Sight-Seeing [Coci Heavenshield]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Midvinter
Tháinbroek

"A Jedi temple? On Midvinter?" Thrand's tone of voice was steeped in uncertainty, but also curiosity. "I don't know, son. Us Valkyri have our traditions to maintain, and suddenly having robe-wearing strangers running around sounds like we'd be asking for trouble with the less-than welcoming members of our society."

Thurion looked to Coci before speaking. "Dad, we wouldn't build it close to any settlements. We know and respect your people's traditions - we would never intrude upon them."

Still unsure, the old man rubbed the back of his neck identical to how Thurion often would. "The Jedi helped us drive back the undead, and we're thankful for it. The Battle of Fafnersvik is still sung about in homes and taverns alike. You have earned their respect, but should a bunch of Jedi decide to make Midvinter their home I am not sure how they would respond." He paused to drink from his flagon filled with mead, wiping the froth from his beard. "Tell me, where then did you think of building it?"

"Well... somewhere remote, where we would trouble no-one and no-one would trouble us. Somewhere..." His gaze turned to the nearby window and the gorgeous view of the Midvinter mountains. He got up from his seat at the table and pointed. "...like that." Again Thurion turned to look at Coci with determined gaze, full of eagerness. "That's where we will build it."

Thrand too turned to Coci, taking her smaller hand in his. "Talk to me, dear. What are your thoughts?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her gaze fell upon the mountain far off in the distance through the window. She looked to her husband and nodded her agreement before she turned to Thrand. Her hand resting in his, she place her other on top to enclose his hand in her gentle touch. "Father", she smiled, a tired smile. "Look at your son, look at me. Can you not see in our eyes, the death? So many fallen in wars Thurion and I have fought, out side of Midvinter. We both have recently come from the field of battle against foe equally if not more so evil then anything you could imagine or here on Midvinter and we are tired".

Coci looked to Thurion by the window, "A day will come when Thurion and myself will stand down from the Order of Jedi we both serve in our leadership but .. we are Jedi and so will continue our duty to train others to serve so they can be strong and continue the fight against those that will try and remove freedom from others".

"I understand your concerns and we do not wish to impose upon your people, and as Thurion has said we would be tucked away high in the mountain so not to be visible to the Valkyri. The Temple would be a place of peace and learning, training for Jedi. They would not stay long, they would be invited to live on Midvinter for a short time and it would be only open to those we deem worthy to come".

Coci moved toward their father and kissed his forehead before she stood and walked to Thurion side and took his hand in hers and raised it to her lips to kiss his wedding ring. She stands by her beloved, through anything, good or bad. For better, for worse...

"Father, this is for our future, we are not done yet as Jedi Warriors and will fight again and again. Never will we not answer the call from those that ask us to stand along side them and battle against evil, battle against those that will seek to destroy, and battle for the people we love more then life. Our blood will run red on the ground of Midvinter in order to save her and you not even have to ask".

They await the answer from their father and their King.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thrand watched and listened as Coci offered him her thoughts, his lips forming a slight frown when she mentioned the hardships she and Thurion faced every day as Jedi. When she'd finished, he pondered for a bit in silence, lightly tapping his fingertips against the smooth surface of the wooden table. "You are right, of course. Forgive me, my children - it was wrong of me to assume. You have responsibilities to so many more worlds than just Midvinter I could never fathom." He then smiled as he got up from his seat and walked over to the pair, putting a hand on a shoulder each and looking them in the eye. "Your Jedi have my respect and gratitude. This is the least I can do to repay their sacrifice."

When Thrand then pulled the two in his trademark bear hug, Thurion held onto the fabrics of his father's shirt as if afraid of losing him. He'd never gotten the chance as a child. "Thank you, father. I love you."

The next day...

Having made sure to rest up for their journey atop the Midvinter mountains, Thurion and Coci greeted the morning by preparing for the climb; packing food, warm clothes and furs, climbing gear brought from Voss, etc. They would set out on a sled pulled by a pair of horses selected by Thrand himself. The climb would more than likely take a couple days, so they made sure to be well-equipped. When the time came for them to set off, the old king came to see them off.

