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

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The Hour had come. The hour that they all dreaded deep in their hearts. The sight that lay before their eyes was something out of dreams, horrible ones, so many bodies lay still on the massive pyre, their faces blank and unmoving, no warmth sits on their cheeks. Men, women and children all, still. It would take generations to recover from this, if it could at all. Midvinter cries this day.

A sea of faces turn upward to look upon the family that had asked of them so much, too much maybe. The Crown demands much of them, no matter who wears it, did the family have the right to do so? Yes, in this case yes, for had they not, none would stand witness to this day. But the Crown has its duty to repay them in return for such 'gifts' of life given. And so they will, with the death of their father and grand father. Yet, all the lives given were given freely for the sake of family and Midvinter.

Théo stood silent next to his family, dressed in black. The words of his uncle sat heavy on the air and on his heart, words that illustrated the true cost that everyone had to pay, he removed a black glove and reached for Nina's hand taking it firm within his own for comfort, for her and for himself. Please, hold on to me, his words pleaded. His hand trembled as those that bared his Grandpapa brought him out, all laid out in his finery and great sword resting on his chest, it was almost impossible for Théo to turn and look upon his body and face. A face he loved so much. Another promise broken, as tears welled in his eyes.

​

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Thurion and Coci are no strangers to the sight of the pyres of Midvinter and they knew what was to come. Even before they had been married, had they stood next to Thrand on the battle field to fight for the lands that hold heritage to them. Although their home is elsewhere, Midvinter has written a place on their hearts that would never be removed, and Thurion's blood would never be denied. Nor that of Thyrian's and Théo's, it is this that has their blood full of fire, all three.

She stands beside her husband, as she always will, changed out of the trappings of battle and into more sedate attire, and as is tradition on Midvinter her long black hair is braided to show that of a married women. It is the same braid worn the day of her wedding. Her arm holds Thurion around his waist, it is the only place that will not hurt him with her touch, his body in pain but she knew he would wear it well, it was the pain in his heart she could not heal for now, that time will come for them both. It was time again, to stand strong for him once more and support his soul on this day. She turned to look upon her children, their faces hold an expression of disbelief, as if their world was no longer recognisable but they would all face this day together.

Coci took in a sharp shallow gasp as Thrand was ushered from the Grand Hall, nothing could have prepared even she for this, he had been father to her as well. The images of the day they first met came to her mind, how nervous she was and immediately he had set her mind to ease. He had married them as well, on that Joyous Day and he had held his new born grandson in the palm of his large hands and cried tears of joy and sadness. Tears fell from her black eyes, she did not stop them, with each one, there was the memory of greater times, now ended.

Her hand on Thurion's waist gripped his leather robes firmly, their force bond swelling with love and support and no words could account for.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

She and her mother had bathed away their grime and had their wounds tended to before finding something appropriate to wear. It felt as if days had passed due to the fatigue that young Snowstrider was faced with, and she had come to regret not at least trying to sleep on the eve of battle. How long had she been awake for now? There was no way of knowing.

After the battle had finished, and before she had returned to the Great Hall to prepare for her Grandpa's funeral, Mysa had wandered the fields just outside of the City gates. She didn't know why she felt compelled to do so, but she was grateful that the urge had been present as she had stumbled upon a lost, confused, and injured stranger without any memory of where he was or how he'd come to be on Midvinter - much less in the middle of a battlefield.

He'd been left with the healers while she returned to her family, and even the time between reaching the Great Hall and stepping out with the congregation to say their farewells felt like an eternity. Coci had helped Kära through the process of changing, it hadn't been until now that her mother's pregnancy had begun to show and the realization that there would be a new addition in the coming weeks brought just a little light to an otherwise dark period in their lives. Truth be told, Mysa felt a little annoyed that Kära had stepped onto the battlefield at all, and she wondered how she'd convinced everyone - especially her Papa, Thyrian - to even let her.

But that was over now. She and the child were well, and they had other things to focus on for the moment.

Stood beside her Papa, one hand caught within her mother's grasp, Mysa hung her head in grief and respect toward both the pyre and the entourage carrying her Grandpa. Kära's hand was held within one of Thyrian's, at least before he began to speak, so the trio were connected and able to comfort one another even without words. She wanted to say something to her Papa, who she hadn't spoken to since the night before the battle when she'd crept into his room to confess her fears. But now was not the time for such, so she kept herself quiet and allowed her grief to silently wash over her. To wash over them all. She doubted there was even one individual left in Thainbroek and the outer villages who hadn't lost at least someone here today.

