Home of the Brave [The Heavenshields]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Midvinter, Beornskald system​

En route to Tháinbroek​

It had been some time since last he'd set foot on the homeworld of his ancestors. Last time he'd returned home with another little Vi'dreya, very much alike his childhood friend in appearance. Mysa had since done her best at making herself at home with the Heavenshields on Tabaqui, but it was evident she felt a strong connection with the Valkyri from her time spent there. As it happened, the family-of-five had been given time to pause and collect themselves, what with wars being fought and the recent union between the Silver Jedi and the Levantine Sanctum; a marriage he was overjoyed at overseeing.

The Oathkeeper cut through the heavy clouds, and a curtain of falling snow appeared outside the viewports. Teetoo was at the helm, guiding them down through the atmosphere towards the surface of the planet. Thurion had summoned all members of the family - Mysa included - to witness the descent towards the capital.

With little Théo on one arm and his other around his beloved Coci, they watched the large city grow ever larger down below. Nina stood beside her father, overjoyed at the thought of meeting her grandfather again. She'd barely seen him since her brother was born with both her parents being busy running the Silver Jedi and Thrand being busy running his kingdom.

Giving his wife a loving kiss, he then glanced over at Mysa. She seemed genuinely excited to be back despite her attempts to not seem such. He knew better than most how to decipher the moods of Vi'dreya girls by now. "It won't be long now, children. Once we get settled, this city is ours to explore."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

 

[Lief]

The news that they would be visiting Midvinter had elated Mysa. She had spent her time busying over drawings and scrawlings to gift to Thrand should she be able to see him; naturally when packing she had ensured that Éar and her thick fur cloak were included. It was all so very exciting! Perhaps she would see a real life Vhaanir this time? The pious little girl could only hope!

When they neared the snowy world Mysa was called to the viewing port alongside the Heavenshields. Somewhat timidly she had approached the family. While she did not entirely feel like she belonged with them, they had been more than welcoming and accommodating and for that she was grateful. Truth be told, she simply did not wish to step on any toes or get in the way of their family life.

She had never seen Midvinter from space. The sight of it inspired awe in the child who smiled down at it; she stood slightly apart from the others, her hands pressed against the transparisteel. Each breath she took fogged up the window, much to her amusement. Éar remained clutched within her left hand, also pressed against the window. It felt as if she were coming home, not that the Heavenshield residence wasn't home to her also.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

​

Never does she tire of such a view of Midvinter. The swirling white mists that rise up over the peaks of the mountains, one can see them even from space but before their eyes the majesty of planet is awe inspiring. It never fails to bring hope and love to her heart, even in times of great darkness with the galaxy at odds continually, Midvinter sets it right. At least until they have to leave it.

Descending through the white mist until they break through and see the capital laid out before them, Coci remained by her husband's side, a place she will always be, through darkness and light. Their children around them, so eager to see their grand father once more, Mysa is no exception she is apart of them now. Coci's eyes found the girl by the window, she suspected Mysa to be in awe just as much as she, and she smiled.

"I have missed Father", she said knowing Thurion would have more so. With that, Coci secured her arm around him further and glanced toward Nina and with Théo in his arms, the family is not yet complete, not until they all walk the boards of the grand hall and embrace Thrand.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Papa [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | To be avoided at all costs! cause girls... perish the thought [member="Snowflake"] and [member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

​

Théo had changed, something within the boy grew. A sense of belonging? yes but more than that, a sense of his identity now apparent. As he watched the ship come nearer to Midvinter, a sight he has seen before this, but his eyes searched for the essence of the place and found it. The mountain rangers stretching for miles and beyond to The Maw, there to be caressed by the icy waters. He had heard of the rite of passage for the young men, to circumnavigate Midvinter in long boats and grow to becoming a man. But there are many rites within the culture of the Valkyri and in time Théo will walk through them all.

His gaze moved from the scene to his father who holds him, a man Théo loves but more so looks up too out of respect and for guidance. Only a few stories does he know of his father, and Théo wondered what else he had gone through .. the boy wanted details, he had heard of the battle of Midvinter, his mother and father had fought along side his grand father and that many had been lost that day. The experience of which can be seen written on his grand father's face, it had taken more from him than time and Théo wonder if the same was true for his father.

