breath.

"Don't you laugh either," he muttered to the sun just barely hiding behind a thick cloud, as if peeking down at him. "Thank you, my child," he propped himself up on both elbows, looking her in the eye. "You just saved this old fool's life, back there. Guess I will have to repay it one day..." Though the man was loathe to owe favours, he was willing to make an exception for her. "Better have something strong in that bag of yours, lad," he looked to Théo and sat up. "I could sure use a swig right about now."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

She knew her mama and papa did not like her climbing and Boo was like protective too but he at least did let her do it. Her papa allowed her a little more freedom and he always seemed to have a funny smile on his face when she did something naughty much to her mama's dislike of it. She always said that Thora was like him, had that wayward streak in her but even papa would temper her movements if she got too ahead of herself. They had been here before, it was their most favourite place to come and papa said he could see all of Norvegr-fen from an eagles eye and see what needed to be done from up here. Thora just like the cold fresh air and seeing all of Midvinter from this height, not that she really could, but one day she wanted to go see everything! all of the Marks, and maybe she could go with Aunty Nina on her travels for a while.

Thora had reached the top in no time and turned to see Bors climbing up ever so slowly but he did it. And when he got to the top she reached out to take his hand pulling him up over the ledge with all her might and once she did, Thora fell backwards on my bum which made her giggle. That and watching Bors on his back like a upturned turtle. Papa came up soon after and placed his bag down on the hard rock before taking something out of the bag to pass to Bors. It was one of papa's favourite meads which he brews in the brewing house here in the city, they were everywhere by now which gave papa a great way to provide things for mama and them all. To Thora, mead smelled yukky and sour.

Watching Bors on his back and speaking to the Sun, "Why would the Sun laugh?", she asked taking a quickly look up herself, but it is way too bright to look at. She rubbed her eyes as they watered from it before looking to her papa who had a frown on his face, and she supposed he was thinking the same. He seemed to be most interested in Bors, cause he looked at him most strangely as if trying to find a secret.

Thora did not know of the Gods of Midvinter, not much anyway although papa had told her of Éar and how she loved to hunt and stuff and Thora loved all the stories about her. There was more of them of course and papa promised to tell her all about them later. Boo had told her of his Gods, but they were strange and came from a far away place that she could not fathom an understanding of.

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

"Oh thank the gods," he sighed with relief at the sight of the leather pouch, yanking the cork out using his teeth before downing several large gulps of mead in a row. "Ahh," he let out and wiped his mouth and beard with the back of his sleeve. "That hit just the spot. Thank you, lad," he passed it back to Théo, having quenched the worst of his thirst for the time being. At the very least he was fit enough to not keel over again from fatigue.

The girl's obvious confusion regarding the sun had Bors close to disbelief that she had not been told; who on Midvinter did not know of the mighty Lord of Sunlight, the only mortal to ever be made a divine being in death? Frankly, he took it as an insult the mere suggestion that no-one had told her of her legacy. But Bors' gaze turned to Théo, and the two shared a look that told him that Théo would tell her himself when ready. Unless given his express consent, Bors would hold his tongue on the matter.

"Why shouldn't the sun be allowed to laugh," he instead replied with a lighter tone. "If you listen close enough, you'll hear both trees and rocks titter away. The way I see it, everything in life has a personality unique to them. Like for instance how one of your socks decides to tear open a hole for your big toe while the other doesn't. Shouldn't they both tear at the same time?" A smile formed upon the old man's lips along with a chuckle, realising how ridiculous it all sounds. "The sun is... very important to a lot of people," he continued, choosing his words carefully. "Especially come wintertime when daylight hours are so very few. Hence why we celebrate midsummer to such an extent."

