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

[Théodred Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2yEnzVVX5s​

​

He could hear voices approaching, Théo turned his head toward the large double doors that allowed entrance to the Grand Hall, shadows of the figures entered the room first slipping under the crack and spearing the floor. He reached down, picked up his sword and himself and left, not wanting to face anyone other then his family. As she slipped through the side door into the corridors that would lead to the bed chambers, the large wooden doors of the Grand Hall opened and some of the Clansmen had entered. They await their King.

Trying not to make a sound, Théo pushed open the door of his room and entered to find Mysa sitting up on his bed, she looked tired and so she might, Théo's rest had not been restful either. He turned only to close the door silently.

He did not say a word, for now, and as he walked toward Mysa he could see Nina resting in the other room. They have adjoining rooms and on this night the doors were wide open, for closeness. She appeared to be sleeping, by all the Gods of Midvinter he hoped she was but he doubted it. Théo sat next to Mysa on the bed, his arm most close to her slipped around her waist and he turned his head to rest against her's. "Hey", he finally spoke softly enough for his sister's ear, "You look terrible".

Théo's spare hand reached for her's, he took and looked over her skin. "What have you been doing?", he asked as he noted them slightly dirty. He looked into her face and smiled, "I love you, my sister", he said to his kindred spirit of The Woods.

​

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As their lips met, time did indeed stop. The world around them became a blur and the concept of life and death were disintegrated. When all else fails, their love for one another will endure long after they've shed their mortal coil. "Now and beyond this life," he spoke as the kiss came to an end, staring deep into her eyes. He took her left hand and pressed his lips to her wedding ring as was his custom when declaring his love for her.

Out in the hallway the keep slowly sprang to life after remaining dormant for most of the night, and they knew it was time. Pushing himself off the floor, he extended a hand for Coci to assist her in getting up. As the furs fell off her naked body and the two stood gazing upon one another, Thurion moved in for another kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist as he backed her up against the wall. He had to physically stop himself from taking her right there and then, difficult though it was to do so. "We don't want to keep the others waiting," he whispered once the kiss ended and he yet again found himself at her mercy. "You are too beautiful," he added with a mischievous wink.

Getting dressed in common Valkyri leather pants and jerkin, Thurion looked to his armour propped up on its stand, ready for use. His fingers traced the golden pattern on the tabard, still amazed at the level of craftmanship that must have went into its creation. He wasted little time in donning it, piece by piece until he stood before Coci all decked out. Stood resting against the wall was Snowfall in its scabbard, eager for the heat of battle once more. Picking it up and unsheathing it, Thurion looked over its shining blade and the runes carved into its pommel and cross-guard. This sword never failed to grant him courage in the face of danger.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She felt the chill of the air on her naked body as the fur's fell away. The power and might that is her husband rose once more, and the flames of a fire are dull by comparison to his passion and love for her. The press of their bodies against the wall removed all the worry and dread of this day, if only for a few moments, moments she would set in her heart and keep there in order to find some goodness in this day .. there would be not much of it to be found on the fields around Thainbroek.

Coci grinned in return, knowing that one simple word or gesture and she could have him, but time would not allow it. "No, we must find our family .. it is time to unite". Fond of the leather body suit she is, and so Coci had a craftsmen of Midvinter make her a brown suit to sit well under her Valkyri Warmaiden Armour, this, gifted to her by Thurion and had already seen two battles. Her armour stands alongside his, and so she moves to place each piece over her .. with a little help from him to tie secure.

She pulls on the leather cords to tighten the gauntlet, one end in hand the other gritted between her teeth, she turns to watch him gather his sword and unsheathed it. The dull light of the hearth sending a soft glow along the blade, Snowfall is on fire. She could already sense it, the call of the ancient blood that ran through his veins .. it would not be denied. All the Gods of Midvinter, power combined could not stop her blood filling with the fire of passion for him .. the sound of the second horn echoed once more.

"I am ready", she declared, setting her resolve.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

[Sorry, I thought Theo was in the same room!]

Sat there upon Théo's bed, with the little Frir kitten bundled in her lap, Mysa stared at pretty much nothing. She was more than exhausted at this point, even her talks with Thyrian that night had done little to ease her mind. At least, not enough to make her restful.

