We Are All Guests Upon the Land [Coci/Théo & Kära/Mysa]

[Coci Heavenshield]

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The darkening sky heralded the coming of the night. The encampment to the east had sprung up as soon as the Riders of the Realm had arrived, they did not waste time putting up the tents, gathering the weapons and the forge lit it's fires to mend any armour or sword that needed it. The hammer hit the anvil time and again, billows puffed out the cold air to the coals and as it did, large clouds of stream hissed into the air. The smell of stew found a way to her stomach, but it did not cause her to want it, in fact she couldn't think of anything save for the dawn. Aerin sat in her tent lined with furs for warmth and poked at the firebrand's smoldering in the flames, she has a fixed stare on them, yet her mind goes over the plan and what position the Riders will take on the morrow.

The horses whiny told her they are safe for now, although she can sense them on edge, as they know probably better then men, what tomorrow will bring. Yet, it is useless sitting here so she stands and leaves her tent to find company in her kinsmen and women. She stands for a moment looking out across the encampment, men and women sitting around the fires, some in chatter taking about family or past victories while others sit in silence.

Aerin passes through the camp, not allowing anyone to notice her as she pulls up her cloak around her face, she turns her head to see the riders of the watch returning and the second watch ride out to scout the forest around them. They bring no news yet, which is good news. There should be no surprise of a night attack .. or if they come they will know.

At the end of the camp she stood and looks to the north, there is a strange soft glow sitting just above the horizon. It is not the moon.

​

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[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] ​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He smiled as he chewed on his meat, watching his family as they ate and drank. His blue eyes regarded them all, from his parents around to the other side of the table to his sisters, aunt and uncle and as his grandfather was by his side, Theo looked up into his face. Although Thrand looked happy to be in the company of his entire family, there was still as sense of something missing, yet there was a strange light sitting on his brow as if touched by something or someone and he seemed resigned.

The noise of the room vanished in this moment, he could no longer hear the gentle laughter of his sisters, or his mother teasing father or the music. All he could hear was the wind ..

Bold souls with special skills and silvered sight,
Kindle the candle of your courage and might.
Let us in dream meditation unite
To defend the honor of Nature.

Restless wandering warriors, find my beacon.
You have marvel, you have a destiny, you have a reason.
With your gifts and glory, take this stand and fight.
We are the warriors that defend freedom and ascension,
We are the warriors of the night.​

​

The song on the wind once more.

He snapped out of his revere upon words of his father. "Oh, by all the gods, it's awful,"


Theo looked around to see what had been happening, when he saw the tankard in his father's hand he laughed, a full strong laugh he had not done in a long time. "Father it is not that bad .. ", he stopped himself realising his inadvertent confession. "Err.. I mean, .. can I try some?", he tried to cover his tracks, and moved closer to his grandfather for support.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

There was laughter and lightheartedness going on all around him, a smile upon every face as they feasted. So much so that it affected he who seldom seemed to be able to grasp the idea of happiness, Thyrian sat with Kära one one side and Mysa on the other, a content smile on his lips. While not the liveliest person at the table, he thoroughly enjoyed observing those around him, from his brother's lackluster attempt at drinking to Théodred's realisation that he had been found out.

"So, this is what it feels like; happiness. I can get used to this..."

Reaching for his cup of mead, he examines its contents before suddenly rising from his seat with his drink raised. "I propose a toast," he began with slight awkwardness at putting himself in the spotlight. "A toast to family - one I could not be happier to be part of." Thyrian looked down at his younger brother, and he in turn looked up at him. "To family," Thurion echoed his elder's words as he too rose from his seat to press his cup against Thyrian's. "May it never be torn apart again." The two brothers would then lean forward to lock arms before proceeding to drink from their respective cups, one filled with mead and the other with blue milk.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Even after so many years of marriage, Thurion would never fail to surprise her. For so long he had decided not to taste the elixir that is mead, or any other strong drink for that matter, but today on the eve of war, he decided the first time would be now. And so be it! One never knows ones destiny on the dawn of the sun.