Théo small hand reached out and took hold of his father's nose, feeling it's shape, it's contours before feeling his own button nose. Leaning slightly he looked to his mother by his father's side, noting her features. The only girl he considers pretty save one more. But he is comparing them, the differences between them yet they are One.

As with all small boys, his mind began to tick over his last visit. Sent to Midvinter while his parents went to fight for freedom, again. A battle that will never end in this galaxy. Explore! oh yes, Théo was a man with a plan .. already. His face would never reveal as much.

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina very much shared her fellow Umbaran's elation in going back to Midvinter. She loved her grandfather so very much and was overjoyed at the chance of seeing him again, as well as the grand halls of the keep. Watching Mysa press herself against the transparisteel made her smile and prompted her to do the same, even flatening his nose against the viewport so that it looked more like a snout. Doing so made herself giggle before looking over at Mysa, who was still mesmerized by the view. Of course she'd brought her wooden Vhaanir, which she'd named Éar after the Valkyri goddess of the hunt, and her fur cloak. Mysa never parted with the two, only now it actually made sense for her to bring them.

She turned to her father and raised both arms above her head, gesturing for him to pass Théo over to her. She very much liked to take care of her little brother despite his many antics. Smiling, her father lowered the little one into her arms. Nina then carried her the short distance closer to the viewport so that he could see better, and then proceeded to let him stand on his own two feet. He was much too heavy for her to carry around for longer periods of time, anyway. Having him stand in front of her as close to the transparisteel as possible, she kept both hands on either of his shoulders and lowered her head enough to place a delicate kiss in his short hair, black like their mother's.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

With Théo being taken care of by Nina, Thurion now had both arms to wrap around his darling wife. "I have, too," he replied with a smile, always smiling. He found no reason not to smile, for this was an all around happy occasion. Recent battles still loomed on his mind, but they were ultimately suppressed by the joy they all shared. He turned into her embrace, letting go of the view in favour of a better one. "I love you, did you know?" he told her, caressing the back of her head as they stood hugging each other. He pulled away only to press his lips against her forehead.

The Oathkeeper was close to touching ground before the mighty gates of Tháinbroek. The Heavenshields got ready to move out, everyone wrapping themselves in warm Älk furs supplied by Thrand. Théo even had his own little one-piece suit which made him look just adorable in the eyes of his parents, although he most likely loathed wearing it for that reason alone. Nina would help him get dressed before wrapping herself in furs. Mysa was of course more than ready where furs were concerned.

With a snap-hiss the door opened after the ramp had lowered itself. Howling winds and heavy snow greeted them on the outside, making it hard to see even two feet ahead of them. Fortunately they didn't have to walk far before standing before the tall gates. A horn was blown and the gates opened with a loud rumble, shaking the ground in the process. Upon stepping inside, a small retinue of guards awaited them. "Lord Heavenshield! The Bringer of Dawn sent us to greet you to the capital. The High King is currently in session inside the throne room." Thurion bowed his head in return and told them to lead on.

The "Bringer of Dawn" was what the people referred to Thrand after having ushered in a time of prosperity upon reclaiming the throne almost half a decade ago. There had been no rebellions or power struggles since - a rarity alone in Midvinter history. The people were well-fed after several good harvests and overall welfare was at an all-time high. It showed, as despite the harsh weather everyone they met on the way to the keep smiled and looked happy. Of course, having the royal family pay a visit raised their spirits even further.

Once stood before the massive keep the accompanying guards dispersed after opening the gates for the Heavenshields to enter. Finally free of the unyielding snowstorm, Thurion began to remove the thick furs draped over his shoulders. The family found themselves in the entrance hall, one room away from the throne room. Already he could hear voices echo through the grand hall, once of which belonged to his father. Helping the little ones get rid of their furs - save for Mysa, of course - he made sure everyone were ready to step inside once Thrand's meeting was over.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa said nothing as the spaceship lowered into the snow; she had all of her belongings ready before they had even come into orbit, her bag waiting beside the ramp. As always the furs were on, too, wrapped snug around her little frame. Far too big for her, they had been an adults after all, yet she adored them all the same, and nobody could have said anything to make her feel silly for wearing them!

