Of Men and Elves [Ióunn]

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Father had never looked happier, now that mother and little Theryn were back on Midvinter. She's even assured them it's for good this time; no more breaking up the family, no matter how honourable the reason. Thrand, of course, was just as happy to have his brother back under his protection, for Theryn had always been a frail child while his elder only grew stronger each passing day. It didn't make Thrand love his brother any less, that he wasn't able to run around and playfight like the other boys. They shared a far deeper connection and understanding, and could without a word uttered between them know what the other was thinking. It was needless to say that he loved him very much.

Today was the Summer Solstice, the height of the Thaw when the climate was at its warmest, as well as a much celebrated holiday where the Valkyri were concerned. All day long the City of Tháinbroek would be filled with festivity and joy, and no doubt his family would enjoy themselves out amongst their people.

But for the eldest child of the High King and his Queen, he felt more at ease on his lonesome on this particular day for reasons unknown even to himself; he had never truly been a fan of large gatherings of crowds, all of them revering him as if the very ground he walked was considered sacred in some fashion. So, having excused himself from the celebrations, he retired to a small woodland glade he'd grown fond of in recent years, situated on the outskirts of the city. It was his sanctuary, away from life's ups and downs.

Having climbed his favourite tree and nestled among its branches, his grandfather's greatsword ever at his side resting against the trunk below his feet, Thrand took to playing a tune on a wooden flute he'd been given by Uncle Thurion for his 13th name day. He'd practised every night before bed ever since, proving to be a fast learner as the most beautiful melodies soon graced the ears of whomsoever happened to be listening.

"This one is for you, grandpapa," he said while peeking through the leafy canopy up at the sun shining bright atop the sky, its rays striking his stark white hair and creating a glowing effect. "Thank you for always being there for us." And so he started playing with naught but the denizens of the forest for an audience, his feet dangling carelessly from the branch upon which he was seated.

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5qhNRmMilI​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

It would be different this summer solstice, the Aelvar for years passed had celebrated this turning of the season in the shroud of the mists among themselves. It was a beautiful time of year, all the trees in the forests burst with life full and healthy, the creatures bounded around them as if knowing it was a time to be joyous and the weeks that followed would see them turn to the gathering in preparation for the coming winter. The harvests had been gathered, for several years now conditions had been granted to the peoples of Midvinter in which the Sun had provided much plenty for crops and fruits to grow strong. It was the best of seasons that Midvinter had ever seen.

Iounn was no longer a child, passed the age in which to participate in the Dance of Summer like she used to, that had been passed down to the elflings now so excited to dance for their Queen and King, but this time they would be performing at Thainbroek. It would be the first time that outsiders would witness such a thing and it would be performed at the bottom of the steps of the Grand Hall.

It had been some years since she saw Thrand, she had to wonder if he would remember her. Whether the bond of friendship had remained with him as it had for her, or had he moved on like the want of most children as they grow. She pondered this as she sat astride her pony, as the long retinue continued along the road toward Thainbroek. Iounn loved her pony, he was so small compared to the other grander horses, dumpy and laden with fat and a shaggy coat to keep him warm, but he was the best pony. And his name is Velki, after that mischievous God Thrand had told her about although for some reason it was told to her in a cloud of secrecy.

But Velki stopped just as Iounn's head turned toward the forest that was found outside of the gates of Thainbroek. A whisper in the summer air pulled from the Frostvatn had spoke to her, there was something in the forest and with her nature of curiosity and longing for adventure, she turned Velki's head off the path and into the sun dappled forest. She slide off his back and continued on foot, Velki now free decided to venture these parts on his own leaving her to it for now. The grass seemed to be sweeter here. In the distance she could hear the sound of pipes playing a haunting tune, sad but a sense of celebration on the notes, it was like the music of her kin and she wonder if one of them had come here, it was beautiful.

The author of the music was now close at hand, Iounn hide behind a large tree and looked around it searching for whoever played upon the pipe and all she saw in this moment was a large sword at the base of a large tree, her eyes trailed up into the branches and sitting high was a boy with legs dangling in the air without a care in the world and so intent on his playing he did not see her move away from her hiding place. He seemed to be glowing in the light of the Sun, but she knew him, his face had changed a little with ageing but it was Thrand and all of a sudden her heart raced with fear that he would not know her.

