Leaving Home [Thurion]

[Thora Heavenshield]

It is always sad when somebody leaves their home for the first time, all that is left behind, toys and trinkets, sits gathering dust until they return. It is easy if you are prepared to leave all of it behind and start out on an entirely new journey of life, breaking all the tires of family and heading out to face whatever life may throw at you. But if you are not prepared then it is simply scary. Unless of course, they are simply going to the shops and will return in a few minutes with ice cream. Thora was not going to the shops, she was going to Fridheim a very long way away from home to be with her grandparents for a couple of days while her mama and papa were away.

This was her first time.

After her papa had dropped her off and said his goodbyes, making sure she understood that to be good and listen to her grandpapa, she stood with her neck craned looking up into the face of the giant man with the golden hair and beard, her big blue eyes filled with uncertainty as to whether he was capable of such an undertaking. And he was so old! ancient even and Thora doubt he was fit to move, this her conclusion as she sized him up. He seemed friendly enough.

There was only going to be one way to find out, a series of tests which most goodly kids will put a babysitter through, to see just how far she could go before he would react. After all one needs to establish boundries. She shuffled in place, turned her head back to where her papa had gone but he was gone and a part of her wanted to run after him. Thora wanted to be back home bouncing on Boo's bed trying to wake him up. But for now, she was standing here in a stalemate with an old person.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion could not be more giddy when he learned Théo was passing through to drop off his young daughter. He'd practically pestered Coci all morning while she was getting ready to leave for the Blessed Peak in usual fashion, telling her things like how their home had lacked children's laughter for far too long. Thurion had always had a strong affinity for little ones, perhaps feeling a subconscious need to make sure they have a better upbringing than he. His one and only grandchild was no exception, even though he knew Théo and Ylva would do everything in their power to be good parents. It takes practise, getting into a rythm not only with your child but also with your partner, and knowing when to step in as well as back off in your child's education.

He watched as little Thora was forced to in turn watch her father walk away from her. That feeling of fatherly abandonment was something he had never experienced as a child. For him, it did not occur until much later in life. As she then stood straining her neck to look up at him, Thurion promptly lowered himself unto one knee to somewhat put himself at her level. "Hello, Thora," he said with the widest smile, unable to contain his joy. He very gently took her tiny hands in his, watching her chubby little fingers grasp his and this alone was enough to make his heart melt. "Do you know who I am? You were very little the last time we met." He then brought her hands to his lips for a soft kiss.

"Grandma is at work today but she will be home in the afternoon to see you. Until then, it's just the two of us." Just as he'd finished his sentence a pair of felines appeared, cautious at first but soon nuzzling up against Thora's short legs. "Oh! Except for these two, of course," he added and gave one of them a scratch behind his ear. "It's okay, you can pet them. They won't hurt you." He pointed to one of them, then the other. "That one is Bob, this one is Bub. They're brothers." That's what you get when you let Thirdas decide their names.

As she began petting them Thurion brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear. "So tell me, Thora: What would you like to do today?"

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

Her big blue eyes widened as he moved and crouched down to her level, this took her by surprise and to all Thora's world he looked even bigger all bunched up in a ball like that. His golden beard tickled her fingers as he kissed them, and she smiled at the sensation. Father told her who she would be going to see, it was her papa's papa, her grand papa not that she truly understood this relationship for the most part, but she did know they were kin. After all they had the same name, well he had her name so she felt pleased with that. "Ganpapa ff", her speech still in the learning stage, she decided to give up on the ff, "Ganpapa Rio", that was much easier.

The news that it would be the two of them today was lost on Thora, grandmama was just as much a mystery as the man before her, but he was nice and had a kind face although one of his eyes was a bit strange, to which her hand reached out and touched his cheek where his scars were with a curious look in hers. But that was short lived as two creatures approached them both, curling around her legs so softly and furry and making a strange noise which she had not heard before. At first she did not know what to make of them, and pulled away from them toward her ganpapa settling against his chest for safety.

But when she saw him scratching them, and they responded with a sense of contentment, she relaxed a bit, but still not brave enough to reach out to them. The name Bob and Bub, came out the same way when she tried to repeat them but that did not matter to her. When he said they were brothers, "Ooo", saying her own brothers name and looked around as if to see him here too.

