The Mourning After

[Thrand Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gbWL7MJ_kI​

It was early morning in Averlorn. The sun cast its first rays of light upon the deep forests and the ever-frozen lake known as the Frostvatn. For the Aelvar, it was the first of many days of mourning to come, and none mourned more intensely than the Princess Ióunn, for now her mother had rejoined her father in the afterlife where they shall live eternally. Bravely had the Queen held out following the loss of her husband at the battle of what tthe Great Ruinous Invasion, resuming her duties as leader among her people. But her heart had been irreparably broken by the loss, only furthered by the severing of their bond in the Force. In the end, Queen Aewen, Lady of the Lake, could no longer bear the grief and finally gave up on her mortal life. After bidding her daughter farewell, she was last seen stepping unto the Frostvatn, her bare feet taking her to its centre where she then vanished into a bright flash of light, leaving only her wordly belongings behind.

Her memorial service was held in the following days, bringing together all Aelvar to honour their queen of centuries past. Every scouting party and every outpost on the surface of Midvinter was recalled to the heartlands, allowing friends and family who had not seen one another for many years to reunite and mourn together. For thousands of years life on Midvinter had largely stayed the same, making the transition from one Lady to the next an uneventful one. Yet now the future seemed more and more uncertain, as new threats were being discovered one after the other in the span of a short few decades. And so they looked to their new leader, young though she may be.

Unfortunately, Thrand's family had been unable to attend the memorial service due to the scheduled wedding of his cousin Théodred, which happened to take place the very same day. Hence Thrand would be the only representative of either the Valkyri or Beorni, coupled with him doing his utmost to care for Ióunn in her state of grief. Within the span of a year, she had lost both her parents, and the burden of leadership had been thrust upon her too early in life.

So he would wake up the morning after, having spent the night beside his beloved, to find the bed empty. "Ióunn?" Crawling out of bed, it did not take long for him to find her sitting outside on the patio, her red hair caught in the wind and looking so alone. Barefooted he stepped outside to join her, walking up from behind to sit beside her.

"Found you," he spoke softly, putting his arm around her and trying his best to comfort her. For a time all the two did was sit together, listening to the early morning fauna surrounding them, until his gaze lifted to the skies. "The stars are still out," he marvelled, managing a gentle smile before his focus was returned to her. "Can I get you some breakfast?"

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

And so it came to pass that Ióunn was honoured with the title of Queen like her mother before her. Never had she truly expected this, and never did she believe that if that day came it would be so soon. There was so much she wanted to do before taking up such an office of her people, like travel the stars like she always dreamed about, and with the man beside her now exploring them together. She did not really have time to grieve properly, the death of her father who she was so close too still raw in her heart and now, her mother was placed there as well, cutting her heart open once more. But there would be time to mourn when the moon ascends to it's zenith and in the hours of the darkness when spirits rise and walk among them once more. The breeze so cool touched her cheek, like a kiss from the ice the coldest before the dawn and as she played idol with the royal ring on her middle finger, she felt him coming to her.

That ever constant presences in her life that filled her with joy no matter the circumstances brought a smile to her face as he sat beside her. Thrand had been with her this entire time, bringing her comfort in those darkest hours and never once did he ask for anything for himself. The blessing of his love bestowed upon her from early years remain ever growing and Ióunn could not understand why she was so blessed by him. She loves him fully, completely, deeply and truly and will never give up her resolve. Ióunn leaned her head on his shoulder as his arm was placed around her. "No I am not hungry", not yet anyway, it was still too early for the thought of food.

Turning her face to his, she followed his gaze to the stars twinkling in the sky that had a tinge of the morning blue, they danced there for them, inviting them to come join them, just like they always did in her heart. "Do you think we will ever see them?", she asked softly. Part of her wished they had taken the chance when they were younger and escaped into them, but life is never that easy, or simple and both of them held the destiny of duty upon their brows.

"Come the passing of this moon's cycle, I shall write to your father requesting a meeting so that I can continue the treaty of our people", now that there was a new Queen on the throne of Averlorn, she wanted to reinforce their ties. "I am sorry you missed your cousin's wedding, I am sure you would have wanted to be there. But I thank you for staying with me", she turned in her place to look directly at him, and into his brilliant green eyes as her fingers laced into his long white hair. "Amin naa e' mela yassen lle amin amrun elen", she spoke the words of her language as old as Midvinter herself.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand's tender smile now settled firmly on his lips at hearing her voice again. She'd been so quiet the day before, barely uttering a single word out of sheer grief. When she settled against his shoulder he placed a kiss upon her head and took a firmer hold of her. "Of course we will," he reassured her with confidence, feigned or no. "As soon as Midvinter is no longer at risk, we'll go wherever we please. It's... just going to take a bit longer than we thought, is all. Once settled in, I'm sure your people will manage without you for a time. Imagine what sights we could see in just one year up there!" His words were filled with genuine wonder, as if the two were back to being children hiding away in the forest.

"Ah, don't worry about it," he took her by the hand, fingers interlacing with hers. "I have plenty of relatives who have yet to get married. Théo was but the first," he smirked, trying to lighten the mood some. "I did send them a raven last night with well wishes. I don't doubt they were too drunk to make any of it out," he chuckled, then nuzzled into her hair. "I would not trade my time here with you for anything, Ióunn. Whenever you need me, I will be there."