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

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

At first looking out towards the sea of people gathered to honour the dead, Nina soon found herself stood with her eyes closed and her head tilted forward as Thrand was brought from the keep, first down the steps and then down the main street, until the old King was brought before his people who adored and worshipped him so. Her grandfather lay upon a wooden stretcher, its surface littered with intricate Valkyri carvings by a loving, and covered with the finest Älk furs for the Dawnbringer to rest upon. Only now when he was presented to them all did Nina open her eyes, and the sight of Thrand looking so peaceful, almost as if asleep, made her feel strangely happy for him. She could feel her locket vibrate ever so slighty, and she knew he'd been reunited with his only love at long last.

Knowing her brother would find it a lot harder, Nina's hand held his tight and rested her head upon his. Despite him being years younger, they were already equal in height thanks to his Valkyri ancestry. Every day little Théo was becoming more like their father, while keeping his mother's looks, and she was so very proud of him. "He is in a better place now," she whispered into his mind while they watched him sleep the everlasting sleep mere feet in front of his family. A common phrase to use at funerals, but one she believed to be true nonetheless. "Grandpapa was so very tired, and now he may rest forever. Had it been anyone else than him on that stretcher, his heart would have been broken beyond repair."

Her words would do nothing to stem the tide of tears on her brother's face, she knew this. Théo would deal with his grief in his own way, and she would be there to help him through anything.

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV97phFaY_0​

(Skip to 1:48)​

Finding it difficult to remain standing still for so long, Thurion had to lean against his wife for most of the ceremony that was taking place. He kept an arm wrapped around her shoulders, both for support as well as consolation. All of them had stepped off the battlefield with scars to tell the tale, but they were alive and he thanked the gods for it. Now stood looking upon their deceased patriarch, Thurion - much like his daughter - found his restful appearance strangely comforting; even though he knew his father to be dead, he half-expected to see him wake up from a deep slumber. To open his eyes and ask for a cup of mead. Thurion even managed a smile.

Meanwhile, Thyrian did his best to keep his composure even as his father's body was laid at his feet. He took a moment to gaze down upon his peaceful face, while feeling a soft breeze catch his hair and cape. In his heart, he knew his father to be at peace. He also knew his heart had never truly healed after his wife died; a feeling he could very much relate to, having lost his beloved once only for her to reappear like some sort of divine miracle. Kära had told him of how she got here, but to Thyrian her being alive is a blessing from the Force or whatever pantheon of gods looking over them.

"Here lies our High King, the first of his name and protector of Midvinter. May his name be recorded in history to never be forgotten." Thyrian took a step back and gestured for his brother to say a few words. And so he did, painstakingly putting one foot in front of the other as he left Coci where she stood, but not without placing a kiss upon her warm lips. Thurion stepped carefully to not upset his injuries, and slowly approached his father.

"He was strong in life," he began while his eyes scanned the crowd. "There is nothing he would not do for his people, or his family. I could go on and tell you about how mighty he was in battle, or how he commanded admiration in his every breath. While both of these were certainly true, to me his greatest gift was his heart; it was big enough to harbour every soul on Midvinter, and warm enough to make anyone feel like family." He found his strength failing him, only for his older brother to steady him by reaching out and placing a hand upon his shoulder. Their eyes met, and there was a shared look on their faces. One that held much sorrow but also relief that the other was safe. It surprised Thurion when Thyrian was the first to crack a faint smile, and so he did the same before summing up his speech.

"He was the greatest man I've ever known; a loving husband, father, and king. May he be at peace." After helping his brother return to Coci's side, Thyrian's gaze wandered between the members of his family before he spoke again. "Is there anyone else who would like to say a few words?"

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The soothing words that entered his mind from Nina, helped for this moment in which the family would say their final good bye to the man they loved as father and grandfather. He could also feel the gentle calmness from his father and mother, all stood near him in sadness but equally celebrating his life as a man and loving husband and father, they all understood of course, far better then he that Thrand was a peace not only with life and with his death. Yet, he was gone forever, from the presence no longer able to throw his arms around them, and voice his love through physical application, this was probably the hardest thing for Théo to bear.