What did you wanted to do today? The first time anyone asked her that question, normally she is told what she will be doing any given day, so she had no idea. She looked at her ganpapa and raised her fingers to her mouth, not sure if she would get into trouble if she did not reply. Then she looked at the cats, "Pretty", she pointed to them both which was not her saying they were, but rather she wanted to dress them up in ... dresses and bows.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

His smile only widened when she attempted his name, settling for only a part of it for now. "Yes, they are very pretty," he said, not realising the true intent behind the word she chose. "And we must be very gentle with them and give them lots of cuddles, or they might starting nipping at you!" He suddenly lunged at her, grabbing her and tickling her sides and before long he was on his back on the floor, holding her up into the air as if she were soaring and joining in her laughter. "Thora! I didn't know you could fly," he appeared shocked and surprised for emphasis. Her tiny body wriggled in his grasp from sheer excitement and with a chuckle he lowered her down unto his chest, barely registering her low weight. His head leaned forward to have his big nose rub against her tiny button nose, all the while he watched her big blues take in every second of life.

"You know what? I hear you," he poked her nose with a knowing smirk, "like ice cream very very much. Shall we go get some?" With that he put her down on her feet beside him, only to hold out his hand. "You will have to help me up first, or else these old bones will be stuck down here forever and ever." Feeling her small fingers grasp his hand as best she could, he made it seem like she alone had the strength to pull him up. With a loud groan he was back on his feet, adjusting his wrinkled tunic. "Now, let's get you all bundled up for the cold before we go outside."

Going through the pack of belongings Théo had left him with he soon found a tiny fur coat for her to wear on their little excursion around town, complete with an adorable hat and mittens. Must be a present from someone - there was no way he could picture Ylva sit down and knit these, or anything for that matter. And Théo... pfft, forget about it! "Here we are, let's put these on you..." Once all dressed for the weather he helped her with her little boots, holding them in place for her to slip her feet into one at a time. After draping his usual fur cloak around his shoulders he took her by the hand and stepped outside.

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

Her ganpapa was incredibly silly, and with each passing moment she liked him very much. The kittens were long forgotten and had escaped their impending torture, when he mentioned ice cream and the fact that he knew where to find some was even better, ice cream was not easy to find at home. As ganpapa rummaged through her things in the bag, Thora did not miss the opportunity to climb onto his back and hang over his shoulder watching him. At the moment be moved she slipped off back to the floor and stood patiently as he helped her dress for the cold outside.

Maybe he does know what he is doing with children after all, which had its blessings and misgivings for her. She had a feeling she could get away with most things in his company but probably not 'murder'. While holding his hand ready to go into town, she looked up at him and how he looked in a long dark cloak just like papa's, he kind of looked a bit like papa they had the same eyes and both had ticklish beards and long messed up hair. Which made her feel okay about her own messed up mop of curly auburn hair, and she wondered if she could grow a beard too.

Mama doesn't have a beard, maybe girls don't grow beards. This was one of life's mysteries yet to be revealed.

Thora pointed to the door, "I-ceam", so ready to go she tugged at her ganpapa's hand to hurry him up. This was also a great adventure outside too, to see something new and different to her normal life and maybe she might, just might be able to give him the slip, if something caught her attention worthy of investigation. After they left the house and started down the path to where she did not know, she pulled on his hand again trying to encourage him to run. "run run", she said with eagerness yet no amount of effort could budge the man into action. She looked at him curiously, maybe he can't run, maybe his legs are broke or maybe .. so many mysteries to solve already.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As the pair wandered the busy streets of Fridheim people could not help but look their way, some even stopping what they were doing to display their affection with a bow. This had long become normal behaviour whenever Thurion was concerned, and he'd learned to cope with the attention he and Coci were so often showered with, but this time was different in that they had not seen their lord look this happy and proud in a long time. The last time they'd witnessed him in the company of little ones was during Thirdas' upbringing, and he had been quick to abandon his parents' presence once old enough. Some even assumed Thora was his child, yet no announcement had been made of another newborn.

Thora kept tugging at his hand, trying her best to force him into more swift strides. "Run, run," he repeated her words and promptly plucked her off the ground and hoisted her unto his shoulders, holding her in place by the legs dangling from either side of his neck and together they took off in a sprint heading towards the ice cream stand in the marketplace. His sprint turned into a gallop, bouncing about with her in the "saddle" and even making the occasional whinnying noise. No doubt it looked incredibly silly to the people watching, some of which could not hold in their laughter.

