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

[Lief]

She leaned her face into his hand and felt herself buckle, no longer able to hold back the wave of emotion she was feeling. One hand lifted to clutch at his, she could save him... They could. There had to be some way. "Please, Grandpa... Don't go. We'll find a way. Please..."

It was selfish of her. So very selfish. But she couldn't imagine a Galaxy without Thrand in it. In that moment she felt sick, and her head turned away from her Grandpa to stare at the Vhaanir behind them. "Do something! You can, I know you can!"

But the herd did nothing. They said nothing to her. For all intents and purposes they were simply animals, no longer infused with the Gods she had piously followed for all these years. Turning back to her Grandpa she knew that the moment had passed.

She couldn't let go, even when he was gone. Even when Thurion laid him down, Mysa continued to clutch at his hand. She was not asking much of the Gods, she had never asked them for anything before this day... But she realized that it was fruitless.

They were not listening.

Her Papa took the realization just as difficult, physically shaking Thrand. Mysa removed her hand from that of her Grandfather and tried her best to console him, wrapping her arms around Thyrian's chest and hugging him tightly.

She only released him when he had cause to stand. With a sniffle Mysa pulled back and watched as her Father rose above the Valkyri and began to speak. Kära stood behind Mysa, and when all were urged to rise the young Snowstrider did exactly that. She wanted to help, she wanted to bring her Grandpa to his resting place, but she realized that was foolish. All the Valkyri towered over her, she would be of little help.

Instead she took her Mother's hand and waited. They would walk together, alongside Thyrian, in silence when the time came.

The battle was over, but the ripples it caused would not cease for a long time.

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] [member="Théo Vhalorious"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wUafUWy0oU​

Many hours later...

Upon the table lay the prepared body of their father, lifeless and motionless, yet even now he seemed regal as if merely in a deep sleep. When Thurion entered the room, patched up and supported by a crutch, his brother was already sat at their father's side, hands clasped together as if in prayer. He didn't look his way as the younger brother entered the small room, but still acknowledged his existence with a gentle nod. Hobbling over to the table upon which the old King lay, Thurion looked over the handiwork of the caretakers and found it most pleasing. "They did a good job," he spoke, to which Thyrian uttered a soft grunt. "He almost looks younger, don't you think?" Another grunt.

Thurion took on a concerned look before hobbling over to his brother. "Thyrian?" he whispered, and suddenly the elder snapped awake as if he'd been asleep. "Hmm? What is it?"

"It's... been hours since we carried him inside, Thyrian. Did the healers take a look at you?" Thyrian shrugged his shoulders, only to hiss in pain as he did so. "They tried. I wouldn't let them. I feel fine." Finding his brother's words unconvincing, to say the least, Thurion placed a hand upon his shoulder, to which Thyrian let out a pained groan. "You're hurt, brother. Let me take a look, at least." After a bit of hesitation, Thyrian nodded in response.

Thurion leaned forward to study the open wound, tearing a big hole in his brother's shirt - he had yet to change for the funeral, anyway. Another hiss escaped Thyrian through gritted teeth as Thurion carefully touched his injured shoulder, only to be taken aback at the boiling temperature of his older brother's naked flesh. It felt like putting a hand upon a hot stove. "Are you feeling feverish, by any chance?" he asked as the doctor in him took the lead. Thyrian couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Don't be silly. I'm not a child." Thurion had to physically stop himself from making a sarcastic remark and state the contrary. "Well, it seems you got lucky. There's no sign of infection. We'll just have to sew you up and it should be fine." Thyrian flew out of his seat, stumbling back against the table. "No needles," he protested, eyes wide in fear.

Thurion reached out to his brother and tried to calm him. "Alright, alright - no needles. There are other ways, don't worry." Slowly Thyrian sat back down, and the younger brother proceeded to hold both hands just above the exposed wound. By summoning the Force to his aid, Thurion was able to mend the ruptured flesh until only a deep scar remained. Once finished, he found he'd exhausted himself so much so that he began to stumble. Before he could fall, however, Thyrian shot up from his seat to grab hold of his little brother, embracing him. "Thanks," the younger offered while catching his breath. "It'll be sore for some time, but it should pass given time and lots of rest."

