Faction We Are All Bound by Purpose [Open to Dawnguard, PM to join]

[Bors Greythorne]

They stood and watched the army of Elves march into the encampment, neither having actually laid eyes on their kind until now. He'd grown up hearing the same stories most wee ones had; the denizens of the bewitched woods that steal and devour any unruly child, or anyone else who happen to travel in the vicinity of the eerie mist that covers those woods. Of course Valkyri disposition towards elvenkind had drastically changed over the last decade or so, ever since rumours told of how the King's own firstborn stepped through that mist and came back out unharmed, followed by a royal visit from the Woodland Queen herself to Tháinbroek where an official alliance was formed. Last Bors had heard their prince was married off to the new Elf-Queen, though to be fair he never held too much interest in the dealings of kings and queens.

As Thora reached for his hand, the old man held onto her firmly. She was his charge, and he had taken on the duty to look after her when he allowed her to come with in the first place. No forest-folk are going to steal this one away!

"Are you sure, lass?" He looked down at her with concern, before crouching down to her level. "I think your grandpapa would love to see that you're safe and sound. I know I would, were I in his shoes. Though, I'd likely give them a well-intentioned thumpin' for leaving home in the first place, but we both know that's not Lord Heavenshield's way. He'll be glad to see you, I think."

He offered a kind smile the way only old people are capable of and placed a reassuring kiss on her hand. "Come on, let's get some dinner in that tiny tummy of yours first. Nothing like a full stomach to give one courage." He stood and walked her away from the sight of ranks upon ranks of elven soldiers lined up, not bothering to attend the reunion between uncle and nephew. They found the boar still rotating over the fire and Bors carved off a chunk of meat to place on Thora's wooden plate - a stack of which could be found on a stump next to the fireplace - before then ripping off an entire leg for himself. No plate needed!

Taking a seat on one of the logs, Bors took a large bite from the delicious pork. "I suppose you're lucky we have so many refugees about - a child running around a military camp would otherwise look out of place. You know, in case you do decide to lay low." He'd noticed it was becoming difficult to maintain the usual level of professionalism amongst the men with this many civilians around, though he wasn't about to go off and bark orders just for the sake of it. His only job at this moment was the girl sitting beside him.

Thora Heavenshield ​

 

[Thirdas Heavenshield]

Once they'd all arrived at the encampment, Thirdas gave the Knights of the Guard a few orders to tend to the refugees. Jedi healing would be most useful to alleviate the pains of the weak and wounded forced to abandon their homes so suddenly.

"I should probably go see Mother, give her an action report," he turned to Nida as if to seek her approval, not wishing to leave her side in case she needed him by her side. "Unless you wish to join me, I'm sure there is plenty to keep you occupied for the time being. Plenty of patients, Doctor," he added with a smirk before leaning in for another kiss.

It was around then that the army of Averlorn marched in, announced by the single blast of a horn. Suddenly Thirdas got excited, knowing Cousin Thrand would be leading them, and so he stepped through the crowd that had gathered to watch the spectacle in order to reach his family on the other side. Found them he did, just as his father embraced Thrand and then knelt before Queen Ióunn. It did not take long for the Prince-Consort to notice the presence of his childhood friend and turned just in time to find himself assaulted by the firmest of embraces. "I thought that was you," Thirdas spoke over his cousin's shoulder. "Not exactly hard to spot in a crowd, you know," Thrand replied.

He then realised he probably should also acknowledge the queen, and did so with a brief, rather informal nod of "hello" while still hugging Thrand. She was family now too, right?

After the happy reunion between cousins, Thirdas faced his mother after she had finished interacted with Eyna, who he knew to be Coci's apprentice. "Grand Master. I regret to report we suffered seventeen casualties, four dead and thirteen wounded. The operation was a success however, we managed to drive off the pursuers. With some help from..." He nudged his head towards his father currently interacting with Ióunn. "Do you have any further orders for me?"

Ever the soldier, for better or worse.

Coci Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Eyna ​

 

[Kära Hearthfire]

A lone woman rode into the Northmark camp, unannounced and without escort. Her mind was of single-minded purpose; so much so that she never even looked anyone in the eyes as she made her way through the temporary army camp, but rather stared straight ahead atop her horse. The Force had led her here, having pushed her to leave the comfort and safety of Fridheim to brave the same dangers as these men and women of the realm in order to rescue her king and husband. The capital was already lost, but Thyrian was not. Not yet.

The shock and sorrow of prior events had settled, and Kära's heart was instead filled with the need to free her beloved, or at the very least avenge him. The woman who was once Darth Kyros was no stranger to battle and bloodshed, and would draw upon these experiences in the hours to come despite having renounced her longstanding vows to the Sith Order, same as her husband. She was no mere wallflower spouse in spite of her radiant beauty and collected temper, and she held her head high as she drew the attention of many a soldier. She was clad in black armour to match her husband's, but had never once had the opportunity to wear it. Until now. At her side was her curved duellist lightsaber she'd kept from a darker time.