Now he looked to Théo once more as his face grew ever-so-slightly more serious. "If the sun was a person, he would have been the truest and most loyal of friends. Someone who was always strong for the sake of others. A brother." He had to stop recalling for fear of breaking down in tears in front of the little girl. "Imagine what children such a man would leave in his wake. What grandchildren..." He took another swig of mead, if only to stop himself from saying anymore on the subject.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Thora, the flowers that your mama loves are in bloom. Go pick some but stay away from the edge and don't climb any higher you hear". His daughter bounced up excited with the permission given to go off exploring, "Yes papa", she said before dashing off with a lump of cheese to nibble on. Théo tore a large loaf of bread in half and threw one half to Bors, nodded toward the rest of the food for him to help himself.

"You know of the Sun God, she does not", he did not look at Bors as he spoke lowly with a sense of seriousness in his tone. "To sad a tale for one so young .. for the moment". After all he had witnessed it that day and it still hurt and that was all he would say on that matter, of course in the right time, Théo would tell his daughter all about her greatgrandpapa Thrand and the sacrifice he made for the all.

"You knew him", Théo asked bluntly, one of the traits he had gained from his mother. "Funny he never spoke of you", it was now that Théo raised his gaze to meet that of Bors. Still to this day were some that considered the Usurper the rightful King, or at the very least, still sympathetic supports and now Théo was on guard around Bors, was he friend or foe? People can speak flowered words when they want to get close for a ill purpose.

The old man would be no match for him, Théo knew that, if it came to that. But Thora was with him and before anything bad happened he wanted to be absolutely sure of the man before gutting him if he was to even entertain the thought of harming her. All his force sense were alert, one false move and the day would end badly for Bors.

"You are right on one thing, Northman don't trust strangers .. unless they speak plan".

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Bors looked at Théo, studying his face as he slowly unraveled his purpose for being here. He tore off a piece of bread and popped it in his mouth as it was, not even bothering with adding butter. His gaze then turned skywards once more, almost as if asking permission from the sun itself. "Aye," he finally spoke. "I knew old Thrand, alright. Probably better than anyone still alive." Not a small boast considering his ever-growing family keeping his memory and legacy alive, along with many other followers.

A few bones popped as he stretched his legs where he sat, leaning back on his hands flat against the ground. "I knew him long before he became the first mortal man-made-god. Before he was our High King, even. We grew up together, though we were from very different families. The Greythornes of the Eastmark has never been a large house, we'd never even seen the innards of Tháinbroek's Great Hall until my time. A different time," he added softly as a faint smile pulled on his lips.

"Your grandfather was just passing through when we first met, sent on some tour across the realm while being raised to be our next High King. We were just boys back then, not even old enough to chase girls." He smirked. "That part came later."

"My family was not the loving kind you've known all your life, lad. It's a sad thing to say, but I never loved anyone blood-related the way I loved your grandfather. He was the brother I chose. And then he was gone." The old man turned away briefly, perhaps to hide his sorrow. "The King was dead, poisoned. And our prince was cast out by that foul son-of-a queen Beorlund. When I heard I rode day and night for the capital, near killing my horse just to get there. The Usurper took away everything from me with but a few words and a snap of his fingers, banishing me from ever returning home. But I was too scared to seek my brother amongst the stars. Where would one even begin with a place that infinitely big?"

He groaned and moaned as he lay back down, crossing his legs. "Years went by. Decades. I spent them all up here, far removed the corrupt politics that had taken hold of Midvinter." He played with the old ring hung from the thin leather strap around his neck. "I got old. Not as old as I am now, but old enough to notice. Then suddenly he was there, standing in my doorway. Despite all our years separated, I could tell it was him. And we knew what must be done."

"I was never the warrior he was, but I knew my way around the North, and I knew her people. Did you know that it was here that the rebellion started? With a ragtag group consisting of lesser northern clans. We fought to restore Midvinter's honour lost all those years ago when Beorlund committed regicide. It was never our original intention to put Thrand on the throne, but as it went on and we gained more followers it became apparent that they would not follow anyone but him." He chuckled to himself with fondness for good memories.