Coci watched with heightened amusement as the honey coloured liquid graced his lips and coated his tongue, she smiled at his words and looked upon the delight of the children. It was not until Thyrian ‘saved’ him did she laugh and looked upon her husband’s face with renewed love. It is easy for her to love him.

The light heartedness of the family around the simple table seemed to do more then lift spirits, she turned to regard Thyrian, noticing his smile which is a rare event in itself, and she could sense his growing happiness. This was only confirmed with his words, and so she too raised her tankard to toast to family. “The Circle of family had been broken, now and always .. re-joined”.

Under the table, Coci reached for Thurion’s hand. It was a gesture of love and comfort for although a few years had passed since that day in the Tower, they had lost so much time but now they have the rest of their lives to strengthen the bond already forged.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEm0AjTbsac​

​

Watching his two sons make a toast together verged on bringing a tear to the old man's eye, but instead he simply remained seated and raised his cup alongside everyone else, a wide smile reaching from cheek to cheek. "Yes, they will be fine," he thought to himself before emptying his tankard. As Thrand proceeded to refill it, he quickly 'happened' to pour some into Théo's cup as well. A subtle wink was sent in the boy's direction while putting the pitcher back down, moments before Thrand put his trunk-like arm around him and placed a kiss in his black hair, roughing it up in the process.

Examining the freshly-poured contents of his cup, however, the family patriarch suddenly lost his smile as his face took on a contemplative look. Then, out of nowhere, he started to hum in a deep tone, which soon turned into song. A haunting tune, as beautiful as it was sad. The table had gone quiet save for the lone singing of Thrand, who looked each and everyone of them in eye as the words poured from his mouth, never straying from the rich baritone he produced.

Even more amazing was the fact that not long after Thrand had begun singing did the older brother join in, soon followed by the younger brother. Thyrian had been sung this song many times by his father when but a small boy, and he in turn had done the same for Thurion. Both found that they still knew it by heart despite the many decades since last either had heard it sung.

Thurion wrapped an arm around his Coci while he sang the mournful tune, resting her forehead to his. Thyrian took Kära by the hand, feeling her softness against his palm as he placed a kiss upon it. Once the singing came to an end, the three looked upon one another with great reverence and love. The moment had turned into something deeply personal and spiritual.

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His eyes darted to his parents only seated a little way from him, then to his sisters hoping that none of them saw his grandfather pour some mead into his tankard. A stifled smiled on his lips made them draw inward and his eyes met those of Thrand's as he winked. There was a smile in both their eyes.

Theo had very little hope of ever staying out of mischief with the bloodline that ran through his veins and he reached for the tankard and sipped the mead after the toast of the table had been completed. Not that he is an authority on the stuff, but this mead was very good, with a slight hint of honey and pine from the barrel.

Suddenly, he heard a soft rumbling which was as deep and any thunder rolling across the plains, but it was not thunder at all but his grandfather's low voice as he hummed before words formed on his lips. The table fell silent, all turning their heads to look to head of the table and the family. Theo looked on in surprise and listened to the words of the song willing himself to remember them. Father and his uncles joined in the mournful song, as old as the mountain, he wagered and their combined voices made the hairs on Theo's neck stand up on end and sent a chill through his body causing his skin to goose bump. And Theo watched his own father with a sense of amazement and pride.

There would be no breaking the moment between the three, father and his sons had re-joined their own personal circle.

​

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

With the family feast eventually coming to an end, the moon stood high upon the night sky, casting its soothing midnight light through the glass windows to play with shadows as it pleased. Thurion wandered down the hall leading to their royal bedroom with Coci on his arm. The two would prove unseparable throughout the remainder of the night, for they knew well what awaited come morning. Nina and Théo had their own rooms to utilise as they saw fit; the keep held many empty rooms, initially intended for the many children of Halmar the Hammer, first recorded High King of Midvinter and founder of the City of Tháinbroek. He was also reportedly the father of a dozen or so children, thus upon having the great keep built he made sure each would have their own chambers.