The long, white hair coupled with her small size gave her away, and so as Kära dismounted her horse to make the last distance by foot people had gathered to lower their heads in respect, as well as offering their condolences for what was undoubtedly a difficult time for their queen. It was enough to bring back a fraction of emotion in her pale face, causing her eyes to redden with withheld tears. And yet she held her head high with dignity as is befitting the Queen of Midvinter, still staring straight ahead until finally she entered the large tent where Théodred held his war council.

The flap closed behind her, and just as her nephew finished giving his orders the attention was placed on her. Kära stopped and looked around at the burly men and women of prominence within the Northmark military, not knowing any of their names. When she strode forth they parted before her as if she were deadly to the touch. At the other end of the table stood their Lord Commander, and her features softened ever so slightly.

"Lord Heavenshield," she spoke for the first time since her leaving Fridheim and her children in the care of a trusted midwife. "I understand you have taken upon yourself to attempt and free our king. I shall accompany you." Before anyone could protest, her hand was raised. "We either win this war or Midvinter is doomed. I will not sit idle and merely witness our doom, and I will see my husband again before the end. That is all I have to say on the subject." Her voice was coarse and weary from her journey on horseback, only lending to her sense of desperation.

She stared down Théodred, giving it her all to not falter while awaiting his word.

Théodred Heavenshield ​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her whole body felt the sigh of relief when she saw her beloved husband, his golden hair making a path through the sea of people, and he stood tall among them all. There is nothing like physical contact, when one is parted from those you love, their arms around you is treasured. “We had a spot of bother getting here too”, she said understating the fact. As he kissed her, Coci allowed herself to be swept away some place else, just for a moment, allowing herself to forget everything.

She places a hand on the back of his head, holding him in place as they embraced after their kiss had ended. “If you despair, She has already won”, her whispered response. “Look around you my love. You see people that will fight to the bitter end if needed, and even if death takes us all, she has not won, because she could not take away our spirit, our heart nor our purpose. This she will never own”.

All to briefly, they ended their embrace as the herald sounded his horn and the Aelvar arrived to bolster not only the numbers but morale as well. There was no Queen sitting astride her wing horse, but that of a warrior of her race and in her blood the cry of protection called her to arms. Ióunn Galadorn may be young in the eyes of others, but there was something in the girl’s stature that Coci could see that spoke of something more ‘foreboding’. There was a power in the girl that was yet to be untapped it was not a sense of dark, or light but whatever strength and power resides in the Queen of the Aelvar is was dangerous.

As Thurion approached his nephew and the Queen, Coci’s attention turned to Eyna who had arrived with the Knights of the Dawnguard. Her eyes travelled over Eyna checking to see if there were injuries, but she was fine. At least physically so.

“It is difficult to find a place to start to tell you what is going on. But what faces us, Midvinter entirely, is death itself and that is what we are here to fight against. If we can”. The war council will be a benefit to all of them, giving them part of the answers to the questions they have in their minds.

Coci offered Eyna a smile, a rare thing on the eve of battle, “He knows a few people. I guess it goes with the territory of being part of the prominent family here on Midvinter”. Everyone is connected, in some form. Either by family ties or through the communal connection of survival on this planet. Day to day living is hard enough.

Thurion Heavenshield | Eyna | Jericho | Nida Perl | Alva Heavenshield ​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

Even though they stood back two deep as the Elven Queen passed by, Thora noticed that Ióunn’s head turned only slightly but it was her eyes that made Thora pull back and half hide behind Bors’ body. There was little doubt that the Queen had seen her, Thora wondered if anything would get passed the gaze of that Aelvar. She felt as though she had been caught out in doing something wrong and her intentions were there open for the Queen to read at will.

Thora was ever so grateful when Bors suggested they find food. Yes, she was hungry but mostly to get away from that nagging feeling that her mind and soul had been addressed, like a whisper on the wind.

For the first part of the meal, Thora sat in silence. Relishing every morsel as she bit into the tough meat and feeling her stomach swell. She washed it all down with water, wiped her mouth the back of her hand, which her mother would not have liked at all. It was times like these that she could let go of the protocol of manners and just be herself. Thora felt comfortable around Bors, she did not feel that with just anyone.

But he kept harping on about going to see her grandparents. Most likely they would be pleased to see her, she knew that was true, but there would also be a sense of the need to protect her and Thora did not want that. She did not wish to be a distraction to them when they have so much to worry about as it was. Thora knew she should have stayed at home, safe and out of harms way, but she also knew that deep down her purpose would not allow that.

If they found out she was here and did not seek them out, they would be even more upset. Thora weighed up the opposites and came to the conclusion it was best to go find them. It would be the lesser of the two concerns. “Alright, we will go to them”, she finally said before biting into the last of the meat on the bone.

“I am sure they will be most interested in why you brought me here”, she grinned throwing the ball back in his court. After all, Bors is the adult and Thora the child, the adult lucks out in situations like this, where responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the elder.

With the end of the meal and a full stomach, Thora brushed her greasy hands on her tights before standing to gather up her bow and quiver, ready to go face the music.

