On This Joyous Day... [Silver Jedi/Lev Sanctum and friends]

[Corvus Raaf]

It was beautiful. That was the only word to describe the event in Corvus' eyes. She'd allowed her emotions some access for the wedding service and quickly had to increase the filter as she was initially overwhelmed by the odd blend of happiness and joyous sadness. But a tear still managed to find its way down her cheek before she could close her feelings down.

She could see - as she'd done in the past - the level of love the couple shared and wondered what it would be like. But instead of dwelling on her own thoughts, she gave herself to the occasion and cheered along with everyone else when the couple confirmed their marriage.

But if Corvus thought that was challenging, the next step was more so. Food and drink she could cope with but talking and dancing? She sighed audibly and decided to keep close to Kana - and if possible, slightly behind her.

[member="Kana Truden"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Kei Amadis]

Exchanging words with a few locals he hushed down when [member="Coci Heavenshield"] spoke, her grand words brought another broad grin. Kei often felt like a speech at an occasion, today being on the receiving end in the audience, right then and there he remembered what it was like to be a part of something, a larger family, and a crew again.

Enjoying the food with the locals, mug in his hand, and tapping a native on the back as they shared a booming laugh, a story about why he was carrying a cap of all things. Both men seemed to have some common ground, despite being worlds apart in how they dressed and lived, they were both warriors in their arm and heart.

It had been a long war for him, trapped in the netherworld fighting ghosts, and today was the first day he could say he had forgotten about it entirely, it had gone right out of his mind. So much so it brought one large Epicanthx striding over confidently, officer's cap under one arm, to one slightly nervous [member="Corvus Raaf"], where he extended a large hand politely.

“Miss. Would you do me the honor?”

Someone had to be the first to join the couple.

 

[Leilani Paaie]

[member="Hawk Solo"]

"It is more comfortable" It was she did need to lie on this, Most customs do not allow shoes fearing that the old life would be brought in tainting the new, so I left mine at the hotel She looked around and thought for a brief moment or two

Yes let us dance, if you step on my toes I will have to hurt you she smiled again.

 

[Hawk Solo]

[member="Leilani Paaie"]

"I never heard of that custom. That is a really cool." He takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor. "Don't worry. I won't step on your toes." He place his hand on the small of her back and leads her around the dance in a lively manner in beat to the music.

"This is such a nice place for a wedding. Beautiful .. A lot of space."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

When the tall man came striding over, Corvus naturally assumed he was making his way over to Kana. So when he spoke to her directly she was stunned. She was also slightly unsure what he meant. Do him the honour of…? Actually do him the honour of what? Being at a Jedi Academy since the age of four this was precisely only her third social occasion in all those years. One was a barbecue when her enjoyment was short-lived by an assassination attempt (clearly unsuccessful). The second was the so recent funeral and now this one.

Fortunately what she lacked in social knowledge, she made up for in deductive reasoning. He couldn’t want her to honour him by having a drink surely, or food. Or even a conversation. Which left but one option.

“You mean a…dance?” She laughed kindly and shook her head. “Sadly my ankle is still in recovery. A rather persistent Sith Lord first shattered my ankle with a speeder and no sooner had it mended than he smashed it with his saber. I can walk but dancing is firmly against doctor’s orders.”

She immediately turned to Kana, “But Master Truden here absolutely loves to dance. She’s always telling me how much she does and berates me for not putting enough dancing events in the Jedi social calendar. And she’s as honourable as they come.”

She smiled at the tall stranger and then back to Kana and gently touched her friend's mind. ‘Time you got back in the saddle eh?’

[member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Kana Truden"]

 

[Kana Truden]

"I, wha- I mean, yes sure I can dance." Surprised was the least one could say about the expression across Kana's face. "I mean, if you don't mind, Mister... You. Sorry, I don't know your name."

Whether [member="Kei Amadis"] was ready or not did not matter. Kana had done this before, the covering for a friend who had acquired an 'injury' used to be second nature. Granted, the covering rarely included dancing as much as talking, but she knew how to work it. The talking that was, she certainly shared to two left feet that her friend had.

Kana too touched the mind of her friend. 'You owe me for this, [member="Corvus Raaf"]. You owe me good.'

