These Are the Days of Our Lives [Kära/Mysa & Coci/Théo]

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_U4in8WeS0​

Dawnbringer Temple
Midvinter

It was early summer morning on Midvinter, with stars still clearly lit across the skies above. Sat upon the edge of the mountainside and with their legs dangling over the precipice, brothers Thyrian and Thurion looked to the east. The sun had just begun its climb, casting pink and orange rays of light along the horizon. Thurion had fallen asleep waiting for their father to rise from his slumber, his head finding a place to rest in the soft, warm furs of his brother's cloak covering his shoulders. Meanwhile Thyrian kept an arm wrapped around his younger brother to keep his temperature from dropping.

"Thurion," he whispered and shrugged his shoulder ever so slightly, causing the younger to awaken. He murmured something in return and let out a yawn while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Sorry, did I fall asleep?" Thyrian smiled and scratched his beard, his arm still around Thurion. "Only a little," he assured him. "It's almost time. Father won't be long, now." Though he had passed on, it had been the High King's wish that Thrand attend the ceremony that was to take place, here on the site dedicated to his memory. So, they had waited until dawn to begin.

"Come on, then," the younger brother said as he sat up and stretched a bit. "We'd best get going. Being late to your own wedding simply won't do." He was the first to get up on his feet, and extended a hand for the elder. Taking his hand, Thyrian too arose from the snow-covered ground and brushed off what little had gotten caught on his trousers. Walking through a section of the newly constructed Dawnbringer Temple, Thurion marveled at the result of several years' hard work. "I never got to thank you for completing it," he spoke while they wandered. "I promised you and Coci I would," Thyrian replied with his usual bluntness. "What good is a man's word if he does not keep it?"

They made for the courtyard, and there to greet them was the likeness of their father encapsulated in bronze alongside two young boys. Thurion couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his childhood self. "Look at those two goofballs. Didn't expect to see them grow old, did you?" Thyrian remained silent, and raised a hand to place upon the cheek of the older child. "You nervous?" The groom shifted his gaze toward their father and smiled. "No."

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A heavy brown bag hit the ground over the edge of the precipice before a black gloved hand reached to grab hold on anything to secure his position. With all his strength, Théo pulled his body up to finally reach the plateau and once there he turned to lay on his back chest heaving with every pull of air into his lungs. "For .. force, sake .. what possessed my mother and father to build the Temple on the highest peak in existence", the words barely audible. Théo had been staying in Himmeldal these last few days, placing the finishing touches on workshop he had been building by hand. And he had decided he would climb the mountain, just like his parents had done finding the place.

After regaining his breath, he rolled on his side to push himself off the ground to get up, "And I bet they had ropes and good climbing gear". Finally, he turned to see the Temple reaching for the skies, "Wow", he said softly at the sight of it and at that moment, the Sun rose over the roof of it beaming down its wash all over him. Théo smiled. "I knew you would never miss a good celebration". And Grandpapa had made sure the day was a fine one burning away any cloud that threatened to mar the occasion. Even though past pain and suffering had been accepted, there would always be a tinge of sorrow at the sight of the morning Sun. He was not alone, they all missed him.

He found the first of what would be a thousand steps leading up to the main entrance of the Temple. Regardless of the season, there was snow about the steps and peaks that surrounded it, setting the skin to chill which Théo relished indeed. As he approached, he marveled at the workmanship and design, the Valkyri and Jedi symbols engraved in the stone before pushing open the doors to enter the Dawnbringer Temple for the first time. He was met with silence, but upon walking into it his footfalls echoed through the main room. "Anyone home?!", he yelled out loud, with a grin on his face.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

It was still dark when she rose - had she even been asleep at all? - to find her beloved Phoenix missing from her side. She lay for a moment longer than she had time for, her gaze drifting over the dip in the bed where he had lain the night before. Already she missed the feel of his body beside hers, his arms around her. A pang of loss ran through her, and she lifted her gaze to scan the room in search of him. He had barely left her side since returning from his journey across Midvinter alongside his brother and nephew.

When her eyes fell upon a dress she had never before worn, carefully placed to one side, all of her worries melted into nothingness. Even in the dark light the fabric shone like sun kissed ice, deepening the shadows cast by the delicate splattering of grey. The material looked lightweight even at a distance, the delicate breeze which brushed through the crack beneath the door causing it to billow effortlessly. Even with her bump it would flow so effortlessly over her.

