Seeking New Landscapes, Finding New Eyes [Yula]

[Coci Heavenshield]

The morning of departure ...

​

Tháinbroek - The Howlin' Wolf Inn​

The night passed heavy in sleep. But in the hours close to the dawn Vik had had dreams, strange dreams of forests and heavy snow, swirling light and cold, images that kept shifting. He felt so cold, like nothing he had experienced before but it did not worry him in fact it felt good, natural almost. He had a sense of the presence of another, but like most dreams to grasp the identity was illusive, just out of reach even though you try. But deep down you kind of know who it is, it is like you are aware of them but can't see them or touch them.

The presence had been his father, not surprising considering the events of the evening passed.

Soft yellowish light streamed through the window and filtered into his eyes. The fire in the room had long gone out, and chill bit the air he could feel it on his shoulders exposed as he lay on his chest with his arms tucked under the pillow. And as he slowly woke Vik let out a groan like he had been drinking all night and he felt heavy for it. His leg was entwined with another that was not his own, it was warm and soft.

He turned his head, which help get his black hair from his face and opened his eyes to find a Yula laying next to him, he did not move more not waking to wake her, not just yet. Vik hoped she had good dreams, void of any perturbed emotions or at the very least she was well rested. His eyes flicked from her face to the window, outside was coming of a clear day already he could see the blue through the line of trees and among the branches, avian popped along chirping and singing the glory of the morning.

How carefree they are, he envied them. But then life as he now knows it holds a sense of discovery, which deep within him he looked forward to. This journey of discovery would start today and soon they would begin this journey together.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

For her part, Yula had slept less gracefully. She’d sunk like a rock not long after hitting the bed, the compounded fatigue of the journey and the day’s new discoveries giving way to sleep. Not to mention that these accommodations were far more comfortable than what she was used to on her ship.

As Vik awoke, he’d find the Zeltron mix with her face half smushed into the pillows. Drool leaked from the corner of her mouth and her hair was a mess. At some point during the night she’d swaddled herself in blankets, likely to shield her body from the cold that had drifted into the room overnight. Her limbs had stretched out along the bed as far as they’d go, leading to one of her legs settling atop his own.

Gradually the pile of blankets containing Yula would stir and she pressed her whole face into the pillow before pulling back, feeling the moisture of the drool on her cheek. She mumbled something inaudible before she turned towards Vik, sleep still in her eyes.

“M...mornin.” She muttered hoarsely before clearing her throat. It took her a few more moments to remember where they were and what was laying ahead of them for this day. But when she did, a tired smile tugged at her lips. “You sleep well?”

Remembering what had happened yesterday caused her to sober a little. Things were alright between them in the end, though Yula could understand Vik’s concern. The strange bombshell seemed to bring them closer which was an outcome she hadn’t expected. Maybe she liked Vik more than she knew, but Yula didn’t know much about romantic relationships. But when you agree to travel with a man to his home world, there had to be something there.

“Ready for today?” Sitting up, she started to brighten more.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

As Yula stirred among the pile of blankets, Vik turned over on his back not once taking his eyes off her. Like he, she was in a sleepy mess but the difference was she looked amazing for it. Only eyes that like something sees such things and to Vik Yula looked beautiful and enticing, he knew deep down he had feelings for her whether they were shared in return he did not know, he had lost the power to know such things which he was most grateful for. "Good morning", he smiled back.

Like any man that finds themselves in a bed with a pretty girl, his mind race with possibilities and desires that could only come from someone that was attracted to another and she was that for him. But he would not act upon, at least not now he wanted to find a right moment, if there was ever such a thing. Every fiber of his body fought against it however so he pushed back the blankets and threw his legs over the side of the bed and sat stretching his back, not only to him of the stiffness of sleep. "I did sleep well, for the most part". He turned and looked at her over his shoulder. "You?".

At that moment, the sound of wagons pulling out and the shouts of men filtered through the room. The voice of Théo the loudest as he bid the Keep of the Inn good bye and no doubt started his journey to the Westmark. And in the distance the clinking sound of the city's forge chimed out its ring and Thainbroek was awake and had been for some time he did not doubt. Vik stood up and stretched to full height, "I think we might be late", he grinned with a sense of mirth.