But now was not the time for being meek of heart. "Who is this impish boy that plays upon the pipe?", she smiled as she approached, he looked like something out of a midsummer night's dream.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Somehow he was not surprised to hear the voice of his dearest friend, as if he had sensed all this time that she would come. So when she did, the music from his flute ceased its haunting tune and he could not help but smile his boyish grin. His legs dangled even more, playing into the impish persona she had just given him. "I don't know, who is this fair maiden that was lured into his clutches," he replied before slipping off the branch to land on his feet in the green grass, right by the sheathed Dawn.

As he now looked upon Ióunn, her red hair lit up by the rays of the sun, his grin quickly vanished and instead was replaced by sheer wonder and amazement. He had never seen something so beautiful in all his life, and when he tried to speak again he found that his mouth had all but dried up. Rather than offer the complement on her beauty that he'd intended he instead remarked upon her 'mighty' steed plodding about behind her. "I like your horse," he said rather bluntly and awkwardly.

Soon, however, his feet were able to move again and he wasted no time in rushing over and embrace her, arms wrapping themselves around her tight. "I have missed you so much, Ióunn," he whispered past her elven ear, nuzzling into the side of her neck. While they stood embracing one another, he could not help but notice how her body had... developed, since last he saw her. This was no longer the timid child he had once met in that magical forest, but rather a young woman. As he thought of this his cheeks flushed with red for a brief moment, prompting him to think of something else in order to stifle it.

"How, uh... How have you been," he asked as their embrace came to a natural end, their eyes meeting up close. "I've been good, practised swordmanship a bunch and stuff, you know," he continued, trying to play it cool and to seem unphased by her radiant beauty. "That's my sword over there," he nodded towards Dawn behind him. "Well, actually it was my grandfather's..." he then added, his shoulders slumping somewhat as this persona of his quickly died down. "Do you... want to see it?"

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She threw him a coquettish grin with a sparkle in her eyes as he spoke for the first time. And she watched him leap down to the ground by the trunk of the old tree. He was much taller since their last meeting, and he too had changed which did not go unnoticed by her. Broader shoulders, his arms showed the signs of development from hard exercise and a natural state of his kin.

“His name is Velki”, with hearing his name uttered, Velki raised his head with a tuft of grass in his mouth which he slowly chewed on with great delight. He gave them both a snort before diving his nose into the sweet grasses again. Iòunn replied just as quickly as he had spoken feeling awkward with this strange sense of emotion in her. She raised an arm and placed it on the other rubbing to give her something to do and calm herself.

All of a sudden Thrand had come to her and took her in his arms, she was surprised by this but happy for it and she sighed with relief that he had not changed really and still consider her friend. Yet the closeness caused a stirring in her, something she had counted on nor experienced before. It was confusing yet wonderful, she did not know what to do with herself. But her hands made their way to embrace him back, there was tenseness in his body and he would probably feel the same in hers.

The words he spoke in a whisper to her went to her heart, “I have missed you too”, her voice as soft and gentle as his but what took her breath away was his turning to her neck and her cheeks reddened with the intimate gesture. Once he moved away, she stepped back a little further than she wanted but she felt so wonderfully strange in her being, and she looked anywhere, everywhere to hide her flustered face. But it was futile as their eyes meet again, he is so handsome and with his long hair sitting gently on his shoulders it was hard for her to take her eyes off him.

A flurry of words came from him, which she welcome as a means to soften the awkwardness of them both. “Yes!”, she said a little too loudly and quickly, “Show me your sword and can you use it?”. Immediately she felt silly asking that, of course he would know how to use it, why else would he have it? Iòunn internally rued her words hoping he would not think her stupid.

[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Her quick answer to his question took him off guard, but pleased him nonetheless. He backed away from her, finding that he'd rather not let her go from his sights as he fetch his sword and scabbard. It was still too heavy for him to wield practically, but he was too stubborn to choose another weapon in the meantime; this sword was his family heirloom, and he would take care of it always. Somehow once he held it in his hands, the awkward feelings he'd felt just moments prior passed, as if he was being comforted by its mere presence.

