The Calm Of Still Water

[Thora Heavenshield]

Wind howled across the roof top of New Himmeldal, like a pack of wolves baying at the moon the night she was born. Snow fell heavy on the mountain tops that surrounded Norvegr-fen, and thickened the stone streets with it's icy glaze, it had been a long night. One of the longest Théo had ever spent in his life, feeling completely useless as his new wife gave birth to their daughter. He always knew that Ylva was strong, in every way but after witnessing Thora enter the world he had nothing but complete admiration for his Ylva. And he doubted that there was anything she could not do, she was simply wonderful.

Ylva slept now, warm and safe in the furs of their master bed, and little Thora slept warm and safe in her father's arms. Fatigue did not visit Théo, where was there time for sleep when when your daughter rests in your arms? She was so beautiful just like her mother ...

A gentle flow of tears wet Théo's face and vanished into his beard, they were tears of joy and wonderment.

~oOo~​

​

A wriggling within the fur, and Thora opened her eyes for the first time. All she could see was a big blurry blob of black and white and she would come to realise it was the face of her father. w there is a strong sense of familiar about the blob, the voice was known to her, it was not the first time she had heard it, but now she could put a blobto the voice. Thora gurgled and shifted she was hot, felt a bit stifled and wanted out of it. She had spent the last months in a watery bed, nice and snug and perfect but this... the only way to tell the blob was to protest the only way she knew how.

The gurgle turned into a whimper and built up into a cry as her little legs began to kick. It had the desired affect, at least gaining a reaction of her father who, as it turned out, was stricken by panic although he handled it well in the end. He stood up and took Thora to the window trying his best to quieten her down and pulled back the fur enough to let some air in.

That voice again, speaking softly almost a whisper, but she did not know what he said, but it calmed her and now that she was cooling off.

"Swift as a deer, quiet as a shadow, quick as a snake, calm as still water", he began a story, a tale of a young girl from tales of old. In response Thora cooed and listened...


The rays of the morning sun filtered through the pane and washed them both in his glory. There was a smile on her father's face, she did not understand why, but that will change as time passes.

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Several weeks following their wedding and Ylva had fought the battle of Child baring on the night of strong winds across Norvegr-fen; it was a good sign, she had hoped and that hope had sung true. Come the nights end and the rise of the Midvinter sun, [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] and she whom loved him most dearly, had been given a beautiful baby Daughter who would come to know this world as her own. Young [member="Thora Heavenshield"], so precious and innocent, the most beautiful thing Ylva had ever laid eyes on and a sense of love and responsibility, care and guardianship that felt stronger and more instinctive than any other state she'd experienced feeling before. They had not been alone, however. [member="Coci Heavenshield"] had been in the room with her, and [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] had been awaiting just on the other side of the wall, no doubt pacing nervously but also excited to meet his new Grandchild.

On the early start of the new day, Ylva drifted in and out of sleep only recalling moments where she had awoken to find Théodred watching over them both. Ylva felt exhausted, the night had been grueling and though every moment of it would be worth the precious child's coming into this world, for the moment she needed her rest. Needed to regain her strength and let the slumber take her that she might recover. Her Husband, one of the few people who wouldn't be threatened with a knife for waking her, would do so when hunger would come over Thora. Had she the chance to feel the guilt, she would have felt bad for needing the sleep and missing out on time with her baby Daughter, she had however carried her and now it would be on to Théodred to build a relationship and bond with his little princess...

​

​

The Morning that their Daughter first took sight of her Father, Ylva lay there in bed secretly watching the pair of them. It had only been a little time, yet she had regained much of her former composure and the blood had returned to her cheeks, showing the warmth of her normal color once again. Motherhood was unlike anything she had known, no longer living for herself but instead focusing solely on the care of their Child and the love that only her Husband could offer. Today would be a day for Family, a day for those whom would later become loved ones for little Thora to look to as her Kin in life.