"Thank you, brother," Thyrian returned the gratitude, and soon both brothers found themselves looking upon their deceased father. "He does look a bit younger, you're right..."

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Taking Nina's hand, she and Coci followed the procession to the grand hall. Upon reaching the steps, however Coci stopped them both and turned to her daughter. "Lets not foul the rooms of the Grand Hall with the grime of .. war. It has already done so enough". She said watching Thrand's two sons and grandson carry him through the large double doors thrown open to allow it's King entrance one last time. Her breath shuddered in her throat and tightened that Coci could not shallow, however she turned to Nina and removed her armour before she did the same. Two young men can and took the armour away to the forges for mending and cleaning. Their clothes below had not escaped the results of the battle, but they entered regardless and Coci took Nina to their bedroom.

It is so silent and cold, the fire had gone out having no one to tend it, not that she cared and with what little energy she had left, Coci soon had the flames burning once more in the hearth. She stood leaning on the mantle, looking down into the embers finding herself lost there, in the red glow that pulsed as it burned. It was only now she could reflected on the events and it's consequences, the family would need time away to heal the soul after this, naturally so .. all of them would in their own ways, all of them would find their own ways to cope. And now, a new reign would start, the reign of Fire and Ice.

Coci had spent time with Thyrian alone and through the cause of that meeting, she knew he would do well. There would be mistakes made, issues with border clashes between clans, and threats once more to this fair land, but regardless of his past and how that had informed the man, that is not set in stone. What is .. is his blood line and heritage, for pumping in his veins is not only fire, but the essence of nobility now demanding it's time. Nobility does not come from the title, or strength of the arm, it comes from deep within the heart. Yes, Thyrian will do just fine.

Once Coci and Nina had washed and changed into clean clothes, she took Nina's hand once more and lead her down the corridor toward Kära and Mysa's room. She knocked gently on the wooden door before pushing it open. "May we come in?", she asked now wanting to make sure the White Lady was fine and her unborn child.

​

​

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

 

[Lief]

Together with Mysa, Kära had joined the congregation as they made their way through the City and to the Great Hall in order to begin funeral rites and preparations. There hadn't been a word uttered between the two of them during this time, but her hand had found her daughters and held on for dear life. She had never realized before now just how much her child meant to her, so relieved was she that Mysa was okay that she wished to shower her in hugs and kisses. But now was not the time.

Once Thrand had been settled and Thyrian had taken up silent vigil, Kära opted to bring Mysa out of the way for a while and give her beloved time to grieve. It was a difficult thing to do, leaving him when he was so distraught, but he had a lot of things to work through and she wouldn't jeopardize that. There would be time for the pair to reconcile later.

Upon returning to their adjoining rooms, Kära dropped the cloak from her shoulders to the ground and collapsed into a seat. Her head fell into her hands and for a moment her head swam with nausea. The battlefield had not been a pretty sight. In her youth she had never batted an eyelid to the sight of war, but now something stirred within her. One hand lowered to her stomach, where she could feel the signs of life. And then something else. A kick?

It took all her willpower to not be sick. Mysa's hand fell upon her shoulder, and Kära gently took it and brought it to her stomach where her son was making himself known. She knew it was a boy, she could not say how she knew it... But she did. As of yet she had not shared that information with anyone, she did not want to risk getting too... attached.

Her daughter seemed just as amazed as she did to the vigorous movements the little one was making. For a moment she felt a little wave of peace despite the conflict and losses of the day, and gently releasing Mysa's hand she reached up to turn her daughter's face toward her.

"I love you, my Child." Carefully Kära lifted Mysa into her lap and hugged her dearly. "I am so proud of you. I feel as though I do not remind you of these things often enough, and for that I'm sorry..."

Laying a kiss atop Mysa's hair, Kära just sat there for a moment rocking her first born. Where would she be without this little family she now had around her? Without her Phoenix, and her Snowflake, without Furry and his loving family? It did not bear thinking about.

Without warning there came a knock at the door, before the voice of Coci drifted through alongside the sound of the door opening. Mysa rose so that Kära could do the same, and mother and daughter both turned toward the door.

"Of course, my dear, you're always welcome here."