He walked across the room to the bathroom, not entirely naked this time but with his boxers on but he would not be long so that Yula could use the shower first. As much as the refresher on her ship did the job, he did look forward to a real shower, warm running water to awake the body. "We should get a move on, the trader with our horses will be waiting". He prompted on return.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

“Mhm.” Yula raised a hand to her mouth to cover a rather large yawn. “Can we take this bed with us?” Though she was only teasing, part of her did wish that they could take the comfortable mattress with them on their journey.

Green eyes glanced out the window as the city began to wake up, noting a recently familiar voice among the din. She was glad to have met Théo, the young man was quite generous and pleasant to talk to. Yula was seriously considering taking him up on his offer for training among the Dawnguard, something she’d have time to ruminate on during the journey to Averlorn.

The shower helped to both wake and warm her, and it wasn’t long before the pair was dressed and headed into the city. Though unlike the urban words Yula had grown up on, there were some similarities. Life during the day seemed to move at a brisk pace, only here it was accented with clean, crisp air and a bit of a chill to the wind.

“Once we leave the capital, how long will it take to travel to Averlorn?” With the unexpected turn last night had taken there hadn’t been much of a chance for idle chit chat.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The pair slipped through the side door of the Inn, purposely there for access for the residence that had accommodation for the night as the Inn was not open yet. Vik led Yula through Thainbroek, it was the quarter of trade and many people bustled about, with different wares and goods all ready of the people to come and peruse. The market was busy today, the lastest shipment of fish had arrived from the Southmark and it seemed all of the city had come out to gather at the mongers. There was a salty seaweedy smell to the air as they passed. At the end of the market just before the Western Gate of the city, was the horse trader and their destination.

Vik could see their two horses ready and standing patiently for them to arrive. But on approach, Vik noticed a third horse and that one was carrying their supplies. "Ah! there you are lad", came the greeting from the trader. "What kept you a bed this morning?", he noted the sun on the sky had climbed passed the morning dawning. And then the trade clocked Yula walking beside him. "Ah", the grin appeared before a wink as if he was in the know. There is never any point in trying to justify ones lateness after another has already made up their mind as to what is your excuse.

"Your horses are ready and take this one with you, he will make your journey easier". He patted the horses neck with fondness before returning to his work.

"I hope you like them?", he asked Yula with a smile. "And they will take us to Averlorn in about four days", it probably would be by now as they were leaving late. Vik handed her the reins of the two lead horses while he inspected the supplies and all was as ordered, the most important, the bedding else they would freeze and that never makes for a good journey. He found the fur lined cloaks and placed one over her shoulders, it was Valkyri length and fell about the ground around her legs but it did not matter, she would be warm for the ride.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

The city was in full swing by the time they’d made their way out of the inn, something that Yula should have expected yet she still marveled at briefly. Urban words were busy at all hours, but beginning your work at dawn wasn’t the norm on places like Zeltros or Coruscant. The tangy smell of sea fare drifted through the market as people bustled about, haggling and selling in a lively manner.

When they made it to the horse trader, Yula’s eyes brightened as she saw the pair of mounts. The trader jokingly prodded Vik a bit for being late and the insinuation as to why causing her cheeks to redden. Still, the cool Midvinter air felt good on her heated face. She didn’t bother to try and correct the man, for all she knew her voice would come out cracked and stuttering.

Instead her attention turned back to the horses. “They’re lovely! So handsome.” Yula readily agreed as he handed her the reins. “I’ve ridden mounts before, but never ones quite like these.” They were large beasts, burly with strength. From how docile they were she guessed that they were easily domesticated. She reached out to stroke one along the length of his snout only to have him snort, blowing a puff of air in her face. For a moment Yula was taken aback, then she laughed. “Oh, I think he likes me.” Chuckling, she gave the beast another pat on the chin.

As Vik placed the cloak over her shoulders, she smiled at him in thanks and ran her hands over the furred lining of the garment. It was longer than it needed to be for someone of her size and it pooled around her feet, but Yula had a smaller build than that of the Valkyri. Already she could feel that it was quite warm, made to insulate one from the harsh cold. After attaching the clasps at the chest together, she took a few moments to mount her horse—which was a brief struggle given that the mount was higher than any she’d ridden before, but she managed. “Do we have everything we need?” She turned to Vik, one hand on the reigns and the other threading idly through the horse’s mane.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Gripping the saddle with both hands, Vik pulled himself up and mounted the horse gathering the reins to steady him as it appeared the horse where well ready to start their journey. He supposed they had been idol for weeks, at least not been able to stretch out and run but soon they would have fresh air and exercise enough. Vik was pleased to hear Yula had some riding experience, although naturally each mount is different but this should be easier for her. The hardest part is the long hours in the saddle, it can ware hard on the rump. "We have more than enough for our journey", he was pleased to inform her with a smile, as the trader had provided well for them.

