The Lion and the Red Wolf Fair [Ylva]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It was a slow day in Fridheim, Capital of Westmark. If weekdays and weekends were a thing on Midvinter, today would have likely been a Sunday; everyone had finished their chores and heavy labour, and now took the majority of the day off to spend it doing what they enjoy. In Thurion's case, this would often involve his trusty workshop located just beside the Heavenshield residence, on the same lot. As was his ways, t'was but a humble shed no more shabby or pristine than any other, but it housed all the necessities a hobby carpenter could ask for. Saws, hammers, chisels of every kind, all manners of tools one could imagine. Just outside lay plenty of lumber wrapped inside a tarp to protect against getting wet, along with a chopping block with which to make firewood with an axe embedded firmly into its flat surface. The whole place smelled with fresh wood and sap, and after hours spent inside, so did he.

His wife had her garden, he had his workshop.

While building furniture or replacing a rotten fence post were all well and good, Thurion's true passion lay with wood carving. Countless figurines littered every wall-mounted shelf and window sill, be they unfinished products or polished to perfection. He'd even taken to putting several of his finer works on display outside on the porch for bypassers to enjoy.

This day however, he could be found simply sitting outside in his rocking chair, having just recently started on his next work. The sharpened knife dug into the square-shaped block of wood, whittling it down bit by bit with the aim to create the basic shape. Often times he himself did not know what would come of it, but would rather let his hands dictate that on their own. Hence why it was recreational on his part, allowing his mind to rest in the meantime.

"Argh, son of a...!" He suddenly hissed in response to the sharp spike in pain as his hand cupped his left eye. Everytime he did, he expected his palm to be covered in blood when pulled away, but nothing. It was as if the scars he bore were made anew, and just would not heal. Moreover, he felt as if it was the Crone's way of taunting him for having beaten him, all that time ago. No medicinal herbs did the trick, nor any other more modern form of medicine for that matter. All he could do was ease the pain at this point, but the spikes were so random and far apart that he rarely bothered. It was as if he was slowly being poisoned over the span of many years.

He leaned back in his rocking chair, palm still pressed to his face while gently rocking back and forth, taking deep breaths. And then it passed. "Damn you..."

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"That's certainly not the worst of ways a man has spoken to me before...".

Ylva Heavenshield stood off to the side, dressed in her leathers with her arms folded and that ever so confident smirk she held when goading the men of their family. For a change, she had come without her bow unlike many a time she'd stop in to see [member="Coci Heavenshield"] following a hunt. Today's visit however was of a different purpose; Spending some quality time with Théodred's Father, [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], whom she had unfortunately spent less time with, compared to the lot.

When it came to Men, Ylva didn't trust easy. Théo had found this out the hard way the day they had first met, though she had managed to avoid blackening his father's eye, thank the Gods...-That'd have been a terrible first impression. In any case, Ylva's first male role-model had kidnapped her and raised her in a brutal environment where love was a novelty to be found in stories where she ever read to as a child. Ylva had been taught to fight through having to defend herself against the pursuits of other far lesser men than those of Midvinter, and the Clan had been all the better off the night she had bled them all in their sleep...

Needless to say, Thurion had drawn the short end of the stick in the Family, though over-time Ylva had done her utmost to give him the benefit of the doubt and not once been forced to regret her decision, as he very much played the part of a loving, and honorable father to Théo. Her Husband, so fortunate in the family he was born into, whose integrity was simply unthinkable in many darker pockets of the Galaxy.

"Well...-It's nice to see you have a life outside of Coci" Ylva gave a sideways glance down at Thurion whom sat in his chair looking something of a stunned mullet; "What's got you swearing your end away, if I can ask?" she enquired, and for the first time in her appearance, sounding as though she genuinely cared. Ylva was a tough act, though she had a good heart for those whom had earned her adoration.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Upon hearing the words of someone he did not expect to see today, Thurion removed his hand from his face and blinked hard a couple times to gather himself. "Ylva?" He pushed off the armrests and shot out of his chair, sending both knife and block plummeting onto the porch. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you would be coming by today. I would have prepared a cup of caf for you." Maybe it was for the best that he didn't, for Ylva's sake. Judging by his wife, caf drinkers could be pretty particular about their caf.

Brushing off his chest and lap, he approached his daughter-in-law. "You heard that, did you?" He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward. Nor did he maintain eye contact for longer periods, becoming self-aware about his scars and dead eye whenever they reminded him of their presence. "Rest assured, I wasn't referring to you." He let out a soft chuckle. "I wouldn't dare." Bit by bit he braved allowing her full view of his face, and he was about to greet her properly with a hug only to think better of it. Instead he reached for her hand for a light squeeze and kind smile. "My lady."

"It's these blasted scars, they keep making themselves known. You can all but hear the Hag cackling at me, taunting me at every turn." He plucked the knife and block of wood off the porch, placing them on the chair for now. "Yep, this here's my workshop. It's where I spend my time off, to clear my thoughts. I guess it's how I meditate nowadays, you could say. Anyway, how are things up north?" He suddenly attempted to peek behind Ylva, as if looking for someone. "Thora isn't with you?" The hope of seeing his grandchild again made his spirit soar, only to be dashed moments later.