There was no fire in this room either, yet it remained... warm enough. Or maybe that was just Kära glowing with unborn vitality. She stepped over toward Coci and could see Nina just beyond, and beckoned for them both to enter. It was only when she saw them both changed into more appropriate clothing that she realized both she and Mysa were still in their battle garb, likely not a very pleasant sight to behold.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Having cleaned herself up and gotten dressed in a fresh set of clothes, Nina followed her mother through the quiet hallway, holding her by the hand. They didn't speak much, both preferring the silence required to process their thoughts and feelings. They didn't need words to know how the other felt, anyway; instead Nina hugged her mother's arm while resting her head upon her shoulder as they wandered with only the sound of their own footsteps for company.

Upon reaching Kära's bedroom door, Coci knocked and they were soon let inside. Nina managed a smile as she looked upon Kära, immediately able to pick up the many traits the two shared. It wasn't just their stark-white hair; their eyes were of the same colour, and their body type near identical. Mysa was even closer to her in appearance, what with them sharing the same age on top of their looks. It didn't bother her in the least, that the three Umbarans were so alike.

Nina stepped into Kära's embrace, nuzzling into her shoulder. It was then that she felt the very light bump of her tummy, but rather than become giddy from excitement she simply allowed her faint smile to grow in size, hugging Kära extra tight. "I'm so happy for you," she spoke into Kära's mind before their embrace would come to a close.

She then moved on to her beloved sister... or cousin? Trying to wrap her head around their family tree would sometimes give her a headache, so she seldom tried. Personally, she preferred to call her sister. She could tell Mysa was hurting more than most at their grandfather's passing - thinking herself at fault for not being there to protect him. Theó, she suspected, felt the same way. Speaking of which, where was Théo?

"You've got some dirt on you, still," Nina told her as she scrubbed the dirt from Mysa's cheek using the sleeve of her shirt. She then cupped her sister's face and placed a kiss upon her forehead before taking her into her arms, caressing the back of her head. "He was right, you know," She then said, referring to what Thrand had said upon his deathbed. "It wasn't your fault."

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

After he had help lay the body of his grandfather in the hall, Théo left them to prepare his body. Frankly, he did not wish to see that, he wanted to hold onto the memory of Thrand strong and alive and not gaze across his broken body. And instead of seeking someone out for company, he wanted time alone after he had received medicine from the healers for his wound on his arm.

He threw away the clothes that adorned his body all covered in muck from the Vinterbound, and stood naked in the middle of his room. Never had he felt so vulnerable then in this moment, his emotional state riding on a downward spiral into despair. No more tears would come, he promised himself that, all he did all he could do was to stare out the window of his room.

Eventually, he pulled away and began to clean his body, washing away the blood and muck before he would dress for the funeral. His mind was open, raw and numb and so was everyone else’s, he could sense his family in the Hall.


His father and Thyrian deep in the Grand Hall with Thrand, their emotions felt through the force, there is a sense of sadness naturally underpinned with fear, at least from his uncle. In the other direction, his mother and Nina, Kara and Mysa together. There is a wave of joy coming from them, this he did not understand at all, how could they be happy in a time like this? He grew angry with them, resentful that anyone could feel joy again. In this moment, he doubted he would ever feel happy again. He did not know the reason why, that life was growing within his aunt and to be celebrated.

He walked away from them all, up the corridors of the Grand Hall, let them have their joy, let them have their pain and fear, he wanted to be as far away from all of them. Théo found the training room, the last place he had sent time with his grandfather alone, he wanted to be with him in memory of a happy time and the fun they had there. He walked into the center of the room, the same as it always was, and still his embedded sword stuck in the wall remained.

He could not help feel the isolation, standing alone here, surrounded by all this sadness, added to it his own, it became overwhelming, building up in the core of his being and had to be released somehow. His arm raised, hand reaching for his sword in the wall and through the force he summon it, it flew through the air in such a speed it blurred .. and the hilt hit the palm of his hand. In a single fluid motion, Théo swung the sword at the nearest object in the room, one of the support poles thick and solid, and a roar of pain and anger issued from his body so loud anyone in the area would hear it. The sword bit hard into the wood, deep and violent as wood splintered from the impact, his strike that powerful, fueled with the force, his natural Valkyri strength, sadness and anger, and the sword dug deep to half way through before the blade shattered and broke.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She pushed open the door fully, and Nina rushed past her eager to see her blood family, so understandable as it especially after the days events. Death brings people together, and reminds them all of what is important in life. So very much alike are they all, at least physically so, yet each of them held differences that any individual would. Although Mysa was an unknown in this theory, considering her 'closeness' to Kära.