She didn't notice him enter, nor even his approach, until he sat down beside her and wrapped an arm around her. There was no surprise, she didn't jump, by now she knew the presence of her little brother. Instead she turned her face against his shoulder and closed her eyes. One hand lazily petted the creature in her lap, envious of its ability to sleep.

What had she been doing?

"I... I went for a walk" she confessed, though she thought it best not to go into too much detail concerning the where or the whys. Instead a small smile graced her lips. "I love you too, brother."

Looking up at him, Mysa tilted her head and stared intently into his gaze. No, he hadn't slept much either.

Without warning she made a move to stand up, moving one hand to support the kitten while the other took Théo's.

"Come with me?" She tugged at his hand just a little, her body motioning toward the door. Anything could happen this day, anything at all, and she needed just a little more time with him before the day truly began.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

The sound of the blaring horn had done its best to wake her up, but she knew that from the moment she got out of bed she would have to face what awaited them outside. Still, she would never allow her family to face it without her. Besides, she and father had faced the Vinterbound alongside grandfather long before Coci had even walked into their lives. Perhaps she was the youngest person to have ever defeated one when she cleaved one in two with her father's lightsaber! That made her more experienced than most, didn't it?

With this in mind she faced the day with relative optimism, however juvenile it might seem to some. She was determined not to let thoughts of what might happen dissuade her from doing her part. Rising from her bed with newfound confidence, she gazed upon the light yet sturdy suit of armour that had been prepared for her, no doubt at Thrand's request. She had little trouble putting it on by herself, and soon she stood looking at herself in the mirror while she put up her white hair into a neat bundle. Can't have it get in the way, she thought.

On her hip rested her lightsaber, which for the first time would see real action since its construction.

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

She had gone for a walk, Théo understood this, the need to go out alone for a while and gather thoughts. He had done the same thing. After their moment of quiet together on the bed had passed, Mysa stood up tugging at his hand to encourage him to come with her. He unfolded his legs and allowed it as she pulled him across the room. As they passed the open door into Nina's room, he could see her, she had awoken and already had dressed in her armour, he just made out her pulling her beautiful white hair into a bundle and he smiled. Théo wanted to go to her, to speak with her as well .. but sisters are demanding creatures and for now, Mysa had his attention.

"What .. what is it?", he asked a little concerned that something might be troubling her. The coming battle, so close now is concerning enough and one must have total focus on what might lay ahead, if she needed to clear her mind of something, he would be there for her and help as best he could. Théo let Mysa guide him to where she wanted to speak.

​

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

 

[Lief]

"Just trust me" she whispered; she could sense his desire to speak with Nina as they passed by her open door, and guilt laced her expression, but Mysa couldn't bear the thought of a missed opportunity.

She said nothing more as she led him through the Halls and out into the crisp dawn. Crows squawked from their rooks, and the air itself seemed to rouse a little energy within her as well as the kitten who squirmed in her grasp. She ignored him for now, though, her attention mostly on Théo... Well, him and the ability to remain awake.

Boy did her eyes feel heavy.

Through the City she wandered, thankfully it was just a short walk to the gates now that she knew of all the best shortcuts. If her brother was astute he would realize that it was through the same gates they had once ventured as children on their first true adventure together.

"We're going to see the Vhaanir, for good luck," she finally explained. She was deeply religious at this point, and the antlered creatures were as close to the Gods as she was ever going to come.

Besides, she knew that they meant as much - if not more - to her brother.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Knowing his sisters mind, to a point, after all what man understands women, he let her leading him through the streets of Tháinbroek. "Mysa, I don't think we have time for this ..", he said knowing they would be called to gather before the Vinterbound arrived. But there was a set determination in her that would not be denied and so he followed her to the trades entrance to the capital. Yes, he recognised it, that day they both escaped via the fish cart and he could not help but smile.

Finally, Mysa stopped turning to him with a look he had not seen before and she told him she wanted to see the Vhaanir. "Belawir?", he spoke the name of the stag that is connected to him personally. Belawir is no longer the young Vhaanir she remembered, like Théo he had grown into the most majestic of Harts. Not that Théo was a majestic Hart, or even majestic.