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor pulled the two buttons across his neck plate, where the armor was fixed tight, and felt good when it came away. The cool air hit his neck and he rolled his head slightly, letting the duty slide off and to become one of many simply joining in with the celebration.

Walking along the happy, smiling people talking and starting to dance, Connor felt good to simply be around joy and at a place where there were no expectations. Looking out to the happy couple dancing in a world of their own, his eye moved over the crowd before him and he saw [member="Kei Amadis"] doing his best to charm the divine [member="Corvus Raaf"] and another, it must be her friend [member="Kana Truden"].

His eyes danced to them, and then away, then back to them, before he made himself turn to signal a servant pouring drinks. He leant forward gently, speaking louder above the music.

"Excuse me, do you have any Blue Milk?"

The Valkyri simply looked and shrugged. That was all he needed. With a defeated nod, Connor smile anyway.

"Of course."

A sigh escaped his lips and he looked for something else, turning again to look to the trio. What was wrong with him? Shaking his head, he ignored everything and frowned at the choices, moving away from the dancefloor a little more down the hall.

There were a number of people around he knew, but others he didn’t, however this was a time where affiliation seemed to count for nothing, and being together in the shared unification of the Heavenshield’s counted for everything.

[member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Xander Carrick"] | [member="Leilani Paaie"] | [member="Hawk Solo"] | [member="Callista Gseran"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The dance could have lasted eternity.

And Coci allowed herself to be lost in his eyes as they swayed together. She could feel the warmth of Thurion's body on hers, his scent filling her senses and her mind drifting away to another place and now she only wished to be alone with him. But that would have to wait, they have guests here gathered to be with them of this day and it would be remiss of them both not to socialise before leaving to spend their first night together as husband and wife.

"Thurion?", she whispered to his ear, the most softest of sounds to come from her heart as she spoke his name. "It is time we joined our friends and celebrate our wedding. I am a little peckish", she added with a smile which spoke to him of a more palpable wanting.

Her head turned to take in the gathering, everyone seemed to be enjoying the fare and atmosphere of the Grand Hall which pleased her greatly. The Valkyri second to none when celebrating and this is most evident this day. "After we eat with our friends, shall we depart?", she asked most gently. before moving closer to his ear for only he to hear. "I want you", she said through lips that kissed his ear.

 

[Kei Amadis]

[member="Corvus Raaf"] “I understand completely and hope you heal soon, let me know if you need anything carried to your ship later.” Kei smiled politely, turning to [member="Kana Truden"] “Kei Amadis,” The Epicanthx grinned, offering a friendly nod of his head. “Mind? Master Truden” Kei’s grin broadened taking the uncertainty in his stride, “would you light up the room on my arm.” Not lacking in confidence, the voice carried into a warm grin, reassuring her.

Extending that palm once more to [member="Kana Truden"], if she took it, she’d find his grip firm but gentle, and a strong arm to escort her to the dance floor waiting if she wished it. Dropping his officer’s cap on the head of a young boy, Kei patted his capped head, and the local lad ran scampering off thinking the world of his new gift.

Assuming she followed, they passed [member="Hawk Solo"] and [member="Leilani Paaie"] deep in their own magic, and he gave the happy couple a nod. Finding space for his partner nearby, military dress uniform pressed and sharp for today, that smart front turned to face [member="Kana Truden"]. Kei's ex finance had been a dancer, and though not as good as her, he was sure of his ability to lead, or even follow if the lady had confidence or mind to do so. “You’re a good friend to her.” Kei said quietly to her when they were far from [member="Corvus Raaf"]’s ears, “if you feel uncomfortable, you only need say so.” His arms were ready to take hers, but only if she wanted to, there was no pressure, and his voice and tone said so, even to anyone who couldn’t sense the force. He realised she was covering for a friend, but that didn't mean they couldn't put on a heck of a show.

 

[Kana Truden]

“Light up your arm, huh?” Kana smiled wryly. “We're not talking fire here, right?”

She grabbed the strangers hand and readied herself to display her prowess at collapsing in sync to the rhythm. The firm grip of the man was enough to see where this was going. Ballroom-ish dancing(ish). Her heart raced up in terror, she was going to mess this up and look like an idiot in front of every important jedi from the Silver Order, she was sure of it.