Once stood before the ice cream merchant, who turned out to be a massive pile of fluff in the form of a Beorni sitting comfortably on the ground whereas his fellow merchants stood and did not even reach the same height, Thurion sat his granddaughter down on the counter while taking a moment to catch his breath. His right hand settled upon his chest above his heart and gave himself a brief massage, feeling a bit lightheaded for a moment. "Now then..." he gestured to the vast array of colourful flavours on display. "Which flavour do you like the most? You can pick whichever you like." While Thora was busy browsing, although more likely she marvelled at the huge bear-man behind the counter, he took a moment to run his fingers through his golden mane, now dishevelled from their "ride". "Just point at the ones you want and he'll prepare it for you."

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

Well so far the day was panning out to be a great day, her ganpapa knew how to take orders and succumb to her every wish. She laughed with pure joy as he placed her on his shoulders and galloped around like those horses she had seen papa riding. She so wanted to do that one day when she was old enough, at least that was what she was told, she had to be old enough. Thora took no notice of anything or anyone around them, her only focus was positioned in the immediate moment and as soon as it would come to her, the sooner it would leave only to be replaced by the next fun event. To keep control of her own situation Thora grasped small fist fulls of his hair as little as it was on the top of his head, it was exciting and scary all at the same time being this high up as tall as anyone here.

Finally they reached the ice cream stall, among a lot of other stalls that had all sorts of things on them, some shinny and sparkled in the sunlight, others looked boring and dull like tools or something. There was wooden stuff, and swords like papa's which was always kept from her reach, food and furs and animals people brought in from the farm. In her eyes they were so cute but stinky and pooed everywhere which they did not seem to care about and to a child's mind was most amusing to the point that Thora pointed this fact out to her ganpapa. "Poo poo", she laughed and pointed to it steaming on the ground.

Thora looked up into her ganpapa's face once more, wondering why he did not think it funny. He was doing something with his hair, maybe she had pulled some of it out, but he was breathing heavy as well. "Ganpapario?", she asked a little concerned for him, something was telling her all was not right with him. She did not know why or how but for the moment the ice cream was forgot.

But he seemed to brush it off as if nothing had happened and like most kids, it was forgotten by her as well. Attention turned to ice cream and... her eyes widened and she reached for her ganpapa's legs hiding behind him yet could not help peeking out to taken in the sight of the big bear on the ground. As Thora and the beorni made eye contact she buried her face into her ganpapa's leg she was safe there, if you can't see them, they can't see you.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The lightheadedness seemed to pass as soon as it came, and the laboured breath he simply chalked up to old age. Thoughout it all he tried his best to appear unaffected and once gone he was back to his normal self. He chuckled when Thora ran and hid behind his leg, wrapping her arms around it and trying to become invisible. The Beorni merchant did not seem affected and simply awaited their decision of flavours, holding a man-sized scoop in his enormous fluffy hand that verged on being comical. "She's just being shy. I'll have a strawberry one, and for the young lady..." his head turned to look over his shoulder down at the small girl clutching his leg. "I think she'll have a chocolate one." If there was one thing he'd figured out a long time ago, it was discerning children's taste in ice cream. Nina was vanilla, Théo was chocolate, and Thirdas was blueberry. Of course Thora would take after her father in this regard, he thought to himself with a smirk.

While the Beorni got to work preparing their cones, Thurion reached behind him to pick Thora back up to rest on his arm so she could watch him work. He then began checking his pockets when he realised he hadn't brought anything to trade, but thankfully the merchant was kind enough to offer these two for free. "First time," the Beorni's voice rumbled and pointed to the little one in his arms, smiling. "Aw, isn't that sweet. Say 'thank you' to the nice man, Thora."

Now with fresh ice cream in their possession, Thurion carried her over to a nearby bench overlooking the market as a whole and sat her down beside him. Good thing about the cold climate was it would take longer for ice cream to melt naturally, so they weren't in a hurry to eat up. Thurion kept an arm around Thora, holding her close at all times. Their feasting was carried out mostly in silence as both delighted in their respective treats, with only a couple glances exchanged that told the other how yummy theirs was. Of course Thora was quick to slober all over her, practically burying half her face in the stuff each time she took a bite. But Thurion was no better, as no matter how hard he tried his beard would always get in the way.

While they sat around a few people came by, not wanting to disturb them yet could not help but wonder who the little one was. "This," he said and pulled Thora closer, "is my granddaughter." And there was such pride in his voice and in his eyes that this was enough of an answer to anyone who asked.