"Have you got everything? Clothes, food, shelter for the night?" His voice carried a hint of worry for the two as he watched them load up the sled.

"Yes, dad, thank you. Don't worry, we'll be fine." Stepping towards him, Thurion put his arms around his father for once, embracing him. "We'll be back by tomorrow evening in time for dinner. I promise." Allowing Coci to say her goodbyes before taking off, Thurion sat up in the driver's seat and grabbed hold of the reins, waiting for her to join him.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Twisting a long leather strap around her hand, Coci secured the furs to the sled. Her black eyes lifting up to watch as son wrapped his arms around his father, a smile curling the points of her mouth before she dropped her gaze to allow them the moment in privacy. The smile did not leave her face, as her mind brought an image of Théo and Thurion together as they do this forming the bond only father and son know. It is a bond that, although different to that he holds with his mother, is equally as strong and the importance of it beyond the realms of any other relationship. It sadden her in a way that Thurion had not the opportunity to do this as a child, but they are together now and although years can not be made up for, the years ahead can.

One final check over the sled, Coci is happy the load is ready and they have everything. It was time to go. Thurion now seated on the sled waited but before Coci would join him, she approached her father. "Don't drink to much mead, fill your belly with meat and stay way from the women", she wink in her jest. Now it was her turn to take him in her arms and she rested against his chest closing her eyes for sooth. It had been years for her as well to have felt the loving arms of a parent, and she missed her's much. She does not really speak of her family, rather she would keep those feelings to herself. Some of the barriers are still, up.

She pulled back looking into Thrand's face with a smile, "I love you father. We will be fine before you know it, we will burst through the doors of Grand Hall come tomorrow eve". She looked back toward Thurion, "By the Gods of Midvinter I love him", she told Thrand her 'secret'. "If we are late .. it might be because he are .. occupied". Knowing this would send a flush to Thrand's face, she giggled before join her husband on the sled.

Coci grabbed one of the loose fur to wrap around Thurion and herself while they travel. "Ready to go my love", she said moving closer to sit beside him for the trip, her arm slides around his waist under the covers. In the distance the mountains stood majestic against the Midvinter sky, a soft mist rolling off the ice caps and into the air, it swirls, there must be a wind up there ...

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

With the warmth of the Älk furs wrapped around the pair and the comfort of his wife's loving embrace, Thurion signalled the large horses to move out. Just as they did, trotting down the main street of Tháinbroek at a leisurely pace, a group of Valkyri children appeared out of nowhere. They laughed and played catch-up with their sled, only to stop once they neared the city gates and their parents yelled at them to come back inside. Old King Thrand stood and watched them for as long as the naked eye could see their silhouette from atop the stairs of the Great Hall, a constant smile on his lips until finally they disappeared against the white backdrop and he simply sat down on the snow-covered steps, pulling out a piece of wood he'd been working on, along with a carving knife.

Once outside the city limits, Thurion and Coci travelled across the great plains upon which they had fought for Midvinter's freedom all those years ago. It still instilled memories of those fateful days, both good and bad. There had been so much death, but there had also been life in the form of their boy's conception on the eve of battle. Théo had been born amidst warriors and during wartime, which he figured might add to the lad's constant thrill-seeking. Either that or perhaps he is simply enjoying the freedom of being a child he never had at his age. His head turned to face Coci at his side, offering her a loving smile. "I love you," he said, pure and simple before leaning closer to press his lips against hers.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

.. let it never end.​

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"I love you too", she said with a smile as she rested her head on his shoulder. Passed the field and onto the dirt road leading toward the east, the sled turned. They now entered the forests that heralded the start of the journey to the base of the mountains. The road is white with the touch of Midvinter and on the road evidence of travelers past. Old is this road, even the Valkyri know not it's origin but many generations have traveled it toward the pass, the only way through the mountains to get to the eastern most parts of the continent. Beyond the mountains lay more village most isolated and have never see the likes of Thurion or Coci, they may not have even hear of the Prince and his wife, which would suit Coci just fine.