She rose from her bed and ignored the sting of cold as her warm feet met with wood. Her fingers traced gently along the handmade crib, beautifully carved and passed down from Thurion to his brother in anticipation of the new life which would soon join their household. A son. Her free hand fell to her stomach, and she caressed the area that he had just kicked. He would be here any day now, yet for the first time since realizing that she prayed that he would wait just one more day.

Not that she wouldn't love to share this day with him.

A smile set upon her lips. An intake of breath was met with a content sigh, never had she felt so at home as she did here. Never had she felt so alive. Her home, her family... She couldn't have asked for anything more.

Her head lifted as a knock sounded at the door, and a moment later Mysa slipped between a thin crack and sealed the door behind herself. Kära smiled, and extended a hand toward her firstborn. How long had she been awake? Already the child seemed ready to go, as beautiful as ever in the eyes of her mother. The pair had come so far in the past few years, from estranged to amicable. Loving, even.

As their fingers met she drew her child in and wrapped her arms around her, breathing in her scent. Pine, dirt, muted by the scent of purity and... Snow. If such a thing even had a scent. Her little warrior, her adventurer. So bold and brave. And good. Yes, this family was good. Her children would be good, like their Uncle.

Settling a kiss to the top of Mysa's head, Kära looked down with a soft smile of pride. How differently they had taken their youthful struggles. Where Kära had fallen to the false prophesies of a fallen idol, Mysa had stood against the tide of rejection and built herself up from nothing. Another thing she had to thank Thurion and Coci for.

"You look wonderful" she whispered, running her thumb down the young girl's cheek. "You do me so proud, and your Father too." Father. It felt so right, for Thyrian to take that role. Kära would never dare admit the truth of the matter, to either of them. Did Thyrian even know the truth? Even think about it? Did he think she unfaithful, a trickster, a... No.

She could not fall down that hole, not today. The girl before her had no Father, not biologically, not really... A child borne of her blood, no clone. And Thyrian had more right to her than any other in the whole entire Galaxy. At times even more so than Kära, the way he looked at her. There was no doubt that he cared. That he believed.

Led back to the bed, Kära was made to sit by her child who proceeded to help her dress. Not wanting to be entirely useless, Kära began to fuss with her hair, ensuring the self same plait she always wore was evident. It did not take too long before the pair were done, working in silence. Comfortable silence. Nothing needed to be said.

Another knock at the door broke the silence, before a voice drifted through the heavy wooden door. Still the sun had yet to rise.

"Your horse is saddled and waiting, My Lady."

Her horse?

Kära clutched her abdomen for a moment, before looking back to her child. She could do this. She could make this journey, and when Thrand made his way up behind the mountains and cast a sunburst across the land they would be there. She would be with him.

"Will you ride with me?" she asked, as she found her feet beside her daughter. Force, Mysa was as tall as she now, in fact the woman was significantly shorter. Where had the time gone?

Mysa grinned to her mother, and offered her hand.

"Always."

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

[ Coci can join Mysa and Kära if you don't have any other plans for her ]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She had passed the messenger in the corridor on her way to Kära's room, and had heard the mention of a horse prepared for her. This made Coci smile, yet she was concerned for her and the baby growing within her, they would just have to take the journey to the Temple easy. Coci knocked gently on the door to herald her arrival before stepping into the room to find Kära and Mysa ready to go. "Shall I prepare the hoist?", she smiled wider on seeing their faces.

But upon seeing them dressed for the wedding, her black eyes sparkled, "Kära you look like something out of the old tales of sprites", their journey through life would have a 'fairy tale' ending, or rather a start to a new life, and why not? they deserved it, even though some would disagree. Coci approached the two women, yes Mysa had grown into one as well and Coci could not be prouder. Coci too, was dressed and ready with her own hair pulled back with a single plait resting down her back, when Kära was to leave, she would assist her.

She approached Mysa firstly, taking her into an embrace before placing a kiss on her forehead. "How are you my girl?", she asked as her eyes shifted to her mother. Once the embrace ended, Coci moved to stand in front of the bride and fussed with the sleeve of the dress. It did not need it, it was just a habit of hers. "And how are you feeling?".