"I'm afraid you've missed Coci, she left for the Fortress early this morning."

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

It was strange to see someone as strong and independent as [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] in a moment of vulnerability, especially over something the likes of a battle-wound for which Ylva could never judge someone for. Her Father-in-Law sought her hand as though she were high-born...-Truthfully, it had been revealed that she was, much to her disdain and a wealth of the god's laughter at her back, yet she refused to live and act like some of the obnoxious women she'd met who'd lived such lives of privilege and never known true need.

"You men are all the same" Ylva goaded him "Always gotta be so strong in front of your women", swatting his hand away and stepping in closer, her right moving to his cheek with seemingly little consideration of personal space over the priority of getting a better look at his scars; "No one's going to think any less of you for a wound earned in conflict. It shows the courage you have to fight for what you believe in", whether that was her past or the Valkyri in her speaking to him, one couldn't be certain, yet they both meant well.

Ylva had developed a habit of treating Thurion like a normal person, rather than his title, reputation or position over Midvinter and their family. She cared deeply for all of their family and he was no exception, thus it was easy to feel comfortable to be herself around him, despite how difficult that probably was at times for those not used to her often-times blunt demeanor. They'd always know where they stood with her however. "I actually came to spend some time with you. We never seem to get much of it and while Thora's off with her chores, I found myself in need of someone else to bully" she smirked back at Thurion, the look softening from teasing to one of genuine affection. "You didn't have to jump out of your seat by the way, I'm not that scary" she gestured back to his chair, hoping that he might relax a little.

"The North's not going anywhere" she added, a late response to his question regarding the Northmark; "I'm more interested in hearing about this" she gestured to his wounded eye. "Who did this to you, exactly?" she asked, this time her tone falling somewhat colder, with a hint of possible intent buried beneath her concern for him.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Oh," he said in regards to her coming to see him. Her hand on his cheek was cool to the touch and he felt more at ease now, knowing Ylva was not sensitive to his halfway grizzly appearance. "In that case, it would be my pleasure, Ylva."

He slumped back into his rocking chair once more, only to suddenly flinch as he almost sat on the sharp whittling knife and scooped it and the block up from underneath him. "Please, do sit," he offered her and with a casual wave of his hand he summoned a chair from inside the workshop for her to sit beside him on the porch if she so wished. "I'm sorry to say this is about as exciting my time off gets around here," he shrugged, for she did not strike him as one to enjoy sitting still for extended periods.

"Ah, so we're to compare old battle scars now, are we," he chuckled, but it died out shortly after knowing she had specifically asked about his eye. Gently he placed the two objects down at his feet for the time being, leaning forward with elbows on his knees. "The Crone. Gríma Hagraven, you remember her? I recall you being present at the battle to push back her minions through the gateway. I lost a friend to that... bikkja*, and I would not let her take another. So we faced her, Coci and I. Initially it felt as though we were able to defeat her, or at the very least stand toe-to-toe with her, but as the battle progressed and demanded more attention from her, she simply brushed us aside like we were less than a nuisance. I was left at her mercy. So she gave me this," he turned his head to the side, showcasing the full extent of his wounds by brushing some hair out of the way.

"It's not the pain or the appearance I am ashamed of, nor the fact that it was my first defeat in single combat," he sighed. "It's that for the first time in my life, I did not have the strength to protect others. These scars represent personal failure on my part, a stain on a stupid, selfish pride I had thought myself better than. Turns out I'm not." He now reached down to his feet, fumbling around for the knife and block and having to turn his head in order to locate them with the help of his good eye. "You must forgive me. It is not a memory I exactly cherish." Thurion took the block of wood in one hand and the knife in the other.

"You are wrong about one thing, you know," he resumed his whittling of the wooden block, only to pause and look up at her with a fond smile. "The one person I do allow myself to look weak in front of is the same woman I have shared a life with for almost three decades. It is she who steadies me every step of the way. All these years I have been held up as some kind of example to follow, be it the Jedi or my own countrymen, like I'm their unflinching rock to lean on in times of trouble. And that is how I regard my wife," he gazed off towards the mountains to the east which housed the Dawnguard.

"How is your training progressing, Ylva?"

* Valkyri word for a female dog, often used when describing a woman of "ill repute".​

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

The confidence that [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] spoke of, was something that Ylva could not relate to. She understood well the disappointments and revelations that battle could bring fourth, but she couldn't pinpoint any particular part of her life where she felt nearly so confident in herself to stand toe to toe with an enemy and not fear defeat. "Ah. Yes, I was certainly there..." She responded with a little less enthusiasm than she had previously displayed, the subject carrying many vivid images of the past conflict, not to mention the slaughtered village that she had come upon.

"Thurion, we fought before the very Gods though..." Ylva spoke up once more, after a brief moment of consideration for the time past; "Gods that I didn't believe to be real. Warriors unlike anything we could explain to others without risking being called crazy or delusional...-You walked away from one of fighting one of them yourself! How is that not a feat worthy of praise?" She smiled to him, her tone warm and her gaze upon him caring in the want to lift his spirits some.