Mysa pulled him through the gates, passing the guards that looked upon the two with concerned eyes. "For, for good luck?", he asked not really believing in luck. He is not like Mysa, with a strong belief in the Gods of Midvinter, although he could not deny the divinity of the Vhaanir that much had been shown him by Belawir .. and those strange events that surround this stag. Yes, there is a connect that is not affiliated with the Force. "Come on then, lets find him".

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Rubbing her hands together to get what little warmth she could into her blood, Aerin watched the embers dying. There was no point rekindling the flames, the end was coming soon. She could hear the movement in the camp, Riders preparing as morning had come although the sun was yet to grace the grey sky. She had spent the night with no company, no family no friend her life had not turned out the way she had intended, which is usual. In the flicking of the embers, a vision appeared, she had always been prone to them, it was her in her youth, in exile or rather on the run constantly from men that had service the Usurper. How long ago was that now? A life time?

The vision shifted to Crystal Falls, one of the many places she had lived, escaping as far as she could and try and make some kind of life for herself. She knew each time she had settled that they would find her eventually, only Rildonmark was set in her heart but she could not go back there. She smiled remembering the day that Thrand had entered her life, bursting through the door which lead into her home, as jolly as you please. The cheek of the man! It had been the eve of the Spring Festival and for a short moment in their lives they could have something to be happy about .. naturally that was taken from them as well. But regardless of this, it was the day the true King had come out of exile.

Over time, she would fight along side her King, her friend. And over time, she had fallen in love with him. It was a love that would never be spoken, nor would it be requited as he could never love another. But still, she loves him and always would. This battle would be Aerin's last, she too is not getting any younger.

In her tent stands her Shieldmaiden armour in which she dresses before leaving her tent to go and see to the Riders and war horses. Already, the Riders of Realm have gathered, stewarts preparing the mounts with chest and face armour, saddled and watered. They are nervous, and rightly so for they are going to face their own kin as well. The horror of it all ...

Aerin finds her mare, Bronzewing, a direct descend of her stallion, Blackwing. "Easy girl", she whispered to the mare and stroking her neck, while Aerin's force ability settles the mare's spirit. She would have no one but herself prepare her mare. And as she begins the sound of the Horn is heard from Tháinbroek...

The King's summon.

​

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

While making her final preparations before she would venture outside to meet with the rest of her family, she caught a glimpse of Théo being dragged off by what looked like Mysa in the mirror. She turned around and wanted to call out, but all she managed was a tiny yelp barely audible to the human ear. After cursing herself for being mute, she stepped out the door in hopes of catching another glimpse of the two, only to instead walk straight into Thrand.

"Nina," he let out in surprise at her sudden appearance. "Are you alright?" Nina nodded quietly. Her brother and sister were nowhere to be seen, but at least she had grandpapa's embrace to comfort her. She practically wrapped herself in his trunk-like arms, and Thrand was more than happy to oblige. "There, there, little Snowflake," he consoled, not really sure what had her so riled up. After she'd found peace in her grandfather's arms, she tip-toed in order to place a kiss upon his bearded cheek, to which Thrand chuckled.

It was then that the old man noticed the amulet around her neck. Gently he reached out and touched it, caressing its jewel with his fingertips. There was a familiar aura about it, one that left a smile on his lips. "Serene," he whispered before leaning forward to return her kiss by placing one on her forehead. "Come on, child. Let's go find the others."

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

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Following Mysa's sudden appearance and his attempt at soothing her soul, Thyrian had found rest in the arms of his beloved. Kära had never been a calm sleeper in her younger days, always tossing and turning as if possessed. Only after agreeing to share her bed with her Phoenix did she sleep soundly, which gave him no small amount of joy. When the sound of the horn pierced the walls of their chambers, however, Thyrian was already up and about, having already suited up for battle. His old Bladeborne armour had seen little use since the death of Darth Kyros, as he was no longer their general, but he figured it would do well against against undead blades.