She held onto his arm throughout the entire journey and just enjoyed the scenery pass them by, but soon they would stop to rest the horses and eat. They have a long day ahead of them if they are to reach their destination before night fall. "I think the horses could use a rest my love", so could she if the truth be told as her bottom grew numb from the constant jolting of the sled.

Up ahead, is a small clearing, Coci could hear the sound of running water as it trickled over the rock as it made its way down from the mountains. The horses could drink from it as could they, the purity of the water like nothing either of them would have ever tasted. "How long do you think until we get to the small village?", she asked as they stopped.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As the sled came to a halt, Thurion jumped off and began tending to one of the horses while Coci would see to the other. The huge creature nickered politely as he began undoing the straps which kept it tied to the sled. "Good boy," he spoke softly while petting its large head and groomed its black mane sprinkled in snow. Once free of its constraints Thurion led the auburn stallion towards the creek running alongside the beaten path they found themselves on.

While the horses were stood drinking the crystal-clear water, purified by nature herself, Thurion found a nearby spot right beside them where he and Coci could sit down and have a rest in the form of a rock. After placing one of the furs upon its surface to isolate from the cold, as well as make it comfortable to sit on. From there they had a good view of both their sled along with a magnificent view of the mountainous landscape. The sun stood high atop the sky telling them it was around noon, which meant they'd have about 4-5 hours of daylight left.

"Unless we want to make the climb under cover of darkness, I'd venture a guess we'll be forced to make camp at the foot of the mountain and then make the climb in the morning." They'd brought a tent to spend the night in anyway, so why not use it as was intended? In fact, it was the same tent they'd spent the night in before the Battle of Tháinbroek, carrying the Heavenshield blue and gold. They had the firewood and food for it, too. "What'cha think?" he asked with a boyish grin spread across his face as the sun struck his face.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

As her hands worked the straps of the horse to set him free, her black eyes lifted over the top of it's back to watch Thurion. A smile graces her lips he will never see, yet in her eyes the smile is apparent. He takes both horses to the waters edge and allows them their head, while Coci walks behind the sled and grabs a basket while Thurion lays the fur for them both. She places the basket full of food next to her husband and opens the lid for him to get anything he wants to eat.

Coci does not sit but instead turns to look at the mountains in the distance while speak of the tent. Only a partial turn of her body removes her from the view, "I think .. you are cunning Mister Heavenshield. You have our tent?', she had not realised, but the idea appealed to her much better than the village.

She stood munching on a piece of bread, watching her Thurion enjoy the bird. The two horses had moved away along the bank of the stream to graze on what grass they could find in the snow covered ground, their hooves pouring into the icy 'floor' to dig below. The snow had began to fall a little thicker, Coci reached out her hand and allowed the flakes to land on her bare hand only to watch the flake settle there for a moment before melting against her warm skin. She loves Thurion's hair in the snow, flecked with essence that is Midvinter upon his golden locks and skin. There is a tinge of ruddy complexion on his cheeks, his lips redder with the bite of the frost and his boyish grin and twinkling blue eyes impossible to resist.

"My Lord Heavenshield", a sweeping arm armed with a long piece of bread swept out wide until place passed her waist as she bowed a mock bow. "Thine will is to reside in thy tent for the eve, let no God or Force stand in your way", her arm raised dramatically, "I shall be your barer of thy tent and protector of that realm therein and should the enemy appear on the horizon", she brandished the baget as a sword baring toward Thurion's neck, "I shall smite them", this, all done, with a straight face.

"But first feast upon thine rock, and on your command, we shall away!". Did she mean for him to eat the rock? No, of course not, she meant for him to eat the snow. A handful of the snow was quickly gathered in her hand and gently playfully, rubbed on his face.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion watched with a humorous grin on his face while Coci acted the guardian of bread rolls everywhere, laughing as she finished only to be silenced by snow in his face. "Oh, you've done it now," he told her before lunging at her, taking her in his arms before they fell into the pure-white snow. The two horses raised their heads and looked their way, curious about the laughter only to resume their grazing without a care in the world. That is also how Thurion now felt as he lay in the snow with his beloved with Coci coming out on top after their fall. Quite literally, in fact.