"This," he said as he slowly unsheathed the massive blade, "...is Dawn." As the scabbard fell to the ground, Dawn was fully unveiled to Ióunn. Thrand held it firmly in both hands by its long grip as its sharp point rested upon the ground. "They say it was forged from the metal of a fallen star, and that it cannot ever be shattered by mortal beings. That the Smith-God himself crafted it as a gift to mankind." Thrand shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know about all that, but it sure is stronger than any blade I've seen, and never once has it lost its edge. I still tend to it from time to time, though, just in case."

Its design was rather simple when all was said and done, with no special markings or etchings to make it stand out in an aestethic sense. It was a warrior's weapon, meant for heavy duty on the field of battle where its enormous size alone could make even the bravest think twice about facing he one wielding it.

"They say Grandpapa was unstoppable when he wielded Dawn, that he was so big and strong that he could have fought using just one hand instead of two." His gaze looked off into the distance as he smiled. "I want to grow up to be like him, one day." But his smile then faded as his eyes sought hers once more. "And yet I've never even met him. He died before I was even born."

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She remained were she was for the moment, and watched Thrand back away to the sword to take it up. It was most certainly heavy, she would see that he struggled with the weight of it, it looked it too. As he spoke of it, the words falling on her ears were like magic, intriguing and filled with mystery which only entice Iòunn to walk closer to take a look as he held it with the point to the ground. "Dawn", she whispered wondering why a weapon forged for death would have such a beautiful name. She had read the history of her people, the wars waged against the Valkyri and how many had died on both sides in this time of darkness before the white of the mists. Had this sword been bathed in the blood of her kin? She knew well enough that Thrand's grandpapa had not, it was well before his time but still.

"I have seen stars fall from the night sky, streaking across the void of it they are beautiful to see and I suppose it would be possible to have one fall on Midvinter", she was still uncertain about this weapon he seemed so proud of. But her father has one, she has seen that too. Forged with the power from the Frostvatn to strengthen it with magic. It too has a strength of it's own, and has only one purpose. Death.

Yet men and women use such weapons to protect those they love, their families and their people and no matter the reason for the wars, ultimately that is what they fought for. "I am sorry you did not know him, from what my father has told me of the Kings of the Valkyri, Thrand Dawnbringer was above them all in majesty and honour". Yes, she knew his grandpapa's full name.

As she spoke her words truly to him, her hands reached for the sword hilt, one place above his, the other below. She turned her face to his, there was a look of determination in her blue eyes as strength fueled her arms and only a little did the tip of the Dawn raise from the ground, her attempt to lift it would encourage him to do the same and together they would raise it so the blade of the mighty Dawn would point to the sky and as it did, the blade shone as the Sun light pierced through the tree tops. Iòunn grasped at the sight, it was like ribbons of gold running down the fullers until it bathed their hands in light.


She smiled as she looked passed the glowing blade and into his wonderful eyes.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y80ofCkPbdE​

As Ióunn spoke of what she knew about his grandpapa, Thrand could not keep his eyes off her. Every nook and cranny of her face he wanted to preserve in his mind for the rest of his days, every contour of her body. He had never seen anything so truly beautiful in all his life. When she then proceeded to grasp the hilt of Dawn alongside his own hands he remained quiet throughout, letting the moment settle in his memory as together they raised the sword to the sky for the sun to bathe it in its light.

He gazed into the faint reflective surface of the wide blade, and for a split-second he could see the shape of a grown man in his stead. Whether this was a vision of the future, or the past, remained uncertain.

Slowly the blade came down, touching the green grass with a metallic *thud*. His head then turned toward the underbrush of the forest, his keen eye-sight granted to him through his Umbaran heritage registering something in the distance. Reaching for the scabbard, Thrand sheathed his sword and strapped it over his back just tall enough to avoid it dragging along the ground as he walked. "Come on," he told her with a kind smile and gently took her by the hand, his cheeks blushing for but a second. "I want to show you something."