"I am sorry for your loss, I really am" she said, knowing the cost of war no matter what reasons they were fought; "You know that no one steps into a fight without knowing the risks, though..." she frowned as she spoke those words, the hard truth was less then comforting. Even less so than it had sounded in her head. "Whoever they were, I doubt they'd have you lose faith in yourself though. You stood toe to toe with a greater power in their name, and I can't think of a greater or braver way to honor their memory than challenging a God of midvinter".

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion's eyes may have been fixed on his work as he whittled, but his ears were all Ylva's as she shared her thoughts on his situation. Only when she finished did he turn to her with a warm smile and reached for her hand as a way of saying thank you. While at it he gently rubbed his thumb over the surface of her wedding band. "I cannot tell you how happy I am for you and Théo," he told her, changing the subject to something far more joyous.

"I know beyond doubt that your marriage will be just as happy and successful as mine has been. Théodred is a strong person; wiser and cleverer than his old man. He will need you at his side, to be his rock in case... should the worst comes to pass." His smile slowly faded as he finished the sentence, giving her a moment to take in his words. "You are a Heavenshield now, a member of our family. You are as dear as a daughter to me, and I would like to be a father to you, if you will let me." He let go of her hand to instead brush a lock of fiery hair behind her ear. It was not lost on him just how independent Ylva was as a person, and how she thought she didn't need anyone to get by. A philosophy Thurion clearly did not subscribe to.

"Why don't you give this a try," he offered her the block and knife in either hand. "I find it's a good way of clearing your head, helps you find the right words. Just let the knife do the work, and don't stop until you determine it's done. It can be whatever you like." Thurion leaned back in his chair, rocking it back and forth with his eyes closed, listening for the sound of the knife digging into the wood.

"You didn't answer my question, by the way. I know from Coci you've been undergoing Jedi training under her tutelage. I could just sense how you feel about it all, but I'd rather you tell me. Feels less intrusive that way, you understand," he winked at her with a wily smirk.

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva blinked a couple times, her brows furrowing as [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] raised his hand for her, though she fought against the urge to pull away and instead forced herself to remain where she sat so that he could brush a strand of her hair back behind her ear. His offer was unexpected, to say the least, and Ylva couldn't help but feel a little guilty as she felt she hadn't spent enough time and effort in getting to know Thurion as a person and individual, outside of the family environment and his role as Théodred's Father.

"I haven't known many good men, but in you I have seen where much of Théo's integrity has come from; And I would be proud to be considered your Daughter" She replied with a gentle smile, "The day you and Coci approved of our engagement was a true honor. I know I don't often speak up in what I feel, but that day was one of my happiest. I was quite nervous, if you'd believe it" Ylva grinned, speaking as though anxiety was something she had never struggled with. That typical boast of confidence and humor to mask her embarrassment. "I never thought it possible that I might find myself being accepted into a family of your caliber...-Between Coci and yourself, meeting you both gave me hope that perhaps not all people of influence are as bad as I had been taught as a girl".

As Thurion gestured to the carving block, Ylva took to it with a little less finesse than Thurion had shown. Rough around the edges was putting it mildly, though he also asked once more about her training and her feelings on how she thought it was all going. "Coci's a great teacher, though I hope I haven't been a disappointment to her. I know I've been distracted and put my training on hold a lot of the time between Thora's needs and my travels across the North with Théodred" she answered in honesty, offering something of a guilty half smile in silent apology for Coci's sake. "I do feel a lot more comfortable traveling the wilds of Midvinter though, and aside from Coci herself, I've not really been able to find my place in the Dawnguard. Lately I've been feeling a little lost in myself, I'll admit" Ylva frowned, speaking her mind somewhat too easily, more so than she typically found herself doing. Perhaps that was by Thurions influence.

"I've asked Théodred to help me build my own Lightsaber though. Something that might be a bit better out there..." She pointed skyward, suggesting the greater galaxy outside of Midvinter, "..-Than my Axe's or my Bow".

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"I believe it," he chuckled in response to her admitting feeling nervous when his firstborn introduced his then-fiancée. "I bet Coci felt the same way when being introduced to my father, on the eve of battle for the throne against the Usurper no less. The battle itself wasn't her biggest worry that day, let's just say." Suddenly a couple soft meows alerted him and Ylva to the presence of his two Corellian felines, both of them taking turns to nuzzle up against Ylva's ankles, just long enough to spread their scent before moving on to Daddy. Thurion smiled and patted his knee, prompting both to leap into his lap where they soon bundled up in a pile of fur.

"Ah, I see the bowls are out of food again," he chuckled while gently stroking their fine fur. "Ylva, meet the true masters of the house: This is Bib, and this is Bub," he pointed to each as he introduced them. "Brothers. Our youngest, Thirdas, was just a small boy at the time and he got to pick their names. So, Bib and Bub. Flawless choice, if you ask me." More than once had he gotten their names mixed up, and it sure didn't help how they were so similar in apperance. "Judging by your choice of animal companion, I take it you're more of a dog person?"