Taking strength from them all even if just for this moment so he was able to give his grandfather final words, Théo did not let go of Nina's hand and stood before his grandpapa now laid out for the final rites. He spoke the words of an old Valkyri poem he had heard throughout the mead halls of this fair land.

"Never shall I lower my eyes,​

before any challenge or foe.​

​

Never shall I bend my knees, ​

before any Lord or Chieftain.​

​

Never shall I bow my head, ​

before any God or Wight.​

​

But ever shall I bend my back,​

In service to my folk.​

​

For never had I met a King so noble,​

Nor a Thrall so humble.​

​

That they could not take pride,​

for a days work for the sake of their people".​

​

Théo stepped back in line with his family and steeled himself for what was to come, the Valkyri March would began all to soon.

​

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Making sure her husband was settle on his feet once more, Théo and Nina would see to that as well his brother, Coci moved forward and spoke with authority. "Lower the Standards of House Heavenshield and Hearthfire". The men bearing the long pole with the Standards flying high on the gentle breeze, they stepped forward unsure of what Lady Heavenshield wanted of them, but they lowered the poles until the Standards all but touched the ground and Coci stepped forward toward them.

To each one she went and untied them, before folding them into a neat bundle. Coci walked back to the stretcher on which Thrand lay and kneed on the ground to place the Standards of his sons on other side of his resting head. She took the time to look over his face, and take in the peaceful smile turning up his lips, Coci leaned forward and placed a soft warm kiss on his forehead, before whispering her words to him. "Rest with love in the arms of your wife, walk proud upon the fields of Midvinter knowing you have given peace to your sons, and peace to this land, enter the Halls and show the Gods your Right to sit beside them .. and give them hell with a tankard in your hand and a belly full of mead".

She was damned if Thrand would enter into the next life without a piece of them all to travel with him. Coci stood and walked back to her husbands side taking hold of his hand once more lacing her fingers with his and prepared to move when the call came, now and beyond this life.

​

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

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Listening to the words of her mother and father as they paid respects to Thrand, Nina couldn't help but try and figure out a way to say goodbye to her grandpapa whom she loves so. She had no voice to carry out the task, nor could she use telepathy on an entire city - even if she could, there was a good chance the people of Tháinbroek would not be so keen on hearing voices inside their heads. So, as Nina slowly approached the stretcher with her grandfather's body laid upon it, she tugged at Théo's sleeve to step forward alongside her.

Before her brother would speak for the two of them, however, Nina reached behind her neck to undo the clasp of her necklace, which had once belonged to her grandmother. She took one last look at it before placing it around Thrand's neck and fastening the clasp once more. "So that you may find your way to her," Nina spoke into his mind, hoping her words would reach him somehow. She too placed a kiss upon his forehead and caressed his greying hair, brushing aside a few strands beset by the wind. "I love you, grandpapa," she added while giving him a hug, only to find it impossible to let go. But she did, with the knowledge she would never feel his arms around her again.

She took her brother's hand, not caring for the tears running down her cheeks. "Speak from your heart, Théo."

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He could feel Nina's hand slip from his grasp as she moved forward to say her farewell to their grandpapa. The locket she always wore shining with a radiance like nothing he had ever seen, a little essence of the Force around it, which came from their grandmama none had met. Although Théo knew Thrand was now in her presence he had to wonder what she was like, and he turned to his father and onto his uncle to see if she was present in their features. Had father got his golden blonde hair from her? He supposed he must have but what of her eyes? Maybe one day they will know.

Théo watched Nina's hands as she placed the locket around grandpapa and leaned in to kiss him farewell. His throat constricted, full of emotion and barely able to swallow yet his body still feels the numbness of shock, and he would for some time to come. The warmth of Nina's hand touched his skin once more, his head turned toward her as she spoke to him as if he could physically hear her voice. Gently, she was forcing him to go to him, for his own good no doubt, but. "I can't", he replied thankful he did not have to give voice to the words. "I can't say goodbye".

Yet, within him came the strength to approached his grandpapa laying so peacefully. On his knees before him, Théo reached out his hand and placed it on his hand holding the great sword, they are cold as the metal of the blade which made his hand jump back before he braved settle his palm once more. "I love you, Grandpapa .. but I shall not say farewell. For one day, I shall see you again, so .. until tomorrow".

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

[Apologies for the slow response, I've had the busiest week ever!]