When she next spoke she did so in her native language, and while her words were unknown to him the meaning behind them was not lost on him. "Ok ek elska þik, minn smár kvistr," he replied in the ancient language of Men. He was lost in her blue eyes for a moment, but there was no hesitation when their lips met for a tender kiss. Their close relationship was by now known to all, yet no official announcement had been made. Thrand had had every intention of asking the late Queen Aewen for her daughter's hand in marriage when he felt ready - or perhaps brave enough - but now with her very recent departure, it did not feel right to 'pop the question', so to speak. Then again, perhaps there was no need for it; they were already considered betrothed by many.

"I know my father would have liked to be here, to pay his respects. He admired your mother greatly, and valued her wisdom." Thyrian, having earned the moniker "the Uniter" among his peers, had only ruled for a couple decades while, in contrast, the late Queen Aewen had done so for centuries on end. How could you not regard someone like that in the highest possible measure? "I also know he would love nothing more than to reinforce the bonds between our two peoples. For as long as I've known him, all he's wanted is to do good. 'Trying to make up for past deeds', he calls it." His gaze turned northward, past the mountains to the Crownlands. "He is the greatest man I know. He's always been too hard on himself."

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

They had spent these past weeks in joy and sadness, but never did they wander from each others company in that time. It had been the best and worst of experiences for her with the loss of her mother, and before that her father who she was closer too still. Ióunn had to grow up fast in the weeks that followed his death, mother had turned her gaze to the stars at night, longing to be among them beside him and Ióunn had known it was only a matter of time before she did. She had felt the essence of her mother slipping away little by little each day and there was nothing she could do or say to stop it. The day would come when she too would face the same, she would out live Thrand in the general sense but in the end, his death would mean the same fate for her.

She looked at him as he gazed toward the lands of his fathers, the thought of his death frightened her greatly but in that moment she understood her mother and her desire to be with the man she loved more than life. "You long for your home, your family .. and you must go my love", he had spent enough time away from them and he needed to rejoin them, they must be missing him dearly as she would him and she curled her fingers into his for a tighter grip not really wanting to ever let go.

"Have you ever asked him what that means, 'these past deeds' he speaks of?", she looked on with a curiosity. "Maybe the time has come for him to tell you, maybe the time has come when he needs to tell you", after all a burden is best carried when shared, and that the father should unveil himself to his son.

Dappling sun light filtered through the tops of the canopy and danced within the droplets of dew on the grass below where they sat. The avian more active and searching for food popped along the grass digging their beaks into the earth to summon up all manner of grubs and worms to take back to their nests. The cacophony of life in the Averlorn forest was loud in her Aelvar ears, the sensation of the Frostvatn brimming with a force of nature as is the normal state here among the mist and pine. It truly was a place of beauty and she doubt that there was anywhere among the stars that matched it, or even bested it. She hoped one day she would know this as truth, having seen it with her own eyes.

"Come, lets walk among the green mosses toward the brook and along her banks until we find our clearing", the very same in which they first met as children of the Forest. That young little boy that stumbled into a world unknown.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"I do miss them," he said, turning back to meet her gaze and caress her cheek with his thumb as if to remove yet another tear. "I just don't wish to leave you alone. Not so soon after your mother's departure." It made him feel selfish, the thought of going home to be with his family while she stayed here with none left. "You would feel lonely." When she next spoke, she mentioned his father and how he should reveal his past. "Maybe," he shrugged lightly. "I know whatever he's been keeping from me won't change anything. He is still my father, and I'll always love him. I think he's worrying too much - surely his great deeds to Midvinter outweighs anything he did in the past?" He gave his newly-grown beard a good stroking, still getting used to it. He was surprised to learn it did not match his white hair, but rather took on his father's likeness.

"Makes me look older, doesn't it? More distinguished," he pondered aloud with a smirk. Upon suggesting they venture out into the woods Thrand popped up on his feet and bowed his head, offering his hand. "As my Queen wishes," he grinned.

Collecting his boots from inside her abode, they wandered down through the small town hand in hand. It was still early in the day and the winding, uncobbled paths were all but deserted save for a few exceptions, and these were quick to greet their young queen with graceful bows directed at both of them. Thrand had become a common sight amongst the Aelvar these months he'd spent in Averlorn, and he had not been idle in learning as much he possibly can about their culture and history. He still struggled with their language, for it was vastly different from what he was used to at home. So fluid and sinuous, compared to the rough and harsh speech of the Valkyri. "Mae govannen," he offered them nonetheless, however crude his dialect might strike them.

Once away from what little civilization there was, they soon found the brook and would follow it until they'd find themselves in the very same spot that they first met. Along the way Thrand would enjoy the scenery that still amazed him with its beauty, so entirely different from any Valkyri woods he'd visited; there were creatures living here that had never been discovered on the outside, and the temperate climate seemed unaffected by neither summer nor winter. To the right of them stood a small group of Vhaanir, grazing the fresh dew-ridden grass. When the occasional ray of sunlight would make it through the canopies of leaves high above, their white fur would glisten like the purest silver. They even happened upon a great Skaugr, shifting its weight with a low rumble while under the guise of just another tree.