To the subject of Ylva's training, Thurion offered a sagely nod. "Probably. But don't feel that you have to have a lightsaber in order to be regarded a Jedi. There are so many variations of Force-user weapons these days that you could easily find 'upgraded' versions of your existing arms. Don't even get me started; some of them are quite frankly so completely ridiculous in concept that I shudder to see them in action. You'd find a set of axes and a bow easily." Everyone has to stand out these days, apparently. However impractical.

"A student could never disappoint their teacher, Ylva. They only disappoint themselves by setting standards too high to possibly accomplish on the first try. All that any good teacher wants is to see their student prosper, and as a result grow as a person. If you fail at something, their job is to pick you up and dust you off, then send you off to try again. It's not a process you can hurry along, or shortcut your way through-- Ow!" It would appear one of the kitties in his lap was still hungry. Either that or he just felt like starting a fight by nipping on his thumb. "No biting, you," he booped his pink nose.

A moment of silence followed with Thurion making a confused face. "Where was I?"

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"Ah, I see the bowls are out of food again".​

​

Ylva's eyes lit up at the sight of Bib and Bub, the two Corellian Felines that had come meowing loudly towards [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] in want of attention, or rather demanding it as 'Cats' so often did. "My father used to call them Cat's...-Shorta version of Cathar for their similar features" she twisted her mouth a little, as it sounded rather cruel now that she gave it some thought. "Personally I'm just more of an animal person in general" Ylva leaned forward and clicked her fingers a couple times, calling for one of the two felines, though they appeared more interested in their familiar which was only natural; "I've always found the wilds easier to respect than most people" she added a little in explanation, "And most recently found a deeper connection with the Force out there, than I would in a place like Fridheim. Though don't get me wrong, I am so grateful to have such a hearth to call my own...-But I would not be the same were I to be kept from the wilds" The home she shared with Théodred, Thora and Boo Heavenshield was something else, far grander than most common hearths which did at times awaken some demons of guilt for those who had not the luxuries that she had been graced with. There was however, nothing like the thrill of a hunt or the constant fight for survival out in the cold lands of Midvinter that really made you feel alive, and appreciative of what you had.

"There are other forms of weapons like lightsabers?" She asked soon after having listened to Thurion further; "I've made my bow to the best of my ability though I'm not sure what a Force User's version of a bow would look like in that sense of power and efficiency in combat" she glanced aside, suddenly trying to imagine the thought of such a graceful bow. As far as her Axe's were concerned, they fit the part but like the lightsaber, they lacked the grace that would adequately express herself as a member of the Dawnguard; she felt at-least. "A Spear would be a good alternative to the Axe...-One side for blunt force, the other for a finishing blow. More skill than blunt force...-Not that I'd know where to start with those sorts of weapons".

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As the two felines in his lap grew more restless and rather than napping took to wrestling one another, with their Papa taking the brunt of any ill-aimed scratching, Thurion simply grabbed them by the scruff of their necks and placed them back on the ground so they may resume playing. "Alright, you two. If you're gonna play rough then count me out." Didn't take long for the two brothers to run off together to pounce on one another in the nearest bushes. No doubt Coci would give them a good scolding for messing with her pristine garden.

"I like animals," he happily chimed in, like a child does when overhearing a grown-up conversation. "Besides the companionship they provide, I mean. Many seem to believe 'mere creatures' are incapable of showing signs of intelligence, that they exist only to provide sentient species with sustenance. I happen to think they are in many ways better than us. They is no greed or hatred in nature, nothing of malicious intent. They simply are, and do what they are made for." Unlike people, who plot and scheme and kill for pleasure.

"Oh you wouldn't believe the stuff some aspiring Force-users come up with these days. Picture any weapon you find here on Midvinter and replace their sharp bits with a lightsaber. Truly ridiculous!" Thurion let out a scoff at the mere thought. But, to each their own, he supposed. "However, you may wish to start out with the regular, tried-and-true saber, Ylva. Easiest way to learn the associated fighting stances, then, in the event you 'trade up', so to speak, you can apply those stances to your preferred choice of weapons." He settled a hand upon her shoulder, hoping that she will eventually accept these small shows of closeness.

"Trust in your teachers, Ylva. You have Théodred and Coci to lean on for answers and support. And now you have me too," he smiled in complete earnest. "That's what family is for."

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva nodded to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] suggestion of the Sword, though it had never been one of her preferred means of fighting, it was true that the Sword (alike the Single-handed War Axe), was a less complicated weapon compared to the spear, halberd or two-handed and heavier choices. "I do trust you, Thurion" Ylva replied, her voice soft and a gentle smile to follow in her appreciation of his help. Thurion was among the most notable combatants of Midvinter, and known by name and reputation to the much wider Galaxy of which Ylva had little to do with. How could she not trust in his experience, to know that his words were true and well-meant.