As the ramp lowered she hung back, allowing the Heavenshields to go first. Shouldering her pack the little girl then leapt off the side of the ramp, instead of walking down it like an ordinary individual, and slumped down into the snow. She picked up fist fulls without gloves, enjoying the way they chilled and numbed her fingers. She would have even rolled around in it had they not had company.

Hearing the guards she rose up slowly and quickly fell in place behind Nina. The young girl, who looked as if she could be her older sister, had been oh so welcoming, and while Théo acted as if he despised the girls she could tell he didn't distinguish between either of them in terms of who was his sister and who was not.

So it was that the Umbaran returned to her 'home', stomping the snow from her boots before she entered the Great Hall. She wondered if she would get to see Thrand, after all she had so many things to show him!

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

​

With her fur pulled around her and with the use of the force, Coci remained warm enough as they walked toward the gates of Tháinbroek. Those gates hold much history, not only to Midvinter, but for the Heavenshields. It was at this gate Thurion and Coci had cut through in order for Thrand's men to storm the capital. And yet she walked on beside her husband with a growing smile, as the icy snow hit their faces with the driving wind. "I love you, I must do to be here in this weather", she said turning to look at him from under her fur hood. Her smile grew before she laughed at her own teasing.

Coci's concern for their children caused her to turn around to look for them, Théo and Nina walking together only just behind them, but Mysa cause her to smile as she noticed her delighting in the snow. She is pleased they were able to fulfill a promise to bring her back to Midvinter. Her attention returned to Thurion, as she reached out and took his hand as they walked the streets of the capital.

The entrance into the grand hall felt like life itself had returned to their bodies. The warmth of the central hearth had not forgotten the main entrance area, the heat of which tingle on Coci's cheeks and putting a rosy hue on her skin. Regardless of the warmth, and as her fur was removed to prepare to enter the Hall, Coci felt the biting cold. "My goodness I feel so alive", she said as the cold bit invigorated her.

"It will not be long now children and those doors will open", said more to comfort herself as she is just as eager to see their father.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] and Mother​

​

Now normally to Théo the idea of placing him in the arms of his sister would be decidedly intolerable, but today he is in a good mood. The reason for it, Midvinter and he could not wait to see his grand papa. As Nina placed a kiss on top his head, he did not mind, this time, after all he did love her greatly. His hand reached for hers and as they touched, he communicated with her. Home. One single word that captured the meaning of Midvinter to him. This is his birth place, his blood and soul.

He cast a look over toward Mysa, standing not far from them and sensed she considered this planet equally. He knows they are not blood, nor is Nina but the two girls are his sisters. Love of the heart even over rides the blood. Their parents through setting the example showed them that love is above all else, not hiding or diluting their love for one another.

Walking toward the gates was tiring for Théo, the snow thick to the ground made his legs work hard to walk. The thick fur about his body added to the fatigue, with it's heavy weight, and he too stopped for a brief moment, not only to catch his breath but to take up the soil of his homeland. Mysa may love the snow, Théo loves the life giving earth that is the planet. He looked at the brown black soil in his hand, rich and fruitful and wondered just how many Valkyri had trod this very patch, how many centuries of had it lay there waiting for him to take it up, how many had died for it. He eyes once more found his father and mother, warriors they both are and Jedi. One day Théo could only hope to be as great as them both.

Finally reaching the entrance, Théo waited impatiently for the doors to open, his mother's words did little to quell his thoughts and so .. typically, Théo moved to the door and peek through the key hole trying to catch of glimpse of what was happening and why grand papa was taking so long.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Knowing full well his family was coming to see him, the old man was currently trapped in talks with all the jarls and chieftains. He could not afford to divide his attention, however; the subject matter was one of national security. "The undead are on the march again, and they will not stop unless dealt with once and for all," said one of the jarls. "Let them come! The Coldbloods can take whatever they throw at us," another boasted. "So says one who fought for the Usurper--!" a third man spoke.

"Enough!" Thrand interrupted, slamming his fist into the long table they were seated at. The King sat at the end, as is custom. "The Coldbloods have sworn their allegiance to the realm, same as you, Grond. Each and every one of you have earned my trust over the years. No longer will spilling Valkyri blood be tolerated, not as long as I sit upon the throne." Silence overtook those gathered. Thrand's voice mellowed. "Too much of it has already been spilled. We've spent too much of our history fighting ourselves that we've neglected the true threat - one that does not hesitate or discriminate."