Looking up into those sparkling onyx eyes of hers, he beamed a warm smile at her while removing some renegade strands of black hair from her face before cupping it with both hands and pulling her down for a lasting kiss. "I love you, [member="Coci Heavenshield"]. Now and beyond this life..." The tips of their noses touched as he spoke, lost in her eyes once more.

When the time came for them to resume their journey, Thurion went to collect the horses while Coci brought the picnic basket and fur they'd sat on. Having re-attached the horses to the sled by the time Coci appeared, Thurion assumed his seat before extending a hand for Coci to grab onto to help her up, even though she really didn't need it. "Your chariot, my lady."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

After the play fight, the frolic in the snow ended much to quickly for Coci's liking, but there is a sense of urgency to get to their desired location. After all the weather can change in an instant and place them in danger if they are ill prepared for a blizzard. Coci gathered the basket and secured it on the back of the cart, gathered the fur from the rock to place around their shoulders once more once underway.

With refreshed horses, they began to make up for lost time through the break and pushing through the forests of tall pine, the track had began to narrow and climb. The horses are strong and plowed through the thicken snow, and before long they reached the edge of the forest and before them fell the Pass. Through this they must go in order to get to the valley and across the plains, to the base of the mountain range.

Very few Valkyri traverse this road, it is said that those that go beyond the Pass are spirited away by some unknown force or beings and never return. There are rock formations that the Valkyri believe to be those lost to them, standing forever frozen in time. As Coci and Thurion progress, they ascend the crest and stop as before them is the most wonderful view ever to be witnessed.

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She sat atop the cart next to Thurion, her arm instinctively reached for him as if she was unsure of her own existence in this place, she wanted to touch something 'real'. "I think, we have arrived to heaven".

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Upon witnessing the view Coci deemed to be heavenly, Thurion could do little more than agree. Even so, he took the hand of his beloved to press it to his lips. "It pales in comparison to the angel inhabiting it," he spoke as loving eyes gazed longingly into hers. He would then wrap both arms around her to hold her close as their lips met while basking in the orange glow of the setting sun.

With the creeping night descending upon the world around them, Thurion and Coci set about to have the tent set up before it was too dark to do so. The horses were allowed to roam freely as they did, although when the time came to settle in the night they were tied to a nearby tree to make sure they wouldn't run off. Now sat warming themselves by the open fire inside their tent, Thurion wrapped them both in furs while they had their dinner together.

The hours between then and bedtime were spent mostly in silence; not because they didn't wish to talk to one another, mind you, but because Thurion wouldn't let her. Now lying on top of her among the furs covering the ground, his lips almost never left hers save for when he would leave a trail of kisses down her neck.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The silence of the snow fall laid it's load on the roof of the tent, their shelter for the night against the dangerous elements of Midvinter's eventide. Cutting the heavy air the sound of night creatures calling to one another for sooth and protection, the howl of the wind through the mountains sings a song ancient of the spirits of warriors that had given their lives to the harshness of this place, whether be it war or elements, Midvinter commands tribute eventually. But nestled in the tent under the furs are two lovers lost in each other, their union a celebration of love and dedication to the other. Nothing, not even Midvinter could tear them apart, either body or soul they would not be parted. Death would only unite them further...

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Come the morning....

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The early morning sun rises and climbs over the caps of the mountains. Yellow rays bleed through the trees, yet no warmth comes, it is a cold light as it is winter and yet beautiful the light sits upon the waters and snow.

Coci wakes in the arms of her Thurion, held close the entire night. She sees the sag of the roof overhead knowing it is laden with the nights fall, the fire is out and the tent is cold. Her breath sending tendrils of white mist from their bed of fur, she turns her face to bury into his neck not wishes to rise for the journey of the day. His skin is warm, her nose cold and as it touches him he shivers in his sleep. A smile graces her lips as he will soon be rudely awoken.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The cold touch of her nose against his skin caused him to stir, instinctively wrapping both arms around her naked body to keep warm. A sleepy groan escaped him as he embraced her, moments before his eyes opened to gaze upon the ceiling of the tent. For a moment he thought they were about to face battle once more to shape the history of his ancestral home, only to realise it was over a decade later yet they woke up in the same tent. Tilting his head forward Thurion looked over his beloved in his arms, looking so serene. "Mornin'..." he whispered while placing a kiss in her black hair atop her head. "I, for one, slept like a baby."