They eventually found themselves at where the thick mist would take hold, and would continue on until no longer in Averlorn. "Well, here we are," he said with a smile. "Over there is the very same tree you hid behind when we first met. Right next to it is the bush we then hid in together from everyone else." His eyes then followed the line of sight from the bush to where his father had emerged and threatened to burn down the entire forest. His palm print could still be made out in the bark, though the tree itself had long since healed. Placing his own hand upon it, he found that theirs were just about the same size.

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She had kept quiet for most of the walk to the clearing, and smiled when he recalled their first meeting pointing out all the spots of interest that was only theirs. Ióunn stopped in the center of it with her hands behind her back and watched him walk around, the sun light dancing off his long white hair and if she did not know better she would think him one of her kin. It was only when he placed his hand over the impression of his father's did she go to him. "We call it, Naur Orn. Fire tree, after your father". She remember the moment all to well so itched into her memory when at that point the turn of destiny could have gone the other way.

"I love you for thinking of me, and looking out for me. But it is time you went home", she said softly as her arm slide around his waist. Ióunn turned her face to his with a gentle smile, something she had not done since her mother's passing. "But I shall come with you", she added as this was a great opportunity to meet the King on more diplomatic grounds.

"Do you think the Grand Hall will have room enough for my retinue?", she joked with him as she flurried her hand like a goodly Queen. Although she would never be allowed to simply travel as she once did, the Rangers sworn to protect the Queen at all costs would not brook refusal.

She let her arm slip from his waist and walked over to the spot in which she hide from that strange little boy she first saw. "You were such a curiosity to me, so strange and different the likes of which I had never seen before. You looked like you came from another world and I suppose that was true at the time". Her fingers lightly caressed the bark of the tree. "You were innocent and pure of heart or else you would have been .. you would have died", the mists would have not permitted his passing nor that of his fathers. A pure heart and the heart of a man that wanted nothing more than to find his son broke the spell.

"I shall ready my people to travel in three days from this", she suddenly turned to him with a set determination.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

The thought of Ióunn going to Tháinbroek with him was a far more comforting one than the alternative of leaving her behind to dwell within these woods. He knew full well she had a duty to her people now but she had only barely reached womanhood. She would have centuries of duty to look forward to, she could afford spending her youth away from such thoughts. At least, that was what going through Thrand's head at the time. "I think we could squeeze you in," he flashed her a grin before watching her step over to their old hiding spot. He could see the years fall from her form until only that little girl remained as memories of that fateful day flooded his mind.

"Nobody on the outside ever knew of your existence before that day. There were stories about the wicked fairy-folk dragging stragglers into the mist to devour them, that I only heard of after the fact." He chuckled at the notion, now that he had come to know the Aelvar for the kind and graceful people they were. "Then again, how do I know you will not one day devour me when I least expect it, hm?"

He began to close the gap between them. "Three days will be fine, I will send word to Father..." His eyes were fixed on hers the entire time, and once stood before her he did not hesitate in throwing his arms around her and kiss her deeply, pouring all of his love into it. As he did, a strange sensation came over him the likes of which he'd been able to suppress in her presence many times before. This time it was stronger than ever, and as they were lost in their kiss he pinned her back against the tree, gently so as to not hurt her. "I love you, Ióunn," he paused to say with all the purity of his heart, before kissing her deeply once more.

Picking her up off the ground he found a bed of leaves and mosses to lay her down upon, and one by one items of clothing were discarded to the side...

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

"In part those stories were true", she lingered by the bush as he drew nearer to her. "Any that did wonder within our boarders were never seen again, we had to keep our presence from everyone for our own safety, and you know why", she gave him a sad regretful smile, the miscommunication between both people were at fault, she knew there was always two sides to a story and there had been a lot of suspicion between them. A lack of knowledge by both parties, which always is the breeding ground for fear. Her lips twitched into a smile as he spoke more of them, of her.

"But you have no fear of that now, nor the fear that I will devour you. Those .. past .. part of our culture are gone", she teased him, the Aelvar never did eat anyone. But she supposed the legend that the Valkyri built up around them served a great purpose many centuries ago. As she turned to face him, Thrand's eyes fixed upon her and with his was a difference. Something burning from deep within him surfaced and Ióunn heart raced thumping hard against her chest. She was frightened by it, but at the same time, not.

As he kissed her deeply, holding her waist pressing their bodies close, her breath was taken and she lost all sense of being, or rather awareness of herself. Something profoundly honest was about to be shared by them together, a love that had been built upon friendship and a sense of belonging now flowered into more between two people that loved each other without any trappings of a sense of propriety. All of that would come later, but for now there was only the present.

Thrand lifted her off the ground, and carried her to a place in which love would flourish as would their physical acceptance of each other. To say their love making did not have witness would be untrue although no mortal eyes would touch the memory of it, but the stars, the living creatures of the forest and the gods would know that such a thing as love was born this day ...

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Time seemed to stop around them yet the world kept spinning out of control, as all concept of awareness of their surroundings was lost. All their focus was on each other, with love and passion overflowing and assuming control of their actions. It was frightening at first, giving themselves to their urges and letting their bodies set the pace. But then once it was over, they'd never felt more blissful as they rested in each other's arms in the shade of the trees, as naked as when they came into the world. Thrand rested her upon his chest rising and falling in quick succession due to laboured breath, caressing her long red hair and holding her close. For him, there was a sense of disbelief of what had just taken place; although he had not been ignorant to such things, the moment had come to him so suddenly and strongly that he'd barely had time to register.