Stood by the window and gazing upon the city of Tháinbroek and beyond, his eyes narrowed at the sight of unnatural storm clouds rolling in from the North. They were close. He turned to Kära who was getting dressed and fitted for combat, and his face softened. "It's time," he said as he approached her, offering to help her out in any way he could. "Kära, are you sure you want to..." he asked softly in regards to the child growing inside her.

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

Nothing had stirred her that eve as she lay in the arms of her Phoenix, and surprisingly even his brief departure from their bed hadn't roused her. Unlike the other Snowflakes housed beneath the roof, Kära did not wake until the horns sounded... And even then it wasn't immediate.

Sitting upright she peered over at Thyrian who was dressing, a perfect sight if ever she had seen one, before finally swinging her legs over the side of the bed and standing against the cold wood floor. She had always been quick to rise, quicker still to dress, but today she was a little sluggish.

Was it wrong of her to want to prolong the inevitable?

She did not have any armor; Kyros' armor had been handed off to various members of her circle, and Kairos hadn't arrived in this universe with any. So it came as a surprise when Kära noticed an armorstand with her name on it. Well, not literally... But the size of the armor meant it certainly wasn't Thyrian's.

As her Phoenix approached, she found herself more than grateful for his assistance. She couldn't help but wonder what the Kära of old might have thought of this. Such weakness, tssk. The truth of the matter was she no longer cared. Appearances weren't everything, pride meant little.

Nervous to face the battlefield after so long away, Kära allowed her gaze to linger upon the window and the City beyond. She had to remember that this was for them, for all of them. She would be protecting her family and their future.

Her hand fell to her stomach, and she managed a meek smile in response to Thyrian's question.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, my Phoenix. I would fight to the ends of the Galaxy and beyond if it meant securing our safety."

[member="Thyrian Ashborn"]

 

[Lief]

"It won't take long, we'll be back before anyone notices we're missing... I promise. They're just past those trees..."

She had seen them during the night, just a fleeting sight but she hadn't been in the correct frame of mind to follow. Besides, she hadn't been alone then and she doubted Gideon would've understood their sacred stance between the two siblings. He was a hunter at heart, and she couldn't be certain he wouldn't have tried to bring them down.

Mysa knew that many of her household did not view the Gods in the same light as she, but the girl had her reasons and she wasn't going to force it down anyone else's throats. And while this was all true, she and Théo had shared a moment once in the presence of these very Vhaanir. That had to count for something. There was no other she would want to cherish the moment with.

It was less of a pull at this point, yet she kept her hand in his all the same as anticipation rose. She felt like a child again, exploring Midvinter in the pale morning's light. This time she was leading the chase, not Théo, and each step managed to invigorate her further.

She could see them now, and like that very first time they had come so close to the young buck and his herd Mysa's breath caught in her chest. Her hand tightened in his, and with a mousy whisper she finally broke the breathless spell. "I love you, my brother... Know that wherever you stand on the battlefield this day, I stand by you. I stand by us all."

This was all she had needed. This was enough to quell her doubts and strengthen her resolve. They would fight with the Gods on their side, and together they would vanquish their enemies.

But at what cost?

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Creatures have an innate ability to sense the coming of danger, as the two walked through the forest toward the place Mysa had seen them, the Vhaanir, the forest had become deadly silent. Not even the gentle song of an avian, nor scurrying animal, not even a soft breeze rustling the tree tops could be heard, but as they approached, Théo began to receive a sense of calm about the place .. they were here.

It was as if the trees had parted as they approached the clearing in which a small herd of Vhaanir grazed, nuzzling the snow to find what grasses they could below it. The sentinel shot up his head and gazed their way, sniffing the air before a warning bellow issued from his mouth. Almost in unison, the herd did the same, some moving away with their fawns, others moved to stand along side the young stag. They eyed the two children with caution, and consideration, for it is said that the Gods look upon the Valkyri through the eyes of the Vhaanir.

Théo remembered the conversation he had had with his father, when he had tried to explain the strange connection to the Vhaanir, his father had told him of the morning of the battle for the throne and how Belawir had visited them in their tent. His father could not account for the connection, but believed it to be a portent to what was to come and how he and mother had touched the young buck. It was not until that day did Théo know that is was forbidden to touch them. The Vhaanir are not to be hunted .. nor touched .. but revered.