Vik encouraged his horse forward, and turned it's head toward the Western Gate, it was a slow process as carts and wagons filed in and out of the gate and they had to wait their turn to pass through the wooden high gates. But once out of the city, Vik turned to Yula as the open plain before the city walls laid before them all covered in white, snow and ice with only the road to mar the scene, which would lead them into the forests that surrounded Thainbroek. It was so good to be home, and he beamed a smile to show it.

"Are you ready?", he asked, as he turned to her sitting high on her horse and looking so lovely in her cloak. "Ready for yet another road of discovery?". This would be all new to her, not just the mode of transport but the experience of Midvinter. The beauty, the dangers, the wonder of it, now placed in her 'hands' to take what she would. Vik had been here before of course, but today with the burden of his secret lifted from his mind and soul, he looked upon Midvinter with new eyes. And he loved every inch of it.

"You know what? the horses don't have names .. what do you think, shall we name them?". If they did, the trader did not tell, but now the horses are their's so it was up to them.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Yula found herself smiling back at Vik. Not just because of their impending journey with the promise of excitement and new things, but because Vik seemed so happy. It was hard to miss the sparkle in his eyes, the way his features expressed how comfortable and pleased he was to be here. It was simply endearing—after all, there was no place like home.

“Of course.” Responding with a bright grin, she carefully nudged her horse to take pace beside Vik’s. Given that this was the largest mount she’d ever ridden, Yula was a bit cautionary with her movements until she felt as though she had a good handle on the beasts’ temperament and limitations. Until now she’d lingered a few steps behind Vik as he lead the way, but the swirling white winds touching the expanse of ice and snow inspired a sense of exploration in the Zeltron mix.

As they made their way forward, Yula uncurled one of her hands from the reigns and threaded her fingers into the horse’s mane. Slowly, she nodded in agreement. “Everyone needs a name.” Looking down at the horse, she gave him the floor. “What do you think, what should your name be?” The horse gave a mild snort in response. “So talkative.” Yula chuckled.

A thoughtful silence passed over the young woman. “Ptolemy.” She decided finally. “He was an ancient ruler of…somewhere hot and dry, some desert world I can’t remember the name of.” A small laugh accompanied her explanation. “I knew more details about him once, but the only thing I can remember now is the picture of him that was in the book. Large and hairy, like this fellow here.” A gloved hand patted the mount’s neck. It was sort of odd naming an animal that lived on a world of snow and ice after a man who ruled a planet of sand and heat. Or…at least as far as Yula could remember anyhow.

With that task done, she turned her attention towards Vik and his horse. “Have you thought of a fitting name yet?”

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

He watched with a smile, as Yula talked to her mount, a good strong stallion from the Rildonmark. The horses seemed to have a knowing that they would turn south, as if recognising them going home to a land familiar to them. It did not take much encouragement to turn their heads once out of the city. "An interesting name", which Vik liked very much and saw the humour in the fact whoever Ptolemy was had come from desert and heat. "I like it".

However, his brow pulled inward as he mused over the name for his mount and not forgetting the horse carrying their supplies. "I think .. Yötin would suit him well", named after some long forgotten realm of legend he had heard about in his childhood. "And as for our friend behind us, how about Lafey?". Vik turned in his saddle to look at Lafey who looked back with little interest in their conversation. "Although I don't think he is impressed". He grinned at Yula before chuckling.

They approached the forest on the outskirts of the Thainbroek, and soon the temperature dropped as they entered the snow laden track which turned them off the main road and for the most part, they would travel without meeting company, or very little. It was picturesque, a winter wonderland the like he had not seen in his travels, not that he had ventured too far afield. But Vik doubted he would see the likes of it elsewhere. It was almost as if there had been a 'hand' in the design, and he supposed that was the case considering what they all know now. And he had to wonder which god was responsible for it. Indirectly, his father he supposed.