"And of course your mother and father joined us just in time for our great assault on the capital itself. Can't say I thought much of him when I first saw him. Too pretty-looking with that golden mane of his, didn't really strike me as someone who could handle himself in a fight. But he proved me wrong in the coming battle when he led the charge on that gate, cutting through it like it were nothing with that sword of his. And nowadays... Well, everyone knows the name 'Heavenshield'."

Bors took another swig of mead, wiping his beard with the back of his hand. "I remained in the capital for a time following your grandfather's coronation to help out with restorations, but eventually returned here. I knew my brother would rule well, he didn't need me looking over his shoulder. Besides, that place brings only bad memories. Lots of old ghosts wandering those halls..."

"We stayed in touch over the next decade or so, until the undead marched on Tháinbroek. I could not make it there myself, got trapped in some small hamlet up here fending off a pack of stray Vinterbound. Then suddenly they all either fell dead or simply wandered off. I only found out what happened days later. I came down to pay my respects to him, just an old man in a crowd of people. That was the last time, and I do not expect to see that damned capital again before I die."

Another swig of mead to drown his re-surfaced sorrows.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

With each passing word Théo relaxed the grip on the hilt of his sword, and he could not take his eyes of the man speaking about his grandpapa. Nothing in his words or in his mind spoke of mislead or ill intention and although he did not realise it, Théo sat crossed legged before him, listening to every word like a child listening to a long tale of warriors of old. From time to time a grin twitched on his lips, remembering the stories of Thrand told to him by his father, and some he had witnessed first hand although just a boy. He could not help a scoff at the description of his own father, yes he had been golden pretty in his youth and Théo supposed that was what had attracted his mother.

"You where there?", it did not need answering, the day of the battle to reclaim the throne and rid the capital and Midvinter of the tyrant. What he would give to hear more of his father and mother that day, but he left it to his own imagination .. that usually is the better of the story. "My father ruled Midvinter for a time, after .. grandpapa died", the most likely reason the name of Heavenshield lived loud in the hearts of most Valkyri. "I was born in Thainbroek, it was my home until... ". He shrugged. It still was, just someone else lived in it now.

Théo noticed Bors playing with a ring on a chain around his neck, he did not need to ask of it, besides it was a personal matter and he did not know the man at all to ask him of it. He assumed that was one, if not the only ghost that haunted the man. "So you came here to find me? offer your services after all this time". He considered the man once more, "Why not the Hearthfires? after all, he sits the throne now not a Heavenshield".

He let out a long heavy sigh, as if still trying to rid himself of long forgotten, thought forgotten, thoughts of who should have sat the throne. He should have sat the throne, Odiir's ass on firstborn lastborn bullsh.. "Thora", he suddenly realised his daughter had been standing by the rocks listening to every word the two of them spoke. She looked at her papa with intrigued eyes, wide with all the information she had just found out and naturally, like any child she wanted to know more.

There was no use in hiding it all now, Théo realised this and beckoned for her to join them, to sit beside him and take it all in.

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

The change on Théo's face as old thoughts surfaced was not lost on the old man. It would seem the young lord had yet some unresolved issues in need of burying for good. Before he could say anyhing it appeared they were not alone, and that Thora had been listening in on their conversation all this time. Once she returned to them and the cat was out of the bag, he continued while father and daughter sat down together. No doubt there would be lots of questions, from the both of them.

"What does it matter what name either of you take? 'Heavenshield' or 'Hearthfire'?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "You are all of Dawnbringer blood - your blessed grandfather's blood! You've only... rebranded yourselves, is all. Happens all the time here, usually with firstborn resuming the family legacy while the runt of the litter goes off to make his own name, to start over elsewhere." He leaned in a bit closer. "Do you not think the people know who their saviour is, or who to thank? I'd wager your dear papa is the most famous, most beloved man in the history of Midvinter. They worship the ground he walks; he's the one who fought a bloody god and lived to tell the tale! He could walk right up to the Great Hall and demand the crown right now and he would have their support."