They left the grove and stepped into the forest, Thrand clearing the way of branches for Ióunn as he lead her through the thickets. Finally they'd reached their destination when they came upon another clearing. There a small herd of Vhaanir stood grazing to their hearts' content, wandering about absolutely carefree. Rather than keep out of sight and simply watch them, Thrand casually approached the closest one while still holding Ióunn's hand.

"They say our gods speak through these creatures," he explained as he reached out to the curious Vhaanir and her fawn barely able to stand, most likely born days ago. "The Valkyri have ever shown them respect because of this. Entire armies will stand down in the middle of battle were a herd of Vhaanir to pass through the area, allowing them safe passage. Killing one, even by accident, is considered the most heinous offense to all life itself, and your soul may never enter Beornskald."

As they drew closer the mother began to sniffle his outstretched hand, while the little fawn staggered towards the elven girl on shaky legs yet without fear. It didn't take long for the rest to notice, and soon the two were surrounded by the entire herd, each wanting to inspect the two-legged creatures for themselves.

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

Her elven eyes had noticed Thrand's gaze upon her, and her stomach felt like it was filled with butterflies. She had noticed him too, how his features had turned handsome, and strong all framed in long white hair, but it was his eyes that looked straight into her heart and she would turn away each time they met hers for fear she would never return to the realm of the real world if she stayed there. Although the thought of it had become intriguing. A warmth ran through her body when he took her hand, and she was grateful for their walk within the tall trees and as he led her she reached to push back a little twig of a branch in the way. She knew though, her elven ears had heard them probably before he had sight of them.

Ióunn smiled at the sight of the Vhaanir, for all their natural and unearthly beauty, it was not that she smiled for. He had forgot. As her hand dropped from his, she knelt down in the long grass as the small fawn approached her and nuzzled her out stretched hand. "Hello Farriel", she said looking up to the mother of fawn. "It is a true pleasure to meet your youngling". She knew them all by name, but Bucky was not among them.

She tilted her head up and looked into Thrand's face with a coy smile. "Do not your Gods appear to you in their true form?", she asked most curiously about them. She turned back to watch the herd gather around them both, a little concerned why the Vhaanir would venture so far away from Averlorn and the safety of the shrouding mists.

"The Vhaanir as the Valkyri call them, are sacred to the Aelvar too. They are said to be incarnations of the spirits of the Frostvatn and in times of need will impart much wisdom. They speak to us on the wind". She pushed off the ground as the little yawn returned to Farriel to suckle. "It is also forbid to harm them in our world". She reached out and took Thrand's hand once more and this time she led him, walking slowly through the herd until they came to one most curious of the young man. Ióunn placed his hand on her neck, the soft white fur glowing in the Sun and large black eyes regarding them both.

"Lets close our eyes and concentrate .. maybe we will hear the Gods speak to us", Ióunn stood with her eyes closed allowing the moment to fill her, the day had turned unexpected and filled with joy at seeing her friend and now here with the Vhaanir, they had been truly blessed.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

When Ióunn suddenly was able to name them all, Thrand was taken aback a bit. He hadn't considered they'd all have names, most likely given to them by the Aelvar. Did they go to Averlorn whenever they wished to escape the world of Men, perhaps? There were many questions he suddenly wished answered, but they would have to wait. Watching his dearest friend interact with the Vhaanir was far too wondrous of a sight to bog down with questions. So he resumed petting the closest one, feeling its impossibly soft coat of fur caress the palm of his hand.

"No, not really. I mean, some people claim from time to time that they've seen them appear out of nowhere, only to disappear again. People either laugh at them or dismiss it as crazy talk," he spoke on the subject of their gods. "Isn't that strange, when you think about it? Everyone is so sure about the Gods being real, so why shouldn't they appear to us at times? Just seems hypocr... hypo... Just seems silly to me." His green eyes found those of the Vhaanir he was petting, cupping its head with both hands. "But you sure are real, aren't you?" He placed a tiny kiss upon its nose and giggled. "And I know Grandpapa is real. I see him every day."