​

​

​

"We should try and make it through the forest before night comes and find a place to rest the horses and a camp for the night", it would be Yula's first outing on Midvinter, outside of the comforts of the city. Vik felt lighthearted, and not only enjoying the journey but more, the company he travelled with. He was so pleased to have her here, on this bright cloudless day among the snow and ice. He felt a prickling in the palm of his hands, he had felt it before but something began to happen. It started to snow, it was isolated around them and it came from nowhere .. or at least that is what Vik thought. He turned his hand and looked at his palm and the white sparkling light of energy flickered across his skin.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

“Yötin and Lafey.” Yula repeated the names, something agreeable in her tone. Glancing back at the indifferent horse, it seemed that he didn’t care too much for their babble. “Those are fine names. I’m sure Lafey will get used to his.”

The morning sun filtered through the trees and the tiny crystals of ice and snow that coated each leaf and pine needle. Sparkling with reflective light, the result was a gorgeous landscape, pristine and quiet. White layered along the ground in gentle slopes, an image Yula had only seen depicted in story books as a child. For all her travels, she hadn’t spent much time on colder worlds, or if she had they were harsh and grey. Not picturesque and serene.

Vik had warned her that his home world was beautiful and dangerous. Though there were no threats to be seen now, Midvinter’s wild majesty was apparent after leaving the outer limits of Tháinbroek.

The temperature dropped as they moved along and Yula shivered, clasping the cloak closer an adjusting it over her shoulders so that it would cover her torso more. “Sounds like a plan.” Traveling during the night likely wouldn’t be safe, it typically wasn’t no matter where you went. It would also give both them and the horses time to have a proper rest.

Snow flittered around the pair and Yula scrunched up her face as a few flakes landed delicately on her nose. Aside from that, she didn’t pay the weather much mind—who would be surprised by snow here? It took a few moments to catch something white and glowing in her periphery, which was not as expected. Brow crinkling in curiosity, she tugged on the reins to slow her mount while looking at Vik’s outstretched hand and the light twinkling in his palm.

“Sooo….what is that, exactly?” Both brows went up as she squinted at the…whatever was happening. Was it the Force? She knew that it had some pretty esoteric applications. “Saved a few more surprises for me, huh?”

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

His eyes flicked up watching the falling snowflakes, then trailed to the light in his palm, it was not the first time this had happened and he knew the two where connected but how remained unanswered. Vik threaded the reins through the fingers on one hand while holding out the other toward Yula so she could get a closer look, "I don't know", was his honest answer, "but it is not the force". The light sparkled across his skin, like a thousand star light gems all moving and shifting with the light of day and a light of it's own. "Each time it happens, it snows".

He was not sure what would happened if she reached out to touch it, it did not feel dangerous to him so maybe not to her as well, if she did it would feel ice cold and chilling to the bone.

His bowed head looked up to her with a smile, resignation maybe. "I think.. I think it is my .. power", he put emphasis on the word, but reluctantly so. He felt so much stronger in this power since coming home, just like the last time he was here and so afraid of what it was, or where it came from, the unknown as it were but now? That answer had been fulfilled in his mind. How to use however, that remained illusive to him.

"I don't know what to do with it, how to use it", he shrugged but maybe he might try when alone so it would be safe just in case. He grinned at her, "You want more surprises?", his smile widened teasing her.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

“Power of what?” Her curiosity did not stray, eyes transfixed on the swirling glow of light. “Your god power?” Though she did believe Vik, Yula had trouble really believing the entirety of his situation. That was largely due to her unfamiliarity with any powers other than the Force, even the idea of deities. Part of her still believe that there was something else to them.

Strange enough, she could not sense any shift in the Force when Vik conjured up his ability. While she was certainly no expert, she assumed that whatever this was would have at least caused a noticeable trickle.

A gloved hand reached out, bringing a finger gingerly over the white light in Vik’s hand. It took only a few moments for her finger to feel like ice, cold seeping down to the bone.

Yula pulled her hand away quickly. “Does the cold not hurt you?” She guessed that he couldn’t feel it or that his tolerance really was quite high. Absently she curled her hand into a loose fist in an effort to spirit away the cold in her finger. “Oh, you have more?” A wolfish grin curled the edges of her lips. “I think you’ve filled your revelation quota for the last 24 hours, but I never turn away a good surprise.”