Théo stood gazing upon the wonder that is the sight of the white Vhaanir, he was aware of Mysa next to him equally lost in the moment and when her hand touched his, he did not start but took it and held her hand firm.

"I love you, my brother... Know that wherever you stand on the battlefield this day, I stand by you. I stand by us all". Her words formed his resolved, all the worry and concern gone for now, they would fight together, or die together .. no one would be left alone. The very thought of any of his family taken by the Vinterbound to become one of them, would never be tolerated and without voiced it, Théo vowed that if .. if that was to pass, he would 'release' them himself.

He tore his gaze away from the Vhaanir, and looked deep into Mysa's icy blue eyes, a wayward strand of long blonde hair fell across her face, she looks so beautiful out here in the wilds, as if she is a part of it, he raised his hand to push back her hair before placing a gentle kiss on her cold bitten rosy cheek. "It would be an honour to fight for Midvinter along side you... I love you too", he held her in a strong embrace.



Suddenly, Théo pulled back, releasing Mysa from him arms, his sapphire blue eyes stared passed her. They cannot go, not yet.

This is a dark day, that Men of Midvinter bring ... descending upon the land is an evil most foul .. unnatural. Belawir spoke to them both through their minds, there was a coldness to his words that Théo had not felt before, it was Belawir's voice, yet not.

"Belawir", Théo whispered before turning completely around to see his Belawir standing only three meters from them both. He is all but full grown, his antlers complete save for a few broken to indicate he had been fighting. Théo had witnessed him do so, and what power was in this Hart. Belawir stood before them regal, white and shimmering and as he strode toward Mysa and himself, Théo could see in his large black eyes the image of them both. The eyes of the Gods are looking at them.

Théo descended into a low bow before his friend before standing tall once more. Belawir returned to bow, to both of them in turn, his right hoof moving forward before lowering his head. "You .. are here", he said almost with disbelief.

We, are always here..

​

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

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Helping his beloved with the tightening of leather straps and the likes, Thyrian embraced her once finished, caressing the back of her head. "You are the light of my life, Snowflake," he spoke before placing a soft kiss upon her cheek. "Promise me to be careful, Kära. For both your sakes."

The next moment a knock upon their bedroom prompted him to turn his head its way. "Thyrian, are you two decent?" asked the familiar voice. "Aye," he replied as his embrace of Kära came to an end far too soon to his liking. Thurion stood in the doorway, all armoured up. "Have you guys seen Théo or Mysa? They are not in their rooms, and Nina says she caught a glimpse of them disappearing together." This caused Thyrian to share a concerned look with Kära before taking hurried steps towards his brother. "What do you mean, they disappeared? Mysa!" he called out in vain. "Dammit, this is no time to play hide and seek!" His right hand balled into a fist.

"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about - they can handle themselves, and they're not stupid. But we can't prolong the inevitable, and father is forced to go forward with the battle plan. He needs you there, Thyrian." A reluctant older brother silently nodded in response, allowing himself to calm down. No use in losing his temper at a time like this. Instead he turned to Kära and held out his hand for her to take before the three would make for the throne room where the others were waiting.

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

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Waiting for the remaining members of his family, Thrand stood wearing the armour he'd worn while leading the rebellion against the Usurper. He also wore his long, black cloak with the pelt of a great wolf draped over his shoulders. Today, the 'Grey Wolf' would take the battlefield one last time. Upon his back rested his two-handed greatsword, far too big and heavy for any non-Valkyri to wield properly. This was to be its last battle, as well.

Coci and Nina stood by his side, both well-equipped and more than ready by the looks of it. His granddaughter took him by the hand while they awaited the others, sharing a smile with him. "Don't worry, I'm sure Théo and Mysa are just fine. Whatever they're off doing has to be very important - they are smarter than to run off haphazardly." Nina shook her head in a playful manner, suggesting that they really weren't. Thrand did his best to mask a chuckle moments before his two sons arrived, along with the White Lady.