For the first time he felt nervous in her presence, trying to find the right words to say. "That was... wow," he let out a sigh of relief and laughed to ease the tension. He leaned in for a tender kiss, and as their lips met he gently rolls her on top with his arms wrapped around her waist. After their kiss their foreheads touched and he was lost in her blue eyes once more. "I hope I did not hurt you? I wasn't really in control, there..." he admitted with a slight blush.

"I love you with all my heart, and now all my body," he then said with confidence, and he took her hand and placed a kiss upon her mother's ring. "You are my Queen, and I would be your consort if you will have me. Until the day I am to succeed my father as High King, I wish to be of service to you and your people." He now placed her palm against his heart, never once shying away from her gaze. "Will you marry me, Little Twig?"

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

There was never such a perfect place as this. Laying among the cool grass that caressed their bodies against the heat of the night, she had slept well, and deeply after their exhaustion, she had not slept this well since her father died. Grief was slowly being replaced with joy, how could it not? their love was intense with loyalty from the moment they met but this night it shot to a greater height and rested among the stars. Her eyes slowly opened upon the morning and the gently breathing of Thrand beside her, the warmth of his body pressed to hers was all she needed to keep the cold at bay.

Ióunn sensed his nervousness, it was akin to her own and something that two lovers would have in common when love is expressed physically for the first time. Everything seemed to come naturally between them, they had let loose the bounds of decorum and let their love take control. It was a wonderful thing, she had never felt so alive as she did with him. Allowed to be free ..

She turned to him and smiled, her own shyness in this situation evident in her face but still she would not break away from him. "You did not hurt me", she whispered to him assuring him. Her hand rested upon his chest as she listened to him speak feeling his heart thumping rapidly. Thrand was the most noble of men she had ever known save for her father but even still, there was purity in his heart which he gave to her willingly. Her cheeks flushed as he spoke, even now after what they had done, his giving himself to her so freely was beyond words for her to express her love and gratitude. To stand by her in the years to come, and now this?

Although they are destined to be together, hearing him ask her formally, outright to marry him was wonderful. She smiled, she could not help herself and as she sat up she cupped his jaw and pulled him in for a deep kiss, as love rested on her lips. "I will marry you my sun prince, I love you more than life my Thrand", which was true, as all Aelvar do. Although he will be her consort, she will be his one day and they will be equal uniting the worlds of Midvinter.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Three days later...

The time had come for the assembled entourage of Queen Ióunn to depart for the Valkyri capital. Thrand had sent word to his father to expect their arrival in the given time, describing the Aelvar's visit as diplomatic in nature. For himself, personally, it was primarily to officially announce his betrothal to Ióunn and their subsequent wedding would be held in Averlorn. He knew his father loved him and would not object, but part of him could not help but feel it would let some of his people down by not having a royal wedding take place in Tháinbroek. Then again, they had only recently enjoyed the festivities of his cousin Théodred's wedding to Ylva, so he imagined they've had their fill for the time being. Besides, their own ceremony would likely not take place for some time; Ióunn would first have to tend to her duties as Lady of the Lake and establish her rule. It did not bother Thrand, as he had pledged himself to her and would assist however possible. Working beside her each and every day for the foreseeable future was more than he could ever hope for.

Consisting of advisors and bodyguards alike, the retinue now mounted upon their steeds only awaited the arrival of their young queen. Thrand stood by his own horse and proudly watched as she walked down the only proper street in Averlorn towards the entourage, with her people cheering her on from either side. This was her moment to shine and bask in her role as the living symbol of her country and people. Only when she arrived did he step forward to lend her a hand in mounting her horse, unable to stop smiling as he did. Once in her saddle he probably lingered a bit too much by her side, and yet as he was about to turn to mount his own horse she suddenly leaned down to place her lips upon his. Even more of a surprise was that when she did, the cheers only increased which did put some blush on his cheeks. "I love you," he whispered for her ears only.

Leaping into his own saddle, which held the immense scabbard housing the sword of his ancestors too large to be kept at one's side, Thrand motioned for the retinue to begin their journey north. It was slow going, taking that amount of horses through the dense woods, but they were well-versed in traversing the terrain littered with gnarled roots rising from the earth and sudden shifts from hard rock to soft mosses underfoot. Save for a couple of Rangers sent to scout ahead and clear any obstacles off their path, it was him and Ióunn that rode in front with dozens more following their lead. "This is the way we came when making for Averlorn after the battle, yes? So the path through the mountains should be around here somewhere..." he scanned the area for any signs of a man-made entrance, only to find there were still many things he had yet to learn about the Aelvar, as Ióunn was about to show him.

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

A part of her looked forward to the day in which she and her people would travel to Thainbroek with Thrand to further the ties between the two great peoples of Midvinter, it would mean that this would continue as she had no notion of breaking the treaty, for her this was the easy part. The hardest part was that in doing so, she would be leaving her grief behind and entering into a new age for her people, with her at the head of it all. She will always miss her parents, both of them but it was time to set all of that behind her and progress as a woman and Queen in her own right. These were the thoughts that swam in her mind as she approached the entourage that would lead her into the snowfields of Midvinter and beyond north to the Capital.