Coci watched with a small smile on her face, as Nina fussed over them both, she had had the experience of watching Coci's belly grow with child and knew the joys that this would bring them all. The birth of a new child in this family would do a lot to heal the pain of the loss of Thrand, it will give them all something to focus on besides their grief. "I wanted to see if you were alright", he eyes lowered to her swollen belly, "Both of you", she smiled more. Knowing the ebbs and flows of each phase of pregnancy, the emotional swings and effects on the body, she wondered how Kära was fairing.

"If you permit, I would help you with your undress and get you ready for... ". Still even Coci could not voice the words of the coming event. It was a little chilly in here, the fire gone out as it was the same in her room. "Mysa, would you and Nina see to the fire please, we can't have everyone catch a chill as you clean up".

​

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

 

[Lief]

Young Nina reached her first, and Kära wrapped her sister into a tight embrace. She had not spoken much of their true relation, Nina seemed very happy these days, a world away from how Xavier had explained their childhood, and Kära was more than happy to view her as a niece instead. It would complicate things less, and wouldn't spoil anything.

"Thank you, sweet one," she responded with a gentle kiss atop her head.

Nina was one of Kära's first regrets. She had returned to Umbara after finding Xavier in hopes of saving her from a bad fate, but the little girl had been nowhere to be found. No doubt Thurion had found her by that point, and had shown her a better life... But Kära had lived for many years without knowing the fate of her baby sister.

Brushing a small strand of hair behind Nina's ear, Kära smiled before allowing her to continue on her way. Instead her attention turned to Coci.

Managing a very slight smile she gave a nod of her head to Coci's questioning gaze. "We are well, though I never thought I'd feel so queasy at the sight of blood."

Not a very nice statement to make, as it indicated a little to her past, but it was the truth all the same. Making her way back toward her seat, Kära sat down and began to remove her dirty shoes.

It was then she heard what Coci had to say, and she gave a very light nod of her head. "That would be appreciated, thank you." Neither wished to speak of what was to come it seemed. It would be hard enough to face when they had to, there was no need to expedite that process.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Lief]

Mysa was grateful to see both Coci and Nina looking well despite the events of the day.

When her Master and Sister entered the room she managed a small smile, though she hung back as Coci began speaking to Kära and Nina went for an embrace. It was nice to see everyone united, though the reasoning for it did numb the whole situation.

Seeing the two of them dressed so cleanly made her feel disgusting. There was still blood and Force knew what else covering her armor and clothes. Thankfully the furs she wore were not those given to her by Thrand, she didn't want to risk destroying those. Her gaze drifted to where they were, with a tiny Frir curled up within the cloak itself. He had slept through the battle, the little nocturnal creature he was.

She stepped toward him and gave him a gentle fuss. Who would've looked after him had she not made it? Baby Felix had not been with her for very long, in truth not even a day, but she felt a connection to him all the same.

Hearing the quiet approach of Nina, Mysa turned away from her new friend and glanced over her older sister who fussed over her appearance. It was nice to have this moment together, as she could not recall the last time the pair had properly spent time together. That thought upset her.

But what Nina said upset her even more.

Was she right? Was Thrand right? Was there nothing that could have been done to save him had she not been off gallivanting with the Gods?

"I love you, Sister" she whispered, as she lost herself within Nina's embrace. For a moment she allowed herself some small measure of comfort, wrapping her arms around Nina in return. No doubt they all needed a quiet embrace right now.

It was Coci's request which broke the moment. She was right, of course, it was frightfully cold in the room. So Mysa took Nina's hand and together they walked toward the fire. It shouldn't take them too long to get a fire going, and then Mysa would have to bathe and dress in preparation for...

No. She didn't want to think about that.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Kära's past was not something new to Coci, she had read the file on her years ago when working for the Republic, but her comment would draw no words from her. She just hoped that both she and Thyrian would consider their positions in life now that they will be the ruling family over Midvinter, least of all that it was under Sanctum protection. There was more at stake now then the ambitions of a Sith, but Coci was also aware that there was a shift in force alliance, Thyrian had voiced his will to change, but she was not certain of Kära, time will tell she supposed. And now was not the time for speculation.