Only now did he notice the cold air around them, and a look to the fireplace gave him the reason why that was. "Darn it..." he sighed with slight annoyance in his voice, albeit playful annoyance. Rather than getting up, Thurion instead decided to pull the furs to cover their entire bodies. "I don't want to go just yet," he told her before his lips found hers. Around them the world of Midvinter awoke to greet the new day, but for now the pair inside the tent would not be joining them.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She felt the shifting of his body as he roused from sleep. Coci's face lifted upward to watch him open his eyes, those beautiful sapphire blue eyes that sparkle even in the presence of little light. She returned his kiss as the warmth of his touch found her and she drew in a long sleepy breath before folding her arms around his waist to press tighter to his body. Thurion covered them both for warmth but mostly to shut out the world, the galaxy, for just that little bit longer.

Coci's hand traced up his body, until her finger tips found the nape of his neck and she played within the long golden locks. She loves his hair so much, that unfettered mane rolling down passed his shoulders now, and she could not help but think it suited him so. His ever present beard prickled against her skin on her cheeks, but left no sign of irritation, she is very used to it by now. Her finger tip found it's way to his beard, her eyes watching it's journey along the his jaw line to his chin. "You know, I have often wondered what you look like under this beard", she said looking into his eyes now leaving her finger to caress him. "In all this time, I have never seen you without it". She suspected she never would.

After several hours of just laying in each others arms, talking and showing love for each other, it would soon be time to pack up and move to the base of the mountain. Their destiny awaited them, but they are the writer of their destines and so it will be patience for them. The tent remained cold, and she did not relish the idea of standing naked in the cold air. But no guts, no glory! and so it was Coci that braved the cold elements firstly.

She pulled back the covers, the rudeness of the cold immediately hit their bodies sending a chill to the bone. Coci took in an audible deep breath with the sudden shock, and jumped to her feet. "Come on!", she reached out her arm to Thurion to help him up out of the fur bed and once he was up, she pulled him outside into the freshly laid snow, as naked as the day they were born. She could not help but feel invigorated as she let go of his hand and ran kicking up the white powder like a child at play. Coci turned to her Thurion with a beaming smile but she just stood there looking at him, before an overwhelming peak of emotion filled her and she ran to him and leaped wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders and kissed him with the fire of passion. "I .. love .. you", she managed between breaths of heated fire.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Coci's sudden spurt of energy took him by surprise, watching her run around in the snow as if she were a little girl. Thurion couldn't keep himself from laughing at the display, only to be taken unawares as she then jumped him, holding onto him with her legs wrapped around him. The warmth of their bodies pressed against one another gave them some reprieve from the cold, as well as the fires of passion found in their eyes and in their loins. Her lips sought his, and he returned her every kiss of affection, their kissing growing heated with the lust between husband and wife.

A large tree stood vigilant not far from where they'd set up their tent, its trunk nicely round and smooth to the touch in contrast to the often-found pines and oaks. His hands held onto her by her bum as he only needed to take a couple steps with her clutching to him to press her up against the wide pillar of wood reaching high into the air. "I love you too," he spoke during a brief respite from their kissing, eyes piercing hers with carnal intent. Their lips met once more as he then claimed her body as his and his alone, just as he was hers. He was her god, she his goddess.

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Once more they found themselves inside the warmth of the tent, only this time they were actually getting dressed. They had already spent the entire morning in lover's embrace, and daylight was precious on Midvinter. If they lingered too much they'd be forced to spend another night where they were, although he expected she wouldn't mind. Neither would he, to be honest, but procrastination was not in their nature and they would see their self-imposed mission through. Sat among the furs to put on his boots, his eyes found her backside as she bent over to pull her pants up her long legs. "You're making this way too hard, you know..." he told her with a smirk on his lips.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A large smile broke across her face as she stood up to pull her trousers over her hips and secure the buttons and belt, he would not see it as her back is to him and she gave a little quick wiggle of her bottom to tease him. Yet she stood straight, stretched her back as her body was tired and ached from the hours of love making, but she never felt so alive. Coci put it all down to the cold weather, the invigorating environment of Midvinter which always seemed to enliven her with every visit. At least in part, it was the reason. The main reason sat pulling on his boots among the furs on the floor.