Ylva had asked Coci that she invite those of the Family that she'd not yet had the pleasure of meeting and forming a strong relationship with. Valae and Thirdas who had been at the Wedding, and carried the Heavenshield both in name and heart. Ylva was eager to meet them, looking forward to knowing those whom were so dear to her Husband and who would hopefully become the same to her. Boo Heavenshield was of course someone she'd met before, Théodred's Son by adoption but as far as she was concerned, Boo was his blood and Théodred swore by the same sentiment.

Oh what a series of turns her life had taken. To be alone on an isolated world, to now calling Family to people so full with life and integrity. Truly the Gods had blessed her, and so too had they blessed their little Thora Heavenshield, she of whom the very winds of Midvinter had sung aloud in the hour of her birth.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Thora Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Thirdas Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Poor Bjomolf wasn't getting a lot of attention at the moment.

At least, not from Ylva. She was rather occupied with other things at the moment. Like giving birth. And sleeping. And then not sleeping because Thora wanted to be fed.

There were lots of animals in the home that wanted to be fed as well. Bjomolf could hunt for himself, just like Azi, but seemed to be missing out on some companionship and so Boo had been checking on the wolf each day. In the case of today, Bjomolf appeared to be dozing in the snow, with an amphistaff curled up beside him outside. The two apex predators appeared to be getting along.

Most people probably didn't see an amphistaff slithering around like a snake and think apex predator, and more than one hawk had made the same mistake. It didn't work out well for the hawk. Azi still had a number of feathers that were still stuck against her obsidian body.

Putting a bowl of food down for Lokar and Coi, the Pantoran moved around the interior of the kitchen. Pulling down a tray, the boy assembled a cup of caf for Théo, juiced some fresh fruit for Ylva, and then pulled together a plate with some bread, fruit, and cereal on it. Leaving the wolf pup and SnuggleSnek to munch on their food, the boy wound his way up to Théo and Ylva's room.

"I thought you guys might be ready for a break."

​

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"] | [member="Thora Heavenshield"]​

​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"You ever get the feeling you are being watched my little one?", naturally she had not, at least not yet. Théo grinned as his eyes looked toward Ylva in the bed, "How are you feeling my love?", he asked walking over to the side of the bed and he could see the colour returning to her cheeks, although she still looked tried. Théo knew Ylva well enough to know that that would not last long, and besides she would want to get and doing things herself before she should. He was about to sit down on the bed with Thora in his arms still when the door opened and Boo entered with a tray.

"Thank you my son. Place the tray on the table, I will see to Ylva but .. ", he nodded toward a big plush seat by the wall. "Sit down over there and while we eat you can look after your sister". It was time Boo had his own opportunity to see her properly for himself. As soon a Boo was settled in the seat, Théo gently placed Thora in his arms making sure he knew to support her head.

"You have been brilliant these last few weeks, helping out around the place. It has been much appreciated Boo, thank you", with that he guided Boo's head to his lips, and kissed his son within his purple hair. Théo approached Ylva and helped her find a comfortable position before placing the tray on the bed beside her so she could take whatever she desired. Except the caf, that was his.

Oh and it never tasted so good as this morning...

​

​

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It had been a long and difficult labour, not only for the expecting mother but also for Thurion who had aided daughter-in-law giving birth. He had done so not only for his own children, but also for the King and Queen for each of their children - he was, after all, not only a healer through the use of the Force but also a skilled doctor in several fields. Master Tey had been very thorough in educating him after he lost Asha when still a boy, going over every detail of medicine, curing ailments and tending wounds, with the intention that he would not have to rely solely on the use of the Force in order to aid others. Out of all fields of medicine, bringing another life into the world was by far the most rewarding, not matter the exhaustion leading up to it. In the end, once having made sure Ylva was resting peacefully following the arduous childbirth, Thurion had left the newborn in the care of her father for some alone time. He himself had slumped down into the first armchair he could find and almost immediately fallen asleep, and much like Ylva he would not stir for many hours.