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

She felt very safe with her Ganpapario as he pulled her off the ground to the security of his arms. The bear man was still very scary to look at, but ganpapa did not seemed to be afraid of him. Besides he had ice cream so he can't be all that bad, yet his growlly voice did make her wary still, it seemed so loud to her ears when he spoke but little to her. Thora rested her shy head on the shoulders of her ganpapa but did not take her eyes of the white bear man, "Tankyou", she did reply not wanting to disappoint anyone by being rude. In a way she wanted to stay and watch the white man some more but now they had ice cream in hand and that needed attention too.

Thora sat very happy on the bench with her ganpapa, enjoying the treat very much and yes she did love chocolate and strawberry, and vanilla and all the flavours, as long as it was ice cream she did not care about the flavour too much. By the end of the eating, her face was a mess as well as all her hand and some even dripped on her coat not that she noticed nor cared. And ganpapa did not care either, he was just in a mess as she was to which Thora giggled at him with strawberry all in his beard.

As ganpapa finished up, Thora watched the market and the goings on around them, the Valkyri were large people so tall and strong and one day she would be like them, at least that is what she had been told by her parents. But something shiny caught her attention by ganpapa's side, it was a piece of metal as long as her arm, with buttons over it and a old piece of cloth tied to it, it was clipped to his belt, and had been hidden within the folds of his cloak, she had noticed it before but now it was sticking out.

"What's that?", she pointed to it with her chocolate covered hand and the first time she had put two words together.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Once they'd both finished their ice cream he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the chocolatey mess covering the lower half of her face and hands, as well as doing his best to get the worst off her coat, then folded it and cleaned himself up. Were he alone, he'd probably just wipe it using his sleeve, but that would not do in front of his own grandchild. He noticed her noticing the hilt of his lightsaber resting at his side, clipped to his belt, and as she asked the inevitable question he placed her in his lap where he leaned down to nuzzle her tiny nose once more. He was hesitant at first to reveal it to her this early in her life, no doubt she would find out eventually from her father or even mother should the day come when she contructs one of her own. But as he could not come up with an adequate answer that likely would satisfy her curiosity, Thurion chose to tell the truth.

Carefully he presented the lightsaber to her, holding onto it in case she got the idea of pressing random buttons. "What, this thing? This is... something very dear to me," he settled on, trying to avoid the word "weapon" for the time being. "I've had it for as long as I can remember, from when I was but a young man. Years before I met your grandmother, and even more years before your papa was born. And this," he showed her the piece of cloth still clinging to the hilt, carefully washed and mended whenever ripped or torn, "once belonged to your great grandmother. She was very dear to me..." His fingertips methodically ran the length of it, each fibre filling him with memories of Asha and he had to pause for a moment.

"This is a lightsaber," he then explained rather matter-of-fact, gripping it with both hands as is intended. "It is the weapon and tool of every Jedi. I have one, Grandmama Coci has one, Auntie Nina has one. Your father has one too." He wasn't about to show her what it could do, she was much too young for the mere notion of killing. "And one day, perhaps, you will have one as well," he then smiled and placed a kiss in her mop of auburn hair. That would have to do for now, he thought and put it back on his person, then looked her in the eye.

"Thora? Will you promise me something?" His smile faded little by little as sincerity took hold. "Promise me you won't be in a hurry to grow up. Enjoy every moment of it." The concept of childhood was so very important to Thurion, who had been without one until he met Asha. And even then, much of his time was devoted to his Jedi training. A lone tear had broken free from the corner of his good eye, even as his smile returned to him. "You are so beautiful, Thora. You make me so happy, letting me spend my day with you."

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

A lot of what ganpapario said to her, Thora did not understand, he was using words she was hearing for the first time so she did not have a concept of them. But she listened anyway, his voice calming to her as he spoke of her papa and other people that were neither here with them both. Things such as weapon or jedi or lightsaber are not of her understanding not yet anyway but her ganpapa must be one if he holds such a thing in his hands. But something was puzzling her, the way he spoke of the past in which her papa was not even born, her brow furrowed at this. Too young to understand the concept of this, she pushed it aside for now, those awkward questions would arise again another day in the future.

Thora watched him take back the long metal thing and clip it back to his belt, to which she thought to share something with him, something important to her. So she reached into the pocket of her coat to find her toy that her papa had carved for her. "Fingal", she informed him with a smile and as she held out her small white stag to him to hold.