​

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

As Théo's words echoed through the largely vacant building, an amused Nina appeared from behind him and threw her arms around him to surprise her brother. "Got ya," she spoke into his mind with a big grin on her face. By now her little brother had vastly outgrown her, and she had to stand on her tippy-toes to place a kiss against the back of his head. "You just had to make the climb yourself, didn't you?" Nina rested her head against his shoulder and wouldn't let go for anything in the world.

"I've missed you, brother. You need to hang around Voss more often so we can catch up, and maybe find a way to get in trouble," she spoke while nuzzling into the warm furs of his dark cloak. "Now come, father and uncle are expecting us. The others will be here soon." She finally let go of him and instead took his hand as they wandered the temple grounds. "Isn't this place wonderful? Uncle Thyrian had begun construction since before..." Her gaze lowered a bit as she paused. "Before he was made king. It was just recently finished."

They walked a bit further until they got to the courtyard. Thurion and Thyrian stood by the statues of themselves alongside their father, and Nina couldn't bring herself to interrupt their moment. Instead she turned to the rising sun. "I take it grandpapa greeted you on your arrival?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

As Mysa lovingly draped a thick cloak around her mother's shoulders, a voice sounded within the room which made the duo giggle between themselves.

"A hoist? Oh, I do suppose that would be very fitting" Kära responded, turning slightly to face Coci. The woman was as radiant as ever. Gently stepping across the room toward the woman, Kära did something decidedly out of the ordinary, for her at least, and embraced her warmly.

"Thank you... For helping with all the arrangements, for joining us, it means the world to me. Truly it does."

A lot had changed in the past ten or so years, in fact even prior to reconnecting with Thurion and Mysa she and her beloved Phoenix had already begun to change their ways. Sure, it was in subtle manners but... Kära's heart had not been in it for years. She had grown tired of the petty fights throughout the Galaxy, of the rise and fall of the Sith she had once so fiercely worked for.

No more.

She had come to realize that there was far more to life than servitude and power. Their time on Midvinter had opened her up to a different kind of loyalty: that of a family.

Stepping back, Kära gave the pair enough space that Mysa could slip in and wrap her arms around her other Mother. The girl was extremely lucky, having two families to adore her.

"I'm good, Coci!" Mysa said, with a grin to boot, "I miss Voss, though... Maybe I can return for a while, once..." Her gaze dropped to the ridiculously large bump, before her grin widened. "Is Théo well? Will he be there today?"

So excitable. Kära could only smile, until the question was turned to her.

"I'm very... round" she said, with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "And happy." Very happy, very content. The best she had felt in her entire life, and it wasn't solely due to the glow all women got when with child either.

Offering a hand out to Mysa, who at this point stood between both women, Kära gestured to the door. Best they make a start on the journey, even Kära did not want to miss Thrand's ascension this morning.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Nina's sudden appearance and embrace all but knocked Théo to the ground, and he smile before laughing. "There you are!", he said placing his arm over her's as she held him tight. It was good to see her again, they had spent some time on Rhen Var with the Watch, but the pair had not had the chance to truly catch up after he returned from his self imposed exile. "You know that duty has me stationed out of Rhen Var, but I shall return to Voss soon, I have a little more work to do on Midvinter before that happens however". With the touch of his sister he was able to speak to her mind, he much preferred that form of communication with her after years of it.

Before they would join his uncle and father however, Théo turned in their embrace and replied by placing a kiss on his sisters forehead holding her as tightly as she did him. "I have something for you", he said while reaching into his pocket. He lifted her arm and placed a bangle over her fingers until it rested on her wrist. "I spent some time working in a mine on Geonosis and I had this made for you from the gems I found there .. I hope you like, the colour of the gems reminded me of your eyes".

And yes, the Temple was incredible. Théo turned to look at all the attention to detail his uncle had poured into the construction, Théo could only smile and one day he would be here to help with running of the place. But not yet, he still had a long life ahead of him. As Nina lead him through the Temple to the courtyard his father and uncle there waiting for them.