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her fingers touching his palm felt hot to him in this moment, like a searing heat against his skin, but it did not hurt him it just felt hot. "I think it is, I am not sure", which was the truth of it. "I only ever feel this strength or power within me on Midvinter, the further I move away from the planet the less the connection is". The force does not do that, but this does. "I don't really understand it myself", he added before meeting her gaze with a smile. "It don't hurt me, in fact .. it feels good".

Vik could not help but laugh, "I agree, no more surprise. At least for today", he grinned with a sense of cunning.

The horses heads broke through the trees as they rode passed the line that opened up the plains to the south of capital, they are not far from the battle field on which so many had fought against the hag. There was quiet here, the likes Vik had never known of these parts, and these parts are very familiar to him. There were no ghosts of the dead, they had gone to Beornskald or to the underbelly of the hidden realms, but life had changed here and so too had Midvinter.

He slowed the horses and stopped, and for a moment looked out over the vast plains. "This is where the battle took place, the one Théo stoke of .. where .. where my father came from the heavens". He pointed toward the south and beyond the plains was the long mountain range that stood sentinel to the Westmark and Averlorn. They were still two days ride from the hidden gates but, he knew where they were in his mind's eye. Vik shifted in his saddle and turned to Yula.

"The forest will provide us shelter for tonight, and tomorrow we cross the plains", he dismounted leading his horse to the side of the small track on which they travelled and soon he would set them free to run free of their burdens.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Yula’s gazed rolled out over the white plains, a hand coming up to shield her eyes from the glare of the snow reflected by the sun. Though the day was waning, the sky was cloudless. It was hard for her to imagine the fight given what little she knew of Midvinter combat, but it must have been something to behold if the Gods were involved. The mention of Vik’s father wasn’t startling given all that had happened, though it still was something unexpected. In the back of her mind, she wondered if one day she would meet this man—though perhaps she was getting ahead of herself.

Squinting into the distance, she tried to picture the battle. Instead of hulking men with axes and swords and Gods with fantastic powers, all she saw were stormtroopers streaming through the field. Sounds of panic and blaster fire filled her ears and for a moment she was back on Skor, back in the bazaar with a soldier baring down on her and her grandfather’s voice so far away.

Vik spoke again and she was jostled out of her thoughts, sounds of war vanishing and giving way to the soft silence of the forest. “Right.” The long day in the saddle had left her lower half beginning to cramp and so she dismounted gratefully, eager to stretch her legs. As her feet touched the ground, pain lanced through her left knee and the joint buckled. Grasping the side of the saddle for a moment, Yula readjusted herself before carefully leaning her weight back onto the leg. She’d been shot there during Skor, as well as in the shoulder. Though healed, occasionally she’d get flares of pain.

“I’ll build the fire.” She set about gathering pieces of wood and brush, clearing out a small space in the snow to arrange them. While lining the makeshift fire pit with rocks, it dawned on Yula that she’d never tried to use fire shaping in a place this cold before. As if to remind her of this, the wind shifted around her in a gentle breeze, enough for her to shiver and pull her cloak closer. Not wanting to burn her gloves, she removed them and quickly rubbed her hands together to keep the cold from biting into them too deeply.

“So, what is the first thing you’re going to do when we get to Averlorn?” A small spark leapt from her finger onto the wood and did absolutely nothing. Yula’s nose scrunched in mild displeasure but she kept at it. Sure, she could just use some flint but…now this was about pride!

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Sure footed, Yula had always been sure footed but Vik noticed her wincing as she dismounted Ptolemy. There was a sense of regret and sadness around her for that moment, it sat still on the force. He watched her over the back of his mount, Yötin, as he undid the strapping that held the bundle of bedding fur to his back. His eyes not leaving her as she gathered dry wood for the fire and only when he began to lay the fur for the evening rest, did he look away.

Once the fur was in place by the fire, Vik crouched to see Yula screw up her face, he grinned but did not interrupt her .. "Fire and Ice", he whispered, with the understanding that they were completely different, opposites in fact but as they say .. opposites attract. He looked up and stared into nothingness at her question, what would he do when entering the forests of Averlorn? He would seek his mother of course but before this, there was place in which he wanted to show her first.

"Go for a swim", he said as he grin turned on her and grew. "Did you think I would forget?". He pushed himself up off his knees, and stretched his back fatigue forming in his body but before bed, they would eat. Pulling the pack off the Lafey and setting him free with the others, Vik began to sort out the food.