But it was a funny thing for him to ask her to promise, as she thought she was already a big girl but he was serious she could tell in his voice and his eyes white and blue, the blue one looked just like papa's and she could see her papa in some of his features on his face. Thora vaguely remembered that her ganmama had black hair which must be where papa gets it from. "pomise", she whispered, but was unsure if she would be able to keep that promise. Her ganpapa was right though they still had a lot of the day left in which to spend it together and explore something new.

She had to wonder what he had in mind to do next. Maybe go to the fishing docks or climb a tree or play hide and seek .. but just as her thoughts turned to the next adventure a loud cry cut through the air above them, which made everyone around her look up into the sky as a shadow pass over the ground. The sound of whooshing made her shrink under her ganpapa's arm as she peek out to see what it was. No one seemed to be frightened though ..

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

His smile widened as she promised him; he knew full well she was likely too young to understand the meaning of a promise, or to even keep up with his use of words. But it was nice to pretend her promise would make a difference, and so he gently took her hand and wrapped his littlefinger around hers for a pinky-swear. The most unbreakable pact of all! He placed another kiss upon her forehead and just enjoyed holding her. To him, children are the most special people of all; they are so pure and gentle, without any of the chains of adulthood keeping them from doing or saying what they feel. Everything comes straight from the heart, without second thoughts or hidden meanings behind it. In many ways, children are just as wise as any adult. He felt content simply watching Thora interact with the world around her, taking in all the sights and strange wonders it had to offer.

Thurion rested the small wooden stag in his wide palm and examined his son's handiwork. The two had only shared a couple occasions where he would pass down his knowledge of carpentry to Théo, and seeing his skill for the first time had a profound impact on him as a father. "Fingal," he tried not to get choked up as emotions swelled. His thumb caressed the wooden surface and he was impressed with the level of detail. "He is very beautiful, same as you."

Then suddenly they were interrupted by the whooshing of wings and a cry akin to that of an eagle, and while Thurion remained unaffected by these noises same as everyone else in the city he could not help but chuckle at Thora's reaction. He did his best to hide her away in his embrace but calmly whispered, "It's alright, Snowflake. It won't harm you." He figured it was time she met the source of these scary sounds, hopefully it would make them less scary. With her still clinging to him like a little monkey he stood up and carried her away from the market, up the slope towards the eyrie on the edge of town, overlooking the western sea.

"Now Thora, we're going to see a friend of mine. This is where he lives with his family," he explained while stepping through the door and begin the climb up the winding staircase. The higher they got the more hay and shed feathers lay strewn about, until they reached the top and the second floor where the family of gryphons nested. Thurion could already make out three bundles of fur and feathers all huddled together in the corner. "Shhh," he hushed Thora as he set her back down and took her by the hand. "The little ones are sleeping, so we have to be very quiet or we'll wake them up." Carefully they snuck up on the three cubs blissfully unaware of their presence, then got down on his knees to gently pet one of them. "It's okay, you can pet them. Just like Bob and Bub, remember?"

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

As much as she loved her home, Thora really liked it here in Fridheim and with her ganpapa, there was so much new things to see and do that it all kept her mind active. Already she had so much to tell her parents and Boo about once she got home. When ganpapa picked her up and carried her out of the markets toward the end of town, she was alive with anticipation, where were they going next? Her little arms remained wrapped around his shoulders as they passed the main gate and along a track leading toward a building in the distance, it was made of stone and it looked like a grand tower from one of her bed time stories, where a princess lived. But she turned away from the tower and looked at her ganpapa studying his features and one of her hands reached out to touch his beard, it was golden unlike papa's it was different and soft.

The sudden change in temperature and shadow as he carried her into the tower turned her head back to their destination and they proceeded up some stairs to the upper level. The discarded feathers were very big, some of them bigger than others and so pretty and as he put her back down to the floor, Thora reached for one feeling the it with pure curiosity, is was so soft like ganpapa's beard. Then she was led into the main room in which some creatures lay in a next of hay so quietly and sleeping, but in the dark light she could not make them out just yet. And the way in which her ganpapa walked so quietly she wondered if they should be here, was this allowed?