The pair entered their private chambers, which was lavishly furnished compared to what they'd gotten used to yet still smelled of fresh pine, letting them know they were still very much on Midvinter. Upon noticing the lit fireplace, Thurion didn't think any of it and grabbed the soft pillows from underneath the covers and placed them on the floor covered in soft furs. In fact, he also brought the covers. "There's our bed," he simply stated as he sat down in front of the fireplace, kicking his boots off his feet without a care where they ended up. His hand he held out towards his beloved, asking her to join him.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It was very eerie, the soft white light of the moon that lit the way up the corridor to their bedroom, it fell across the wooden walls setting the brown colour to grey. It was the colour of ash. Yet, in the arms of her husband none of it mattered, it never does when they are alone.

Once they had entered their chamber, Thurion set about fixing the room for the night. At this point no words had been spoken, none were needed as just being in his company was closeness enough. She, went into a small room just off the main bedroom to wash away the evening meal from her face and hands. Coci poured the full pitcher of hot spring water into a wood bowl that sat upon a bench for the sole purpose of this, she cupped her hands bringing the water to her face before lathering her skin with gentle pine infused oils. She did the same to her hands before she undressed.

The air is cold on her body, making her skin tingle. A sponge set by the bowl she takes up and wets before bringing it to her shoulders to allow the warm water to trickle over her naked form. She closes her eyes and lifts her face to the shining moon outside while she washes her neck. Trickling ribbons of water run down her chest, between her breast to her stomach. She bathes completely before drying herself. She dresses now, in a white simple dress.

As she returns to the bedroom, she smiles at her Thurion seated on the floor pulling off his boots, the bed made and he declared they shall sleep among the furs. Just like they always do. Coci pulled her long black plait to her hands and undid the tie, releasing her hair free from the braid to fall around her shoulders. Her hand reaches for his, her fingers gently touching the skin of his palm and she allows her husband to invite her to bed.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

The day had been quite the blur for Mysa; while she was more than adjusted to life on Midvinter, big events such as those which had taken place today drove her from her comfort zone. She was more of a solitary figure, pious and quiet, she always had been. And while she enjoyed the company of her family, which was growing with each day, Mysa still hadn't gotten used to the position many of them held on this icy world and the attention it brought. Not to her, but to her Grandpa, to her Papa... Both of them. It was strange.

So she had sat beside her Mother for the majority of the day, through the meeting of the Clans, dinner and the mead hall, Mysa was never far from Kära's side. The woman seemed as disconnected as she, though Mysa had seen her eyes wander to Thyrian several times whenever he was away from them with a noticeable devotion. She couldn't help but wonder how long Kära would have been able to sit there amidst a sea of strangers if her Phoenix was not present.

And as the day wound down, Mysa said her goodnights and found her way back to her room. Perhaps she could engage more in the morning; then again, it was likely going to be as hectic as this day had been.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

After the song had finished and the night had draw to a close, he said good night to his family and parents. Holding them both a little longer then is his practice, he told them he loved them before letting go and watching them close the door to their chambers. His face held no emotion, yet inside he is terrified. For once, there is nothing to relish on the coming dawn, what awaited them all still marches tirelessly toward the capital, how could anyone sleep? They will not, the Vinterbound, they know no rest.

Théo pulled his fur around his body and headed for the front doors of the Grand Hall, and slipped through them into the night. He stood atop the platform and looked over Tháinbroek, it is shrouded in darkness, yet pitted through the capital are the soft glowing light of the fires of hearths lit to warm the residences. He is not the only one that cannot sleep. The city is awake, he could sense it. He is not the only one terrified. He pulled his brow into a frown and vowed that he would protect them with his life if need be, all of them.

The sound of laughter and yelling found his ears, the clashing of metal and he knew what it was and he smiled. Théo bounded down the steps, turned right to walk a path he knew well, it did not take him long to find the training arena and there to see a group of men with sword and shield practicing or just here to keep their minds off tomorrow. This is the place he had found when he was but three years old and had joined them for sparring .. the Elder had recognised him and he would now.

"I see you defy your King's orders and have not taken to your bed, Edvard", Théo entered the arena pulling off his fur.