Bors Greythorne | Eyna | Nida Perl | Jericho | Alva Heavenshield ​

 

[Eyna]

Coci Heavenshield // Thirdas Heavenshield // Jericho // Nida Perl​

There was little in the way of a response from Eyna beyond a small nod. The memory of her staring down the beast on the field was all but gone, any recollection of the enemy diminished to little more than the ashes of a memory scattered in the wind. For a moment she simply listened and let her attention linger on Thurion as he greeted those that came to see him before she turned back to Coci who would make a good point. He was a prominent man, and to some extent it was this prominence that had even brought Eyna to Coci.

“Nothing is unkillable, everything has a weak spot.” Eyna simply said and turned back towards Thurion. “I don’t remember what the enemy looked like, but… I know that I was afraid. Very afraid.”

That distant look showed that much. She still had no real grasp of where she was other than somewhere by Coci’s side. The situation was grim judging by the look on everyone’s faces but the severity was nonetheless lost on the girl who had no concept of exactly how big this threat was. Because technically every fight was a struggle against death itself. It was just a matter of shooting the messenger before it could deliver its message.

“I would recommend taking out whatever is relaying orders to their troops.” Eyna said and looekd over at Thirdas who had asked for orders. “Logistics wins war, take that away from them and they have nothing, which is when we strike the hardest at the stragglers.”

Her fists curled again, her teeth gritted with a low, throaty growl that her father had tried to imprint upon her once. Eyna's eyes sunk, her nostrils flared in disgust and frustration.

“Crush them under our boots, let them taste the humiliation of total defeat.”

 

[Nida Perl]

A piece of Nida couldn’t believe that they were still standing for the most part, but a larger part of her knew better than to marvel at their shared survival. There would be plenty of time to get lost in thought later, for now she couldn’t afford to get inside her own head. “Of course.” She smiled at Thirdas as they parted, though she was hesitant to let him go, fearing that he’d disappear altogether as soon as they’d part. “You go and report in to your mother; I will catch up.”

Indeed, there was no shortage of patients to be seen to. Unfortunately they had neither the time nor resources to cleanly sew each wound, rather they were in triage mode, where survival was first and foremost and aesthetics had to take a back seat. Much of Nida’s time was spent cauterizing bleeding, repairing torn ligaments and muscle, and mending flesh. Some Valkyri were fortunate enough to get away with a few scratches and scrapes, others had superficial wounds made from the claws of the dark creatures. Even worse, a handful of survivors had limbs torn clean from their bodies, and some had badly punctured organs.

The fight had taken quite a bit out of her, and by the time Nida began to shamble her way towards the Heavenshield camp, she was exhausted. On the way, she managed to link arms with Alva Heavenshield for support—after frantically checking the young woman over for wounds, that was. They were fortunate to have some native healers among the fleeing crowds, and those who able-bodied and without medical knowledge were put to work boiling water, ferrying supplies and bandaging less critical wounds. There was no panicking, no complaining, just a group of people banding together and doing what needed to be done. In her haze, Nida realized that this was a measure of Valkyri resolve.

Once they were within the boundaries of the camp, Nida followed her senses to Thirdas Heavenshield and Eyna, picking up on the latter’s unrest. “Eyna,” She called softly, ambling towards her friend until they were practically nose to nose. Placing a hand at the back of the other woman’s head, she guided it forward until their foreheads were touching and attempted to impart a soothing sensation into her mind. Nothing awkward or sedative, just an attempt to take the edge off. “I’m glad you’re here with us.” She whispered, giving her a brief smile before wrapping her arms around Eyna’s neck, resting her head on her shoulder and giving way to fatigue.

Eyna | Thurion Heavenshield | Coci Heavenshield | Alva Heavenshield | Jericho | Kära Hearthfire

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He, like his men and women, were surprised by the sudden arrival of the Queen of the Valkyri. If she was to join the battle, he thought it best she reached his father rather then come all the way here to the north. After all they were childhood friends, a friendship that had prevailed through good and bad times in both their lives and Théo would have assumed she would have wanted to be by his side when the storm Thainbroek. “My Queen”, Théo bowed his head in respect, his men and women finding their senses again, mirrored his action having forgot their manners.

Théo did not really need to sense his aunt through the force to recognise her power, that was evident enough in her face, and her eyes. Naturally, Théo knew of her past, of both and over time they each had spent the years on Midvinter as a form of redemption for their past. To Théo, darksiders are one thing and he accepts them depending on their actions and direction but Sith, well that is another thing entirely. But a Sith did not stand before him today, and had not for a long time. The truth was, that Théo was very glad of her arrival, all the help they could get in freeing the King was accepted, at any cost and by any means. The right person for that was now standing in his tent.

To be honest, it was the most words Aunty Kära had ever spoke to him in a single sentence which made his twitch with a grin. “Please leave us, and ready the soldiers to move out”, he dismissed them who seemed to be pleased to leave their company.

When they were alone, the veil of circumstance and ceremony was dropped. “Aunty Kära please take a seat you look exhausted”, he pulled over a chair for her to accept or no. Théo could not help offering her a smile at the thought of saying no to her, not allowing her to come. “It would not be worth my live, if I was to refuse you. In fact, I would have been disappointed had you not joined the battle. You of all people can sense that .. that I am no longer capable of using the force and so I could really do with a force user on this mission”.