Weary eyes looked down at Thora, who he figured wasn't really keeping up with everything said thus far. But it mattered little now. "But he won't, because he wanted better for his family. For you, your sister, and your brother. And his grandchildren. A normal life, or as close to one you lot are capable of. Few of us are every so lucky as to make a choice to begin with, and even fewer would know to make the right one."

He drifted off again towards the horizon. "Your grandfather did not want the throne. He never did. When we were children he would tell me we should just run away from it all, stow away on some starship and leave it all behind. At the end of the rebellion, before his coronation, he told me the same thing. We both knew he would not be happy on the throne, because nothing will ever fill that hole in you."

Bors lifted his gaze to the skies once more. "He told me about your grandmother, you know. Before the assault on the capital. How he'd never been so happy as when he was forced to leave Midvinter, because it made it possible for the two of them to meet. Truth is, he was already a dying man back then. He did not expect to live to see the end of his rebellion, he did not wish to. But then he thought of your father, and decided that he would go on for as long as he could for his sake. And then, a few years later, you came into the world, and he was given yet another reason to keep on living."

He placed a gentle hand upon Théo's. "Do you think he could ask for a better end than to fall protecting his family? You gave him life every day, and so he gave his life for you."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

After the old man had finished his words, all Théo could do at this point was smile. It was not a genuine one, only there for Thora's sake as the girl sat beside him listening to all the words that spewed from his mouth. They were not words Théo wanted her to hear, in fact they were not words he wanted to hear either. The man professed to know his family, may have in the past but he had no clue and his so called prophetic utterances fell on Théo like hot irons. "Thora I want you to climb down, we will be head home soon", he turned to look down into her face which looked back at him with so many questions but also with a strong sense of fear for in her father she sensed rage and she was frightened. "Do as I say". Thora knew better than to speak back to her papa when he is serious, it does not happen oft but she knew that her resistance was futile.

Once Thora had left, Théo stood up bearing down over Bors, "It matters, it matters a great deal", he spat the words with his rage growing by the second. Théo has always been Heavenshield first, a Child of Midvinter second, Jedi last. There was no Jedi standing before Bors today. Two large strong hands reached for Bors and pulled him off the ground by the scruff of the neck. "If you ever call my father a runt again I will rip out your tongue and choke you with it", he slammed the old man against the rock face with force not caring at all if he cause pain, in fact he wanted to.

"You know nothing of my uncle, or my father", he was only inches away from his face, Théo's teeth bared and grinding. "Because of a tragedy in their youth, they were parted and both led very different lives. One choose a life of terror, inflicting pain and suffering on others all for the love of a Queen. Oh they would tell you they did things for the greater good but I know more about them than they realise. If someone displeased them, something as simple as bringing a message that was not good news, they would kill them. You see their names were quite infamous throughout the stars you never visited". Théo shoved Bors and let go of him. "For all this redemption, that is the man that sits on the throne".

"The other choose a different life, a noble one and led men and women against the evils of those that would kill for the sake of it, or to achieve power over them. He is selfless, and would die for others without a thought to himself and over the years he became one of the most powerful man that ever called himself Jedi. Everyone followed him, and mother and yes they did what they could to give their family the best life possible, protected their children and made them what they are today. That man is my father, and he is the Heaven's Shield".

In that moment Théo noticed he was standing on the edge of the outcrop looking over Norvegr-fen and all the people below. "Nobility is not a right, simply because one is born into a house, it is what lives in the heart", he pounded his chest, "My father has more nobility in his little finger than his brother will ever have in his entire body. But you are right he does not want the throne, never has .. he gave it up for his brother who also does not want it". Théo snorted at this and shook his head.

He turned back to look at Bors, "My Grandpapa did not die for his family, that does him a disservice .. he died for Midvinter". Théo started to walk toward the way they climbed up so find Thora, "My blood is not Hearthfire, nor is it Dawnbringer .. it is Heavenshield .. and there is a difference". Although for the most part Théo had come to terms with the family situation, it did not mean he had to like it.