It was the sound of newborn cries that finally roused him from his slumber, noticing upon opening his eyes that someone had tucked him in with a warm blanket. The next thing he saw was the face of his wife, feeling her take his hand in hers. A moment passed when he would just sit meeting her loving gaze, before finally he spoke. "Good morning." He strained his neck to catch a glimpse outside the window. "It is morning, right?"

A few more cries from the room next door had his heart ache, pushing him to gather himself and rise from where he'd spent the night. Arms raised to the tall ceiling as he stretched to the sound of a few bones popping. "I should go check on them," he told her before raising Coci's hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. "Care to join me in greeting our granddaughter," he smiled wide at the thought, even though he had already technically met little Thora if only briefly. Only now did he turn to find both Nina and Thirdas soundly asleep in their respective sofas, having no doubt tried to stay awake through the whole ordeal. "Let's give them a while longer."

With Coci on his arm the two would enter the master bedroom to find the growing family within - Théo, Ylva, and Boo. And now Thora, the latest addition to the Heavenshield clan. "And how are we doing in here, then?" Typical doctor's line. Seeing the young couple in bed with their newborn child had Thurion beaming with joy, yet he would still place the back of his hand against Ylva's forehead to check her temperature, then placing two fingers against her neck to check her pulse. It was important to him to make certain she was recuperating properly; his own mother had passed away bringing him into the world, after all.

Not wanting to seem too eager to greet the little one, he took position right behind Boo, placing both hands upon his young shoulders. "You have a little sister, Boo," he said filled with wonder and amazement.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Like any good aunt-to-be, Valae had spent the last few weeks preparing. She'd taken up knitting and has used her spare time to whip up a number of little hats, booties, and a baby blanket. Her creations might not have been perfect, but they had been made with quite a lot of love. She had also commissioned several items from local craftsmen and women: a rustic toy horse, a small wooden shield with the Heavenshield crest, and some handmade baby clothing.

On her walk up to the house, a large bundle in her arms, she wondered if she had gone a bit overboard. After all, little Thora would have little use for a shield just yet. But, she continued on her way through the snow. She tapped on the door with the toe of her boot and paused to listen, but heard no shuffling of feet within. “Hmm,”

Turning the knob, careful not to drop her gifts, Valae gently pushed the door open to find the house quite empty, by first glance, at least. But, she could hear (and sense) the others upstairs. A soft smile formed on her lips, the proud parents were probably overwhelmed... but in the best way.

Valae paused, questioning whether or not she should burst in to see the baby.

Though she was very excited, she decided to wait just a little bit. She lifted her chin slightly and sniffed the air. Was that toast she smelled? Setting her bundle down, Valae wandered into the kitchen. Surely no one would miss a couple pieces of bread and a few sips of caf.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], [member="Boo Heavenshield"], [member="Ylva Heavenshield"]

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"Oh by all the Gods, Boo...You read my mind".

Ylva's position was disturbed by her eyes and nose tracking the cup of Stim-Caf, reaching for it and only to be intercepted by the warning glare of her beloved, [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] who took it up instead. Frowning, she looked to the tray that was placed beside the bed and the drink sitting atop which looked a blend of orange, rather too healthy compared to her craving for what had already been claimed by her Husband.

Eyeing him for a moment and finding no weakness in his refusal to give in, Ylva scowled a little under her breath and resigned herself to appreciating what [member="Boo Heavenshield"] had brought them in all his generosity and want to help make things easier. "Thank you Boo..." She smiled and while Théo had turned to focus briefly on Thora, Ylva motioned to the cup of Caf and then to Boo, subtly trying to suggest he bring her a cup at the first given opportunity!

Coci & [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] soon politely made their entrance into the room to see how the two new parents and there little bundle of pride and joy were faring, their Father coming to check Ylva's forehead, of which he'd receive a swipe of her head swatting his away and an almost playful smirk. "I'm alright, Thurion. Really..." she complained though he didn't appear to be giving up and so she simply rolled her eyes and looked to her husband, Théodred naturally keeping out of it like the intelligent species of male that he was.