He looked at her pointedly, “And I don’t care what power you use. Whatever it takes to defend Midvinter”.

On the table he pushed back the map replacing it with two tankards and poured water. There was no mead for Théo today, wanting to keep his head clear.

“We ride with the main body of troops, and once close to Thainbroek, we shall divert and move on the wall between the Northern Gate and the Western Gate. There is door there I know about that will grant us access into the city unnoticed. From there we move toward the Grand Hall”. When they reach the back of the Grand Hall, they can access the ground door leading to the underground cellars and reach the dungeons.

He took a sip of his water and hissed through his lips as it would have been better to have been mead. “We will get him out or die trying”. It was Théo’s turned to look her in the eyes with a solid determination, but even so he reached for her small hand and held it between both of his.

Kära Hearthfire ​

 

[Kära Hearthfire]

The moment they were left alone all the cool composure she'd maintained slipped away from her, and she more or less collapsed into the chair her nephew had offered. Her body trembled even as he held her hands, and new tears came streaming down her cheeks. She realised she'd never felt so cold, being separated from her husband's innate warmth.

"I know," she said as she wiped her tears using the palm of her hand. "Thyrian told me upon his return from Averlorn. I know he is not very good with compliments, but what you did... He thought you were very brave to sacrifice so much to save your father. He was racked with guilt for letting you go through with it though, cursing himself all night." She smiled at the memory and caressed Théo's hands. "That's just the kind of man he is. Always thinks he has to carry the world and its worries on his shoulders. I suspect he and his brother are very alike in that sense."

Kära reached for the cup of water and sipped from it, so cold to the touch but invigorating all the same, and as the cup was emptied bit by bit her confidence grew. Enough so to open up about her past. "I'm sorry, Théo, for having not been a very good aunt to you. We got off on such a wrong foot when we first showed up, taking Mysa away from her true family so suddenly. It was wrong of us - I only realised just how wrong after becoming a mother myself. I know you resented us for it all through your childhood, perhaps you still do."

"In another life, Thyrian and I were very different people. Or, at least I certainly was." Kära shuddered at her old self, how cold and manipulative she was then. "Your uncle was more beast than man then, a fiery demon consumed by rage and self-hatred. I was just a girl when I found him, raised in the ways of the Sith, and I took advantage of his sorry state to mold him into becoming my loyal protector. I trained him in the arts of the Sith, building him from the ground up to become a force to be reckoned with; ruthless and brutal to his enemies, and yet whenever the two of us were alone I noticed more and more the gentle nature that dwelled underneath it all." Her gaze glazed over as she recounted the events from memory, barely even registering Théo's presence in the room.

"In the end, he gave his life for me so that I could escape an ambush laid by the Republic. But I wouldn't leave well enough alone, perhaps because I realised just how much I needed him in my life. I gathered his remains and brought them to Kamino. A body was created using his DNA, a human body of flesh and blood. His personality, his memory - all were restored thanks to their miracle cloning facilities. Thyrian was reborn a man, the same man who is now our king." Her voice trembled at a few places, but the more she spoke the easier it became. "It was hard for him at first, getting used to his newfound limitations. I think, as he was forced to deal with so many new emotions and sensations, I was too. Him learning how to be human, in turn humanised me. I knew then that we could never go back to our old life with the Sith Order. So we drifted from place to place for a time, until I came across some information regarding the then-Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi. Your father."

"I urged him to go find Thurion. He would never be whole again if he didn't. He was hesitant, thinking it would only bring up pain dead and buried. I made it my sole purpose from then on to reunite the two brothers, and so one day we appear on Voss during a family excursion..." The rest was history, and her composure crumbled yet again.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ramble, Théo," she apologised and shook her head as a new set of tears threatened to wet her cheeks. "I just felt you should know the truth about the kind of man your uncle is. He would never tell you any of this himself, he carries too much shame for the things he did."

It did feel good, getting all those things off her chest. She rose from from her chair and gave the map of Tháinbroek a once-over, noting the planned route to the dungeons. It was strange; just seeing a drawn map of her home made her feel more at ease. Almost as if she could picture her beloved somewhere within, alive. "Or die trying," she repeated his words, nodding at her nephew.

"By your command, Lord Heavenshield."

Théodred Heavenshield ​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

It was not her sudden appearance that had surprised Théo, nor her command in her stature and her authority, but what she said that just seemed to flood out of her. For some of it, he already knew. He had seen the files on both her and his uncle back in the Silver Temple when they were on Voss, but what was not in the files was her voice, her side of the story which was the more interesting.

The history of Thyrian’s rebirth although strange, was not documented nor what followed in his journey to find himself and the rest of them. Théo knew he had always been too hard on his uncle, but he had to be. Regardless of the family tires, Midvinter and her people were the most important thing that occupied Théo’s mind and so he had set great and high standards for the King, any King to reach. Théo had vowed to himself, that no matter what he would always be Midvinter’s protector.

Her words continued, Kära was looking into his heart and soul as each word tumbled from her lips. “I did resent you both, for precisely the reason you say”, he stood in front of her seat in the chair. “More than you know and more than I am willing to share with you”.