From the bottom of the rocky outcrop, "You coming?".

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Not the reaction he'd expected, that's for sure.

It would seem the young man had more issues well buried from his boyhood days, the old man thought to himself as he scraped himself off the ground having been man-handled by Théo. No harm was done save for a few scrapes and bruises, he'd had much much worse. As he scrambled to his feet, steadying himself, he called out to Théo.

"That's it, boy! Let it all out, here and now," he approached him, arms at his side with no attempt at blocking another shot were he to indulge his darker urges bubbling up in him. Before Théo could begin his climb back down Bors grabbed him by the collar to make him face him, staring him down. "If you're gonna beat a man, at least do it proper!" Suddenly it seemed the old man had become twice his size, letting the Valkyri warrior in him show once more. While never a very good swordsman, the man could take a beating like no other and then some.

And yet even as he could have easily blind-sided the young lord, Bors would not raise his hand against his brother's kin. "You want to kill me, boy? Nothing would please me more, believe me. I have lived far too long in this miserable state; I should have joined my brother long ago and left this world in the hands of younger, better people. Yet here I stand, still with a bit of fight left in me and I will not let it go to waste anymore."

He took a step back and unsheathed his sword of simple make. "If I cannot be of service to you, then at least do an old man a favour and send me to the gods here and now. I am not going back to the nothing I was!" He spat on the ground between them, and nothing in his words or body language would tell anyone he was not serious about his request. "What's it gonna be, Théodred, Son of Heaven's Shield?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Oh there was much in Théo he wanted to get out, here and now like Bors suggested, but his daughter was close by and that was the only thing that stopped him. Once the initial blow up had passed, Théo realised Thora must be frightened by her father and his actions and pained him more than anything Bors had to say further. "You will die old man but not by my hands". Not today at least. Then suddenly there was a smirk on his face, "Word of advice, never call my father a runt in front of my mother. If you do, she will grant you your wish".

Théo repacked the saddle with their food, and took hold on the reins leading the horses down the path toward Norvegr-fen. The other took Thora's as he smiled at her, hoping to dispel her thoughts away on the breeze. Thora smiled back, but there were things on her mind that just would not go away and since things seemed to have settled down, she turned to Bors, "What's a runt?", she asked him. Looking between her father and Bors, she noted a look from her father, a warning no doubt.

Once Bors answered her, "So you are nothing, and come here to continuing being nothing and annoy the sh*it out of me in the process .. it that your destiny now?", and for a brief moment Théo looked to the dulling skies as the eve fast approached. The days get less and less in the coming of winter, and the sky seemed to have a soft hue of green, the beginnings of the lights of north. Velkar's lights, and he wondered if this devil of a man had been sent by the mischievous god.

However, truth be told, Théo could use a hand in the Northmark. And this old man was a stubborn and pig headed like his grandpapa, he knew there was truth in his words, Théo could always sense a liar. But one last test to see if he truly knew Thrand as he said, "My grandmama, what was her name". If they were true friends, he should know.

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

The Grey-Boar exhaled, letting out a heavy sigh. For a moment there he'd gotten his blood up, along with the hope that he would finally die a warrior's death. He wasn't hiding his disappointment when the young lord broke off the engagement, instead tending to his daughter and horses, and begrudgingly the old man sheathed his sword and followed suit. While Théodred had not uttered his acceptance of taking him into his service per se, Bors figured unless expressively told to leave he might as well stick around. Not like he had anywhere else to go, anyway.

"A 'runt' is the youngest of a litter, commonly used when speaking of dogs," he informed the little lady, keeping a respectful distance to her father for the time being as they made their way down towards the city. "Your father assumed I was speaking of your grandpapa and things got out of hand," he muttered under his breath. Once his lord acknowledged his presence again Bors sidled up to him, leading his old nag by its reins.