"Apologies, father," Thyrian greeted him first. "We did not mean to make you wait." Thrand casually placed a hand on his firstborn's shoulder, letting him know there was no need. "Any news on..." The old man shook his head, to which Thyrian nodded in return. "Well... I suppose if they run into trouble, they can take care of themselves," he reasoned with himself. "They'll be fine," Thrand assured him. "This isn't the first time they've snuck off, and they always come back through some miracle."

With everyone gathered, the King turned to one of his guards, gesturing for him to open the gates leading outside. "Remember, everyone - May the Force be with you," he told them all with a smile and a wink before setting foot on Midvinter soil. All along the street leading from the keep to the main gate stood ironclad warriors, bowing their heads to their High King and his family. There was a deadly silence in the air as they walked down the street, with any civilians having sought shelter inside their homes. Both Thurion and Thyrian made sure to keep an eye out for either Mysa or Théo, hoping to spot them in the crowd.

About half-way there, the ground began to shake as if the earth was to split in two. "Take heart, men - the enemy is at our doorstep! Do we let them in?" An ear-shattering battle cry echoed through the entire city as thousands upon thousands of Valkyri warriors answered their King. Once stood upon the ramparts, Thrand gazed upon the armies of the undead moving into battle formations. It seemed for once they were not just a rabble of shambling corpses, but an organised force to be reckoned with. No matter.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Thrand's words did little to ease her mind, of all days to be off exploring or whatever had gotten into their heads. Yet, she knew both of them well enough, very well in fact, to know that today they leave for what would be for good reason. Coci just did not understand what that was, however. When Thurion and Thyrian arrived, the look on his face was enough to tell her of his concerns as well but there was no time to organise a search party and they needed all resources on the Wall.

Coci reached out and took Thurion's hand as they walked along the silent street toward the Wall. She could see him and Thyrian looking in hope to find the children in the crowd, but she knew they would not find them there. Thurion would feel a sudden pull on their force bond, as she focused her force senses, and searched for them. Having a strong connection to her son and daughter who is also her padawan, their signatures are bound to her, and as she walked guided by Thurion's hand, she found them. They are in the forest past the western gate .. and they are, in awe of something beautiful. This puzzled her greatly.

She gained Thyrian's attention by placing a hand on his arm, "Theo and Mysa are fine, I sense them", she said to her husband and brother, yet they would see her perplexed face.

Standing atop the ramparts along side Thurion, the sight that befell them was horrific, the numbers far greater then before and Vinterbound in formation. "We have seen this before", she whispered to Thurion, looking at the organised ranks. "This is sith tactics". She turned to look up into his face, "Come what may .. we do this", she said softly while reaching her hand up to cup his face.

​

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Sensing Coci's use of the Force, he could tell she too was searching for the children, only in a more efficient way. Guess it was too hopeful of them to think they'd still be in the city by now. "Now why didn't I think of that," he replied with a bit of levity, trying his best to keep their spirits up in spite of what they were about to face. "Let's hope they know what they're doing," he added with more severity in his voice, holding his wife's hand firmly for comfort.

​

​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H5Cq4_gov8​

Joining their father up on the ramparts, Thurion's eyes widened at the sight of the innumerable Vinterbound, stretching on for as far as eyes could see; a veritable sea of risen corpses, decomposed and skeletal. Nowhere near the skirmish party they fought off at Fafnersvik. They knew those had merely been the vanguard, but never in his wildest nightmares could he have predicted the sheer amount of them. A bit taken aback, to say the least, Thurion looked to his father. The old man did not seem phased by the sight, his facial features etched in determination. It was infectious just to look at, effectively instilling the same in him.

Up above the skies had turned dark and sickly green, as if poisoned by the mere presence of the undead. It was then that the King placed a hand upon both his sons' shoulders, looked them in the eye and said: "You have your instructions, lads. Fight well, and fear not darkness." Neither of the two would leave without one last embrace, father to son, brother to brother. "No parent could ever be prouder of the men you've become. Go now, and fight for all that you hold dear." A reluctant Thurion gathered his wife and daughter and moved down the line towards the Western gatehouse, while Thyrian and Kära did the opposite, leaving Thrand at the centre with the main force.