“However, there comes a point in one’s life when childhood thoughts and resentments can not be laid at the feet of others that had wronged them. A child can be forgiven for such things, but an adult can not. There comes a time when the adult must decide to let go of them or let the resentments consume them. It then becomes their own wrong and they must learn to take on that responsibility and own it”.

He let out a long sigh as if elevating the sense of wrong within himself, even though he had done so, there always seemed to be issues unresolved. He had never spoken to his aunt before, about the things that had happened when they returned to the family fold so this was the last piece that would finally lay everything to rest, at least in his heart. Kära would have to deal with her own accountabilities herself, and alone.

“I can not forget what happened, nor will I try but what I have done, is forgive Thyrian and yourself. You only did what you thought was right, tried to do your best in situation which was foreign to you both”, the only real victim of all of that history was Mysa. And because of it, Théo was too hard on his uncle, he had put in place expectations that he would never be able to meet. He had put up the ideals of his own father and no one would ever reach those standards in his eyes. It was unfair of Théo to do so and only recently did he realise it, himself.

“We move out in one hour, please use my tent to rest and sleep as best you can. We are no good to uncle Thyrian exhausted”. He leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on his aunt’s forehead before leaving her.

Kära Hearthfire ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

​

At the main army encampment south of the capital darkness had well and truly fallen as evening approached. The Valkyri were gathered in force, with the last few remaining clans arriving from the most remote villages and homesteads. They were reinforced by the full might of the Aelvar and Beorni, and together the three kindred races would make a decisive push against the forces of death and ruin. Together they made a military force of over a million warriors, not counting thousands of volunteers from the Tháinbroek refugees eager to avenge their home. The rest of said refugees were resting up for tomorrow's journey to Fridheim or any other places to settle down anew.

At the center of the encampment a large tent had been erected, able to fit a hundred souls and still leave enough room to move around in. It carried no sigil of its own, but was rather adorned with the shields of each Valkyri clan taking part in the coming battle, according to ancient customs. It was time for the War Council.

Every high-ranking commander from each party attended, crowding around the large table at the middle of the tent to partake in discussions on strategy and memorise the map of the battlefield. At the center of it all was Thurion, the de facto leader of the combined might of Midvinter in the absence of his brother. Alongside him was his wife Coci, Grand Master of the Dawnguard and leader of the local Jedi. There was Queen Ióunn and her husband Thrand commanding the Elves of Averlorn, and representing the Beorni was the ever-loyal Arnor who had led his people in defense of Midvinter on countless occasions. Dozens of other lords, chieftains, and generals filled out the ranks, ready to take their orders from the Lord Commander.

"...Which brings us to the assault on the city itself. According to our scouts the infrastructure is in shambles after the Crone's invasion. In the hours since their appearance it seems they've taken great delight in laying the city to waste, as if to erase any and all trace of our history. But the walls still stand, and these gates," he referred to the map as he spoke, "are reportedly caved in with brick and mortar, and thus considered impassable. Knowing who were are dealing with however, it's likely there won't be a siege at all. The Crone will meet us in the open field, send her minions pouring out of the city, so we will need to launch a full-scale assault from the start. There can be no half-measures."

He looked to Thrand and the elven queen at his side. "Our archers will keep the enemy pinned the moment they show their ugly faces. If they do sally forth we'll have thinned their ranks enough to relieve pressure on the infantry." Thirdas stood next to his cousin, eager to chime in. "We'll use the Dawnguard shuttles as gunships, to provide air support and get a bird eye's view on the battlefield. I'll be able to take down high-value targets from there - from what I saw earlier today these things are susceptible to blasters." Thurion nodded to himself. "Just... don't get too aggressive up there. There's little we can do to support you if they choose to focus on the shuttles, and we only have so many."

Thurion then turned to the blue holographic representation of his eldest son. "Lord Heavenshield's northern forces will launch a surprise assault from behind while we draw all of the attention, and attempt to locate and rescue our king. Hopefully, by then, Gríma will be too pre-occupied with the main assault to notice. When she sees who's leading the attack, she will come for me." It was a huge gamble, the entire operation. But they were necessary risks in service of their homeworld, and there was no getting around a great loss of lives.

"Coci, tell us about your Jedi," he passed the word to his wife.

Coci Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Jericho | Eyna | Alva Heavenshield ​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Bors kept to the back of the war council's tent, merely watching the strange allies his people had earned over the last few decades. His weary eyes wandered from one party member to the next, lingering somewhat longer on the pink-skinned, purple-haired Zeltron who looked very out of place amongst bear-folk, pointy-eared elves, and strangers with glowsticks from space. He then realised maybe her appearance wasn't so very odd after all, and felt bad for lingering on her more than the others. During the Rebellion, none of these allies existed to anyone's knowledge - back then, all they had was sharp steel and an iron will at their disposal.

But that was a Valkyri matter. This was a Midvinter matter. They were no longer the sole denizens of this world.

There was another reason for his keeping to the back, away from the others hugging the table. The little lady, Thora, was with him, having mustered enough courage to face her family and let them all know she had left the safety of Norvegr-fen against everyone's wishes. Bors had not stopped her doing so, for he knew there were many young boys and girls leaving home to fight wars. No sense in keeping this one cooped up at home.