As always, a tinge of sadness crept over Théo's heart whenever he saw the likeness of his grandpapa yet he could not help but grin at the two younger boys standing next to him now both grown to men. However, he remained with Nina and waited until either of them felt the presence of their children.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Turning around just in time to see Théo hand something to his sister, prompting her to beam a wide grin and throw her arms around him in return, Thurion stepped towards them while Thyrian watched from where he stood. "Ah, you made it," he teased his son, hands clasped behind his back as he sauntered up to them both. "Told you it'd be a difficult climb. In the dark, no less. At least your mother and me had the good sense to wait until sunrise." He then ran a hand through his beard and pondered to himself. "Although if I remember correctly we didn't get started until midday..." Best leave the details out, as the reason why wasn't something you tell your kids.

Barely able to finish his sentence, however, Nina had already pounced upon him with her arms wrapped tightly around his waist while pressing her head against his chest. "Hello, my sweet Snowflake," he chuckled and placed a fatherly kiss in her white hair. How time had flown by - it seemed like only yesterday that he rescued her on Umbara and offered her a better life. She was so tiny and timid, and now look at her!

It didn't take long for her brother to join in the family embrace, and so they both stood in their father's arms holding them tight. "My boy," he whispered while resting his chin upon Théo's head and closed his eyes. "You have no idea how proud I am of you. I love you both so much." Their embrace would last for a while longer, until Nina finally wriggled free and stepped towards her uncle still standing by the statue. Father and son watched as she took Thyrian's hand and placed it upon her cheek. The warmth of his palm was soothing beyond compare, and so she wrapped her arms around her uncle, much to his surprise.

Thyrian didn't return it at first, instead looking over to his brother and nephew as if seeking their permission. Hesitantly he returned the embrace, folding his arms around her shoulders. He was quite beside himself; never before had someone he barely knew shown him such tenderness. "Thank you, little one..."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She had a smile for Mysa, "Théo is here yes, and I believe he is anxious to see you". He had not had the opportunity to see Mysa after his return, their lives so much more involved as they grow up and duty had him away, but with spending a little more time on Midvinter before he returns to Rhen Var maybe they will get the chance to spend time alone.

But the time had come for them to leave the room and a vantage point to see the rise of the Sun and prepare Kära for the journey to the courtyard. "Come Mysa let us help your mother .. do you have a place in which you would like to see the Dawn?", this was her day and everything that could be afforded to her would be.

"You look happy my dear, and I am pleased for you .. for you both". This time Coci returned the show of affection in an embrace, but half way through it she suddenly pulled back and looked down at the large bump with a smile. "Your son is eager to get out I think, I felt him move". It had been some time since Coci remembered the feeling of being pregnant, it is wonderful to know that life grows inside you, and protected against all harm. Best not make Coci cluckie ..

From the room through the corridors, Coci would follow Mysa and Kära to a point in which to witness Thrand's coming.

​

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

The look on Mysa's face spoke volumes. Both of the notorious duo had disappeared at some point since Thrand's passing, and while both had returned to Midvinter they had not crossed paths. This would be the first time since Théo said his goodbyes. Kära didn't have to rely on her Umbaran heritage to notice the mixture of emotions coursing through her daughter. Excitement, trepidation... Even anxiety. Without a word she settled a comforting hand to the girl's shoulder and squeezed.

"He wants to see me?" she whispered, eyes alight. Which had Kära laughing lightly. "Of course he does, Snowflake."

Together with Coci and Mysa they headed out from the Great Hall into the courtyard beyond. The City stretched out before them, and Kära inhaled as much of it as she could. The scents, the sounds, the sights. She had no trouble seeing through the veil of morning darkness. Even now, before Thrand's ascension, so many were busy.

Her hand fell to her belly as Coci asked her question. She knew the spot, but she also knew better than to ask it of the two women. For now she skipped the question and instead allowed a smile to hide her uncertainty. The embrace was most welcome, how long had it been since she'd had anything remotely close to female companionship? Kära truly did not remember. Probably Zarathustra... Long before Midvinter, before the Sith and their corruption.

A pang of loss ran through her at that thought. She had never seen Zara again... It had been her reason for leaving Umbara. It was her older sister's disappearance that led her to Depravious. That led to her downfall. Had it all been for nothing?

One look toward Mysa, toward Coci, to their home and the reminder of what this day was about, destroyed those thoughts. Another time, another Kära, but all leading to this moment. No, not for nothing.