Thurion took one last look over his shoulder, and upon noticing this Thrand sent his lastborn a loving smile and nod, and he could not help but smile in return. "All will be well," he assured Coci and Nina at his side, giving them each a kiss on the cheek.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

There was no sense of the sun, no warmth of the day to fill their hearts, nothing but a sickly greenish sky, so unnatural that it would being to seep dread into the heart of any man or woman that look upon it. Eyes look to the ramparts, The Riders of Realm are ready, and stand in many numbers to the east awaiting the signal from their King.

Aerin, ahead of the Riders senses the trepidation, as they now face the insurmountable numbers of Vinterbound on the field before Thainbroek, she casts her eyes over their formation as they wait, not stumbling mindless undead as before, much had changed in this, and through the force darkness descends upon them to unify their purpose and to be puppets to a force unknown. This makes her sick to the stomach, to see such men, women and children of Midvinter turned into such foul creatures. They need have their honour returned to them, we need to give them their life back, so they can make the final walk to the Halls of the Gods.

But before this, there is work to be done, the protection of Midvinter. Aerin urgers Bronzewing forward, which the mare replies without hesitation and the Riders of Rildonmark fall into formation to face the Dark Riders upon the mount. The numbers of mounted Vinterbound was countless, but so to the numbers of Rildonmark.

Aerin turns the head of Bronzewing and rides along the line of the cavalry, she holds the Standard of Rildonmark high in the air. “Riders of the Realm of Midvinter! This, is our day! Before us stands the forces of those that strive to take away our beloved land, to plunge Midvinter into eternal darkness, but we will not allow it! We hold in our hearts love for freedom, love for our families and love for our Glorious Realm. Our King asks of us our lives, to fight once more against the threats of those that dare to infect and consume our land, and our people .. and what answer do we give our King? I say, Aye! Until my last breath and the last of my strength, I shall fight!”, her words are met with an explosion of a roar of voices and swords beating on shields. “Will you join me Riders of the Realm, Riders of Rildonmark? Will you ride with me for the Glory of Midvinter? .. for this, is Our day!”, the answer deafening with war cry.

Bronzewing stood pouring at the ground, lungs taking in deep air and nostrils flared, Aerin gathered the reins and twisted them around the pommel of the saddle loose enough for the mare to have her head, she gathered up her bow, quiver strapped on her back full of arrows with heads bound in cloth and soaked with oil, the fire bearers walked forward. “Archers!, at the ready”, she ordered and the wall of horses parted to allow the Rildonmark Archers through.

Nooking an arrow to the bow, Aerin pull back on the string and her eyes turned to the ramparts of Thainbroek, waiting for Thrand’s signal.

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The view from the western wall was no better, the morning sky seemed to ripple and swirl with the greenish hue as if a hand was directing it. And possibly this was the case, a means to instill fear to those men and women that will stand against to tide of undead. All will be well .. it has to be, for the future not only of Midvinter but their family. Any thing less is not tolerable. Coci felt to warmth of Thurion's lips against her cheek, the only sense of reality since the dawn, everything else was a nightmare, walking in the light of day. She took both Thurion and Nina in her arms, holding them both for fear they would vanish, but their bodies firm and warm gave her heart to fight for them both, and Theo.

Reluctantly releasing them from her embrace, she stood in front of Nina and began to check her armour was secure and in place, her eyes fell on her lightsaber and she nodded as the checklist in her mind was completed. Coci placed a cupped hand on her daughter's cheek and looked deep into her blue eyes, Trust in the force, and trust in your heart .. for you are the purest of us all.

She leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. Nina is very special to Coci, being the first of her children. She recalled their first meeting, early in her relationship with Thurion, and how long it had taken for her to accept Coci in her life, in their lives. But the children had gone, Coci could see that now in her eyes, but a beautiful woman stood before her parents. I love you, my child.

Coci reached for Thurion's hand and held it for comfort, for them both, she opened her connection to him, full force to give strength to them both. They will need to be bonded today and soon Thurion would ask them to fight alongside him. "Once more we walk into the mouth of death, we have come out the other end before .. and we will this day". She turned to look into his face, a small smile presented to him on her lips and her love pulsed along a connection to him .. unbreakable.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​