"Aye, my bed is to cold and to old to have me lay in it, young Heavenshield". The Elder said as he slapped Théo on the back as Théo watched the younger warriors fight to expel nervous energy. "Where is your sword, my Lord?", he asked noticing it's absence. Théo smiled remembering exactly where it was, "In the training room, in the grand hall. It is no longer of use". Was his only reply, besides no one would be able to remove it from the wall. "I need a new one".

"Come, I cannot have you out there", he nodded his head toward the gates, "Without the best sword Midvinter has to offer", of course Théo had his lightsaber but the Elder would not know of such things. Edvard lead Théo to the forge, the ringing of the Smith's hammer clinked tirelessly throughout the night across the whole city. It is hot inside, the smith's body bathed in sweaty, his arms red with the flame and heat of the exercise rippled with each blow to the anvil. "Edvard", was the only word the smith would speak by way of addressing the newcomer, he eyes Théo over, looking at his size and strength, a practiced look to ascertain someone's fit for a sword.

"Over here lad", Edvard pointed to the wall on which several finished swords rested in their scabbards. Théo took down one and tested it for weight and balance before replacing it, and so to another but one caught his eye toward the end and he went to it. "This one", he said without a test, there was no need, the force had guided his hand.

For part of the night, Théo would spend in the company of the Elder and the men of the arena before rest finally beckoned to him. The day had been long and full of such emotions he had not experienced, at least not all at once and there was more to come, on the dawn.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Els5yYvFU9E​

Thurion watched her as she exited the bathroom, looking divine as if she were a goddess. She was, to him; he worshipped her. When her hand graced his with its touch it sent tingles from his heart to every part of his body, and as she sat with him on the floor in front of the fireplace casting its warmth upon them, he was lost in her eyes. Her dark, sparkling pair of jewels always had that effect on him; mysterious, exotic, and even dangerous... but more than any of these there was love, for him and her family. "You are so beautiful," he whispered, eyes wide at her radiance.

Without further delay he removed his shirt and trousers, and as he lay her down beside him among the furs, both of them stared into the fire. "I'm not afraid anymore," he said softly, referring to the flames as his arms wrapped around her tight. "Were it not for them, none of us would be here." Gazing into the flames, no longer did visions from his youth haunt him, but instead he could appreciate the warmth it brought. Where memories of his brother used to bring him nothing but sorrow and pain, they were now replaced with joy and love. The way he'd always felt with Thyrian by his side.

Taking her hand, Thurion placed a kiss upon her wedding ring adorning her finger. "I love you, Coci. Every fibre of my being is in love with all of you." His gaze now left the flames to their vigil as it instead turned to his wife. Without actively doing so, she demanded his full attention. "No matter what happens tomorrow, I will always love you. Come what may..."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

After the conclusion of the family feast, Thyrian lingered a bit to help his father clear the table. "Don't bother with the dishes," he'd said. "They won't go anywhere." While true enough, Thyrian just figured the old man didn't feel like doing them. Instead, he and Thrand would spend a few more moments together before both would turn in for the night.

"Father," he began softly. "I know what is expected of me should the worst happen. I'm just not... I've never ruled over anyone before." There was his crew aboard the Judgement, but even then he figured they followed him out of shared loyalty to their former master. "Are you afraid," Thrand asked while eyeing his firstborn. Thyrian looked up into his father's eyes, slowly nodding. "I am. I'm afraid I'll lose someone dear to me tomorrow; my brother, or you, or--"

The next moment he found himself in his father's embrace, and he instantly reverted back to his childhood. He held onto the Thrand's tunic until his knuckles whitened, buried his face in his father's chest. "Your mother would be so proud of you," Thrand soothed his son. "And, my sweet child, you have made me proud. Your brother told me how you looked after him where I failed, how you sacrificed yourself for his sake. I do not care what has been done to you since - you are my son, the same little boy I held in my arms. You always will be."

"D-dad, I--" Thyrian was about to speak only to be hushed by his father. "I know. I love you too, boy." Pulling away from their embrace, Thrand looked upon his son once more. "You have my blood, Thyrian. More than that, you have your mother's. You will be a far better ruler than I ever could," he said with a wide smile on his lips, lifting a hand to wipe away the lone tear which had crawled its way down his son's cheek. "Go on, now. This night is yours - spend it well," Thrand added before nodding in Kära's direction. Without another word, the King left the two alone and retired to his chambers.