The men all looked at each other, nodding in agreement. "Forgive me, my King," the man named Grond apologised while reaching for his mead. "I propose a toast, to a unified Midvinter. To the Bringer of Dawn!" All but Thrand stood and echoed the man's words. He politely raised his own tankard and acknowledged the toast, prompting everyone to drink. When the toast was over, Thrand caught a glimpse of someone he very much looked forward to meeting, and a smile found his lips. "Now then," he said. "My friends, we will continue this discussion at a later date. I thank you all for coming and safe journeys to you."

Once all had exited the throne room via a side-entrance, Thrand was left alone. He took his chance at removing his terribly uncomfortable crown and leaving it sitting upon the throne. "Alright, you little rascals, get in here," he spoke aloud for Théo and the others to hear. He braced himself for the imminent herd of Heavenshields with a big smile on his face.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Snowflake"]​

​

He could see men moving about within the large hall, words bellowing from some of them, but Théo did not understand the nature of the conversations. But whatever it was, was of importance and by their reactions, dangerous. As grand papa's fist hit the table, Théo jumped out of his skin and his eyes flashed open, what had made his grand papa so annoyed? Some words peaked his interest however, who and what are the undead?

Théo's eyes narrowed as his heart calmed once more, whatever they are it was clear that the men did not like them. Finally, grand papa dismissed the clan leaders and Théo smiled as Grand Papa Thrand summon them in.

Pushing open the large wooden doors with a heave until enough room for him to get through, Théo ran down the hall between the long tables to his grand papa's arms. "Grand Papa! Grand Papa!" he yelled along the way.

 

[Lief]

[Apologies, had a busy few days!]

The child watched as Théo curiously peeked through the door and smiled; her little 'brother' was always up to no good, plotting one thing or another, so when the booming voice of Thrand echoed through the hall the sight of the boy flinging open the door was to be expected. Allowing the rest of the family to enter first, Mysa dropped down her backpack and pulled out a few things.

Zipping it back up she shouldered the pack and carefully entered the great hall. Her gaze drifted around; it looked and smelt like home. As she followed her Guardians she finally caught a glimpse of the first person to actually show her any real level of care, and the most delicate of smiles graced her lips.

Clutching Éar, and nestling half of her face into the cloak - until just the bridge of her nose and her eyes peeked out - Mysa strode forward yet hid behind [member='Thurion Heavenshield']'s leg; in her hands she clutched the crayon drawings she had been working on, patiently awaiting an audience with the King.

[member='Coci Heavenshield']

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

The usual suspect was the first to appear, as always. Little Théo had grown a lot since last he saw him, but he would always be the tiny babe he could once fit in his huge palm. The second to enter was Nina, a bit more reserved as was her nature, but still with a light hop in her steps. She too had grown, and already he could make out the great beauty she would become. Then came the proud parents, Thurion and Coci walking hand-in-hand down the same aisle as when they got married. Lastly there was someone he'd not expected at first, yet was glad to see walking his halls again. While similar to Nina in appearance, mostly due to their white hair, Mysa was the more timid of the two. Understandable, considering she was a late addition to their family.

"There you are, my little ones," he greeted the first two as they launched themselves into his open arms. Still the two weighed like nothing, and he easily raised both children to sit on either shoulder. Nina grabbed hold of and nuzzled his greying hair, still containing enough brown to make this century-old man look less so. He beckoned to the two Jedi Masters. "Come here, my children." His son and daughter-in-law seemed like opposites to the naked eye at first, with one with hair shining like the sun and the other with hair dark like the midnight sky. But these two were soulmates in every way. Thrand embraced them both, holding them tight. "It does my heart good to see you both are alright." He pulled away from the embrace, settling his large hands on their shoulders. "We don't get a lot of news from what goes on in the galaxy, but we heard about a fierce battle on a planet called 'Ziost'. The travelling merchants we heard it from mentioned Jedi defending against the legions of darkness."

He then looked over their shoulders at Mysa, still timid about approaching. "It's okay, sweetie," Thurion turned and said to her, waving her over. Thrand got down on one knee, Théo and Nina still on either shoulder, and reached out to her. "Come here, Snowflake. Let me get a closer look at you."