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As Ióunn approached her horse standing ready to receive her, her eyes locked with Thrand's standing with her hand extended toward her, she smiled and mounted. The collective connection between Aelvar and their Queen was as strong as ever, she could feel it pulling much power from the Frostvatn and it informed her that they all are with her and the union with the Prince of the Valkyri and in a display of this she leaned to kiss him which met with great approval from her people. "I love you too, very much my light". Once ready to depart, Ióunn gave the signal to move out, as they passed through the village and into the edge of the surrounding forest, she turned her head toward Thrand with a smile, then shimmering light beyond the veil of trees caught her attention and standing in the thick trees was her parents in ethereal form, they looked at her before bowing her heads as she passed by, and Ióunn returned that bow. They will never be gone from her which pushed grief away in that instant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqnohMfrS3Y ​

It did not take long for the entourage to advance along the well known path to the pass that joins Averlorn to Midvinter and in wonder Thrand looked to find the passage concealed to all eyes but the Aelvar. "It is the very same and you see this is way one can not simply walked into Averlorn", she grinned at him. It wasn't just the passage that prevented unwanted visitors from entering and those that say they had, had succumbed to the magic of the mists, believing they had. The power of the collective people was far greater than any one individual.

Ióunn's attention was taken by one of the rangers, silently asking for permission to open the passage to which responded with a simply nod of her head. The rock before them, shuddered in a white light and the illusion broken before the cascading light appeared before them indicating the passage. They pushed forward and entered the rock face. Once inside the darken passage, Ióunn reached out her hand and took his as their horses moved closer, not that she was afraid but because she felt stronger in their union.

"We shall pass the snowfield in which the Ruinous Battle took place, we should stop to pay our respects to the fallen", she whispered as the light at the other end of the passage streamed along the path. "It is important to remember those that gave so much so that we could live in peace and freedom, we should mark that day as a day to take stock and remember them".

[member="Thrand Hearthfire"] ​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"Ah. Should've guessed that's how it works," he commented as the entrance through the mountain was revealed, only to feel Ióunn's hand find his once they entered the passageway. He gave her a reassuring squeeze and leaned down to place a tender kiss upon the back of her hand. As they journeyed through the dark tunnel Thrand held out his hand with flat palm facing the mountain ceiling and caused a bright flame to appear, lighting up their surroundings. All along the walls were a plethora of carvings, of which only a handful could be made out by the Sun Prince. He recognised some as Elvish, others as a very old form of Runian, and a third he had never seen before. He suspected the third might be the written language of the Beorni, if such a thing even existed. Had all three races known about these paths at some point, thousands of years ago?

Ióunn's voice called his attention. "Aye," he replied with solemnity. "Lest we forget."

The bright light at the end of the tunnel came ever closer, and Thrand struggled to have his sensitive Umbaran eyes adjust to it. Once making it through to the other end he had to close his eyes shut briefly and only open them little by little to avoid being blinded. He blinked a couple times until finally he could properly take in his surroundings. All at once he was back in the Midvinter he remembered, no longer frolicking in the temperate woods of Averlorn but hit hard by the harsh lands of the Valkyri. These plains had been badly damaged by the forces of Ruin, led by their Hag-Goddess, now barely housing anything in terms of flora or fauna. There still lingered signs of battle, with rusted pieces of arms and armour scattered about the area, and there was an eerie silence save for the steady sound of hooves and banners caught by the wind. What truly marked this place of battle however, was the towering volcano that had been roused from its slumber by that curious stranger. God or no, the man definitely possessed immense powers.

Fortunately there had been no more eruptions since the battle, and the outpour of liquid fire had turned to stone with time, which made it safe for travellers to approach. "I still struggle sometimes to piece it all together," he said as they slowed to a halt in the middle of the battlefield, surrounded by nothing but signs of destruction. Debris of the Judgement still lay strewn about, albeit covered by snow, even after his father had had the site stripped of the more valuable metals and materials. "I remember charging in with the Valkyri army, after that most of it is just a blur. Almost like a dream. Chaotic..." Thrand dismounted and joined Ióunn on foot. "Over there is where..." he hesitated to utter the words. "Where your father passed."

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

The walk around the field in eerie silence seemed to justify the solemnity of the moment, Ióunn turned on the spot looking around the entire field taking in all the surroundings that she did not have the chance to do on that day. "They are here still, an essence of their souls still walk the ground", by this she meant the dead, but it was like a cut out of them, nothing solid or something one could sense or feel. She too could see the spot where the piece of the Judgement had threatened to fall on them both and although it was this that had killed her father, she viewed it differently. "Yes", she said approaching Thrand, "This is the spot of where he saved us", she smiled gently as that was a far better way in which to remember the day, and she kissed his cheek.

"Come lets walk a little", she moved off taking his hand as she did. A large piece of the ship that had rammed into the ground and embedded there probably meters deep, sat dull on the surface, the metal worn with the elements even now and it was not that long ago. Her hand reached out to it feeling the coldness of it as if dead, fitting really in this place. "Your father had had his ship salvaged for the most part and put to good use, but what of this?", she asked not knowing if it was valuable or if someone was to come back for it. "I think this piece should remain in place as a constant reminder of our fallen, a place that marks the spot for generations to come, a place for them to gather and respect the past".