He assure her that it was alright, but regardless she squeezed his hand a little afraid as her eyes darted around in this strange place. Ganpapa had said a friend of his lived here, but she could not see any signs of that only these sleeping cubs. He approached them with her in tow, she was not sure about this at all until he knelt down and began to pat one of them. They were much bigger than Bob and Bub and they looked like birds and cats all in one!

But with his encouragement, Thora got brave and knelt down next to him watching for the moment, still unsure if she should touch them. One of the cubs awoke and looked at them both with sleepy eyes, a strange noise coming from him a low rumble like a cat purring, the little cub even nuzzled his hand like a Bob did. Thora could not help but giggle softly as she began to delight in them. She put her hand on her ganpapa's arm, as if by extension she was doing it, but little by little she placed her hand closer and closer until she was patting the cub and could feel the soft down of his feathers and fur. They were not scary at all!

"What are they?", she asked her ganpapario as she had never seen anything like this in her life.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"They are gryphons; half cat, half bird." Thurion watched with amusement at how delicately Thora approached and began to pet the cub stirring from his nap. His beaked jaws opened wide for a big yawn, which in turn caused a chain reaction among the others who now also stirred one by one. "Aw, look," he said in hushed voice. "They're waking up to greet you, Thora." But it was in fact not their presence which stirred them, but rather the impending arrival of their father responsible for the loud whooshing sounds from earlier. There was no loud cry announcing Skywalker's arrival, instead swooping in for a soft landing amongst the hay without the bravado often displayed when in public. He was a bit of a showboat when it came to dramatic entrances.

"Come, Thora," he took her by the hand and stepped aside, keeping her safe behind him. Gryphons are highly territorial after all, even an old friend such as Skywalker, and seeing a stranger so close to his young could trigger a violent response. Skywalker's sole focus was on his cubs, walking past the two to see to them before all else. Only after did he turn to face Thurion with a purr similar to those of his cubs, only far deeper and rumblier, and he bowed his head to present his forehead. "My old friend," he stepped forward and placed his forehead against the gryphons, giving his feathery head and neck a good petting. Of course, the little one's presence had not gone him by and Skywalker now approached Thora, sniffing her auburn hair and taking in her scent. "Don't move, Thora. He is just getting used to you, is all." Thurion placed a hand upon her shoulder for comfort should she be afraid.

Skywalker then took a step back and again presented his forehead to them. Thurion picked her off the ground into his arms, placing a reassuring kiss upon her cheek. "Thora, this is Skywalker. He and his family are friends with our family, and they live here in the city with us. We protect and look after one another." Slowly he approached the imposing gryphon with Thora, holding her up so she could greet him properly. "Just do what I did, Thora. It's how we say hello."

Once the greetings were over and done with, Skywalker simply slumped over into a big pile of fur and feathers just in time for his three cubs to pounce on him, nipping and play-biting him to their hearts' content. Now it was safe to move around as they pleased, and so Thurion sat down with Thora in his lap to watch the playfulness unfold. "Look. They are no different from us," he told her with a warm smile.

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

With much concern Thora had been worried about being left alone with her ganpapa, and the truth was she was scared about not having her family around here. Mama and Papa always there to look out for her and so did Boo, but now she felt so safe with her ganpapa and this was turning out to be the best day ever! Already she had experienced so much in her short life in just one day, and all of it new to her. She had met her ganpapa properly, cats, a new city, ice cream and now this, these gryphons. But still with the arrival of the big one, she backed off behind her ganpapa's legs once more, up close the fully grown gryphon was huge to her, and just as much to him as well.

Yet she could not take her eyes of the both, watching them interact with each other and it was clear they were friends. Thora felt a strong snort ruffle at her hair as Skywalker sniffed at her with his beak, she could feel her own heart racing with excitement and a bit of fear but ganpapa was there to protect her, she was sure of that now. She did not dare move, just like ganpapario had told her to do and her big sparkling eyes looked into the eyes of the great catbird. There was a sense of recognition within them, although Thora did not understand it.

She gripped onto her ganpapa's neck with all her might as he took her into his arms once more but regardless of all her fears she wanted to say hello, and she did as instructed reaching out to pat him along his neck, and it felt like the feather she had found on the floor, so soft. Thora turned to her ganpapario and smiled widely so happy to have overcome her fear and so happy to be with him in this experience. "Love you ganpapario". And she kissed him back just like he did to her, on the cheek.