She detested this sort of treating, though understanding it was all given out of love and consideration for her, she simply wasn't used to being cared for and the overly enthusiastic attention left her feeling almost guilt-ridden for having worried them in the first place. Not that she had a choice in the matter. As far as she was concerned, Théodred had done all this to her....-Not really, but she didn't seem to have a problem casting the blame his way when she wanted something!

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She woke next to Thurion and yawned in his face, "I have no idea", she managed to utter as an answer to his question and she would have given anything to go right back to sleep. Yet she laid there amused at her husband, stretching and creaking like an old boat. "I think I should take you to a chiropractor", she managed a grin but she would not dare let him on the fact that her back was aching from the nights calling and the sofa.

Coci threw her legs over the side and her feet gently landed on the cold floor, she looked over to Thirdas laying at odd angles and Nina asleep curled in a ball with her legs tucked up under her, even though she is a woman now, Coci could still see the child in her face as beautiful as ever. Thirdas looked he always did, a ragamuffin with a most angelic face. She stood and allow to be guided by Thurion toward the upper levels of New Himmeldal, however, half way up she paused. "You go on ahead, I will be there shortly".

She had a calling, whether it was something through the force or something more ethereal but whatever it was, led her to the kitchen and to the caf machine. Someone had put the pot on and the smell was wonderful. After pouring a mug and taking her first long draft of it, she sat it down and entered the walk-in pantry looking for the butter and whatever preserves Théo and Ylva had in stock. She took the lid of something black, the smell of it was disgusting salty and weird, she poked her little finger in it and tasted it, immediately her face screwed up in horror as the assault on her tongue and she could not help voice her disgrace that her son would have something so horrible.

As she replaced the jar on the shelf, Coci sensed a very familiar presence enter the kitchen and she poked her head around the door to see her daughter [member="Valae Heavenshield"]. "Good morning my dear", she said entering and approaching Val to take her into a hug and kiss her cheek. "Everyone will be so happy to see you again. Wait till you see Thora, she is simply beautiful". Coci beamed proudly.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Heavenshield"] ​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

The stirrings within the house eventually proved enough for Nina to stir herself, as soft voices could be heard from the kitchen as well as the tapping of footsteps from the floor above. In a groggy state she raised her head from where she lay bundled up, expecting to find the white fur of Arnor wrapped around her as they would often do when out travelling together, only to quickly realise that while she was taking the time to see her family following Théo's wedding, her Beorni guardian had returned to see his own kind in Heimland after many years away. Although she missed having him around, Nina was happy knowing he was getting to spend some time with his own family. She knew he had at least one little cub waiting to see their father, but getting any sort of personal information out of that stone-faced scowl of his even she struggled with.

Of course Beorni society differed from those of Men and Elves in that parents were not necessarily needed during their cubs' upbringing; once old enough to walk and talk, the tribe had their midwives whose sole purpose it was to school and care for the little ones. It might seem an odd concept to an outsider, even a little cold-hearted to seemingly pass their young unto others while the parents place their focus elsewhere, but Nina had spent a long time travelling Midvinter and by now was able to keep an open mind about it all. She was just the silent onlooker, recording in her journals the many things she witnessed to later put together into cohesive texts, and hopefully into several volumes for everyone to enjoy. It was her life's work, practically ever since she made Midvinter her home following the completion of her Jedi training.

Looking over at Thirdas still soundly asleep, his arm dangling over the side of the sofa and his unkempt hair nuzzling the cushion, Nina untucked her leg from under her and stretched like a feline where she lay, almost to the point of her rolling over the edge. Once up on her feet she snuck over to her little brother and placed a kiss upon his forehead, before heading over towards the kitchen where she had heard hushed voices. "Val," she happily exclaimed at seeing her fellow adopted sister, embracing her. "I have not seen you in so long!" Granted, that was more her fault than Valae's, being away all the time. Mother was there too, but of course the two had already gotten caught up the night before. Even so, Nina's eyes widened with sudden excitement. "Is it over? Are they...?"