She turned to smile at Thrand before moving on once more, this time toward the black hard rock that has spewed from the volcano. Ióunn walked along the edge of it, crusted with snow and ice now as winter began to set in, but the relief of it was clear to see risen in the snow. Following the long trail of it up to the mountain base and beyond far into the distance with eyes as keen as any of her kin. "That man that did this, he professed to be a God of your people .. did you believe him?", she asked without looking to her beloved.

Instead she bent down and placed her hand to the snow brushing away at it until the black rock was revealed to them. It was brittle and jagged and if one was the run your hand over it, it would cut the skin. Yet to Ióunn touch it was alive, there was something within the rock that lived, something dormant but it was not a living thing of flesh and blood and it was strange to sense through the Frostvatn. Gently she ran her hand over the surface mindful that it was sharp, and through the force she detected a fault in the rock and she stopped, placing her palm directly over it and focused. All of a sudden there was a sharp cracking sound, the shatterpoint of the rock gave way producing shards of the black rock.

Gently she pick one piece up and examined it, it was beautiful sparkling in the sun light an emerald green the likes she has only seen once. Thrand's eyes.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand was more than happy to walk the field of battle with his beloved, and he admired her outlook on her father's last moments of life. He'd saved his only daughter from a mortal blow; what parent could ask for a more dignified death? Thrand thought on his own father, and how fiercely protective he was of his family. Should such a day come to pass, there was no question whether Thyrian the Uniter would lay down his life for his children, same as his own father once did. He could only hope that he would face death so willingly when the time came, far in the future.

"I don't know," he shrugged, inspecting the large piece of otherworldly debris embedded in the ground. "Probably doesn't hold much value in terms of materials." It did possess a certain shape that made it fit the role of a memorial marker, and so Thrand searched the ground for a smaller piece to carve runes into its charred and dusty surface, the metal underneath shining in the light of day. "It says: Where Gods and Mortals faced Death together." I held double truth, for not only were countless lives lost fighting for their home, but they literally faced down the Goddess of Death.

He put his arm around Ióunn while they wandered a bit further. "It's impossible to tell. I didn't meet him in person, but if this," he gestured to the hardened mass of black rock, "was all his doing, then he certainly possesses far greater powers than anyone I know of. Considering there were actual gods walking the earth that day, I wouldn't put it past him." Perhaps he was still too young to truly puzzle the impact of the Gods being indisputably real, for he like most other Valkyri had simply accepted it as truth the day they were first introduced to them at a young age. It was people from the outside, such as his mother and father, or the Heavenshields, with experience of the greater galaxy prior to arriving on Midvinter, that were truly affected by the proof of them being real. The fact that one of them was his very own namesake, a man turned god, probably made the greatest impact.

The piece of glass she plucked from the black rock appeared as just that, black like the deepest pit. But when the light of the sun shone through it it shimmered with brilliant green. But his gaze soon passed through the shard of glass towards the woman holding it, and without a word he felt a need to place his lips upon hers once more. He threw his arms around her as they kissed deeply straight from the heart, lifting her off the ground and slowly turning in place. It just so happened they were just out of sight from the rest of the retinue dutifully awaiting their return, blocked by the makeshift memorial. Their kiss did not end until after he'd spun a full circle and placed her back on the ground. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself," he felt a bit awkward to have thrown himself at her so suddenly.

"We, uh... We should probably get going," he cleared his throat. "We're falling behind schedule..."

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

She gazed out across the landscape, her Aelvar eyes piercing the forests and mountains around them well beyond the capacity of others, everywhere life continued onward, among the trees and it's creatures of the forests, in the mountains life prevailed there too with animals that dwelled within the peaks, and a sense of renewal filled the Frostvatn, it was wonderful to behold, to feel with in it, to be a part of it with Thrand. His thoughtfulness knew on bounds, and one day he will be a great king, maybe even the best king Midvinter and the Valkyri would ever know. There was something within Thrand that was more than noble by birth and even by his baring something greater then even he or she knew at this point.

The gods of Midvinter were strange to her, even though she had had the same experience Thrand had in seeing them touch the soil beyond their realm but was wonderous to her, something that spoke of the Other and once more there was life to be experienced that she did not know of nor him right here on Midvinter and she longed for the days in which they would experience them together. But patience was a virtue all Aelvar held, they had time unlike most.

She saw in his eyes the sudden fire which rose from his heart and soul, that thing that lives within him not explored, the power of might in the man before her when suddenly he took her in his arms and kissed her hard with no doubt of his love for her coming straight from his heart. It was returned with her love, with the touch of it upon her lips and given to him without hesitation. Their bond growing every day, as each moment passed, they would never be set asunder.

"Never be sorry to show your love for me my beloved", she whispered to him as their kiss ended. They are young and filled with the joy of it as most young people are, and never would she deny him that love. "But you are right, we have lingered long enough", she smiled and took his hand once more leading them both to their mounts waiting patiently. Once both mounted and the retinue rejoined, they set off for Thainbroek. "By this eve you will be home", she smiled at him and looked forward to seeing the King, his father once again.

"I hope there will be a big bowl of stew awaiting us, I have grown fond of it", she added with a playful wink.