"Someone has to keep you on your toes, lad. Better than wasting away in some hut in the middle of nowhere, been doing enough of that for one lifetime. Just a humble servant of the Gods..." There was more to it, though he wasn't sure how best to bring it up. Thankfully Théo asked a question he very much knew the answer to.

"My lord, you offend me," he said in jest. "There was nothing or no-one your grandfather treasured more than the love of his life. His 'Serene', he would refer to her. Sarah..." While he'd never met or even seen the woman in question, he knew she must have been a most special lady, despite not being of Valkyri descent. It mattered none, because his oath-brother loved her dearly with every ounce of his being. "Save, perhaps, his children. Of course at the time your uncle had yet to make himself known, but he spoke of your father's resemblance to her. Long golden hair. Emerald eyes. He would always carry a picture of her on his person, and the man just could not get a wink in unless he stared at that thing each night. By the last night before the final push on Tháinbroek the picture had gotten so worn out you could barely make out the person in it."

By the time the three arrived at the gates night had already fallen, the fullmoon turning the white snow blue against a dark background. While waiting for the large gates to swing open, he seized the moment to pull Théo aside briefly. "It was your grandfather who sent me to find you," he told him under the sound of creaking wood and iron, staring him down with complete seriousness.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Walking ahead of Bors and his daughter, who, for some reason, liked the old boar, Théo was still fizzing over their conversation up on the rocky outcrop. He did not wish to hear Bors' explanation of runt, he knew he would probably play the meaning down for her, but it meant more than that. It was an insult, to say someone was weak and interior and not worth saving. He was grateful for the cold bite of the evening air as they made their way back into Norvegr-fen, it cooled his cheeks and temper he had inherited from his mother.

Once the streets where in sight, Thora raced on ahead making her way home the New Himmeldal and to give her mother the picked flowers and now Bors and Théo were alone. It was now the old boar took his chance to approached Théo once more. Well, his answer proved he did know his grandpapa and well it seemed, as that piece of family history is not open to everyone and only close friends knew of Sarah, let alone just what she meant to him. A woman Théo would have loved to have met, to have loved not just out of duty to family lineage. He could not even see her in his father, like those have said Thurion resembles her, you can't see what you have never seen.

As they crossed the threshold of the gates of the northern city and closed to secure it for the evening, guards took up position for the night watch, Théo stopped as a hand gripped him ceasing his progress. He turned to Bors with equal seriousness ready for anything the old man would say next and prepared to take him on whether in words or physically. But what came next made Théo snap closer to him looking into his time weary eyes, searching for any hidden meaning.

"My grandfather is dead", he spoke in a low voice, no threatening words just searching ... Bors knew well enough Thrand was not deemed divine through the will of the Gods and even Théo had seen him in this visage at the battle. "Why would he come to you and not me directly?". A fair question if something was of extreme importance.

​

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Bors' head tilted to the side, eyebrow raised. "Truly? Then perhaps it must have been a heavy dose of nostalgia coupled with that mushroom stew that made me believe he appeared before me, all bathed in sunlight." It was intended as a joke, although his dry sense of humour does often tend to fall on dull ears. "Nobody is ever truly gone, long as we remember them. You ought to know that by now, better than most." He gave Théo a pat on the back before heading through the gates, entering the city Norvegr-fen.

He drew a sharp breath, taking in the cold evening air. Having lived there longer than anywhere else in his lifetime, he's come to find its blistering cold invigorating as it filled his lungs. "Far be it for me to question the will of the Gods, lad. Can't say I've ever met one in person before, I found it quite refreshing for a change." His shoulders slumped somewhat as a fond smile appeared on his lips. "And... it was just nice to see a very old friend again."

"All he told me was to come find you, knowing you had taken up lordship of the Northmark. He asked me to look after you; yourself and your family. For what purpose he would not tell, so I suppose we shall find out together. Unless we happen to kill each other before then, of course." Bors looked at Théo at his side, smirking. "Though I will not be the one to throw the first punch, you have my guarantee. Wouldn't dream of harming my first grand-nephew. Sorry I can't give you any more of a straight answer, but I intend to follow my King's command."