"I have not seen your grandfather since we took down the Usurper," the old man marveled at the sight of the battle-worn Lord Commander. "He was just a pup last time I saw him, a stranger to these lands. Now look at him." There was a peculiar smile on his wrinkly lips that spoke a pride of sorts; perhaps he just saw his oath-brother in him, how the son now stood where once the father had, directing armies on the eve of battle surrounded by allies and supporters from across the realm.

"We'll let them finish up first, then we'll present ourselves," he leaned down to whisper to Thora as his hands rested on her shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

Unless, that is, someone takes notice before then.

Thora Heavenshield | Alva Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Jericho | Eyna ​

 

[Eyna]

It was never expected that someone would care. Forehead-to-forehead was an increasingly familiar concept, but the reason for it was not. Nida had pushed up to Eyna which had caught the girl entirely off-guard. There was a hand at the back of Eyna’s head and she felt oddly at unease, yet at the same time she really was not.

It was a good way to kill someone. Get up close and utilize the misplaced trust in order to strike where it would hurt the most. Yet nothing about what she had seen in the last few months would seem to indicate that of the people she had met would do such a thing. It was confusing her to no end every time that Eyna tried to think about it.

However, while unfamiliar there was just the tiniest part of Eyna that felt a strange sensation beneath her skin. There was no word she would understand to describe this feeling with. It was like a hypodermic needle that pierced her straight through the heart to inject a long-desired sense of warmth that she hadn’t known should be there. It happened each time she was approached in this manner as arms held her down. Not in a chokehold but rather in a hug.

And amidst all of the warmth came a pain that burned against her heart, her throat, and stomach. An errant breath burst past the girl’s lips. Her eyes stung and she felt weak again. The arms that had wrapped around Nida’s shoulder with an uncomfortable grip tensed up into a panicked embrace. This pain was not familiar to her, but the sensation of tears trickling down her cheeks was despite how much she knew her father had hated it when she wept.

Air wanted to push itself out of her lungs again but Eyna tried to hold it back. Although much like the tears that flooded no matter how bad she tried to hold them back it was pointless to resist. The sniffles from her nose did little to make her feel any less weak, yet for the first time the weakness didn’t feel as if it was a problem.

Eyna refused to let go.

“Me too.” She whispered into Nida’s shoulder.

Around them the people were strategizing. Elaborating on a plan that Eyna was supposed to be part of but she couldn’t let herself let this go. At least not just yet.

Coci Heavenshield // Nida Perl // Thurion Heavenshield​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The Midvinter forces had numbers on their side, but the Crone no doubt had a trick up her sleeve and her forces were large as well and held great brute strength. The last encounter had seen hundreds of endless giants, with nothing on their minds but to kill anything in their path. She assumed nothing would be different in that regard. But what else awaited them? That was the unknown that only on the day would they face.

The plan laid out before them, all of it was a high risk, a gamble and it was one they all had to take, there was no second place in this battle. It was going to be a fight not to the death, but a fight for life. All battles have a purpose, the Crone was no different, but apart from bring death to all of Midvinter’s races, what was her purpose, her endgame? Gods and their battles for power, the actual reasoning in the Crone’s mind was beyond their scope. Would the Gods show once more? Coci did not dare to hope for it.

Her eyes flicked to the holodisplay of her son, Théo. Her eyes filled with pride for him as he like everyone else would stand against whatever they had to face, he had given so much without a thought to himself and now stands without his full strength to give even more if it came to it. Beside him, to her surprise, was Kära dressed in full armour and ready to take on the battle. The history between Kära and herself not known by others in this tent besides her husband but on the hour of need she would hold a great advantage with her son and for that Coci was grateful.

Thurion asked her to step forward and give her plans for the Knights of the Dawnguard. But for a moment she allowed a hesitation. Not because she was preparing her mind but to allow those in the council to enjoy a moment. It was the emotions from her Padawan Eyna that stayed her words. Coci could sense them, as clear as the air around them. A friendship developing between the two young girls, and although Eyna would even now consider emotions such as these to be a weakness, she hoped in time Eyna would come to realise such emotions are strengths.

Finally, Coci spoke, “The Knights of the Dawnguard are vanguard for the initial assault. They will take their unit of men and women to the front. There will be two Jedi per unit and if one shall fall, the other would take up command. Five Jedi will accompany me, they are trained in the arts of the Shadows and will infiltrate the main commanders and eliminate. There is a circle of Jedi among the Dawnguard that will remain in a fixed position behind the lines and through battle meditation will give us all strength, each and every one of us that will take the field tomorrow .. there will be on quarter, I want you all to understand this”.

Her last comment meant for everyone as she was very aware that no prisoners would be taken by either side. There would be no mercy come the break of dawn.

Thurion Heavenshield | Eyna | Jericho | Nida Perl | Alva Heavenshield ​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The majority of Théo’s troops had broken camp and started south toward the capital. It would take them the best part of a day to reach their initial position and hold before the battle. Théo had readied himself in his own armour and rode in silence for the most part with his Aunt Kära beside him. The alert from his commlink chimed ten minutes before the war council would begin.