"I realize that I can come off as a little..." stubborn, "Independent at times, but when it comes to trust, and belonging, there are no people closer to heart than this family you've all accepted me into" she expressed, her admiration for the Heavenshields were well beyond what she felt for others. Ylva found it difficult to trust people, but the family that was nowadays her own, were those that she sought to hold and keep close to heart. As for Théodred, he was well above Ylva's experience, though thinking of him as a mentor was much more difficult than Thurion or [member="Coci Heavenshield"]. This was due to their relationship however and their tendency to tease and goad one another, a sense of competitiveness between them both, though it never bordered on anything more than a light-hearted rivalry between man and wife.

"You and Coci have traveled all over the Galaxy, haven't you?" Ylva asked, her mind moving to question the many different worlds and creatures upon them, let alone the other warriors who practiced the Force and what they were like; "Théodred speaks fondly of the Jedi, though I don't think I've ever really known any outside of family. The Dawnguard...-They're to represent the Jedi on Midvinter, aren't they?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion looked skywards at the mention of other worlds, his mind going back decades in the process. "Between the two of us, Coci and I have likely seen every corner of the galaxy. Not every world, mind you; I doubt anyone has ever had enough time in one lifetime to see them all. There is so much good out there, people and places - just as many as there are bad people and bad places. I have fought the worst of the lot more times than I'd care to count." He turned to meet Ylva gaze and offered a soft smile, "'Scum and villainy', someone once said," he added, then looked back up at the sky to a slow rocking of his chair.

"I have been a Jedi all my life, Ylva. I was seven when they found me, a mere orphan boy, alone and homeless. Took me in, fed me... asked me whether I wanted to join them. Informed me of what it entailed, what I would be giving up. I didn't have anything left to give up by that point, so I wholeheartedly accepted. If I hadn't... I don't know where I'd be today. Dead in some gutter, most likely." Now he sat up, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "That is what the Jedi represent to the galaxy, Ylva. Hope. Hope that the world - any world - can become a better place; a place we can be proud to offer our children, and our children's children."

"When we founded the Dawnguard," he continued, "it was in the wake of a full-scale Sith invasion of our world. Me and Coci, we had become a target for them over our years as leaders of the Silver Jedi Order, and Midvinter got punished for it. We felt it our duty to use whatever means to restore Her and the aid countless affected by the attack. To give hope to the people. It, along with all you see here," he gestured around them, referring to the City of Fridheim in general, "was our first priority once retired from galactic service in order to provide the protection this world needs to survive the next time they come." And there would be a next time, so long as he and his wife yet drew breath the legions of darkness would not cease hounding them.

His attention then shifted from the broad topic of the Jedi, to something far more personal. "Ylva," he reached over to brush back that same lock of hair which seemed to not want to play along. "I know you have suffered in the past. It doesn't take Force training to recognise this, I see it in your eyes. I saw it the first time we met." There was nothing but raw empathy in his voice. "The reason for your inherent distrust in people, the way you shy away... the fact that you've nearly decked me each time we've met for getting too close. None of it is your fault. You don't have to be strong all the time anymore. Allowing yourself to show weakness is the truest sign of inner strength, and the mark of true bravery."

Aware of the discomfort it brought her, Thurion took her hand once more and pleaded. "Let down your guard, my child."

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"I know you have suffered in the past. It doesn't take Force training to recognize this, I see it in your eyes. I saw it the first time we met. The reason for your inherent distrust in people, the way you shy away... the fact that you've nearly decked me each time we've met for getting too close. None of it is your fault. You don't have to be strong all the time anymore. Allowing yourself to show weakness is the truest sign of inner strength, and the mark of true bravery. Let down your guard, my child".

Ylva's mind seemed to stop working, or at-least, those smart arsed quips that were so often heard spoken from her mouth weren't coming to mind as they typically would when someone challenged her on something. [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] didn't seem to mince his words any, either, speaking outright to confront the impact that her past held over her behavior today. "I..." She frowned, not entirely knowing what to say, though the prospect of 'decking' him wasn't a kind thought, despite how strong-willed she often made herself before the eyes of others; "I couldn't bring myself to hurt any of you, I hope you know that" she apologized in her own way. Putting aside the fact that Théodred would be upset with her, Thurion was to good of a person to be disrespected in such a way. The last think she wished to do was hurt or offend him, nor any of the Heavenshield's for that matter.

'None of it was her fault'.

Was it that she blamed herself for her upbringing? Not entirely, though there had always been an element of disregard for herself, raised to be scrutinized at such a young age had ingrained these thoughts into her where her youth was at it's most impressionable of years. "I've known fewer good people than I have bad...-I'm sorry if I've ever seemed offensive in any way, I'm just not used to being able to confide in others. Trust has never been something I've had a lot of in life. At-least not till I met your Son" she explained, her eyes averted and brows heavy for the difficulty that came not only with the memories of her younger years, but too the voicing of her feelings on the subject.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion shook his head and smiled. "You could never offend us, Ylva. Being part of a family means loving one another unconditionally, in spite of whatever flaws you see in yourself or perceive in others."