When they sat down and watched the cubs play with their father, Thora giggled with the fun of it all, and then a thought popped into her mind. And she stood up and pounced her ganpapa just like the cubs did, which pushed him back on the hay she was even play biting his sleeve and throwing fist fulls of hay into his long golden hair.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The old lion's heart melted at little Thora's declaration of love coupled with her kiss upon his bearded cheek, chuckling as she did. Knowing his granddaughter felt happy and comfortable in his care was all he could hope for; he'd never known any of his grandparents growing up - or indeed to this day - so he felt it important that his own grandchildren would. He'd sworn never to make his father's mistake, and to make sure that when his time had come to depart this world, his surviving family would lead good and happy lives. While he had yet to enter his twilight years in terms of age, the future seemed evermore unpredictable. Best to live life to the fullest while still able.

But this was not the time or place to reflect on such grim thoughts, for suddenly he too was pounced upon by the tiny being in his lap with such determination that he had no choice but to keel over with her firmly in charge. He shared in her giggles as she proceeded to humiliate him in his defeat by tossing hay in his face and hair, turning him into a right mess. "You are not very humble in victory, are you," he began to fight back a bit by tickling her neck and tummy.

As the heap of gryphons steadily settled from their playful wrestling, the three cubs instead took up positions on top of their father where they curled up into balls once more, and Skywalker raised and turned his head to begin grooming them one after the other. Similarly, little Thora sat on top of Thurion's chest, slowly rising and falling in rythm with his steady breathing. He did so effortlessly, for she possessed little in terms of body weight and his physical strength had not waned in the slightest in spite of the years. "I love you too, Thora. Very much so." He never stopped smiling looking up at her; the living proof that his many hardships had all been worth it in the end. Thora would grow up in a good home with a loving family, and not as a poor orphan without either. It was all he'd ever hoped to accomplish in life.

Again mimicking the family of gryphons, as Skywalker and the cubs had themselves a nap, Thurion had pulled his cloak around himself and Thora to keep her warm while she settled upon his chest. "Rest now, Snowflake," he whispered. His fingers would gently stroke her curly hair while she rested, and even he felt the lure of sleep upon him. His eyes closed, and he would not stir for another hour or so. Or rather, he would most likely be awakened by the stirrings of the little one wrapped inside his arms.

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

Thora let out a big yawn as she looked over to the cubs and their big father settling in for a nap. Ganpapario was looking sleepy too! and no wonder, it was warm and cozy up here in the Eyre among the feathers, fur and hay. She lay atop her ganpapa's chest as he wrapped her up in his cloak and she lay her head on his chest, as her hand reached for his clothes and curled into a fist, still with the babyish action of looking for comfort and security. Thora felt so safe with him she did not hesitate to close her eyes as he bid.

She was asleep in moments, not feeling the rise and fall of his chest but the soothing beat of his heart lulled her to sleep in an instant. A lesson to be learned by her parents in achieving this, Thora was difficult to get to sleep at home, ganpapa had the magic touch, like most grandparents.

The afternoon would come in quickly, or it seemed as they had slept most of the morning away and it was the squeaks and chirps that had stirred her out of slumber and some how hay had got into her hair and ganpapa looked like a hay man. Thora peeked out of the cloak to see the cubs jumping about their nest, eager for food as their beaks clipped together in anticipation from another gryphon which had arrived as they slept. It was the mother of the cubs, who only raised her head once to look at Thora, before resuming the feeding of her babies.

Thora stayed exactly where she was, not daring to move just in case this one was not as friendly so she awaited for her ganpapa to wake. She did not notices the woman standing in the doorway watching them all with a smile.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He'd felt the stirrings of the little one, yet he felt so comfy where he lay so it took some time for him to wake properly. There were a couple of sleepy groans escaping him whenever Thora moved about upon his chest, and while he did register the chirping of the cubs it was still not enough to rouse him. It took several good minutes until finally he himself stirred, painstakingly sitting up with Thora now in his lap. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes the appearance of Cloudancer had him slightly confused what was going on, all groggy from his slumber and he did not say anything while scanning the room. It was only upon turning his head that he found Coci by the doorway, watching them with an amused look on her face, and his lips formed a gentle smile.

He reached out to beckon her, inviting her to join them in the warm hay and only now did he notice he and Thora were covered in the stuff. He gave her auburn curls a quick ruffle to shake out the worst of it, until his wife joined him on the floor and he became mesmerized by her mere presence. "Hi," was all he could say, wondering whether he was dreaming or not. Keeping one arm wrapped around his grandchild, his other hand cupped his wife's cheek before leaning in for a tender kiss even as strands of hay kept falling from his head. He ended their kiss with a nuzzle of her nose.