Suddenly Ióunn's hand was in his, and all else vanished into background noise as only she existed, in that brief moment. As she led him through the herd towards another Vhaanir who seemed even more keen on interacting with the two, greeting Thrand with a nuzzle of its muffle all over his face, before coming across his white hair glistening in the sun which it found really interesting, nibbling at it which only made him giggle. When Ióunn then placed her hand upon its neck Thrand did the same, watching her close her eyes. He desperately did not want to himself, for all he wanted was to see her.

Eventually he did, and it was as if all the world ceased moving at that moment. Unbeknownst to himself he had tapped into the Force, suddenly feeling every living being within the forest surrounding them. All their hearts beat as one, and he came to the realisation that what he felt was Midvinter as a whole, sensing her very life force. His breathing became slow and deliberate, and he found his heartbeat had joined with those of Midvinter. It was a rush he had never experienced before in his life, his body surging with this newfound energy.

"Thrand..."

His brows furrowed as he heard a voice, quiet like a whisper on the wind. He quickly let go of the Vhaanir, opening his eyes and severing the connection he had established. His breathing became laboured from the fright he'd just experienced, looking around him in confusion expecting to find whoever had spoken his name. "Ióunn..." he said as he had to sit down and gather himself, reaching for her hand for much-needed comfort. "You didn't, uh... hear a voice just now, did you? That was all my imagination, right?"

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

Her heart beating faster with each passing moment she waited.. and waited. The anticipation of his kiss made her head light as there was no thoughts there to weight upon her, only him. She felt herself lean forward only a little, just in case that last piece of courage failed him and her lips would press to his. But they found nothing but air as she stumble forward and opened her eyes only to see him standing there with his eyes closed. She felt like such a fool for thinking he would want to and her shoulders slumped and now she felt grateful he could not see her folly.

She turned sideways to him, stroking the white Vhaanir to busy herself and pretend nothing was wrong or and hide what had happened and to hide the flush of embarrassment on her cheeks which burned so hot. Yet, she suddenly sensed the power of the Frostvatn surging through him, an energy filling him that should only come from there. It was powerful within him, only few have it or blessed to have it. And she turned back to look at him with amazement. He looked like he was glowing, a soft touch of the mist upon his skin making it glisten in the sunlight, but there was no mist here only the crisp light of day which filtered through the trees that surrounded them.

Iounn wanted to reach out to him when his brow furrowed, and whatever had happened to him in that moment seemed to have vanished as if he suddenly became frightened of something. "Thrand what is it?", she asked with concern and moved closer to him now to reach out with her hand but before she take hold of him he found solace in the ground. He looked up at her confused and unsure of himself, and he sort her for comfort which she did not deny him.

She sat in the long grass, holding his hand in her lap. "No I did not hear a whisper, but that does not mean it did not happen". She looked into his green eyes, "Maybe it was for you only .. what did they say?". Around them the Vhaanir gathered, the younglings playing and prancing around the clearing but the elders of them all stopped and watched the two legged creatures in the grass. It was a strange thing for them to do ..

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Catching his breath for a moment, he tried to make sense of what he had just heard. Or did he not hear it at all, but rather feel it? Sense it? There were many questions he had in such a short span of time, but he would keep them for his mother and father upon his return home. They were both well-versed in what they called the 'Force', whereas he had next to no experience save for his innate powers he'd inherited from father he'd learned to master on his own, little by little. "It was a man's voice, as clear to me then as yours is now," he told Ióunn, grateful for her holding his hand. "I only heard him call out to me, I got too scared to keep listening or try to respond. It wasn't a scary voice, I just got startled is all."

His gaze wandered from Vhaanir to Vhaanir, somewhat feeling like they were all staring into his soul. "I could feel... everything. The entire world around us; every living being, every leaf and blade of grass. They were all one, connected. It was all so beautiful, and frightening at the same time." He met her blue eyes and found it impossible to look anywhere else. "I sensed you too, Ióunn. I felt the beating of your heart as well as your every breath."