Thyrian watched his father leave before turning to look upon his beloved. Slowly he stepped towards her only to stop once close enough to reach out and touch her. His head tilted to the side ever-so-slightly as he looked her over, until suddenly he lunged forward to embrace her. "I love you, Snowflake." And they kissed...

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She placed her arms over his as they held her tight, Your arms, my castle, she thought when she could feel the warmth of his body through her dress which did more then any fire could. Thurion spoke of how things had changed for him, she remembered the times in which such a fire would set his heart to fear and sorrow, she had been there to pick up the piece and always would. There is a sense of calm around him because of it, which now added to his strength of mind, not only as a man and father, but a removal of a barrier which had stopped him from a maturity as a Grand Master of Jedi. She smiled, so proud of him .. for everything he has gained and achieved.

Coci turned in his arms, her gaze finding his brilliant sapphire eyes and she knew what lay behind them and on each occasion such as this that will unfold on the dawn, their bond strengthened with even more power. Although not infallible, they are both Jedi Masters of the highest order, they are united in purpose and their union of souls is unbreakable. "I am no longer afraid either", she whispered, but she refers to death, for she knew that should the worse happen and her beloved is killed, their separation would only last the span of a heart beat.

Her hand reached up, only her finger tips touched the hair of his beard and she smiled, happy in this moment. "I love you, let the hand fate do as it pleases", she said with defiance and moved to place her lips to his, her body set on fire, her soul entwined with his and her heart pounded against her chest to match his own beat.

Coci pulled back from the embrace with a gasp escaping her lips and sat up, a hand reaching behind her back to unzip her dress before she pushed the sleeves off her shoulders and allowed the white dress to fall to her waist revealing her naked body, she gathers and pulls the skirt up around her thighs before she moves to sit astride him. No words are needed now.

​

~~The night before the coming dawn Coci and Thurion spend, with souls and bodies united as One~~ ​

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina let out a soft yawn as she sat on her bed within her private chambers; it was late, and she knew sleep was not too far off. For now, however, she wished to stay up just a while longer. She got up to walk over to her bedroom window to watch the lights of the encamped army outside slowly die out one by one. It was quite beautiful to behold, if slightly terrifying; watching the darkness of night engulf more and more of the city, and she couldn't help but compare it to the state of the galaxy. The darkness was steadily creeping in, like a storm brewing in the distance, knowing it would sooner or later come for you and leave nothing but devastation in its wake. Still, Nina did feel quite safe at the moment; every warrior from the four corners of the realm had showed up, so in theory Tháinbroek was the safest place on Midvinter. Except the dead were marching on it.

She found herself wishing the sun would never rise, as with its morning ritual comes death and misery. She wished she could stop time to spend eternity with her family as it was, without the fear of losing someone the next day. Even so, the memories of this family gathering would forever fill her with joy and put a smile on her face; everyone had been so happy - her grandfather more so than anyone. And yet, she feels he still grieves for someone. His wife, most likely. She was the missing piece in grandfather's life, and Nina suspected her passing left a hole unfillable in Thrand's heart. She'd seen the same look in her father's eyes - the woman he considered his mother, who raised him and trained him.

Nina had not spent much time in her uncle's company, much like her brother, but she suspected he too had similar experiences of losing people close to him. Great warriors such as them - Thrand and his two sons - do not go through life without knowing true loss. As for the man himself, Nina found him quite intimidating at first glance; such a brutish exterior, all covered with horrid scars coupled with that unnatural aura of his. In spite of this, however, she knew he would never hurt her. If anything, the man is fiercely protective of his 'snowflakes' as proven by his relation to first Kära and later Mysa. There was an undeniable darkness about him, but one he had not chosen for himself, and even wished gone. That alone told her all she needed to know about him as a person; someone who wishes to do good yet is unsure what good is.

As the last lantern in the city was finally extinguished, Nina felt herself drawn to the bed once more. Eyes were getting heavy, and with these thoughts on her mind she tucked herself in for the night, still trying to figure out how to stop time. Before it was too late...