Coci crouched down in front of her, and assisted with removing her shoes. She could still smell the Vinterbound blood, dry and corrupted under the soles which offended her senses once more. "I think you need to bathe and change, and if possible .. rest". She stood up once more and moved to the fire, the girls would soon have that ablaze and warm water was required for aching and tired bodies .. aching and tired souls.

Coci fussed around the room, finding towels and clean clothes for Mysa as well as Kära, it is something impossible to stop in Coci, the mother to ingrained in her now, no matter who required the attention. "Mysa, are you injured at all?". She knew Nina would have sustained some cuts and bruises, the girl had done an amazing job at keeping the Vinterbound at bay to protect her mother while she could concentrate on the force.

She summon one of the serving girls to the room and asked for healing herbs to be delivered to the room.

​

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

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Having finally left their father with the caretakers for the final touches in time for the funeral - the largest in the history of Midvinter, he'd been told - the two brothers walked for a bit through the empty halls before Thurion left to find the others, while Thyrian headed down a set of corridors he'd yet to explore where they led. The ceremony would being in a couple hours, so there was still some time to kill. Besides, if he were to ascend his father's throne he'd better know everything there is to know about the keep that is to become his new home. His and his family's.

Stepping through another set of doors, he was more than a little surprised to have stumbled upon a visibly upset Théodred within what appeared to be the keep's armoury and sparring area. Before making his presence known to the young man, he examined the room: The walls were lined with Valkyri weapons and armour sets, some of which looked ancient. His mind wandered, wondering whether this is where his father and his father before him would come to practise swordmanship.

While Théo's back was turned towards him, Thyrian quietly stepped forward and bent over to pick up the shattered sword that had all but cleaved the training dummy in half. He then took another step forward until Théo was within reach, but rather than place a hand upon the young man's shoulder, Thyrian let the broken blade rest upon it. Remaining silent, he then raised it only to place it upon the other shoulder before finally speaking.

"You hate me, don't you? For taking your father's place as heir to the throne," he began softly, not looking to upset him further. "I swear to you, it wasn't my intention. But your father is Jedi; he's sworn not to rule over anyone. I've made no such vows, and if I can spare my little brother from the burden of donning the crown, then so I shall." He then placed both hands on Théodred's shoulders and turned him around to face him, locking gazes with him. For a second his expression remained stoic, only to immediately soften once they made eye-contact.

"You have his eyes, you know." Thyrian settled a hand under Théo's chin to tilt his head up more. "Your father has his eyes, as well..."

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He felt so much better with the release of emotional pressure after the 'murder' of an inanimate object, such out bursts are necessary sometimes. But the whole episode had left Théo feeling exhausted, the whole event of the day finally beginning to catch up with him and all he wanted to do was sleep. But that would have to wait as well. He felt the presence of his uncle approach in the room, but he did not turn round to greet him. The broken sword he felt on his shoulders sent a chill through his spine and Théo's body stiffened with the touch of it. The words his uncles spoke to him were hollow and an incorrect, even if his uncle believed them, or that of his father, the Oath father had sworn was without credibility.

As he was turned around to lock eyes with the man he did not waver, he would not answer the question of hate, not yet anyway. Théo remembered the day Thyrian walked back into father's life, their lives, he had been so happy to have another man in the family and that he and father had been reunited, but that turned sour within an instant when he voiced his true intentions for the visit. He had torn them all apart, taking Mysa, his sister away as if she was a possession to be handed around at will. However, Mysa does seem happy enough now, he hoped she was at least.


"The Oath my father swore is nothing more then a platitude". Not that he believed his father thought it so, and he said removing himself from his uncles grasp. "He is grand master of an Order of Jedi, a leader of men and women, leader, ruler .. it amounts to the same thing in meaning. We reside on Voss as you know and by our very presence there, protect it. Just like grandfather did here, my father will, if necessary, step in and negotiate any conflict within the government of Voss, just like grandfather did with the clans, but father's reach goes further to every system within the protected space of the Sanctum, which .. includes Midvinter. So please don't stand there and tell me he is not leader already, you don't have to sit on a throne or be involved in politics to be a 'king', there is a lot more to the position then that".