To her surprise she found it easy to follow the man around. Her feet caused her to nearly stumble as she lost track of the rhythm. She kept a quiet countdown of the beat as the words ‘One-two-three, one-two-three.’ kept going on a weird loop audible to only her dance partner.

One-two-three…

“Thanks, I do my best.” Kana nodded as her attention fell to her feet. “We’re doing good, I think. I don’t know, the rhythm goes by a third, right?”

One-two-three…

[member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He was suddenly reminded just how hungry he was at the mere mention of food. The... other sort of hunger was not lost on him, either. Taking her by the hand he led her off the dance floor over to two free seats, but not before noticing the slightly awkward shape of one [member="Connor Harrison"]. "Wait here," he told Coci before heading off in his direction. Tapping Connor on the shoulder to get his attention, he waited for him to turn around. "You know, you had that same look on your face when we first met. You lost again, brother?" he asked him with a smirk.

"Come on, won't you join us for a bite or two?" he gestured towards Coci sat at the table. "Midvinter may be the coldest place in the galaxy, but her food and hospitality are among the best, I've learned." Without really giving Connor a choice he put an arm around his friend's shoulders and guided him towards the table, at which there were sat a number of valkyri being loud and boisterous as always. "Look who I found," he told Coci as they found their seats on either side of her. Nina found her seat in the form of her father's lap, and while the festivities were a bit too loud to her liking, she enjoyed herself greatly just by being in the company of her family.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

There was too much to choose from, and Connor hated choices because he found it so hard to pick. Wasn’t THAT the truth. Eyes danced over various foods, some he recognised, others he didn’t, but the pat on the shoulder was a nice distraction, but didn’t expect to see the groom himself.

Thurion knew what he was doing; not letting Connor get a defensive word in or bad excuse to leave the two newlyweds together, and before he could do anything he was walking towards the head table where the bride was twinkling with a new-found radiance, and the other Valkyri were just as radiant in their own loud, over-enthusiastic way. With a timid grin and a nod to other welcoming him over, one even with a nice firm back-slap that rocked his rib cage, Connor took the offered chair next to the bride.

He shifted and loosened his shoulders, looked at the food platters before them, drifting his eyes away to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] a seat over from Coci with the young girl, his daughter, on his lap. He gave them both a smile and nod.

"Thank you."

He looked to [member="Coci Heavenshield"] never more seeing her at total ease with herself, her surroundings and her positive Force aura.

"Well that went well I think, Mrs Heavenshield.."

Glancing back up across the crowd and the dance-floor before them full of couples, friends, allies - he still felt…out of place, empty. The occasion really had brought things home to him. He caught the eye of [member="Xander Carrick"], exaggerating a royal wave of his hand at the realisation he was on the head table.


[member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Leilani Paaie"] | [member="Hawk Solo"] | [member="Callista Gseran"] | [member="Corvus Raaf"] | [member="Kana Truden"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus bowed politely and smiled as the man with the cap accepted her apology and remained chivalrous, offering to carry anything to her ship later.

As Kana headed off to the dance-floor, Corvus wandered over to the buffet table. She grabbed a glass of water as the mead looked very interesting but she knew deep down it was not for her. And she loaded up her plate with what salad and vegetables she could find. Most appeared to be the garnish for the various plates of protein that were on offer, as well as the ubiquitous carbohydrates.

But she found sufficient to satisfy her hunger and put the small cooked leg of some creature on her plate for good measure. As she turned and faced the dance-floor again she suddenly felt very alone – not a feeling she’d ever really felt before. She was happy with her own company, but unused to social gatherings. She had no desire to engage in small-talk with anyone but on the other hand it was a world of difference between being alone and being on your own in a sea of people.

She saw how others simply mingled. No depth to their conversation, just polite chat, showing an interest and then moving on. She could lift four of the Muntuur stones but she couldn’t engage in social chit-chat. And the longer she stood here, the greater the risk she’d be obliged to actually speak to someone.

So she slowly but inexorably sidled away from the buffet table and towards the exit. If Kana remained on the dance floor, she wouldn’t be missed. If she finished after a single dance, she’d track her down easily enough. Plus, she did need to sit down, her foot had almost been severed at the ankle by Vornskr’s saber only a short while ago – and despite the good work of the medics, she really couldn’t stand indefinitely.

But as she moved she reflected. Sometimes, being a cold-fish was valuable and a useful trait for a Jedi. Other times is sucked – pure and simple.