He now got out of his rocking chair, deciding he'd gotten enough rest for the time being and instead knelt before his daughter-in-law where she sat and took her hands in his. "And do not ever apologise for who you are. You are Lady Ylva of House Heavenshield, the Red Wolf; none more fierce, none more loyal and true. That is who you are, and who you should stay. Whatever hardships you've suffered through has brought you where you are now. The same is true for all of us," he looked her in the eye, unwavering in his choice of words.

"Now then, my sweet child," he stood and stretched his back to the sound of a few joints popping. "How about a walk, hm? I need to stretch these old bones of mine, I get too stiff just sitting around all day." He held out his arm for her to hold onto in spite of the very good chance she would rather not.

Heading out through the unassuming wooden fence gate, on which a sign read "Caution! Feral Felines!" in silly writing and referred to the two rather harmless house cats, Thurion took Ylva down the street which would lead them to the docks. The smell of sea air was one he'd come to greatly appreciate over the years of living here on the western shores. "I must admit, we were all more than a little worried when Théo left the Order to go join the Iron Legion. He was barely of age at the time, and to make such a voyage all on his own and offer his services to a faction so far removed from what he'd known all his life."

"I suppose it's every parent's curse," he paused for a moment as they passed by the square where the statue of the Dawnbringer kept its vigil, "to always worry about their children." Thurion stared at his father's likeness for a time, before turning to Ylva with a renewed smile. "But look how his life has turned out, what fortunes he's discovered in the time since. He found you." The scent of sea salt became evermore prevalent as they entered the docks district, ever busy hauling enormous shipments of fish and other ocean delicacies, with hundreds of fishing vessel lined up as far as the eye could see.

"These shipments go out to every corner of Midvinter, by land and sea," he pointed as they casually strolled by. "Good catch today, lads?" he asked a pair of dockworkers who nodded, each with big grins reaching from ear to ear. "Not too fond of fish myself," he leaned in for Ylva's ears only, else these people would likely jump their lord for speaking blasphemy. "I mean, salmon's alright if cooked just the right way. Don't like smoked salmon, for instance, but I do like oven-baked salmon. What would you say is your favourite food, Ylva?" Suddenly he became like a school boy, speaking of such trivial matters with childlike curiosity.

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"While Théodred served in the Iron Legion, his pursuits led him to my home-world, Nirauan" Ylva replied as the pair of them started their walk, stretching their legs and looking to continue their time together out within the open view of those whom shared in the livelihood of Norvegr-fen. "There were some strong Soldiers among them, though none the same as Théo. None of his caliber" she smiled as she spoke most proudly of her Husband. As they walked the road, making their way towards the docks that she'd not long ago visited with [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], Ylva looked to the villagers with an admiring gaze. The people of Midvinter were a proud kind, and equally as easy to feel proud of. Ylva had come to think of them as her own, an extension of their family the Heavenshield's had welcomed her into, and in doing so shared the responsibility in standing tall in stewardship over the Valkyri.

"I hate to think what jokes the Force will play upon myself with our daughter's future" She responded at the mention of the 'parents curse'. "I do worry for her, Thora. Théodred has a tendency to spoil her at times, because he loves her so..." She continued, feeling able to voice such things to her father-in-law; "I don't know much how to be a Mother to the Girl, though it comes to your Son naturally. Instead, I find myself cautious more than anything, not wanting her to know the reality of the Galaxy we live in" her gaze took on a colder expression, though she wasn't looking to anyone in particular, instead visualizing memories of her past in consideration for the struggles [member="Thora Heavenshield"] may be forced to encounter one day.

Ylva's voice quietened as they reached the Docks, [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] greeting the men of the fisheries whilst Ylva simply smiled to them all as she walked along by his side. The question of her favored food was something of a random and odd question to be asked, a simple thing such as the food she liked best wasn't quite the provocative thought that she oft spent much time considering. "I...-Suppose I like a good steak. Venison maybe?" she spoke with a tone of uncertainty, turning to look up to her father with a slightly wondrous gaze.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Ooh, good choice," he grinned. "My absolute favourite is poultry, bar none. It's almost cruel how much I love it, one of my few vices you might say."

What Ylva shared of her experiences of motherhood thus far, still early in her 'career', made Thurion chuckle to himself. She had no idea what still lay ahead every parent. They wandered the edge of the docks, the calm waves bobbing underneath their feet creating a soothing sound. He did have a destination in mind, one that would undoubtedly take her mind off whatever trivial troubles that ails her. "Ah, Ylva," he took her hand in both of his. "You have only begun to scratch the surface of what it's like being a parent. I have watched all three of my children grow into fine, wonderful individuals, and now my youngest has flown the coop to fight in someone else's wars, seeking glory and a destiny of his own."

His eyes turned skywards for a moment. "My heart worries constantly for all my children, and now too my grandchildren. When you've lived through ordeals as I have, seen what I've seen... You collect small fragments of the dangers that lurk out there, knowing these and more await those that come after you. You are right in wishing to prepare Thora for the dangers she will eventually face, and so you should to the best of your abilities. However," he then stopped and faced his Daughter, for a third time brushing that same lock of hair behind her ear. "We only have a few precious years to dote on them, while they are young and innocent of the ways of the world. Soon Thora will want to strike out on her own, seeking less and less parental guidance."