Théo moved around the room, looking at all the equipment ready to be taken up to train better men and women, he eyes fell on the Valkyri symbols carved in the wood, he did not understand most of them, so old is the language and he knew that some of the carvings have been here since the beginning of any kings reign. "If something like today happens again .. who are you going to call to come to arms?", he turned around and look once more into his uncles eyes. "And he will come, we will all come", he answered for him.

"That thing, that thing that killed grandfather was sith wasn't it. I felt it, the control it had over the Vinterbound, so pure in hate and lust to take life. There was no reasoning behind it, other then this, at least from that sith". He had heard the justifications of sith for actions they take, some pure with nothing more then death and destruction, others voicing their philosophy of 'peace' by taking freedom. Other that believe order is the answer, which is nothing more then oppression, but regardless of their reasoning it all comes back to the one thing they truly want, which is power over others, because they lack power over themselves.

"I don't hate you uncle", he finally said, but he would keep his true feelings to himself. Théo did not hate him, but he did not love him either. Love is not given freely just because of bloodline.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Thyrian said nothing as Théo vented his anger at him; he knew the emotion better than anyone, having spent years fuelled on nothing but vengeance and rage. Add to that the lad's youth and inexperience with losing a loved one, and this is to be expected. He did not take his harsh words to heart - if anything the boy only succeeded in slandering his own father for being the ruler of a hundred stars, which simply was not the case. Thurion would have protested this claim had he been there to hear it, as well. "I may have been Sith," Thyrian spoke, only to look away for but a moment. "Once, in another life." The fact remained his greatest shame, now that he had renounced his Sith teachings once and for all, even his own name. There would always be darkness in him, he knew this; a piece of it remains with you forever, no matter how hard you try to denounce its existence.

"I may not know much about the Jedi, but I know your father better than anyone," he continued, taking a step towards him. "Your grandfather was raised to rule from birth, taught by his father that he would one day take his place on the throne. Me and your father grew up in the slums of Pelagon with nothing to call our own and no-one to care for us. I did what I could for him - my little brother!" His voice grew in volume as he spoke, only to utter next few words like a whisper. "I loved him more than anything."

He turned around and sat down on the cold floor, legs crossed. "Neither of us is ready to sit upon the throne; neither of us asked for it," he then said. "But I fear that if your father were to do it, it would break him. I won't let that happen..." He raised a hand to rub against his forehead as his eyes closed shut. Suddenly his head was aching something fierce. "Go on, then," he spoke softly. "Go find your father and get ready for the King's funeral. I'll clean up here." He turned his head to look over his shoulder as Théo eventually left the room.

Upon finding himself alone, Thyrian began picking up the pieces of the broken sword only to succumb to tears, sobbing like a child. He curled up on the floor and shuddered as he wept for his father.

[member="Théo Vhalorious"]​

 

[Lief]

Kära did not see herself as a Sith anymore. Her experiences after the loss of her child had proven as much - even if she had tried to revert back to her old ways, even if she had wanted to, too much had changed. For the better.

She had no desire to rule the Galaxy, to force the hand of others. All she wanted was her beloved and their children. Her family. Nothing else mattered.

Perhaps once her son was born she would seek out Coci or Thurion, to properly work on redemption of some sort. She had no idea how such things worked, even though she had experienced it in her youth. Back then she had never truly been a Sith, though... She had been working off the ramblings of an old Prophet Lord. She thought it was her destiny, something she had no control over.

Now she knew better.

As her shoes finally were removed from her feet she sighed in both pain and relief.

"I think you're correct, Lady Heavenshield; a bath would be appropriate. Thank you, by the way..."

She reached out to take Coci's hand and peered up at the woman, eyes calmly scrutinizing the Jedi's expression.

"For all you've done, for Thurion, for Nina, for Mysa..."

Her best friend, her sister, her child. This woman had helped all three, and more. And she had done so selflessly too. Kära would never forget it, nor could she ever truly make it up to the woman... Or to the little ones. But she could try. One step at a time, she would heal the wounds left by her own actions and by those of her parents before her.