As if on instinct she sought her mother's embrace at realising the happy news of her baby niece. "I can't imagine their joy," she nuzzled into Coci's shoulder, "or Father's." She had only been a small child by the time Théo was born, but she remembered well the look on her grandfather's face when holding his grandson for the first time. It must be a very special thing for a parent to see their children produce children of their own, knowing that their family would live on.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

By the time Coci peered around the door, Valae already had a mouthful of bread. She offered a puffy-cheeked smile, and returned the hug. She chewed quickly and swallowed the food before responding, the smile now wider.

“Good morning,” Valae said. “Oh, I'm so glad – I'm excited to see everyone, too. I can't wait to spoil little Thora, it begins this very morning.”

It was easy to see the pride that radiated in Coci's eyes, the sight warmed Valae's heart. And then, another presence was felt, one that made Valae blink. Was it? Though the two had not been close, Valae felt quite a special bond with Nina, both having been adopted into the Heavenshield family.

“So good to see you, sister.” She said, giving her a good squeeze.

Stepping away for just a moment, she retrieved a small tin from her bag. It was a very special blend of tea that she had received from one of the Valkyri midwives that helped out at the medical center. Returning to the kitchen, she prepared a kettle while Coci and Nina spoke.

[member="Nina Heavenshield"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Ylva Heavenshield"], [member="Boo Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A chuckle at the sight of Valae Heavenshield with puffy cheeks filled with food, reminded Coci of a cute bushy tailed creature that hordes for the winter. Stepping forward, Coci embraced Val with a kiss on the cheek just as Nina entered the kitchen too. The smell of food driving her this way as well, she assumed. Although a woman stood before her now, Coci could not help but see the small children she met so many years ago, hiding behind Thurion's leg as they were introduced for the first time. It was easy to love Nina, such a sweet gentle children she was and still is to this day.

"My dear, it is good to see you too. Is Arnor here as well?", she looked passed the door over Nina's shoulder as they too embraced, half expecting to see the gentle giant of a Beorni. "Everyone is doing fine, great in fact .. naturally Ylva is tired and in need of rest, not that she would ever admit to that". Or brook and orders given to her by anyone except Théo possibly.

"We shall all go upstairs shortly but tell me Nina, who is your work coming along. I will be very interested in reading it once you are done". Although that might be for some time yet, after all there is a lot to compile in this undertaking of hers.

The sound of the kettle screaming turned Coci's head, and watched as Val prepared caf and tea for those that wanted it. "Ylva will probably want a caf but make her's very weak, I doubt a strong stimulate is a good thing for her at this point".

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He sipped on his caf as he sat on the edge of the bed in which Ylva rested, his eyes flicking from her to his father over the rim as his Papa fussed over her. Within his black beard a grin formed knowing just how much his beloved wife loved such attention and maybe in time Ylva would become used to it all. Maybe. But this is one of the reasons he loves her so much, she is purely herself with everyone, there is no exceptions. Like most people, she has her faults, her past which impacts on her character, there is none in the galaxy innocent of this except for one people. His daughter now resting in [member="Boo Heavenshield"]'s arms.

It saddened him to know that that will all change with time, as she grows up and experiences things in her life as much as both parents will try and protect her, and Boo too, no doubt will do his best to keep her from harm. But life is not like that, it will never allow it and so the taint of it will come to rest on her soul eventually. He had known it, as a child shielded from dangers as best his parents could do but even then, troubles always find a way to get through. But for now he was joyous knowing she was untouched by anything bad.

"You will be fine when you have rested more my love", he finally spoke as he placed the cup of caf within her reach and as he did so he leaned into her to speak in soft whisper. "You are to remain in bed for at least two more days and I will not let you do otherwise", he pulled back with a serious look in his eyes. He knew full well she would not be relaxed doing so, but at least he could try and convince her to remain somewhat 'quiet' in the next week.

The coming of their daughter was going to be a learn curve for them all, including Boo. They were all venturing on a new experience and this was scary.

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Heavenshield"]​