"Look who's here, Thora," he whispered past her ear to gain her attention. "It's grandmama, back from work." It was strange, calling Coci by that title; to him, she was still the young woman he fell in love with all those years ago. He released his grasp of Thora, in case she wished to move about freely and greet her grandmother. It had taken her some time to get used to one grandparent, so it would not surprise him if she felt a bit shy around Coci. "We were just having a nap with our friends," he informed her of their day. "And we went to the market for ice cream, didn't we, Thora?" Just as he finished his sentence he felt a great rumble from his tummy.

"And that's all we've had all day..." he came to realise, rubbing the back of his neck. No doubt Thora was just as hungry once she stopped to think about it.

[member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She pushed of the doorway with a chuckle at the sight of them both all mucky and sleepy and come to Thurion's beckon. Coci knelt down in the hay beside her husband and kissed him gently as he nuzzled her nose. "Seems the two of you have had a great adventure today". She turned her gaze to Thora, still clinging to Thurion a little uncertain of her surroundings again. "Hello Thora", she greeted her granddaughter softly but did not move in case she was frightened of her or at least wary.

"That is Cloudancer, the mama of the cubs. Do you know why she is called Cloudancer?", she asked and the only response was a shake of her auburn curly head. "Because she dancers in the cloud when she flies". With the sound of her name, Cloudancer turned her big head toward them all in the hay and let out a questioning chirp. Realising she was being spoken about and not to, she returned to nuzzling her cubs to groom themselves after eating.

Thora knew that Gandmama Coci was her papa's mama, and that ganpapario was her papa's papa she was only just getting used to him so the arrival of her gandmama placed her back to being shy. Time would amend this of course and Coci knew not to push her luck at this point, but maybe some food would help easy Thora's mind. "I think we should all go home and I will cook something yummy to fill your tummy", she reached out to pat Thurion's growling beast.

Coci pushed up off the floor and bowed to the adult gryphons before turning to leave for the door. "What would you two like for dinner?", she asked probably knowing exactly what Thurion would wish for but Thora was the guess and well, grandchildren always get spoiled. She would decided the arguement in the end. Once all of them where on the path back to their home, Coci reached for Thurion's hand giving him a loving squeeze as he walked with Thora in his arms. She would not only be hungry but tired as well.

"She really is rather beautiful, isn't she?", it was more a statement than question and Coci could not be more proud of Théo and Ylva.

​

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Carrying the little one down the same stairs they'd ascended earlier, he noticed Thora starting doze off again as they stepped outside. Gently he lifted up to straddle his shoulders once more, holding her by her dangling legs and within seconds she nuzzled into his hair and wrapped her arms around his head as best she could, using him as a pillow. "She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he replied softly, then took Coci by the hand and gave it a kiss. "There is this other girl I keep bumping into, however..." he smirked playfully before putting his arm around her while they made for their home. It was already starting to get dark out and the streets were similarly getting less busy by the minute. By the time they stood upon their porch lanterns and torches littered every corner and every house.

Inside the hearth had long since died, and all the lights were out. Kicking off his boots, Thurion quietly made his way upstairs to tuck Thora into their own bed, wide enough to fit two people. He figured it would present less of a chance for Thora to tumble over the edge than a normal-sized would. He'd removed her knitted hat and mittens, along with her little coat and boots, and after a tender kiss upon her forehead he returned downstairs with her outside clothing. He joined Coci by the fireplace where she'd gotten a fire going, sitting beside her on the floor. In his hand was one of Thora's mittens, and his thumb caressed its soft fabric.

"Remember when ours were this small? Feels like yesterday, to me." He leaned against her, resting his head upon hers while staring into the flames. "Now our children are having children of their own. How surreal is that?" His arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly. "Do you sometimes wish we had more kids, Coci? It's something I've thought about a lot recently; all the joys we could have had while we still had the chance." He turned his head to look down into those black eyes of hers, trying to put up a brave face. "The thought that it is too late for us now... It saddens me. But I could not in good conscience risk having a child of ours grow up without a parent. I know too well what that's like." Thirdas had been their last, and he was getting ready to leave the nest any day now.

"I'm sorry," he then said, pressing his forehead to hers. "Wasn't my intention to be so grim."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​