[member="Kana Truden"] | [member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She had settled in a seat at the table as Thurion grabbed Connor to join them. Mrs Heavenshield, the first time she had been called that and she smiled unabashedly. "All the nerves gone now Connor, a good part thanks to you, please eat, I am famished", she said turning her attention to the food in front of them and began to pile her plate with all manner of meats and roasted vegetables. She wanted to reach for the mead, she like the taste of it very much but water will have to do for the bride this day.

Coci watched Nina reaching for food and Coci helped her find her delights before she tucked in. However, Coci remembered the last time she had dined here, how could she not? most of the faces of the Valkyri familiar to her now because they had survived the war and had dined in honour of their fallen. It was good to see them all smiling and jovial.

She turned her body sideways so to speak to Thurion and Connor, her arm find Thurion's waist as she ate and enjoyed the company. "You should make a home here on Midvinter Connor, the environment becomes you", she added noting his rosy cheeks from the cold, regardless of the warmth of the room. "I can see you walking around in Álk and brandishing a sword", she smiled with her jest.

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Garza]

Looking around as I stood off by the punch bowl, I watched as many were dancing in celibration for the new Prince and his bride. The tables were long since pushed over to the sides to allow for those who wanted to dance, to dance. I liked coming to such places to have fun. But I was not one for dancing. Sometimes I let my duty get into the way of my normal life. Thinking that a Jedi Guardian can't be seen dancing with a random woman. But the surprising part, was that I actually knew how to dance. I knew how to keep a beat, and I could slow dance to normal human traditions.

I just always felt embarrassed by it. Standing off to the side. Watching as others had their fun, I started to walk across the room. Staying along the edge. As I was walking towards the door for some fresh air, I saw Connor waving over to me with a rather royal wave. Even from here I could see and feel the happiness that radiated from the head table. Stopping myself, I threw him a salute and a smile. Shaking my head as I walked out.

Not leaving. Mostly to get some fresh air. To go to a place where I could think without distractions. I held the glass in my hand. Slowly swishing it around by alternating my pointer, middle and thumb. Standing out on a balcony that was long and open. I looked up into the night air. The nice cool breaze felt comforting on my face. Yet, I was a lie. Lying to everyone. I let my head drop and look down into the city below. People moving about their buisness without the knowledge of the war. Without the fear of it ever reaching them. But I feared that it may come soon enough.

I took a sip of my drink to find that it was empty. I shrugged my shoulders while placing it down on the ledge. Looking up to the sky wishing that I could see her face one more time. Her pink skin was so bright that it brightened my own day just by seeing her. It felt good knowing that she and I created something that would take a life time to learn and to grow. But since my return, I have not seen her. Nor them. I couldn't feel the connection, the Force Bond, I had with her. Almost as though it was cut off.

The stars above painted the night sky with light. Enough to see, yet dark to add an aura of mystery. However, it was no mystery to me. There was love within the air. The love of marriage, children. As well as the love lost by those who are no longer there. I smiled slightly at that thought. Love being within the air. Fueling those who had the force, and would continue to for the two who resided within for the rest of their lives. Be it cut short, or should they continue on into old age.

I wished them the best. Wanting to let them have this night. They deserved it. A night that they will remember for time to come. If there was only one wish that I could make in this moment. Even in my own pain, would be for the stars and the moons to stop. For the planet to never twist around it's axis again. And for the rest of the Galaxy to stop and stare for a while at these two. Watching as their forever long night, will be the greatest in their lives. Time and time again they will think back to this night. The night they became one. However, I only wonder, will they remember the time they spent together when they were not married?

I smiled at the thought. And continued to revel in the night and the force that blossomed with so many emotions. I doubt that anybody would forget this for a long, long time.

[member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Kana Truden"], [member="Kei Amadis"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Corvus Raaf"], [member="Hawk Solo"], [member="Leilani Paaie"],

 

[Connor Harrison]

Rubbing his hands softly at the brides invitation, Connor leant over to take some slices of warm meat and a good helping of vegetables – the crunchiest he could find. He also took two generous slices of bread from the adjoining platter. He hadn’t eaten this well in a long time, and dry food always was his favourite. The fruit looked particular tempting for after.