"What happened to you .. your leg? .. you did not have an injury before".

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

‘Fire and Ice’…the thought began to pull Yula out of her scowl, if only a little. More like a few lousy sparks and ice. Concentrating on the pile of tinder and brush beneath her hands, Yula focused on the warmth at her finger tips. While she wasn’t accustomed to large scale use of pyrokinesis, generating a flicker or two hadn’t been a problem before. Never had she tested her abilities in a climate so frigid.

One of the sparks landed on a crumble of dried leaves, eating away at the dead plant matter and growing into a healthy flame. Pleased with the outcome, Yula sat back on the bedding fur for a moment to rest. Generating heat took energy and energy came from food. “Oh,” A brief albeit tired smile tugged at her lips. “I forgot. You have fun with that; I’ll watch.” It was one thing to dive into lukewarm waters and it was another thing entirely to take the polar plunge.

Green eyes followed his movements as Vik began to sort through their food supply. Not particularly keen on waiting, Yula nabbed herself a piece of dried meat and began to nibble on it. Her stomach was thankful for the sustenance and Yula herself was thankful for the momentary distraction while she thought about how to best answer Vik’s question.

“It’s nothing too bad.” She murmured after swallowing. “Have you heard of the second battle of Skor II? It’s a planet in the Outer Rim.” No doubt that the battle had quite a bit of media coverage on it. The First Order had even issued an ultimatum to the Outer Rim Coalition beforehand so it would make sense that the territorial dispute was highly publicized. Still, she was unsure how much Vik knew, if anything at all.

“I was planetside when they came. The First Order, that is.” Yula chewed thoughtfully for a few moments. “I got hit a few times. Didn’t win my fight but the Coalition I sided with won the day, so there’s that.” She shrugged, still not quite sure how to deal with her feelings over what had happened, or rather who had happened. “I was shot in the knee,” She pointed to the afflicted area, then to her right shoulder. “And here. And lost a few teeth. Didn’t look so pretty after that, heh.” The dark purple marks had since faded from her face, thankfully.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

He had heard about the battle she spoke of, had seen the news reports but that was all. Vik did not know of the planet on which it took place, nor those involved, it seemed otherworldly to him and from the numbers of dead and the destruction he did not understand the logic behind such an event. Someone wanted to take over the place, so they attempted to destroy it first? There was probably more to it than that, some twisted political spin that would justify it or revenge maybe, or ideologies at log a heads, he did not know but regardless of whys, the method of battle remains the same, or rather .. the results.

However, Vik shook his head no, "If you want I can take a look at it for you", he offered before she told her story. It seemed she had come through a long and tough battle, and there seemed to be more to it than she let on, but Vik would not push it, he would wait until she was ready to tell him, if at all. But her wounds .. his face furrowed with concern and he wished he had been with her to help her fight.

"Pretty?", he grinned regardless, "No you are not pretty .. you are beautiful". And nothing would ever make her anything less in his eyes.

Vik moved closer to Yula with more food, placing it between them as her fire rose up and kept them warm, soon they would retire to the fur and rest for the night. "Here eat some of this", he offered the meats and the bread before taking some for himself. "You know, ice cold water is actually good for such injuries, it helps heal them .. and if you think I am going to let you off not going for a swim after you teased me so much about it .. you are mistaken".


[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

“Am I now?” Yula mirrored his own grin, though fatigue began to pull at the edges of her smile. Perhaps she was too cold to blush, or perhaps her mind was a bit scattered at the moment. All the same, the compliment warmed her chest.

Ripping of a piece of bread, Yula chewed thoughtfully while Vik described the healing properties of ice cold water on wounds. “Uh huh,” She murmured with a full mouth before swallowing. “You just want to see me freeze, isn’t that it? To get me back for jumping into the sea?” She was certain she’d last a few minutes at the absolute most.

Holding a piece of meat between her teeth, she stretched her injured leg out and carefully rolled up the leg of her pants. Though the wind was gentle now, it brought enough chill for her to shudder with her exposed skin to the air. She stopped just above her knee where a blaster burn mark had begun to heal over, pink skin raising into a scar where she’d been struck. The area was a bit swollen and tender but otherwise did not look infected—only sore with exertion.