With his hand resting on her lap, his other reached for a lock of scarlet hair that had fallen before her eyes, gently pulling it back to rest behind her pointed elven ear. "Your people, the Aelvar... they call it the Frostvatn, do they not? The thing that grants you your powers?" He felt reluctant asking, not wanting to insult their culture by speaking of things he did not quite understand. "We don't have a word for it in the Valkyri tongue, but out there," he looked up to the skies for a brief moment. "Out there they call it the 'Force'. My father and mother both have it, as does uncle Thurion and auntie Coci. They all came from the stars, all of them born on other worlds. They must have seen so many things, been on so many adventures!"

Thrand was able to forget about his rather terrifying experience as his thoughts were focused elsewhere. "I keep asking my parents to tell me about them, the stars. But they don't like talking about their pasts, I don't think. Papa least of all... I think he did things he is not very proud of before coming to Midvinter. As if he's... ashamed of himself."

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She was completely enthralled with his every word. As she held his hand the other moved to cup his, her thumb gently caressing his skin, she was unaware she was doing so. "A man called to you? your name?", she asked repeating his words, and did not expect an answer. She turned and watching him look toward the Vhaanir, as if the answer was there in them. Maybe it was? considering how they are revered so to both Valkyri and Aelvar alike.

"Your grandpapa, is he not now a God?", she looked at Thrand with surprise at her own revelation, she even took her hand away from his to place her fingers to her own lips as if to stop and hide a secret, as if she said something wrong. "Maybe it was he", she added leaning in for only Thrand to hear her words.

It always fascinated her to hear of other worlds, that now that she had met his uncle and aunty and his father who all had travelled the stars. She did not know of his mother, but I am sure that will happen one day. They were nice people, gentle so it was hard for her to imagine that the King of the Valkyri could have ever done something bad, enough to be ashamed of. But this is the ideals of youth, and lack of life's experiences. "I am sure he will tell you everything one day, maybe the time is not right yet", she did not really know what to say to help ease her friend's mind.

But when he mentioned the Frostvatn, her eyes lifted to his and for a moment they were transfixed on each other, her heart raced again especially since he had spoke of it, feeling it's beating within her chest. She wondered what else he might have found there ...

He had not offended her by speaking of the Frostvatn, he would never intentionally do so as his heart is pure and gentle. "Well yes .. and no", she smiled coyly. "The Frostvatn is the source of our power, it is a lake in which the energy of it comes. It is in the center of Averlorn, frozen but from it there is a swirling light which moves through the colour spectrum, never set at one nor the other but constantly in motion between them all". She looked deep into his eyes hoping to see that he understood her words.

"All Aelvar have this ability .. I guess it is because we live so near it. The lake is called the Frostvatn as well as the power that comes from it. I sense the same in you, like that in me .. so I guess it is your Force". She straightened her back, her shoulders pinned and her regal head lifted to take in the skies. "One day I will go out there .. ", her eyes lowered to his beautiful green mirrors to his heart and soul, " .. with you".

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

As Ióunn spoke of the Frostvatn and its intricacies, Thrand could not tear his eyes away from her face. Truth be told he wasn't listening all that intently, but rather focused on watching her lips move as she formed each word, how the individual muscles of her face moved with each syllable. Everything about her was without flaw, on a scale the likes of which he'd never witnessed before or could ever even imagine. Such was the magnificence of Elves, he marveled to himself.

When she looked to the skies, Thrand's gaze followed hers towards the unlit stars. "I would love nothing more, Ióunn," he told her. "To be able to see it all for ourselves; no-one else, just the two of us. But..." his gaze then dropped somewhat. "I am not sure we will ever get the chance. We are both the future of our peoples, they will need us when the time comes. And I cannot forsake them in favour of fulfilling personal dreams." He glanced at her with solemn eyes. "When my father eventually takes to Beornskald to join my grandfather, my people will look to me for guidance."

Again he took her by the hand, feeling its softness within his. "Until that time, however," he continued, tone shifted to a brighter one, "I should like to wander the stars with you, Lady Ióunn. One day." He was about to lean in towards her, closing the distance between them until their bodies connected... only to be cut off by the loud and obnoxious bleating of one of the Vhaanir, completely ruining the moment. It took Thrand by such surprise that he practically jumped, startled by the otherwise quiet animals. "Aw, you...! You big butt," he scolded the one responsible, only to be given a don't-care stare in return.