Connor began to eat one of the slices of bread first, enjoying the dry warmth and natural taste. He glanced around the room before him, eyes darting between the faces, until [member="Coci Heavenshield"] again spoke and he actually didn’t slate the idea, shoulders dancing back and forward as he weighed up the idea.

"You know…I wouldn’t put it past me. Somehow I seem to find myself on the coldest planets and they always play a big part in my life, so one day when I can’t find my way anymore…maybe I will come here to explore a culture that has no judgement and no expectation."

Feeling he had said way too much of his internal thoughts, he smiled and pointed quickly to the young girl on Thurion’s lap.

"Pardon my ignorance – this young girl, is she your daughter Thurion? Oh! And have you any ideas for names for your little one on the way? Connor is a good man’s man name. He’d grow strong with a name like that."

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Leilani Paaie"] | [member="Hawk Solo"] | [member="Callista Gseran"] | [member="Corvus Raaf"] | [member="Kana Truden"] | [member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It was immediately brought to Thurion's attention that Connor - his best friend - had not yet met Nina. This needed to be remedied. As Connor asked of Nina's origins, he looked the girl in the eyes; her ice-blue eyes of her much older sister. "Nina has been at my side for many years," he began, stroking her white hair. "Back when I was knighted, I embarked on my pilgrimage across the stars, as you well know. I wanted to find a childhood friend of mine, Kära Vi'dreya, who was umbaran. As such, I went to Umbara in hopes of finding something that would help me track her down."

"What I found instead was this little girl wandering the streets alone. She had no place to call home and knew no-one, so I took her in as my own. Didn't take long for me to decide I wanted to adopt her. She has no knowledge of a sister, so I'm guessing half-sister considering the vast difference in age." Nina took to rubbing her soft palms against his beard as she often would. "But when I look at her, I see my daughter. It doesn't matter that she is of a different species or that her hair is of a different colour. She's my daughter." Admittedly lost in his own thoughts, he placed his lips upon her forehead before returning to Coci and Connor.

"Théodred," he spoke without even hesitating. "His name is 'Théodred'. 'Théo' for short." He looked first at Coci's large belly and then up at Connor. "Sorry, man."

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor ate, elbows on the table with the bread in his hands beside his head. He listened was interested to hear a little about the resulting journey [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] had taken years ago when he brought wandering souls together; some more than others.

"Ah I see, that’s really sweet. It’s wonderful to meet you, Nima. And of course – I more than anyone know that blood doesn’t always mean you are bound to others as family. She’s a lucky girl to have you both as parents – and little Theo! That’s a good name, so I guess I forgive you."

Wiping his fingers down, he looked down at his plate, not know where to start, but he had one more question.

"Have you plans for a honeymoon immediately?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Callista Gseran]

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

Even among the dancing and celebrating, Callista felt... alone. She knew she wasn't physically. But, she hardly knew any of these people. And even less of them probably understood who she was. She smiled slightly as she watched the dancing, holding a glass of punch in her hands.

Still, she felt as if she was observing from afar. Signing slightly, she pushed to her feet and made her way towards one the large window through which she could see the breathtaking landscape. This was a planet she hardly knew, and people she knew just about as well.

Her gaze went to the landscape outside before she turned and looked over the crowded room. The feeling of contentment and happiness permeated the room. Add she looked around, her gaze fell on Connor. He looked happy, yet there was something in his expression that made her think he was feeling as out of place as she was.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Glad to receive your permission," he joked before taking a bite from his plate of food. "You know, I believe that's for Mrs Heavenshield to decide. Force knows I won't try to change her mind once it's made up," he said in regards to their honeymoon. Coci's strong will was one of the many things he loved about her. A common trait in Corellians, he'd learned, just as it was among the Valkyri. It wasn't to the point where she was being pig-headed, but rather her moral compass and instincts were unshakable.

Gazing across the large room, he noticed one of the guests keeping to herself. She looked slightly uncomfortable, which made her stick out like a sore thumb amongst the jovial celebration just like Connor had. Once he noticed her looking straight at Connor, however, he smiled and rose from his seat, leaving Nina in his stead at Coci's side. Moving up beside Connor, he pointed in the direction of the young woman. "I think you might have an admirer, Con-Con. You should go ask her for a dance." He glanced over at his wife and gave her a sly wink.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Callista Gseran"]​