"He will be very strong, if he keeps it up," she smiled, tracing her fingertips over the bump. It made her heart soar to hear another refer to him as her son. So many of the Valkyri women she had seen concerning her pregnancy had all insisted it was a girl inside of her, but Kära knew better. And to know that Coci believed her made her suspicions all the more solid.

"If it is not wrong of me... I should like to watch the dawn from..." She chewed her lip, and looked over to the great gates where the final battle for Thainbroek had been waged. Where the brothers had fought so diligently beside their Father... It seemed fitting, to her at least, but she did not wish to upset them. She was still so new to all this family malarkey, to belonging. It was difficult juggling everything without upsetting someone.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Once Mysa and Kära were ready, the three made their way to the desired location for which to watch the rising Dawn. Although the walls of the city had been repaired, reinforced and improved, it was still a place on which her heart had been broke that day of the battle. For all of them, it will forever hold memories of sadness, but with life perpetual it is also a place of renewal, not just in the physical sense of the wall itself but for Midvinter. Twice she had stood those walls in order to fight a threat to the people of Tháinbroek, to that of Midvinter and she would do so again if there was to be yet another danger to them all, family and Valkyri alike.

"Come Mysa, let's help your mother climb the steps to the ramparts", she said offering Kära her arm, as Coci walked beside the woman. For now the way was lit by fire torches resting in their cradles burning with the scent of oil and sending a yellowish glow on the steps as they progressed. The chill of the morning, bit their skin, but that would soon disappear when the Sun God would raise his head to the morning skies.

As they reached the top, a brisk wind swept across the fields before the city, in the distance the black outline of the forest could be seen, the forest now at peace with only the life of creatures that call it home. To the far east, the mountain rangers stretched for miles beyond the line of any vision and it was there that her beloved Thurion and her brother Thyrian awaited the Dawn equally, and awaited them to arrive.

​

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Leaving his older brother to familiarise himself with his niece and nephew, Thurion took a few steps until he stood gazing to the west, leaning against a nearby column. A smile crept up on him as his mind sought that of his wife's, and through their unbreakable Force bond he could tell they were on their way. His hand rose to give his newly-groomed beard a good scratch. Was he ever going to get a clean shave? He'd thought about it once or twice, but he was afraid by now no-one around the Silver Temple would recognise him if we were to indulge himself, which always prompted a chuckle.

He looked to the western skies and the clouds of the night slowly parting ways with the coming of dawn. For whatever reason, his mind went to Master Asha - his adoptive mother and mentor. He'd been thinking about her more often ever since his and Coci's recent trip to Pelagon. It was so unfair for her to leave so soon. Those few and precious years, however, had done more to shape him into who he was than any other period of time. Thurion turned his head to look back at his brother doing his best to interact with Nina and Théo. Thyrian's death had been the catalyst; it set so many things in motion, including Asha stumbling upon him soon after the horrid event. She, however, had been the one to put him on his path from which he had never strayed.

Returning his gaze up toward the stars now visible with the disappearance of the clouds, Thurion swore he could make out the shape of her face just as the shades of pink and purple spread across the sky. It was as if someone had washed away the stars in preparation for the sun to take their place. While the universe, with all its advanced technology and science, leaves little to the imagination, there was no denying that something divine must've had a hand in such everyday wonders. Here, on Midvinter - far removed from the rest of the galaxy - there was something inherently spiritual about every little event.

Thurion then resumed his longing gaze toward the west, sending his beloved a message of his love and devotion to her, for her ears only.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Following her embrace of her uncle, and his awkward attempt at returning the gesture, Nina stood on her tippy-toes and placed a tender kiss upon his cheek before taking a step back. She then looked to her brother, her eyes darting between him and Thyrian while subtly gesturing for him to say 'hello'. The silly notion of grown men being unable to show love towards one another sometimes baffled the Umbaran, who in spite of her childhood timidness had grown to quite openly expressing her love for her friends and family. She had her father to thank for that. Besides, Uncle Thyrian was to wed her half-sister!