She couldn't move when the time came for people to make their speeches. No voice bubbled up from within her, no words spoken toward the first kind soul she had ever met. It felt as though great blades of ice had been plunged through her core, and she had no way of expressing her loss. Instead she stood in silence, listening as various people - both known to her and foreign - stepped forward to say their dues.

Mysa simply stared at her feet. She couldn't even look upon dear sweet Thrand despite the fact that he was ever so close. She would regret this for years to come, she knew, but it felt as though she wasn't entirely within her own body. So there was little to be done about it. Her hand had tightened in Kära's, holding on for dear life. She heard Coci's command to lower the standards, she heard Théo's words, but her limbs were heavy. From fatigue, from grief, there was no way for her to move even an inch.

So the child of shadow and ice kept back, and prayed for the forgiveness of the Gods and her Grandpa.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL3xuzhBdt4​

Once all who wished to say their farewells had done so, an elderly man stepped forward. His short stature coupled with his slightly hunched-over stance as he leaned against his staff made him look like he wasn't Valkyri at all, but perhaps this was owed to his extremely old age, having lived for many centuries. His grey beard was long and unkempt, and his clothes were of poor quality. Dozens of trinkets made of bone hung from his neck, and some were even braided into his beard. It was obvious that this elder was a highly respected person, as he served as Prophet of the Gods, tasked with interpreting the gods' will and deciphering their signs.

Thyrian stood back with his family now, having positioned himself behind Kära and Mysa with his hands upon their shoulders. He watched as the old man raised a trembling hand to the skies. "The gods have spoken their will unto me," he began, his voice frail yet surprisingly pleasing to the ear. "The Dawnbringer sat upon the throne for but a short time, and yet our world has never been more prosperous. He showed great wisdom, great strength, and great compassion in his every ruling, every word spoken. He was the light in the darkness - the rising sun that warmed our hearts, and for this he has earned the highest of honours."

He raised his staff and let it touch Thrand's forehead. "It is the will of Odiir, the High God, that the Dawnbringer be granted not only a seat at their table, but as their equal. Let it be known that from this day until the end of time, that this once mere mortal joins the gods as the lord of life and light! All hail mighty Thrand, the Sun God!" The sea of people fell to their knees in acknowledgement of this, and began chanting as the stretcher with the High King's body on it was then brought on board the longship, which had already been filled with gifts and offerings from the people he had given his life protecting. The old man then turned to the firstborn son and bowed.

"It is time, your grace." Thyrian watched as the longship was then cut loose from its moorings, and slowly it began making its way downriver to ultimately reach the Great Maw, the mighty ocean. A bow and arrow had been prepared, sitting beside a lit brazier. He knew what he had to do, and so he placed a kiss upon first Kära's forehead followed by Mysa's before stepping forward. His eyes gazed out towards the ship which carried his father's body, and his heart sank upon realising he would never see him again. He picked up the sturdy longbow, and was taken aback at how heavy it was. The arrow seemed more akin to a javelin than an arrow.

He lit the oil-covered arrowhead in the brazier and raised the bow, but tried as he might he could not pull the string back far enough to get a shot off. His injured shoulder screamed in pain each time he tried it, and he soon grew panicked as the ship slowly made it farther away from the harbour, increasing the difficulty of the shot. It was then that his brother stepped forward, and Thyrian turned to look at him. "I can't..." he whimpered, eyes filled with tears. "Let me help you," Thurion softly replied before positioning himself behind his older brother. His left hand gripped the bow beneath Thyrian's, and his right grabbed hold of the string. Together they pulled it back as far as it would go, and finally let loose the lit arrow.

They watched as it sailed through the air until it hit its target, and the longship burst into flames. The ordeal proved too much to bear for him, and he slumped to the ground while weeping. Thurion got down on his knees and wrapped his arms around his brother and held him to his chest like he would a small child. "I was supposed to take care of you, little brother," Thyrian spoke through his sobbing. "I promised him I would." Thurion hushed him and rested his chin upon his brother's head. "You did, Thyrian. You stayed true to your word." A soft kiss was placed upon the older brother's forehead as they watched the ship slowly float away in the distance, the flames reaching high into the sky.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The words of the elder sunk deep into her heart, Thrand had been granted the highest of honours in the realm of Midvinter and the bastion of the Gods, and Coci smiled despite the occasion. Indeed the dawn now took on a meaning that would be with them each and every day as the sun would rise above the horizon no matter the place they would be. Yet she wondered what the elder had said would influence Theo and Mysa’s mind, she looked to them both as the two are the hardest hit with Thrand’s death.