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

 

[Lief]

Kära did not move as everyone left to their chambers; Mysa had been given a kiss goodnight, Thurion a friendly hug, and farewells had been said to the others... Yet Kära herself had no intentions of returning to her room yet.

Instead she found herself a seat beside the great hearth and watched as the fire crackled. There was a faraway look in her eye as she watched the harsh flames which strained her vision, yet she did not look away. They reminded her of her phoenix, of how he had once been.

He had never scared her, though she wondered why that was. He had been quite the sight, a towering behemoth of brimstone and fire... And she had never so much as flinched.

They had been through so much since then.

Her hand subconsciously dipped to her stomach, and with a sigh she eased back into her seat and waited for Father and Son to finish their conversation. It was a welcome change from the first conversation they'd had when the trio had first arrived on Midvinter; Kära was grateful that Thyrian had not fled as she knew he wanted to.

How much time passed between the end of the evening and the sound of Thyrian's footsteps approaching her could not be said. Rising up, Kära turned toward her beloved and smiled - content as ever in his presence. She stepped forward to meet him, and lost herself within his embrace.

Words lingered on the tip of her tongue, momentarily out of reach. Trepidation had seized her up until this point, swamped her mind and kept her quiet and aloof throughout the days events.

She just hoped she could tell him before tomorrow came, and with it a possibility of losing that chance all together.

[member="Thyrian Ashborn"]

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

When the kiss came to an end and the two looked upon one another, there was a hint that something was bothering her. She had barely smiled all evening, let alone spoken during the feast. His arms did not leave her, wrapped around her waist as they were. "Kära, what's wrong?"

His brows furrowed slightly as he attempted to discern the situation. Her eyes held both sorrow and suppressed joy, and it was as if instinct had the palm of his hand settle upon her stomach. He could feel it; life growing inside her once more, the beginnings of a second heartbeat. Turmoil struck Thyrian's mind, unsure of what to feel himself. He knew now what this meant, as he also realised why she'd been feeling so distant.

One would think he'd be terrified because of the result of last time they were in a similar situation, but still Thyrian could not help but smile. Slowly he lowered himself down to his knees before pressing his lips to her tummy. Looking up into Kära's icy-blue eyes, he then took her hand in his to place a second kiss upon it. "The same fate will not befall this one, my Snowflake. I will not allow it," he told her as if defying the gods themselves. "I know it in my heart."

Getting back up on his feet, Thyrian then plucked Kära off the ground like she were naught but air, effortlessly carrying her out the door, through the quiet hallway down to their bedroom where she would rest safely in his arms.

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im5CIpMFo4Q​

The following morning Thurion spent in the arms of his beloved for as long as time permitted, resting his head upon her chest while her fingers gently played in his hair, soothing his spirit. They both knew the call to arms would come soon, and when it did there would be no time for stalling from anyone. But until then, he was hers, and she was his. The sun had barely showed itself all morning, suppressed by ominous clouds rolling in from the North - hardly a coincidence. Still, the flickering embers which was all that remained of last night's hearth was enough to warm them, coupled with the bodily warmth they offered one another while wrapped in furs.

Thurion closed his eyes and listened to the steady beating of Coci's heart, both empowering and soothing at the same time. He admired her so, for being so fierce and so devoted in her protection of her loved ones - and yet, it was during times like these that he felt sad for her; her own homeworld was lost to her and billions of other souls born on Corellia. He could not in a million years imagine what it must be like to lose something so personal. Thurion moved up her body until they were face to face, staring deep into her beautiful, black eyes. His lips pressed themselves to her forehead, then the tip of her nose before settling upon her soft lips.

"I love y--"

The first words to be uttered between the two lovers on this day were rudely interrupted by the sound of horns, and Thurion shut his eyes, trying in vain to shut out the world around them.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He had had the strangest of dreams. Night visions of a large fire, somewhere in the forest in a clearing and around the fire were many people dancing. It had been a celebration, odd considering the reasons they are all here on Midvinter, but it was like they celebrated a renewal. Théo was there right in the middle of it, he was older by a few years with the sprouting of a beard on his face, his hair much longer and blacker and he was dressed in nothing but a small piece of cloth the conceal modesty. Adorning his head a set of antlers of a young Hart, white they were and over his face a cutting of leather cloth to conceal his identity. And he danced .. around the roar flames that reached high in to the Midvinter night before all that gathered around the fire would vanish into the forest to fulfill an ancient ritual.

