Scales of Reckoning [Ryn'Dhal]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Midvinter Orbit​

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Early Morning​

The Onset of Winter​

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[member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

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Not since Heimland had Theo touch the soil of Midvinter. And it was good to be home. As the icy planet entered the viewport, he could not take his eyes of it nor could he prevent the smile that graced his lips now. He could breath again, take in the life of his home planet and allow it to fill his senses, strengthen his limbs and set the blood to hot as his Valkyri blood called to his ancestral home. He watched the icy swirls of mist rose up into the atmosphere, blanketing the planet as it had always done for countless years, it was like the hands of the Gods bidding him to come home and praise the very land on which time had forgot. And he was pleased it had.

Without a word to his traveling companion, he pushed the ship forward and began descent into the valley in which they would find his home nestled in the vale to the west of Thainbroek. Himmeldal. It was his now, and here they would spend the night before preparing for the hunt.

Finally, "Welcome to Midvinter, Master Ryn", he said in low baritone voice. So different was Theo since the two had met many years ago when Ryn was but a Padawan like himself. Much had happened to the both of them since that time, Ryn now a master Jedi, Theo had heard the news of his promotion among the ranks. Theo himself had been knighted but would wait patiently for his call. He was not ready yet, he knew that besides he did not really want the responsibly that goes with the higher rank.

The ship skimmed over the tops of the tall pines that showed the way to the vale, behind the vortex from the engines soft virgin snow lifted into the air once more before settling to the ground coating the tree tops anew. There would be no eyes to see them today, Theo made sure of it as the Valkyri are wary of such things descending from the skies. No eyes save for the great creatures of the forest and as Theo thought of them he wonder if he would ever see Belawir again.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

A hand clapped the taller near-human upon his shoulder, a rich, almost musical laugh accompanying the action. "Now then, young Lord Heavenshield, must we continue to entertain formalities for the duration of our adventure? My rank matters little out here, in our personal quests, so Ryn will suffice, agreed Théo?" the young Jedi flashed a warm feline grin, ears flicking slightly to emphasize his mirth.

His gaze drifted to a viewport, his smile softening to one of appreciation. "Such a cold, unwelcoming world, horrifying and amazing, terrible and beautiful, all in the same breath. Makes sense you and your kin are all such rugged individuals." he commented, a time of admiration held in his voice.

He'd donned different garb for this trip. Though he was furred, he was not biologically equipped for such a cold, inhospitable environment. His attire was not dissimilar from Théo's, at the recommendation of the young Knight.

"I appreciate your consideration in inviting me on this hunt. It is... nice.... to feel included, within our order. I am still growing more accustomed to living without my mask to hide behind. This... this helps. This helps greatly." Ryn'Dhal stated, as the craft made its final decent to land.

[member=Théodred Heavenshield]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

As the ship rose high to skirt the tops of the ranges, soon they would see the valley in which rests Himmeldal. Théo could see the roof top in the far distance and already a thick layer of snow coated it and the surrounding grounds. A watchful eye guided the ship down to sit on the soil of Midvinter a little way from the house and he soon had the door and ramp lowered for them to depart. "Of course Ryn, there is little need for titles here, this place has never recognised them .. all men are equal here", Théo refers to the Midvinter herself, the people however entirely depend on rank and structure more so then Jedi ever will. It is their way.

The crunch of the snow sounded loudly through the valley as the two walked toward the house, "I can't imagine what it would be like to wear a mask", he said finally. It is one of those things one should be truly thankful for .. the lack of need for one. He understood that Ryn must have had reason for it, although Théo was not privy to it and it would be a story best told in front of the hearth with a full belly of food Théo warranted.

Landing on the top step, Théo kicked off the trodden snow caked to his boots before pushing the front door open and inviting Ryn inside. The house was colder inside then it was out, and a fire in the hearth would be glowing before anything else deemed to be done. The crisp early morning light streamed through the windows, setting white rays to the floor in which the tinest specs of dust danced making the room look mystical. Midvinter is mystical to those in the know, and he hope Ryn would come to know it too. There is something very special about this planet that even Théo and his father are yet to discover .. and maybe they would never see the end of it or know of it all.

"Help me get this fire ablaze, after which I will give you the grand tour of my home". The first match was struck and placed to the kindling.

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[member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The young felinoid smiled, even as the biting cold tore through his fur, sapping the heat from him, as they entered the structure. He'd made sure as much of the snow that has collected on his person remained outside, but one could only do so much.