“My Queen, it is near time for the meeting”, he held up the protocol around his men where the Queen was concerned, even though the most of them knew of his family tires. He turned the head of his mount and peeled off to the side and found a quiet place before dismounting and placing the device on a rock.

As the image of the tent with all the people attending the council flickered into life, he noticed all his family there and other familiar faces. In the background he saw the wrinkled and time wary face of Bors, and he was please to see he made it there with the other troops safely. Relief was visible on Théo’s face when his younger brother stepped forward, for now the boofhead had stayed out of trouble, although Théo knew that would not last forever.

The council began, Théo stood listening to his father and mother, and for the most part the plan was sound enough, but this was not a plan against standard foe and so anything could happen and anything likely would. There was no planning for that.

“Father, I have Aunt Kära here with me, she will join the fight alongside myself and the Northmark”, Théo knew of their friendship that dated back to childhood, mostly likely before she had met Thyrian. This piece of news would also tell his father that a force user was among them.

But out of the corner of his eye, as the crowd shifted in the tent, he noticed another standing beside Bors. Théo’s heart leaped to his mouth and his mouth went dry, Thora. His mind suddenly reeled at the thought of his girl in the middle of this battle and his eyes met Bors’ with a look to kill.

“Why is my daughter there?”. He could not help but raise his voice in anger and demanding how she came to be there not caring about how was in attendance or what anyone thought of the sudden outburst, there would be no excuse good enough to explain this. He was visibly shaking with rage and terror all rolled into one heighten emotion.

Thurion Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Eyna | Jericho | Bors Greythorne ​

 

[Nida Perl]

They had won the day, and now it was time to rest, recoup, and plan for the mammoth task ahead. Nida and Eyna followed the stream of Valkyri warriors, Aelvar soldiers and Jedi into the large tent, hanging back and keeping to themselves. There wasn’t much that either girl could offer during a strategy meeting other than their attention. Her eyes traveled from unfamiliar face to unfamiliar face, landing upon the most familiar of visages as Thirdas spoke up, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was a natural born leader and so valiant in battle—in truth, she loved watching him in his element. As much as it frightened her, it also made her proud.

The sense of emotional release emanating from Eyna was not only surprising, but comforting as well. The girl had so much anger, but her barriers had been slowly eroding to allow room for expression of more emotions. She may not agree with it, but deep down Nida sensed that Eyna had a kind soul and appreciated companionship. The pair had been resting against eachother for support, and Nida had taken to absently stroking her friend’s hair. They were both anxious about the fight ahead, but being in the presence of so many determined and skilled fighters made a dismal situation seem hopeful.

A hologram of Theo flickered to life, updating the group on his situation as his troops moved towards the capital. The pleasantries were cut short however, with one quite, biting demand. It didn’t take an empath to understand that Theo was angry.

“Thora is here?” Nida’s eyes weren’t the only ones darting back and forth, looking for the youngest of the Heavenshield brood. At last they rested on the girl, who appeared to be accompanied by an older Valkyri man. She appeared unharmed, which was good, but likely wouldn’t be enough to work Theo out of his understandable upset. “Oh dear…” She murmured to Eyna, keeping her gaze on young Thora, who seemed quite content to be where she was.

Thurion Heavenshield | Coci Heavenshield | Eyna

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Kära? She's there with you?" His one-eyed gaze found that of his nephew Thrand, who shared his look of concern. Both men realised there was nothing they could do to stop her participating. "Please, look after her, Théo. I'm running out of old friends..." he added with a sense of dejection, as if realising it as he uttered the words.

What happened next was even more surprising, as well as terrifying. In all the excitement and stress of the situation, he'd never stopped to heed his senses alerting him to his grandchild's presence within the tent. Perhaps simply because the notion of her being present at this place and time was so far removed from his thoughts.

His heart skipped a beat when Théo mentioned his daughter, and the crowd of high-ranking officers parted to reveal to him the presence of an old man and a girl. "Thora..." He had to place his palms against the table to keep himself from crumbling.

Meanwhile, Bors maintained his composure even as all the eyes of the tent were drawn to him and the girl he was protecting. He was unflinching in returning their stares, then turned to Thora and through subtle body language bid her to stay where she was. He next stepped forward and bent the knee, painstakingly so at his age.

"Your lordships," he said while staring at the ground. "It was I who allowed the young lady to come here, the fault is mine. If it pleases you, then I humbly surrender my life to you as punishment for my trespass." Murmurs began to fill the empty spaces of the war tent. "However, if I may be so bold to ask my lord, how old were you the last time enemies marched on the capital at the battle that claimed the life of our last king? When you rode into the fray ahead of a great herd of divine white stags to deal the death blow to the undead army."

As Bors spoke on Thora's behalf, Nina moved along the walls of the tent until she stood behind her brother's daughter and gently settled her hands upon her shoulders, placing a reassuring kiss upon her head. Having so people staring at you would make anyone feel like they're in the wrong, for a child doubly so.