He had had no stomach for the softness of his bed. Upon returning the Grand Hall, Théo had remained in the main room and had laid his fur on bench by one of the many long tables and laid to rest staring into the flames of the central hearth. He had moved, not one inch the entire night as sleep took him to the realm of dreams, he even had not let go of the hilt of his sword. He was already prepared for the coming dawn.

Outside the Grand Hall, Midvinter stirred. The underbelly of the planet set cold and frozen, harsh to those that walk the land, no matter their purpose... Midvinter has prepared as well, to watch the Battle these people play across her soil, and to those that will fall to take them back into ground from which they had been born. It is a harsh place, majestic and savage and incredibly beautiful. The sound of the horn echoed through the corridors of the Grand Hall and into the main room, it was as if Midvinter had bellowed the call itself ..

Théo sat upright, ripped from his strange dream with wide eyes, his hand uncurled and his sword fell to the surface of the floor and clanged ...

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa had not slept.

Thankfully she had refound her bed just before anyone else had risen, though even now she simply lay with her eyes set up at the ceiling. What use was sleep when nightmares were as prevalent in her waking hours as they were in her dreams?

It hadn't been to her own room that Mysa returned after her nightly stroll, but to that of her siblings. It was Théo's empty bed she lay within, wrapped in her beloved cloak due to the distinct lack of furs. In the dying embers of the fire she had seen him, lay upon the bench. At least Nina, it seemed, had managed to sleep... Though maybe that was a trick of the eye and she too was awake.

Regardless Mysa tried to make the most of her rest, even if it did not include any shut eye. It wasn't until the clattering of a sword alarmed her enough to sit upright, however, that Mysa realized just how exhausted she was. Her head swam as she peered in the direction of the noise, only to find - in the very dim light of the oncoming dawn - that it was simply her brother's which had made the noise.

No intruder.

No Vinterbound.

Her heart thumped loudly all the same, and she wondered if Théo was awake. She didn't want to call out incase he wasn't, though. He may have been sat upright, but she had seen many sleepwalkers in her short life. She wouldn't put it past adventurous Théo to be a sleepwalker too.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Rest your head and close your eyes​

Everything will be okay​

For when you wake with the sweet sunrise​

It will be a brand new day​

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Turn down the lights and pull me close​

Feel only the beating of our hearts as we lay​

For when you wake with the soft morning breeze​

It will be a brand new day​

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Relax your body and caress my soft hair​

It all of life's worries melt away​

For when you wake with the warm summer scent​

It will be a brand new day​

Fall fast asleep and dream with me​

Whisper "I love you, I'm here to stay"​

For when we wake in each other's arms​

It will be a brand new day ..​

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~Aeni​

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~~oOOo~~​

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Time can be so cruel. Marching onward, unrelentingly, taking everything and everyone along with it .. from moment to moment. Time, had been short with them this night, the dawn cannot have come so soon? Lovers locked in embrace, spurn it, refusing to succumb to it's demand but even they hold no power over it .. not on this day. Her fingers dig deep into the flesh of his back, holding him close for fear of him leaving, she rests her forehead against his, "No matter what .. ", she can all but whisper. "I love you".

It is still dark outside, the only light afforded them issued from the soft embers of their fire, but as the last of the echo of the Horn died away, she knew. Coci let out a long breath she realised she had been holding in, the visions of the past filling her mind, the battle raging to the north long ago now, still drew upon fears deep within and surfaced to threaten her beloved family .. all of them. Now, there was more at stake. Brothers, sisters .. children, all of them now bound to each other through this one event.

"Stop the clocks ..". She kissed her beloved Thurion, her love for him traveled through the threads of time through her lips, he could do that.. he could stop the clocks and let them live here, and now, and all he had to do was to look at her.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​