Now all she needed to do was find Xavier, but that would be easier said than done.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Lief]

It didn't take long for the kindling to catch light and the hearth to glower with heat. In the radiance it produced Mysa could see every detail of her sister, and knowing that she had made it through the day had her feeling extremely grateful. Had she taken Nina for granted over the years? The pair hadn't spent too much alone time together, not like she and Théo had, and now she realized that was something which needed to change.

Turning from the hearth Mysa watched as both her mothers chattered among themselves. Neither looked particularly well, the strain of the battle and the overall loss weighing heavily on their expressions, but she knew that together they would all make it through the hardship. They had to, for had they not been through so much together already?

When Coci's attention turned to her, Mysa gave a slight shrug of her shoulder. She was about to say that she felt fine, before sucking in a sharp breath. She did her best to hide it, but she knew it was futile and silly to do so. "I hurt my arm" she finally confessed, remembering distinctly the freezing cold blade which had made its mark there.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He stood there, not taking his eyes off his uncle as he spoke and all the while Théo's blood boil and his heart turned to anger. Once the man had finished he remained deadly silent just standing there watching him. And then he dismissed him like one of his future subjects and Théo walked toward the door, but before he left he turned once more unable to remain quiet any longer.

"How dare you", he said in a low tone. "To say that you are the only one that knows my father the best, is an insult to my family... to my mother. Yes we know the history of your life on Pelagon, and yes it was terrible beyond words, but you only knew him as a child so many years have passed since then. To say you know him? What a child once was does not equate to the adult .. people change. The years you had been away out of his life who was there beside him picking up the pieces in my father's lowest moments?, there in the great times? love the man like life itself? this insult to her, my mother I shall never forgive. Insult me, his son, if you wish but never her!". The look on Théo's face was dark and unforgiving at this moment.

"You insult my father further, by saying he would break with the weight of the crown, you don't know this, how could you? besides you forget one thing .. us. His family, none of us would allow it, especially my mother. Who are you to say .. you would not allow it". With that he could not stomach the sight of the man a moment longer.

As he left the room and closed the door behind him, Théo heard the sobbing of a man crumbling with the weight of emotion .. for the loss of his father. He did not want to think about his, it reminded him that one day he too would have to face this grief, but after his insulting words, Théo could not find empathy in his heart. This made him dislike his uncle even more.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

​

Spoiler

:unsure: writing that post sucked.

​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She was taken aback by the kind words and thanks from Kära as she stood up preparing to go and bath, not that Coci did not believe she was capable of such words. What Coci had done for all her family was like second nature to her and nothing to be thanked for. The words were taken with great gratitude however, to which she smiled and lowered her head in a bow of thanks. “What I do for my family, all of them, is done out of love and caring which I give freely and without condition”. But Kära's words went deeper than that, considering the long periods of absence and the circumstances in which they once lived, if the situation had been reversed, it would be she that would be grateful for the love and protection over her kin and friend.

Mysa gained her attention as this point, telling of an injury to her arm, to which Coci’s immediately went to the tray of herbs left by the healer’s assistant. “Take off your clothes and bath young lady, and come back to me so I can apply this herbal paste to your wound”.

Filling a pestle and mortar with fresh medicinal herbs and a little water, Coci soon had the thick greenish paste ready. The paste was one taught to her by Thrand, as the herbs on Midvinter are different to those found elsewhere, there was a sad feeling in her heart as she worked coupled with a realisation that his hand of influence was still with them. However, she had added a little touch of Coci to the mix with a light infusion of the light side of the force.

The paste would kill all threats of infection and begin to sooth the anger flesh, but she would leave the decision to Mysa if she wanted a scar to remain on her skin.

​

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

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

While her mother tended to Mysa's injury, Nina remained by the fire to make sure it would stay lit. She added another log and watched the flames eat into the dry wood while curling up into a ball on the floor. It didn't take long for her gaze to grow unfocused as thoughts went to the horrid events which took place on a few hours ago. She wished she were able to voice her thoughts, if only to help herself make sense of it all.

Instead, the memories of grandpapa Thrand asserted themselves, filling her mind as Nina began to shed tears in complete silence. There was no concern whether the others would notice her weeping, in fact part of her hoped they would. She was tired of trying to stay strong.