They got their mounts stabled next to a seemingly lively inn, and the old boar had to strain his eyes to make out the sign in the dark. "Ah, this looks like a good place to put up one's feet. What is that, a wolf?" He pointed towards the sign with something written on it. Something he couldn't make out. "Will you join me for a couple hard ones, or shall I see you in the morning, my lord?" He bowed his head, now that he felt confident about having fulfilled his promise to Old Grey-Wolf. "Haven't had a tall tankard of good mead in a long time, so I intend to drink my fill tonight!"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Oh I do know, I have seen him as well", the memory of it made him smile, but there was way too much hard memory around it to not feel saddened by the heavy loss of that battle. "To look after me and my family?", now that worried Théo, was was written in the books of the Gods that would warrant his grandpapa to send Bors, "Not going to question it either", his way of accepting Bors and his lot in life now.

They stood outside the Howlin' Wolf Inn which Bors quickly noticed, "You will find good lodgings in here, just give them my name". Théo pushed open the door and entered into the hot sweaty Inn already crowded with Valkyri after a long days work. Now this could get interesting ..

Théo still had some pent up steam in his system, and nothing like a good strong couple of tankards to fuel that fire even more. There was no discrimination in ranks and titles when the mead takes hold of a good story and boosting and heavy mud slinging and even though they knew who he was when the two walked in, that 'reverence' can turn in an instant. There where a few M'lords thrown his way as they found a table close to the main bar, and without any question two tankard were placed on the table before their bums hit the seat. "Good night we are having tonight M'lord", the keep referring to the takings before heading off to his duty but not before giving Bors a long hard look.

Stranger in town, at least to them.

"Here's to a long lasting friendship without killing each other", he raised the tankard and took a long draft with some mead dribbling into his beard. A side ways look told Théo more than the keep where interested in the stranger sitting with him. "You might get your wish sooner rather than later". Bors' death wish might come about if the look in the drunken Valkyri was anything to go by.

But somehow Théo knew, and he would place his credits on Bors.

​

[member="Bors Greythorne"]​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

"Ah, excellent," he followed the young lord inside, hands clasped behind slightly hunched back. No matter where on Midvinter, you could always count on inns and taverns to be well-stocked with both good drink and patrons at the close of any day. Up here, it was the easiest way to shake the ice from your bones. Second only to spending the night in the arms of a woman in front of a roaring fireplace. The two found their seats just as the innkeep himself brings their drink, which was a first for Bors. "If it's all the same to you, my lord, I'd rather it were later," he returned the toast, not bothering to acknowledge the odd stares. "Oh, that's a good vintage," he wiped his beard with the back of his hand.

"Look... I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner about, you know. Didn't feel right to come out and speak of visits from ghosts and gods from the start, you'd think I were some sort of loony." He pulled off his leather gloves one finger at a time, all but frozen to his skin. "I am curious, however..." he leaned back in his chair, letting out a faint groan as he stretched his back. "You certainly didn't seem to hold our liege lord in the highest regard, back there," he referred to Théo's outburst earlier. "Don't know the man myself, never been in the same room as him. But even you have to agree, no matter who Thyrian of House Hearthfire used to be, he's done a remarkable job as High King. Uniting all the races, successfully fending off demons and undead and Gods know what else. Many would say a born ruler."

Next he leaned forward, propping himself on his elbows against the table. "What makes you so sure your father would make for a better king, I wonder? Other than mere personal preference, I mean. Would things truly be so different and 'better' with him on the throne? Kindness, compassion, and love are all fine qualities, but let's say your father had to choose between love for his family, or duty to his people. What would he choose?" Slowly he raised the tankard to his lips for another healthy helping, eyes firmly on Théo the entire time.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​