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

He followed her back to their horses where they mounted once more and the retinue resumed their journey, and his gaze found hers as they rode side by side. It was he who now reached for her hand and placed a kiss upon it. "You are my home," he declared without hesitation, feeling more and more at ease with the notion of informing his mother and father of his decision to marry her. He did not doubt they would approve of the match, but rather how to go about it all. Do you just blurt out that you've proposed to someone, or lead into it somehow? Was there even a proper procedure for this sort of thing?

Whatever the case, as the light of the day began to waver and evening took hold they finally found themselves before the gates of Tháinbroek, which swung open as a horn blasted from inside the city. The guardsmen were surprised to say the least, not having seen the son of the King since the day he rode out to war at his father's side. Not to mention the host of Aelvar accompanying him. Lit torches lined the main street leading straight towards the centre of town, and the Great Hall overlooking it all. The sky was a blend of pink and orange as the sun set in the Westmark, and to the east stars were already out for all to see. Behind the rows of torches people had gathered to greet their prince, as well as the elven queen they'd been informed would accompany him. A hero's welcome.

At the foot of the ever-vigilant statue of the Dawnbringer stood High King Thyrian the Uniter, First of His Name, and by his side was his beloved wife dressed in all white, as had become Kära's custom from the day she joined her husband on the throne. The retinue pulled up alongside the reception and Thrand slipped off his steed in time to help Ióunn down, grabbing her by the hips and lowering her down until her feet touched the cobbled ground, lost in her gaze as he did so. Together they presented themselves to the King and Queen, with Thrand taking a step forward and bowing his head. "Mother... Father..." While Kära returned the graceful bow, Thyrian could only hold back for so long before rushing to greet his firstborn with a massive embrace, and Thrand was just as quick to return it. "My sweet boy," the aging father could barely hold back tears. Following their embrace was a brief size-up, where the King placed both hands upon his son's shoulders and sensing the strength the young man possessed. "You look well, Son." Kära followed soon after with an embrace of her own, their white hair merging into one throughout its duration.

Taking a step back, Thrand turned to Ióunn and placed a hand upon the small of her back, offering her the chance to present herself. But she'd barely gotten a syllable in before Thyrian approached her, and for the moment he simply stood before the elf maiden, expressing his condolences without having to utter a single word. He then got down on one knee and took her gentle hands in his. "Tháinbroek is honoured to receive her allies," he leaned down to place a kiss upon her hands. "As I am blessed to be in the presence of another Queen of the Aelvar," he added with a tender smile before rising to his feet. "Come, let us get out of this cold and dine together! All of you are welcome to stay at the Great Hall for as long as you wish."

The party began their ascent up the steps, and as they did Kära sidled up to Ióunn and had their arms entwine. "Your visit is much anticipated, Your Grace," she beamed a smile at her. "My husband has not been so giddy in a long time when he received Thrand's letter informing us of your arrival."

Behind the two Queens wandered father and son, the latter of whom rested the mighty blade of his grandfather upon his shoulder. His other shoulder was reserved for his father, who clung to his son as if being led up the many steps. Nothing was said between the two. They didn't have to.

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

As the gates of the great city came into view the moment the Aelvar and Thrand had broke the edge of the forest, her stomach twisted in a knot of nerves. This would be her first official function as a Queen, and even though Thrand's father was known to her from her childhood, that did not matter in stifling the doubt in her mind. Greeted by a line of Valkyri of the city along the street as they made their progress toward the Grand Hall standing so high on the highest level in the city, her gaze reached up to it taking in all the colour and banners from the clans that had given Thyrian, their king, fealty. Horses, hounds, stags anvils and all manner of sigil fluttered on the brisk breeze.

On approached to the steps of the Grand Hall, Ióunn could see Thyrian standing head and shoulders above everyone else and wearing a big smile, a smaller woman stood beside him who Ióunn did not know but by the look of her it was obvious it was Thrand's mother. And now she realised just how much he is a combination of them both. As the retinue passed the statue of the Dawnbringer, the Aelvar bowed their heads in respect to a great man even though they had not the pleasure of meeting him, history was always revered my her people. The coming of the Aelvar to the capital always excited the locals, so different to them and still so intriguing so much so that they would push forward to gain a better view. The children running along the side of the street never missing out on anything as they proceeded toward their king.

Ióunn smiled shyly as Thyrian approached and greeted her officially, "The Aelvar are honoured by your welcome King Hearthfire, and we are glad to accept your hospitality under the roof of the Grand Hall". With the main greeting over, she was delighted to hear that dinner was ready for them, the trip had been long and they were tired. But before she could proceed, Thrand's mother came to her and lead her into the Hall.

"It is a pleasure to meet you finally, your grace", she was nervous again but for a different reason this time. "Thrand has spoken of you and Thyrian many times", she smiled to let her know that all that was spoke was in a good light. "And please accept my gratitude for your welcome", she added again a little bit for formal. Once in side, the mood changed greatly, the warmth for the central hearth filling them with a sense of homely goodness away from the cold. Her people found their quarters within the Halls and her things taken to a room set aside for her visit.

Suddenly she remembered that the last time she had been here was when she was but a young girl exploring the city with Thrand for the first time. The first time she had ever been out of Averlorn. The Grand Hall was still as big as she remembered, the high vaulted ceiling and thick beams, the platform at the far end on which the Throne is set, and all the long tables ready for any guest. It was nice to see that some things don't change.