She leaned down and scooped up her bra and her white shirt that had been thrown about the tent and turned bare chested to face Thurion with a mock accusing look on her face and hands on her hips, how dare he deem it to be her fault? As punishment, she threw the bra at him and with a little guidance through the force, the bra landed on his head dangling over his face. Coci laughed at the sight of him as she pulled her shirt on and buttoned up the front. The air is still very cold and so too is the material of their clothes, she shuddered at little from the sensation of the cold cloth.

Once her dressing had been completed, Coci gathered everything in the tent ready to load on the sled, the last thing would be the basket of food supplies. Flipping open the lid, she reached in for two pieces of crusty bread ripped them open and laid some of the cold meats in it and handed one to Thurion. It is breakfast made in haste as they need to get going if they are to reach the base by eventide. It seemed her prediction to Thrand had come to pass, they would return very late, but she hoped he would not worry for them.

Once breakfast was over, Coci gathered everything and took it outside to the sled. She turned and placed her two pinkie fingers to her mouth and let out a sharp whistle so loud it cut the air and silence of the valley, but the horses answered her call and so she set about strapping them to the sled all the while Thurion began to dismantle the tent and secured the poles on the back. She moved to help him fold up the tent into a neat bundle, the blue and gold of the House colours looked stark against the white of the snow on which it laid. Her black eyes never far from his face, taking in his features she loves so much but moreover, admiring the man that is the father of their family, of their House.

After their tasked had been completed, Coci climbed on board the sled and waited for him to join her, fur ready to be placed around their shoulders once more. Their journey would take a good part of afternoon more because of the terrain rather than distance, for on the other side of the lake is the base of the mountain that Thurion had chosen to scale.

“Come on”, she gently encouraged, “We have a mountain to christen”, she smiled. And the start of a new phase of their lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RptGnczTh84​

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

When she turned to face him, not once making any attempt at covering herself up, Thurion looked up at her from where he sat with a sheepish smile on his lips. Her bra then flew through the air and into his face, prompting him to laugh as well. He also caught a quick whiff of her scent from it, and just like that he could just as well have given in to temptation yet again. However, given how they had already indulged themselves to their passion for each other's bodies numerous times this morning alone, he reluctantly decided against it. Instead he made sure to stuff the bra in Coci's pack - no sense in leaving it behind, is there?

Helping each other get everything packed up and put on the back of the sled, as well as tearing down the tent properly, the couple then had some improvised breakfast. Oddly enough, it seemed both husband and wife were sorely in need of recuperating their energy despite the two having feasted upon one another several times already. Actually, that might be the exact reason why, come to think of it.

Once the time came to continue their journey, Thurion and Coci got seated before the horses resumed their duty of pulling the sled. A lake stood between them and their goal, and it was deemed too dangerous for them to cross the ice with a fully-packed sled and two heavy horses. So they had to take the longer route of skirting the lake, which was just fine; any chance of prolonging their journey and to see more of the countryside while doing so was more than welcomed by the pair, sat snuggling upon the sled wrapped in furs.

"I love you," he told her, simple and pure in his message with one arm holding her close while the reins rested in his free hand. "To experience this with you is everything I hoped it would be."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The sled journeyed between the edge of the pine forest and the shore of the frozen lake. Coci could hear the creaking and cracking of the ice as the water slowly moved under the hard surface, it was a little disconcerting yet the power of nature played out before them which one could only really marvel at. There is so much more 'power' in the world than the Force alone. Sometimes one needs to be reminded of it, to be humbled before it so that a sense of reality travels home to the mind that we are all 'mortals'.