“It’s been getting better.” Her tone took on a hopeful note though that didn’t mean she didn’t sound awkward about it. “All things considered, I really got off lightly…” She squinted down at the wound, trying to remember the sequence of events that lead to her injury but found that her memories of the fight were scrambled. Maybe that was for the best.

Her next clear recollection was walking up in the medbay with her mother cradling her head. “Have you ever…been in a battle...?” In the back of her mind, Yula was aware that she may be overstepping her bounds. Still, her eyes flicked over to his own as if she were searching for something.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

He did not answer her question, not verbally anyway but he smile said it all, and no doubt by now Yula would realise Vik liked her very much and he hoped that she liked him too. The fact that she was here with him on Midvinter a good sign of that. Vik noticed her fatigue, the day in the saddle had worn hard on them both even he a well trained rider felt it but he was not going to turn in yet, not until he looked at her leg.

"Who said anything about freezing?", he looked up into her face as he leaned over her leg, the waters of Midvinter are cold, ice cold naturally and she would not enjoy a swim but there is more to Midvinter than meets the eye and he knew a place that would be more than inviting to her.

"I am just pleased you are alright considering this", he nodded toward her injury. Vik placed his hands over her leg just below the wounded area and searched her body through the force. For the most part the injury had mended, and whoever had worked on her in the medbay had done a good job in fixing any structural damage, which was a good thing as he is not so familiar with it nor had the experience but alleviating pain .. this he could do. His healing methodologies were different, most would feel the warmth of a force user when the application is applied but not Vik, everything he does is cold to the touch but it was still effective.

Which helped with the inflammation and he pushed his healing along her leg to the wounded area. It would give her a chill but it would remove the aching. "I have, here on Midvinter but not a battle so much .. more of a misunderstanding", he grinned, at the though of the clans clashing with the Aelvar which was more of a skirmish if that. "I have not been in battle like the one I heard of in the galaxy", or the one she was in for that matter.

Vik ceased the healing, his touch returning to warmth as he moved his hands along her leg until above the knee and he began to rub gently, feeling the softness of her skin on his palm. She is warm and soft and the flush of her leg that blossom pink he admires so much on her face. He was much more close to her now and turned his gaze into her green eyes noticing them sparkling with the dancing flame of the fire, small flashes of light twinkled on her moist lips and he wanted to extinguish them with his own lips. She was only inches away, he could smell the scent of her breath of her skin but although every part of him wanted to kiss her, he smiled to himself and pulled back.

"Maybe it is time we slept", he said softly as his hand left her leg.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Yula watched with curiosity as Vik placed his hand at her leg just beneath the tenderness of her wound. She’d experienced the sensation of Force healing before so she knew what to expect…or rather she thought she knew.

“Oh,” A soft gasp died on her lips at the chilling sensation, similar to what she felt when her fingers passed over the icy power Vik held in his hands earlier. The cold seemed into her muscles, soothing the inflammation and calming the angry welt on her knee. Without knowing, Yula let out an exhale of relief. Usually healing via the Force imparted a sort of warm, full feeling. It was strange to describe, but this wasn’t it—perhaps it wasn’t the work of the Force at all, but Vik’s own mysterious healing ability. “That feels nice.” Murmuring, she looked down at her exposed portion of her leg.

Was it crucitorn? While her mother couldn’t heal, she was very familiar with the art of using the Force to soothe pain and unpleasant sensations. Needless to say it had helped with many scraped knees during Yula’s childhood. Only when the cooling sensation began to fade did she realize how close they were. Her gut twisted with surprise and anticipation and for a few moments it seemed as if she and Vik did nothing but stare at eachother. For her part, Yula remained propped up by her hands and didn’t move—though she wondered if he would.

Finally he pulled back and she rolled the leg of her pants back down as he cited the fact that it was time to sleep. Something in her was grateful for that—anticipation made her nervous and she couldn’t quite figure out why. Had she developed feelings for him? Would she be here if she didn’t? The times when he’d brushed his lips against her cheek or brow had not gone unnoticed.

It was easy to tell that night had set over their little campsite, shadows of the trees melting into the dark as the sun dipped below the horizon. Before he could lay down, Yula shifted forward and pressed her lips to the side of Vik’s cheek. “Thank you.” She murmured against his skin before pulling back and settling onto the furs, eyes rolling up to take in the smattering of stars that canvased the sky above them. In her mind's eye, she imagined that one might be Zeltros.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]