Ióunn walked to one of the many columns that held up the roof and ran her finger along the wood as she walked around it with a smile. "Here it is", she looked over the Thrand standing by his father. "Our mark", and in the wood was carved their initials.

​

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Following closely behind the two ladies, Thrand felt the steady hand of his father upon his shoulder, and through their special connection of their fiery blood they needed not speak their love for one another aloud. All they did was exchange fond smiles, until the hand upon his shoulder reached for his jawline for a light caress. "It looks good on you," he referred to a beard that had not been there last they saw each other. "If you need grooming advice, I'd be happy to offer some." Thrand gave his old man a nudge of his elbow, and the two shared a chuckle. Thyrian's gaze lifted to his father's sword now in the possession of his son, shining bright in the torchlight. By the way Thrand carried it, it was obvious he took great pride in caring for it.

The King hesitated before speaking next. "She is beautiful. Perhaps even more so than her mother." Thrand watched Ióunn conversing with his own mother, and almost didn't hear his father's words. "And just as wise," he added. "She will be a strong ruler for her people." Thyrian nodded to himself. There was more he wished to say, but it would wait until after they had dinner.

Stepping inside the Great Hall the retinue of Aelvar were shown to the guest quarters, and would rejoin in time for the feast. While ridding themselves of cloaks and furs, he watched as Ióunn found the very same column they had once claimed as their own by carving their initials into the wood. "One of many more to come," he joined her, taking her hand and getting lost in her eyes.

A door creaked open as two little ones, no more than 5 years of age, came running from another side passage, the one leading to the royal quarters. "Thrandy! Thrandy," they pounced him, who by now had dropped to his knees to embrace the pair. "There they are," he joyously greeted his small siblings. "Oh, I have missed you so!" Effortlessly he plucked them off the ground, one on each arm as he turned to Ióunn with a wide grin. "Ióunn, I would like you to meet the twins. This is Thibbi, and this is Thebba. My little brother and sister." The two clung to their big brother like monkeys, too shy to greet the pretty redhead in return.

Thrand looked around, hoping to see another familiar face but was only met with the gentle shaking of his mother's head. "Theryn was not feeling well, so he's in bed resting. He wanted to see you so badly," Kära assured him, though a sad look in her eye did not escape him. "It's okay, Mother. I will go see him in the morning." He let the twins back down to run around some more in all the excitement. "Theryn is my younger brother, we grew up together," he explained to Ióunn, hoping she wasn't feeling overburdened with information all at once. "He has always been a sickly child. When we were little he could barely walk except for short distances, so I would carry him around everywhere." Some days were worse than others, having to rely on potions and medicine in order to last through an entire day. Because of his frail body, Theryn instead chose to hone his mind with knowledge, spending most of his waking hours reading in his study. Public appearances were not his forte.

"Please, Lady Ióunn," his father spoke with the intention of not letting these news bring down the mood. "Come, sit with me. You must be weary from your long journey, both of you." At the far end of the hall, below the steps of the throne, stood the table reserved for royalty and honoured guests, with the High King's seat at the very centre of it. "We still have a few minutes before the feast begins, after all. Let's enjoy the peace and quiet while we can, soon it will be too late," he cautioned with a smirk as he took his seat, with Kära at his right side and Queen Ióunn at his left, and Thrand in turn taking up position on her left. This way the four would face each guest as they entered at the appropriate time. "Ióunn..." he gently placed his hand upon hers. "I just wanted to tell you while I still have the chance... I am so sorry about your mother. When I heard the news, my first thought was for you. I know what it's like, losing a mother too early in life..."

[member="Ióunn Ar-Olwa"]​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

Suddenly the great hall with the sound of children's voices, it was easy to tell who they belonged to as their feature gave that away. Thrand was the eldest and so loved and looked up to by them, all of them it seemed and she was so pleased they had finally made the journey to his home. He had missed them as much as they did. Ióunn looked down into the faces of his brother and sister clinging to him not wanting to let go, she smiled and knelt down to their level and offered her formal bow, "Greetings little ones", she said with a soft lyrical voice. "It is a pleasure to meet you".

The King took them all to the long table placed at the forefront of the room and they sat in position ready for the doors to open, but for now they had time to speak before proceeding began. "I would be honoured your grace", she replied to the king with a smile. She could not help remembering their first meeting too, how big she believed him to be from a child's prespective, and honestly that view of him had not changed much, he was still a tower to her. The biggest one of them all she used to call him.

Ióunn placed her hand on his arm resting on the table, "I thank you for your thoughts Thyrian, mother always valued your friendship not just because of the treaty but from one leader to another". There were personal words among them when he spoke of his mother and the sense of sadness in his eyes was not missed by her, there was more hurt within his eyes that he may not have wanted to share, at least for her she had years with her parents before they were taken from her and time passes and the natural order continues.

"You are a wise king and protector of your people, I hope that if I need help I can always come to you for guidance", she smiled more but she knew that their positions were one of great trial as well as responsibility.

Ióunn noticed the movement of her personal guard entering the hall, their footfalls silent as is their way and they stood along the wall her commander close by her holding the Shield of Averlorn. Everything was in readiness for the formal part of the evening and although she was tired from her journey fatigue is not an option when one has to perform duty.

​

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[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​