Further taking his mind off his previous intent, a low groaning could be heard coming from his own tummy, prompting a look of disapproval from the young prince. "I guess we should return to the festivities, huh? At least there's lots of food there," he stated with some optimism. Besides their respective kins would likely be missing their presence by now.

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She listened to his every word .. horrified. And it would show in her face and in her eyes, she simply could not imagine never leaving Midvinter simply because they are set to rule one day. Sure he was not simply bred for that purpose and that purpose only? Not to have a life of his own without making any decision that did not have 'duty' attached to it. Was that what she was to him? a friend, an alliance, out of duty to his people? All these thoughts raced through her mind and if this was the case, she would look upon him and his family with very different eyes.

"So you are telling me that all you had been born in this world to do is rule?", she finally spoke. "How can you rule, if you do not live? You speak of duty to your people, to lead them when the time comes, how can you do that with only a half life? and remain ignorant to what is out there", She pointed to the skies. Iounn had recalled the stories told to her by Thrand himself, of the wars and bad people in the galaxy beyond them that do nothing but seek destruction of others. They had come to Midvinter too, who was to say they would not again?

"I think that if you are to be a king, a great King, you need to leave and learn and live". She looked to the ground at their feet, shaking her head still disagreeing with his point of view she she saw him move toward her, closer. Her head lifted to meet his eyes of deep green once more, there was something in them that told her an entirely different story, there was intent in his eyes and in his body and she froze, unable to move, not wanting to.

Thrand was only inches away from her when she too started at the sudden bleating from the young Vhaanir, suddenly the world around them sounded again, the wind in the tops of the trees came back, the birds and other noises that had vanished in that moment, even her thoughts just passed vanished and once reality set in, she blushed and turned away. And she was pleased when he indicated they should return, if only to rid her of the heat in her cheeks .. the reality was that that was the last thing she wished for.

"Yes, they will start to worry", she said moving away toward Velki. While her face was turned from Thrand she smiled with delight of what just happened, or rather what had almost happened. "I will kidnap you one day, and take you away from here. And you will have no choice but to come with me". She teased him as she took up Velki's leather strapping to lead him back to the road.

Be damned duty, I shall live my life first.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

As the herd of Vhaanir turned their attention away from the two and resumed their grazing of grass, Thrand watched as Ióunn went to gather Velki. Her small tease left him with a bright smile on his lips even as his own cheeks burned red from his awkward advance. Part of him was overjoyed that he'd even had the courage to follow the bidding of his heart, yet another was worried such acts were frowned upon by her people. The last thing he wanted was to upset anyone or, in worst-case scenario, risk causing a political scandal. Perhaps he was simply overthinking the severity of his intended actions; he had little notion of just how these things work, after all.

With no steed of his own to take him back to the city, having walked to this special place of his using nothing but his own two feet, he simply picked up the mighty Dawn in its sheathe and strapped it to his back before joining the princess by her woolly-white pony. Giving Velki a pet of his thick neck, Thrand then turned to face Ióunn once more, this time able to keep his newfound urges in check. As she finished her preparations to leave, he on his own initiative very gently grabbed hold of her waist and lifted her up unto her horse - her elven lightness and his Valkyri strength making it an easy effort.

Taking hold of the reins, Thrand would then walk beside them and lead them on, preferring to walk rather than burden poor little Velki with two riders. "Well, we would have to ask for lessons in flying one of those ships if we want any chance of getting offworld," he continued their conversation regarding leaving Midvinter at some point. "So it's not like we'd be able to hide our intentions very well. Unless..." He raised a hand to his chin as he pondered. "I am sure uncle Thurion would not mind... or if not him then maybe cousin Théodred? I know auntie Coci does not care much for flying so no use asking her."

Looking up at Ióunn sat atop Velki, Thrand offered her a smirk. "Maybe it will be me who will be stealing you away from this world?"