Inside, Ryn admired the lay of the abode, and at Théo's request, set about assisting with fire-building. As the blaze slowly grew, Ryn'Dhal would hand pieces of fuel for the fire, one piece at a time, to the resident expert. Ryn'Dhal was a Lord of tropical environs, and as such, needed to relinquish the role of expert and leader to the Knight who was more intimately familiar with the frigid world.

After the fire began radiating heat to they immediate vicinity, Ryn's ears perked forward, as if reaching themselves for the soothing warmth. Looking after a moment back to Théodred, the young Master couldn't help but grin at their simple accomplishment.

"So, Théo, this quarry we seek.... I am curious, what more can you share about it? The challenge seems great, and I'd be a liar if I said I was not eagerly looking forward to it." By nature, the felinoid was a predator, a hunter, so this trip was calling upon his somewhat more basic instincts, and the thrill was faintly intoxicating. Ears and eyes oriented on the young Valkyri, Ryn was focusing with rapt attention, soaking in every word.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Sitting back on his haunches as the fire took, he rubbed his hands together before opening his palms to the flames to warm them. He sat looking deep into the fire, his mind drifting beyond the walls of the house and into the forest that surrounded the valley. There are many dangers to be found there, although not the threat of the Hrothwurm, they are further away .. over the range and into the valleys that lay direct east. A smile rode on his lips as Ryn spoke, he would love the boar here, as large as he is in transformation and do they ever put up a mean fight. Theo has a large torn scar given to him by one such boar on his torso to prove their worth.

"We need to get as much rest as we can tonight, for tomorrow he head over the mountains to the valley beyond and there to hunt the Hrothwurm. They are .. very large serpent like creatures that burrow beneath the ground and .. are predators. Their scales are thick, sword resistant and their weakness? That we need to discover", it was at this point he had wished he had spoken to his father on the matter, after all it is only his father that had met one and lived to tell the tale. Just ..

He stood up now more comfortable as the room began to warm more. "My father was almost killed by one, years ago now before I was born. A young man, strong and growing into his power in the force, and even he ..". Theo swung and arm for Ryn to follow him into the kitchen and once there, Theo began the task of setting the fire to the aga oven which would filter warmth to the above rooms of the house, the bed rooms.

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[member="Ryn'Dhal"]​

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn'Dhal listened, rapt with interest, ears arced forward and eyes wide. His tail seemed to almost thrash behind him, eager for the challenge that Théo was painting with his words.

"We hunt a creature.... one that almost slew your father in his youth...." had Théo held familiarity with reading feline body language, the tone in Ryn'Dhal's voice wouldn't have been needed to decipher the fur on end, and the almost wild gleam in those molten golden eyes. "I must say.... if your intent was to turn me off of this adventure, I must confess my friend...." he started, clapping a hand on Théodred's shoulder, before giving a hearty laugh, "You're doing a poor job!" he finished playfully.

He took a sharp breath through his nose, before giving a significantly more relaxed smile. "Let us dinner, and rest well, for tomorrow, our grand adventure awaits!"

Turning slightly, he stroked his chin for a moment, contemplatively. "Perhaps.... we might even grow to view reach other as kin after completion of this trial." he mused. Everyone knew, some of the closest bonds one could make were forged through conflict and adventure. Life and death experiences.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He could not help but throw back in head in laughter at Ryn's words. "I just wanted you to be aware of what we are in for", he said as he walked into the pantry to gather food for supper. The pantry well stocked with smoked meats, and vegetables, mother makes sure of that so she can cook his fathers delights, if it was not for mother they would all starve. Coming back to the kitchen, Théo placed a large leg of meat from a boar on the table, some smoked fish and cheeses. The bread however had turned, so they would have to do without. Since he knows his way around the place well enough, two tankards of mead sat before their plates in no time. Honey mead, the best on Midvinter.

"Help yourself, and eat well, we will need our strength", Théo threw his leg over the long seat that lined the table opposite to Ryn. "As Jedi we are brothers, and need no near death experience to close that bond, but .. there is nothing like the thrill of the hunt to strengthen the limbs and mind, and bonds between two people". Well there was of course, Théo was just being a romantic, as there is plenty of dangers to face in the galaxy that would sure up any friendship in experience.

"You can have my room for the night, Nina's is ... well she is particular about it and would kill me if I let you have it. I will take the master room at least that way if it is left in a mess .. the fault is mine". Mother was equally as particular about the bedroom, girls are strange that way.

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[member="Ryn'Dhal"]​