Then suddenly a mischievous grin formed on her lips, reaching from cheek to cheek as he chewed her lower lip. She then bent down to smoosh the snow together into a ball, then threw it into Théo's face just as him and their uncle had exchanged pleasantries, then ran off to seek cover by their father, clutching his furs as she huddled up. Thurion simply chuckled and remained where he stood, back turned to the others and arms crossed over his chest. He expected to be hit with more than one snowball before this was over.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

No hesitation or disgust. Just acceptance of her wishes. Kära's heart soared for but a moment, safe in the knowledge that she had truly finally found her place within the Galaxy. This family of hers which grew with each passing day, this world which had accepted her with open arms. Her eyes prickled with the sting of tears which for once she did not even try to cover up. Instead she allowed another soft smile to settle upon her lips.

A happy day this would be.

Accepting the help from her own precious Snowflake, and the Sister she was about to gain, Kära and the others made their way up onto the ramparts to watch as the sun rose to cast Thrand's splendour across the sky. The winds of Odiir plucked strands of her hair up on the breeze, and she carefully reached down to pull her daughter close.

"I would ask for no kinder souls to stand at my side this dawn" she whispered to the pair of them, though a pang of longing ran through her with the knowledge that Thyrian was so far away awaiting their arrival. She could not stand being apart from him. She hated that she had awoken without him at her side.

When the sky was set in brilliance, the Umbaran smiled and sighed contently. "It is time we begin our own ascension" she said, eyes drifting to the mountain in the distance.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

From the east the Dawn rose sending it warm light across Midvinter, it is always darkest before the Dawn as they say, and Midvinter was no different. But it is not the darkness one fears, but more the time in which the night sky is lit with the fire of the stars, at their clearest and most beautiful. Coci turned her gaze in that direction looking at all the systems spread before her, some no doubt she would know and possibly even visited and others their beckoning to be found, the unknown. As the Sun rose allowing it's rays to hit her face and tickle her skin, the contrast of the cold of Midvinter and the welcome heat of the day.

A smile crept across her face, in part because they are witnessing the rise of their beloved Thrand, but more so for the message in which she received from her husband, off in the distance awaiting their arrival along side his brother. She spared a thought for Thyrian, her brother in more ways then one now. Secretly an oath had been shared by them to protect the family, who would have thought this? After their history of old, in which they had stood on opposing sides, her with him firmly in her sights looking down the barrel of a rifle. She flashed a look toward Kära, after all it had actually been her that was Coci's target that day. Kära is already family to Coci, today was a affirmation of that now. The Force truly does move in mysterious ways .. now once enemies, are sisters.

Their force bond is a remarkable thing, having been forged after their declaration of love for each other, Coci and Thurion's bond has only strengthened over time. She would not be a woman in love if she was not to recall her own wedding day and all the celebrations that went on that Joyous Day. So much they had gone through and no doubt more to come, but she would not be the woman she is today without him. He had pulled her from the cold of the shadows, so isolated and slipping into the darkness in danger of being lost to a purpose that would only lead to one conclusion. But more importantly to Coci, was the connection of souls now one and if death was to find him, she would not be strong enough to live on, rarely do people survive a sever of a bond, and would she want to? A smile on her lips would answer that question, happy to follow him when the day comes.

She does not fear death, not anymore.

"The dawning of a new life, sister. For you, your family .. all of us". She whispered back. It was time, Thyrian and Thurion, Théo and Nina had waited long enough.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His hand raised and rubbed the back of his neck feeling somewhat awkward for a moment, Nina insisting he hug their uncle, Thyrian ain't the hugging type, at least not with them. Although the trip to circumnavigate the continent of Midvinter had done much to patch things up between him and Thyrian there was still a sense of distance. Only time would continue to bridge that gap. Or Nina. Geez, he felt strange with the idea, although he has no problem showing affection to his own father. His brow knitted, mind thinking on his two sister, and how pushy they both are, Mysa equally so. Now he could not wait for the arrive of his brother cousin, even though it would take years before he would be able to do anything with him. Then a smile crossed his face, maybe not years, but as soon as the little lad could walk, Théo would teach him the fine art of 'escape' and adventure.

He approached Thyrian, gave him a nod before looking over to Nina who shooed him along to hug the man standing before him with a stoic gaze, no emotion and ridged, Lets get this over with. Théo moved forward and wrapped his arms around his uncles shoulders, giving him a manly thump on the shoulder blade, before letting go equally as quickly. At this point, Théo's face was covered in snow and the sting of the cold prickled his nose.