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She felt a strange sensation run through her body as his hands placed on her waist, he lifted her up so effortlessly as if she was naught but a feather and as she settled into the saddle, she could not forget the closeness of him as her body brushed against his as he lifted her. She turned away as heat sat upon her cheek and she did not want him to see it. Yes it was time they returned to their families. Her soul was trembling with emotions she had never experienced before this, he had done that and he had made her uncertain of herself in the sense she did not know what it was.

Thrand took Velki’s straps and began to lead them back toward the main road that would lead to Tháinbroek and it’s tall tall gates of wood and metal. He teased her, further heightening her mood and she did what any girl would do .. she stuck her nose in the air making sure to keep him in sight although not looking directly at him, and portrayed a mock disapproval at his comment of stealing her away.

Ióunn did not say a word for some time, allowing him to stew in his juices but all this time she had spent fighting a smile from crossing her lips. Her mind filled with the possibilities of them leaving, if not for a while, it was a delightful thought to get away and go on an awfully big adventure. But were they dreaming? Was he right that they could never go anywhere?

She was pondering all this, “No”, she finally spoke but a whisper of a word, “Lets not ask anyone for help .. lets just steal away on a ship bound for beyond”. She voiced her thoughts coming straight from her mind and her heart. He wouldn’t get the chance to respond just now as weary travellers turned the corner of the road in horse and cart laden with their goods prepared to be traded at the markets in the city. They bid them good day as they passed so eager to reach the gates before night fall. The gates of Thrand’s fair city lay in the distance reaching tall to the skies.

Ióunn jumped down off Velki’s back right behind Thrand and reached to him with both hands turning him in his place to look deeply into his emerald eyes, “Do you mean it? Do you really mean it, that you would come with me?”. She did not wish to leave her Midvinter forever, but she wanted to live to experience life beyond the stars.

[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

It was a subject Thrand found rather complicated, stealing away on a starbound ship in the cover of darkness without letting anyone know. The last thing he wanted was to worry anyone by suddenly leaving his homeworld and his people, least of all his family. Everyone and everything he knew was here on Midvinter, as was his future; all signs pointed to him being elected High King one day, and if there was one thing the young prince had inherited from his father besides the power of fire and flame coursing through his veins, it was his sense of duty.

However, when she took hold of him and looked up into his eyes, he could tell she was very much intent on following through with her plans to see the stars. How could he possible tell her 'no'? His lips formed a smile as he caressed her fair cheek with the back of his hand, and nodded. "I would follow you to the end of the known universe and back again, Lady Ióunn. I could never forgive myself letting you go alone. I want to see it all; every new world, every culture and people we come across. Do whatever our hearts desire. And I want to do it with you by my side."

It was a vow he was giving her, and so took her by the hand and pressed her palm to his own heart. "I swear it, when the time comes we will go together, and nothing shall stop us." He then proceeded to hook his pinky around hers for the unbreakable pact known as the Pinky-Swear.

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

Her eyes glistened with tears that would not fall, as each word he spoke entered her heart. Her romantic notion of stealing away from the world was simply that and deep down she knew she could not do that either, not to cause pain and anxiety to the ones that love them both, it had been the idea of youth that gave birth to it, Thrand had more sense of duty to his kin, she did too but just the idea of them being themselves and not burden with duty was exciting to contemplate. When the time comes ... there was a small doubt in her mind that that day would never come, stopped by life and the direction it might take them and it scared her. Would the time come ...

He took her hand and placed it over his heart, the other softly touching her cheek, the flush of fire building in her blood and settling in the form of a rosy hue upon the wake of his hand. This time she did not wish to hide it from him, the moment too precious to them both but instead, Iounn moved forward and rested her cheek against his chest removing her hand to replace it with her face, she could hear his beating heart deep and strong, the only thing to match it was her own.

It was enough, the promise he made to her, was enough. Even if they don't ever leave. As their pinkie fingers remained entwined she lowered their hands until resting against their side and would remain here for eternity if it was permitted by all Gods.

"I know no other place that destiny decrees were I belong, but by your side".

​

[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

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The end​