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

"We are fine, Father. A little battered and bruised maybe, but coming to you and Midvinter will see us mend, it always does", she said to Thrand as they embraced, her hand resting on his far cheek while placing a gentle kiss on the other. Coci stood back to allow Thurion and the children to enjoy his company, she noted a few more grey hairs since the last time she saw him. There would many reasons for that, running of a kingdom, the issues that entails, his worry for his son so far away in the galaxy and fight darkness that threatens their interests which include Midvinter. But more over, he is getting older, as they all are, but the years write thick when one has entered the twilight of ones life.

She moved to sit on one of the long seats not far from them all and she watched her family with soft of eyes of a mother. This is the purpose she loves the most, a Jedi's life second, she realises this now. She could not help it, but a feeling pride entered her heart, the family is strong and beautiful. Each one of them growing into individuals with strong will and their own purpose they are finding in life. Théo, will grow into a man filled with a lust for life and adventure, pulling his sisters along with him no doubt. Nina, such a special girl, her caring knows no limit and holds a silent strength within her, not only through the force but in her soul. Mysa, a mystery still, but Coci smiles with more pride as she brings her work to show Thrand, Coci can just see the parchment poking out of that beloved fur.

Thurion of course, words are never enough or hold a capacity to begin to describe him. The gentlest of men, the strongest when the need calls upon him, not only through the force but a strength draws from his heart when those he loves are in danger. And not only the family, but others around him in his charge, a fine grand master of an order of Jedi, the dearest of fathers to his family and the most caring and loving a husband that could ever be. Looking at her family and watching .. Coci considers herself blessed. And by the Force and all the Gods of Midvinter, may the heavens help anyone that deems to harm them, for they will learn to fury of a mother if they do.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

​

Within moments, Théo was in his arms and only moments later so too the rest of them. His grand papa the biggest a man Théo had ever seen, even bigger than father! Not only did he have room in his large arms, but in his heart for all of them. Théo wrapped his growing body around him, and rested his head against Thrand's shoulder. "I have missed you Grand Papa, I love you", he whispered.

Théo pulled back from his embrace and watched as the family gathered around the head of the family. A curious set of eyes falling on Mysa as she remained a little back from them, than he too beckoned her to come and join them. Mysa has been with the Heavenshields not long before Théo was born, she is just as much a part of them all as he is. Mysa is his sister, equally as Nina is and he loves them both. One day he might actually tell them.

 

[Lief]

She was, as ever, extremely patient. Being that Mysa had never known family, or attachment, that she had not left the same four walls of her containment room until earlier that year, it was easy to see why. She had no expectations, she knew not the thrill of rushing into the arms of someone who loved her unconditionally. She was quite happy being the individual who stayed back until she was called forward, because that was the best she had known. Far greater an experience than sitting in a room waiting for a thirty minute audience with a stoic wall of a woman dubbed only the Creator...

So it was that when Thrand beckoned her forward and got to one knee, supporting his grandchildren as they settled upon his shoulders, the tiny Umbaran inched forward and peeked up at him curiously. Still swaddled in the same cloak he had given her the very first time she had stepped foot on Midvinter, trembling and looking as though she might catch a death of cold, and clutching the figurine he had whittled in order to gift her, the little would-be-Valkyri approached who she still saw as her King. Her eyes were wide with awe, for he held quite the formidable presence, and for a moment she quite forgot how to speak!

Finally a tiny little murmur escaped her lips. "H-Hello, My Lord" came the whispered words of the child, who halted several feet away from the man, still closer to the Heavenshields than Thrand. Carefully she extended out one of her hands, which grasped the drawings, toward the man; no words were uttered, she let the pictures speak for themselves. The first was of the Great Hall, within which they were currently standing. It was detailed considering how long it had been since Mysa had seen it. Next was a Vhaanir, which glowed with yellow and blue hues - the word Éar had been etched above in the runic alphabet of the Valkyri. The rest were various other drawings of Midvinter, the King, and the Heavenshields. Some had attempts at words or even sentences, some in basic and others in the language of Thrands people.

Chewing on her lip the little girl lowered her gaze to the ground without a word, her already flushed cheeks reddening in embarrassment and humility.

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