His large hand cupped her cheek. "Do not be so hasty in wishing her to grow up, Ylva. Let her be a child just for a little while longer. And when she is old enough, though she may not ask for it, she will need your guidance." His hand then settled behind her head to pull her in for a kiss atop her head. Resuming their walk, they had by now left the docks district in exchange for a beach and shoreline. Just up ahead a lone tower stood vigil upon the cliffs. One might mistake it for a lighthouse, though it had no device with which to light the way. She would find out soon enough what is housed. Or rather, whom.

"As you probably already know, when Théo was born Coci and I served as leaders of the Silver Jedi. He grew up surrounded by Jedi, and inevitably he began his training while still so very young. I have always worried that because his mother and father were so tied up in their work - however important, both he and us missed out on a lot of his childhood. Before either of us knew it, there stood a capable young man in place of the little toddler we'd brought into the world. It remains my greatest regret as a father to this day." Not to mention the loss of his dearly beloved grandfather; a terrible ordeal for any child, but one which had scarred his firstborn deeply.

"Here we are," he pulled the heavy metal door open for her to reveal the seemingly empty innards of the tower, save for some fresh straw strewn about the wooden floor. "This way," he led her up a revolving staircase to the upper floor. Here was even more straw covering the floor boards, much of it well-trampled by something big. "On our first day together just the two of us, I took Thora up here to meet them." The answer to the question on Ylva's lips arrived before she could even ask it, as the loud swooping of wings put a smile on his face. "Now I bring you here, on our first day together." Suddenly the massive creature known as the gryphon appeared before the two, swooping in through the openings on all sides of the upper floor. Menacing at first, it soon strode up and nuzzled Thurion not unlike the two kitties from earlier.

However he was soon pounced by several tiny versions of the proud creature - the size of common dogs - all of whom having returned from their daily flying exercise. "Hello, all of you," he greeted them with a laugh as they competed for the most pets. "I figured now that you are part of the family, you should meet the rest of our family," he turned to Ylva, assuring her there was no danger. "These are... well, I can't really tell them apart enough to tell you their names. This, however," he stood beside the Mother Gryphon watching the redhead with great care, "is Cloudancer." No doubt Ylva would recognise her as the cubs' mother, for even Cloudancer knew to bow her large, feathered head to greet another mother.

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Truth be told, poultry wasn't at all a bad choice either; bird meat could be very tender when cooked correctly and adding a few spices never hurt a good evenings meal. It was quite the amusing thing to discuss however, and as they walked, Ylva found herself simply enjoying the time with a wearing smile.

Where parenting was concerned, [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] was the expert of the two, having produced a number of exceptional children who's roles in the known Galaxy were exemplary. The Silver Jedi Order had prospered by it's affiliations with the Heavenshield family, even long after their reign had ended, from what Ylva had been told the eve of Valae Heavenshield's arrival to Midvinter. Long before her wedding to Théodred. "You're not wrong..." Ylva admitted as Thurion spoke of Thora and the pace of which time seemed to pass them by, "At times there is a part of me that feels regret for how hard I can be on the girl, but like you say, she's not seen the nature of men the way I have seen them. Like you, I still carry the scars of my past and wish to protect her from falling victim to such things..." she explained, though her words faded momentarily and she soon voiced her further doubts; "Perhaps I do take the days we have together for granted. Thora is unlike no other, she is the best of her father and I, yet to be tarnished by the aggression of the wider galaxy", perhaps she was wrong to wish to explore more of it whilst Thora remained so impressionable.

Yet again, Thurion turned to face her, his hand pushing her fringe back behind one ear and making her expression scrunch up a little as though she were a child being fussed over by her father. With the kiss to her forehead, Ylva finally spoke up in gentle rebellion "You're enjoying this far too much, I think" she smirked a little back at her Father-in-law. Her was the only other man to ever come so close, outside of Théodred himself, without receiving a curt knee to the groin.

The walk along the shore-line brought a welcome atmosphere compared to the docks, the fresh salt air replacing the smell of dead fish and the breeze, calm and cool to the skin. "I've given up on trying to count how many siblings Théodred has. There seem to be more Heavenshield's than I can keep track of, not all of them blood-tied from what I've gathered" she mused at the thought, finding it admirable that their family was so large, and they were able to influence so many in such a warm light. Despite his regrets, he and [member="Coci Heavenshield"] appeared to be nothing if not the perfect representation of good parenting, and Ylva was certain she weren't the only one to admire them for it.

As they neared the Tower on the peninsular however, Ylva's thoughts turned to question its purpose. She hadn't walked this way before, conveniently off the typical path one might take out of Norvegr-fen. The fact that Thora had come out this way with her Grandfather however, made her feel less uncomfortable about it all and more intrigued as to what Thurion was about to unveil upon her. When they entered, Ylva's eyes fell upon the sight of straw. A lot of it, strewn across the place in a wonderful mess, some of which was bundled and purposely shaped in what could only be described as a lazily built nest of sorts.