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

After having stayed to watch the caretakers of the King's body make the final preparations, Thurion now strode through the empty hallways leading towards the private quarters. It didn't take long for him to sense their combined presence, and so he hobbled along aided by a simple walking stick. On occasion a servant or two would pass him by, heads hung in mourning over their great King. No-one was celebrating their victory, for the losses were staggering and paid at an immense price. The High King had laid down his life to protect his family, his home, and his people. A more poetic end for such a mighty man could not be found, but that didn't diminish the sense of loss.

Eventually Thurion found the others, overhearing their voices on the other side of Kära's bedroom door. Rather than walk right on in, he stopped mere inches from the sturdy wooden door and pressed his forehead to it, both hands gripping the staff as his eyes closed. Only now did he realise how very tired he was, despite the rest he'd gotten after his injuries were seen to. He felt as if he were capable of falling asleep right there and then, standing up. He actually managed to nod off for a second, only to snap out of it before finally opening the door and stepping inside.

Within he was greeted by all the girls together in the same room, getting cleaned up and ready for the funeral. He though about saying something about having died and gone to heaven to try and lighten the mood, but this was hardly the time. Instead he simply stopped by his wife and pressed his lips to her cheek as she tended to Mysa's wounds. "The ceremony starts in an hour," he spoke softly. "The last preparations are being seen to." It was then that he noticed Nina sat alone on the floor in front of the fireplace, weeping softly. Thurion said nothing as he hobbled over to his daughter and sat down beside her, not caring about the pain it caused him to do so.

His arm wrapped itself around her and she immediately buried her face in his shoulder, and at that moment they were transported 15 years backwards in time.

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

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A41ao9sMSJ0​

An hour later, the ceremony begins​

There was an eerie silence spread across the sea of men, women and children gathered to witness the largest funeral ever held in Midvinter history. The fluttering of banners remained a constant as heavy winds came down from the north, causing lit torches and braziers to roar as nightfall approached rapidly. The sun was steadily crawling its way into bed on the horizon, causing splashes of red and purple upon the evening sky.

Stood upon the city square was the biggest pyre ever seen, and upon it lay the bodies of slain men and women, having given their lives for their home and hearth willingly for a chance at sitting at the table of the gods. The vast river running all the way from Tháinbroek towards the Great Maw now housed a single Valkyri longship outfitted with a pyre of its own, as well as dozens of offerings for the gods to see their great King safely to the Hall of Heroes, where only the mightiest of men were welcomed upon their death.

Clad in the finest of royal attires, Thyrian stood in silence as he gazed out upon the sea of faces; the majority of which were complete strangers to him, as he was to them. It made him feel uneasy, to call himself their ruler when none even knew his name. Still, no crown adorned his head as of yet, with the coronation set to take place the next day once the old King has been properly honoured. His hand rested upon the pommel of the sword at his side - a ceremonial sword that had yet to taste blood as it was only worn during formal occasions. His shoulder remained sore and would for a good number of days, according to his brother. It mattered little to him; pain was an old friend of his.

At his side stood Kära, supportive of her Phoenix as always, along with Mysa. On his other side stood Thurion, wearing the attire he'd been told he wore at his wedding, along with a thick fur draped across his shoulders. He has left his walking stick for this occasion, instead relying on his wife to help him down the steps when they were making their way towards the city centre. In another life, Thyrian would have found such reliance on others a weakness. Suffice to say such was not the case nowadays. At his brother's side stood his wife Coci, their daughter Nina and their son Théodred.

"On this night," he began, "we bid farewell to the men and women who gave their lives for their homes, their loved ones, and their King. Brothers and sisters, husbands and wifes, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters... All of them fought valiantly against the darkness, and only through their sacrifice did we emerge victorious. They have earned their rest, and their seat at the great feast of Beornskald." He paused, hearing the faint cries of a toddler off in the distance quickly shushed by its mother. "But perhaps the greatest loss came in the form of the High King, who laid down his life for his people... and his family."

Thyrian turned to a nearby guardsman and nodded. A horn sounded, signalling the group of men and women tasked with carrying the King's body down from the keep towards the city centre. Heads turned in their direction as they appeared atop the stairs, and as the late King was carried down the cobbled street people kneeled as he passed them by. Even in death the Dawnbringer commanded their every respect and admiration. Upon his body lay the Dawnstar - the mighty greatsword which had accompanied him throughout his long life, looking as pristine as ever.

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