"Really? where doing this now?", he shot as Nina who hide behind their father. As if that would help her, deep down however, he was grateful for the sudden distraction. Yet, no snow ball would come flying through the air to them standing under the column. His eyes looked up, above both father and Nina is the platform which the column is supporting and it is laden heavy with fresh snow. He turned to his uncle with a smile, eyes flicked to where he looked to tell him of his intention and with a quick flick of his wrist, the bed of thick snow fell from the platform all over both father and Nina, burying them both to the waist in the wonderful fluffy stuff.

"By the Gods I love the force".

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

It did not take a terrible amount of time for the trio to descend once more from the ramparts as they wound their way back through the lovely streets of Thainbroek in search of their awaiting mounts. Tough and hardy horses that they were, bred for the harshness of Midvinter and the broken trails which would lead them through the mountains and up to the peak in which the Temple lay.

To say that Kära struggled to get in the saddle was an understatement. Part of her wondered if this was not a mistake, with her son so close to coming into existence, and as she stood beside her mare she clutched at her abdomen with a worried frown. I will not allow anything to happen to you, Little One... Not on this day or any other...

It did little to quell her fears though. It wasn't just concerning her son or the treacherous journey they were about to make though... The knowledge of this day's events had left her feeling nervous of all things. Had she not faced so many plights in her lifetime already? Never with fear or trepidation... But this was different. She could feel it in her core.

Her mind became almost child like as she fretted over what Thyrian would think of her when they stood side by side in ceremony. Would he like the dress that had been made for this day? Did he truly wish to commit himself to her, knowing all that he did? Would he... No. No Kära this is not the time for doubt. For too long you've forsaken what was always written in the stars. For too long you've denied this certainty...

She inhaled a slow breath, to calm her thoughts, and somehow made it into the saddle. And when her Daughter and Sister were likewise mounted the trio set off from the City and out into the Wilderness in search of their loved ones.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Summer on Midvinter saw the blooming of the wild flowers. It is natural for this wonder place to have snow still laying on the ground in patches and the air still as crisp as ever. It never failed to set Coci's cheeks to rosy red, and summon the blood to her lips making them plump and red, but there was no need for the use of the force to warm her, the furs plenty enough to do that job, yet she could not help be concerned for Kara. A strong sense of nervous energy felt through the force, making Coci smile as this is normal, she remembered the same feelings running through herself and Thurion the day they wedded and it is healthy to do so. A heart and mind's last minute check, but when it is destined, it closes the gap on doubt shut.

Besides, there would be nothing she could say that will removed the nerves. "Are you comfortable enough Kara?", she would at least try and distract her a little. Coci looked passed Kara for a moment to check on Mysa as they continued their journey. She would know this path well by now, it would be the same both she and Coci had taken to Rildonmark, and no doubt in her youth with her son. "The fields are alive with the summer colour", she said now looking over all the different colours of the wild flowers. Not only that, the aroma of them, intoxicating.

It is the moments like this, that those close to her see the real Coci. No master of the force todaym no need for the shadows, but mother and sister and woman.

​

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

Onward they rode through the summer dawn, the sharp breeze refreshing after a stuffy night alone. Mysa was set just slightly ahead of her, confident in the route they were taking, which made the woman smile with adoration and bristle with pride. Where had the child gone? Who was this girl on the edge of womanhood she saw before her? She looked more Valkyri by the day, and where many might have felt betrayed by the smudging of their race Kära could feel only happiness. Gratefulness. The Umbaran were a shadowy people, most were corrupt and only a few soared above that darkness. To know that her own babe had managed the latter was relieving.

Coci's words brought her from her thoughts, and she could only broaden her smile with the addition of a certain nod. "I am most fine, it's been a long time since I rode though... Thankfully the little one seems to be asleep, I doubt I could stomach his kicking and the jolting of dear Arve." She gave a light patting to the stallion's neck, before turning back to view the splendor of Midvinter. "Though I do hope that we arrive soon. Goodness knows that they must be wondering where we are."

She looked across to the mentioned signs of life, the beautiful blossoms which had just sprung from their earthen shelter, and inhaled their floral scent. It was always lovely to see new life on what many would describe as a barren world. After so long of living here she had long since forsaken that viewpoint. Her home held much wonderment.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]