"The young lady has every right to be here, to do her part in service to the realm and to her people. If the battle goes ill tomorrow, there will be no hope for those who are left." Bors now lifted his gaze to look upon Théodred's blue visage, awaiting his judgement. "No harm will come to her; permit me and I shall be her shield."

Thurion was the first to speak up, having witnessed it all from his end of the table. As much as it pained him to admit, the old man was right. "Théo," he turned to his eldest son, "this is a matter between father and daughter, I have no say in it. But there is truth to this man's words; you were no older than Thora the day you first saw battle. Nothing is more difficult than letting go of our children, to let them make their own decisions in life. Choose their own path." He was speaking from experience.

He was greatly impressed by this elderly warrior however, and though he could not name the place or time he could have sworn he'd seen the man before.

Coci Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Jericho | Eyna | Alva Heavenshield ​

 

[Eyna]

Nida Perl // Coci Heavenshield // Thurion Heavenshield

Time was that Eyna knew what she was doing. Time also was that she had been locked in a cell awaiting the day that she would find out just exactly why she was there. Today had seen her go through frustration, to peace, to terror, to hatred, to remorse, to uncertainty, and the emotions just didn’t want to stop. This feeling — uncertain as Eyna was with how to even handle it — felt wrong, yet right, yet just wrong. She needed to regain the focus that she lost, but part of her also knew that she needed this too, whatever this was.

It was a quiet moment with a few words of support. People had been nothing but supportive to her since she arrived on Midvinter, yet something about this particular moment had struck her to the core. She was fearless in combat, she had thought, yet the big shadow-like behemoth that had nearly struck her on the field had caused her to almost recoil in fear. For the first time a big lump had formed in her stomach that wasn’t there in most other fights. She had lived for herself, freely, and experienced life for the first time. The idea of losing that was… Not pleasant to even consider.

She let in a shaky breath and managed to separate from Nida to look over at Thora. “She is-” Eyna stopped as she caught the shake in her voice. “She is strong, and…” Why was it so damn hard to talk? “Capable.”

They all were.

Eyna frowned. “Maybe she would rather die on her feet, than let chance or fate decide for her.”

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

No matter what the other’s said, Papa’s face did not change its expression, and Thora felt so bad and racked with guilt. Even when grandpapa had told them all that her papa had done the same thing when he was a boy her age, he did not seem to waiver. Deep down she knew why, her presence here not only placed her in danger but had compromised the minds of the others as well. Now they had her to worry about, a distraction that they could have done without. A child is a child at the end of the day, even when they all faced doom, there was also hope in the presence of a child, hope that they would survive and live to tell a history so that others may never forget, and to have that seed that could one day restore what was lost. But if she too is dead, then all is lost.

But they were someone else’s thoughts, as they say.

Thora had her own, and she wanted to be here and fight for her home and for her hope that all of them would, with the smallest of chances, actually have victory. She stepped forward, letting go of Bors’ hand. “Please don’t be mad papa. It is not Bors’ fault I am here, it is mine”. She would have found a way to come, even if Bors had not taken her under his wing, and she did not want him taking the blame for her actions.

Her father’s face turned to her, his eyes as blue as the sky, looked at her with nothing but concern and love. And a sense of resignation, there was nothing he could do about it now, he was miles away and unable to protect her. Thora knew that that was why he was mad, he was so protective of everyone, not just her.

“Papa I want to fight. I don’t want to stay at home safe when all my family and friends are here. They are willing to die for our home, and so am I, if .. if it comes to that”. She watched her father’s chest rise and fall as he took in a long deep breath, as if to steady his mind and his nerves and it was then that his face finally changed to acceptance. She felt bad for him knowing he wanted to save her and should be by his side. Although he had Aunt Kära with him, he was alone without family that he loves more than life. And somehow, she would find him tomorrow, no matter what she would.

Thurion Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Eyna | Alva Heavenshield ​

 

[Jericho]

They arrived in droves from the highest ranked lords and ladies down to soldiers to commoners and farmers. There were so many souls affected by this scourge they were hurting and afraid for what was to come. There was so much going on so many voices, interacting and making sure one and other were doing alright. He looked to his children and gave them a nod to venture out and look for food and place to rest for now. Despite his size, the warrior needed very little to eat due to all the enhancements he had received throughout his lifetime. Looking around, it seems there were others needing the food more than he. He gave a looked to Coci giving her a nod before parting ways with her for the time being. He looked to the golden tent as she walked off, "Thurion...." He thought to himself, he assumed the family needed some time together and plan for what was to come.

As time passed the plan was announced, the scale of the battle was astronomical the numbers of the Valkyri to meet the Crone in open field combat? Seeing the brute strength of the Crone first hand he didn't know if many could stand up against it. Or rather they were most likely equal in strength but the Crone were more relentless, they seemed to never to tire and their numbers seemed endless. Then they would send Theo straight to the capital? A sucide mission, if anything. Thought, seeing the the hologram of Theo, the warrior's eyes widened slightly, the boy had grown into a man and he was the one to make the choice. Jericho let out a sigh, this seemed all unwise but what other option was there? As his children returned back to his side and placed a hand on their heads.

This was a war with so much riding on the line and all the three of them could do was await further orders.