She pulled in a long breath taking in the crisp air but more out of contentment as she rests against Thurion's shoulder while they travel. Her black eyes moved from the mountain in the distance, their destination .. to look up into his face surrounded by thick fur. There had been times in their lives for contentment, but Coci believed that this journey had to be the only time in which is was pure and true, yes they are here for a purpose, to build upon something greater but she had not thought of it the whole time. Midvinter can take away, but this unique place is generous to those that it deems it's own, the icy planet will allow you .. To simply, be ..

"Let us never return, let us .. just keep going", she said with a growing smile as her gaze fell to the back of the horses. She knew that was simply a dream and would never be, but dreams are free and dreams keep one walking a path to an end. "I love you".

The two fell silent for a while, just enjoying each others company without words .. there was simply no need for them. And as the sled progressed along the shore line they finally reached the base of the mountain. The sun dropping, yet not quite below the tops of the mountain range still afforded them light.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Coci's yearning to remain there forever caused a smile on his lips, as he too longed for the days when his only duty was to his family and loved ones. He would always be Jedi - that part of him would never change - but Jedi have been known to retire before. When his body is weary and weak and his mind no longer what it used to be there will be no more missions for him, no more adventures other than the constant adventure of being happily married to the woman of his dreams, whom he will want nothing more than to grow old with. Such thoughts were still far from being realised, however, as both yet had many years left in them. They had an entire Order to run and maintain, wars to be fought, and people to bring hope and happiness to.

Still, the surrounding nature of Midvinter set his mind at ease, allowing him to live in this very moment without worrying about the future, and he had his darling wife to share these moments with. "We will, one day," he replied before placing a kiss upon her forehead, sending delightful tingles as the warmth of his lips touched her cool skin. There was no wind in the air this afternoon, but still the quick pace set by the horses caused a cold breeze upon their unprotected faces. They would become warm soon enough, once they reached the base of the mountain.

Which they did. The two horses had performed marvellously and had earned their rest when they stopped, frozen lake on one side and daunting mountainside on the other. Once the horses had been released to graze and rest as they saw fit, Thurion and Coci began to prepare for the climb. There would be no advanced technology aiding them, but rather old-fashioned Valkyri iron in the form of climbing hooks and spiked footwear to attach beneath their boots. Thurion offered his wife to sit on the back of the sled while he would help her with the footwear, kneeling before her as he began tightening the leather straps. Once he finished his hands would trail up the length of her legs, caressing her through the fabrics of her tight-fitting pants and placing soft kisses upon them.

He looked up into her dark eyes, sparkling with love and care, before resting his head in her lap. "I love you, Coci," he simply said while closing his eyes, allowing the moment to take control.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRuggMzH3Gw​

The horses once released, kicked up their back legs flinging snow all about before they ran off to forage and cool their bodies from their arduous work. They looked so pleased with themselves as the tossed their heads sending their thick mane's flying upon the wind. It would be a hardened heart that could not see the delight in them, and so she smiled wide just watching them while she packed the backpacks needed for the climb.

Helping Thurion gather the equipment and placing it ready to be taken up once they had decided to go, she checked the ropes making sure there was no signs of fatigue or damage along it's length. The rope made by the good people of Thainbroek and Thrand had made sure only the best would be given to them for this expedition. The very idea of the Temple was to test future students within the harsh elements of Midvinter, to teach them to be able to not only survive here in these conditions but to 'conquer' it, and to realise that they could, if needed, live without the use of the Force.

And so, Thurion and Coci would do so, firstly ..

Thurion encourage her to sit on the back of the sled to help her with his footwear, she watched him as he did so, taking note of how to secure them properly. This expedition type was new to her, never having scaled a mountain before, at least not one of this monumental size and she had never done so without the aid of the force, so a test for the young master on this day.

A ripple of warmth spread up her body as his hands found her tights gently caressing her, she looked down into his vibrant eyes sparkling with the white of the snow surrounding them and with his love for her. Her lips formed a smile, an answer to his gaze with one of her own and upon the air sat his words she never tires of hearing. His declaration of his love for her carved into her soul once more. As he rested his head upon her lap her hand sat gently on his hair and played within his long golden strains. The moment would last for as long as her beloved would wish it. Times like these are precious as they are few and mountains can wait.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​