"Thuri-..." She began to speak up in question, yet her voice caught in her throat as the sight of the Griffin came swooping down, almost directly on top of the pair of them and moved to nuzzle Thurion with great affection. She found herself in a moment of stage-fright, unmoving as Ylva simply stared at the magnificent creature. Two others appeared, much younger and smaller than the Mother whom seemed intent on determining what or whom she was. The Griffin going so far as to bow it's head to her, causing Ylva's head to tilt and glance to Thurion in questioning demeanor...

"This doesn't have anything to do with your love of poultry, I'm assuming...".

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Naw," he chuckled while giving Cloudancer a good scratch between her shoulder blades, one of the harder spots to reach on their own. "These guys are family. It took some years to reach this level of trust between us, but they are incredibly loyal and noble beings. There is a clear intelligence behind their eyes." Watching Ylva respond to the gryphon's bow in awkward fashion, Thurion simply step over to his Daughter and took her hand to place upon the creature's feathered forehead. He ran her hand in downward motion between Cloudancer's eyes, to the base of her beak before repeating the motion. He then quietly stepped aside, giving Ylva room to interact with the Mother. "They demand respect, as all fierce creatures do. But once they invite you into their presence, you're allowed to come as close as you wish. If they didn't want you here, then... well, you'd already know."

The two cubs knew to approach him in the meanwhile, sniffing his pockets for snacks. "There's no fooling you, is there?" Reaching into one of the pockets he produced a handful of crackers which were soon replaced with mere crumbs as they ate from his palms. "Seems like Daddy Gryphon is out on patrol," he noted Skywalker's absence. "He'll return with dinner in a couple hours." In almost synchronised behaviour the cubs then let out a big yawn each, turning to their mother for a warm place to nap. Soon all three were bundled up together in a pile of fur and feathers, a strong but gentle purr filling the tower.

Thurion found him and Ylva a seat in the soft bed of fresh straw where they could watch the small family nap. "You alright, love?" He smirked, taking some amusement in her awe of the creatures. "The answer is four, by the way," he suddenly changed subjects. "I have five children, only two of which are of my blood. The other three are adopted, but they are considered just as much family as Théo and his younger brother Thirdas. Nina you know of, of course. And you've met Valae, I believe? That leaves Mysa; she's off on some off-world venture, but we stay in touch."

He smiled and settled a hand on her shoulder, shooting her a loving glance. "With you, that makes six."

"I was not born into this life, you know," he then revealed. "I was adopted too, once. Grew up on an ocean-world called Pelagon with my brother - I believe you've met him, King Thyrian? Our mother died giving birth to me, and my father was so distressed he left one day and did not return. Only found him many years later here on Midvinter, but that's a whole 'nother story. After we got... separated, it was then that the Jedi appeared on Pelagon. A woman and her padawan found me. I had all but given up on life at that point, but she fed me and clothed me before even bringing up the fact that they were Jedi. I had never known a mother before, so there was no other answer when she asked whether I would like to come with her to Tython. I would not leave her side, and she would not leave mine. It was not long after our arrival when she named me her son and apprentice. She was... a remarkable woman."

Reaching for his canteen of water he took a swig for his parched throat. "So as you can probably tell, adoption is a subject close to my heart. I love each of my children, and grandchildren, be they blood-related or no."

[member="Ylva Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva's hand moved over the creatures brow and beak as she listened to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] explain his bond with the Griffin's, as well as the likelihood of the father's whereabouts. It was difficult to believe how close she was able to get to the mother, especially with the cubs in such close proximity and Ylva herself being an unknown element to the lot of them, yet she had to presume it was because of Thurion remaining close by that such was the case.

Not wanting to overstep, Ylva finished petting the great avian creature before slowly moving to step away, not turning her back to the Griffin out of respect for it, yet too joining Thurion's side so that she and the cubs could go about their way. "You alright, love?" He soon asked her as they both sought to take a seat nearby in the hay.

Nodding with a wary smile, Ylva replied "I'm just amazed, that given the years I've been on Midvinter with you all now, I'm just now for the first time meeting these friends of yours..". The timing was somewhat unusual, though much of her time had been either focused upon her training within the Dawnguard with Thurion's Wife, or otherwise with Théodred and their family. She wouldn't say much more for the time however, as Thurion began to explain a bit more of his personal history which took Ylva by a bit more surprise than the Griffin's had.

Given the way the Heavenshield's were such an inclusive family of others, she shouldn't have been all that surprised to hear of Thurion being an adopted child, though it was easy to believe that with someone of such a great reputation, they'd come from a past of already well-made family origins. She had indeed met Thyrian, and fought alongside him, the man held much the same integrity and caliber as Thurion did, and they were both equally respectable men from what Ylva had learned.

Explaining his entry into the Jedi seemed like a fortunate tale, also. A Motherly figure turned mentor and trainer, much in the same way that [member="Coci Heavenshield"] was for Ylva these days, only she had the helping hand in first having met Théo, of course. "What was it like, being a Jedi out there?" Ylva asked inquisitively. Much like she had been on Nirauan, Ylva had grown accustomed to thinking only of Midvinter and still seemed to be at a bit of a loss for knowledge on the greater galaxy.