As the procession moved closer to the river bank she walked behind Theo and Nina, placing her hand on their shoulders for support and comfort for she knew they are about to witness a sight not seen to them. It is a difficult thing to watch at any time, but for one that you love laying ready for the fires, they would need her. Yet, to be the one to fire the flaming arrow?

Thurion was there for his brother, they both needed each other in the moment, not only to fulfil a duty as sons to their father, but of the realms leaders and for the people. Regardless of relationships formed after they had lost each other, this moment was a return to the time when there was only the two of them, and they needed this to bring a closure to it. Fire had torn them apart, now fire was bringing them back together even more close then before.

Coci moved to pull Theo and Nina close to her as the flames burst high into the sky as the shot from the bow went true. She stood watching the long boat drift away upriver toward the open sea and they would remain there until they could see it no longer. “Now is the time to celebrate his life, the time of mourning is over, each day as the sun rises, so too does your grandpapa to watch over you”, she said to her children gently hoping her words would help.

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Theo’s heart pounded in his chest, the words of his mother did little to sooth him and all he wanted to do was run. He could not take his eyes off the long boat now aflame and moving ever more beyond their sight, beyond their grasp. Before he knew it he had ripped from his mother’s hands that rested on his shoulder, his feet moved forward and he began to run along the bank of the river following the long boat even though he knew it was too late to catch up to it.

Eventually the fatigue would stop him, too much emotion and physical draining had had him only able to remain upright on his feet, but the adrenaline took him away into the forest until he could go no further. Theo climbed up onto a large boulder and would only see the long boat turn a corner in the river and vanish from his eyes, he slumped to the surface of the rock and just sat there watching the smoke from the fire weave up into the sky.

He pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his head in his arms as he hugged himself while he sobbed. It had become all too much for him to bear and he needed to be alone with his grief and so he would spend this time needed before he could face any more of what was to come. Eventually, he stopped sobbing and got down from the boulder, and walked deeper into the snow laden forest.

There was no life here, no signs of any creatures or bird but total silence, save for the crunching of his boots on the snow. If there had been Vinterbound present here through the battle they are gone or covered in the fresh fall, but he did not care for that. He stumbled and fell, over a tree root unseen, only to pull himself up once more to move on, his hand red with the cold, his face chilled to the point he could not feel is face. His ability to use the force so far from him, from his mind, that he was succumbing to the elements, even he. And he fell to the ground in a bed of ice.

Yet, he felt something, a whisper on the wind that had suddenly moved the tree tops and come to him. A soft voice graceful and serene, beautiful to the mind, spoke to him but not in words but the essence of a thought, soothing him and in this moment, the clouds that had clung to the skies parted slightly and through it came the rays of the sun and bathed him in its warmth.

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The Next Day...

Once the funeral ceremony had been concluded, Thurion retired alongside his wife to their chambers. It was a slow march back up the stone steps leading to the keep, but with Coci's help they managed despite his injuries to get themselves inside and away from the biting cold. As soon as they reached their room Thurion gripped his trusty walking staff to lean on while Coci got a fire going. She had then helped him get undressed and put into bed, slowly and very gently. It had taken only seconds for him to find rest in his beloved's arms, so exhausted from the day full of turmoil - both emotionally as well as physically. Only, the body tends to recouperate long before the mind does where war is concerned.

Waking up to the sweet sound of tiny birds chirping outside their window, Thurion found himself in the exact same position he'd fallen asleep in; his head laid resting upon his wife's chest, above her heart. He didn't feel like getting up ever again, no matter what day it was. He felt perfectly content with remaining in Coci's loving embrace, just as he had since their first night together in that cave. His bandaged chest still ached, and would take several weeks to fully heal, even with the aid of the Force. Even should the bones be mended back together, there would always be a lingering stiffness in the joints which could last for days or even weeks. At least it beats being bedridden for months.

This one time back on Tython during his earliest days of being a padawan, he'd fallen ill due to the change in climate compared to Pelagon and was forced to stay in bed for two weeks before it eventually passed. It was tortuously boring for a boy his age - especially since he'd arrived on a whole new world he wished to explore - but Asha had insisted. Fortunately he did have access to all the blue milk he could ever ask for, so there was that.

Feeling his greatest and only love stir as he had mere moments earlier, Thurion looked up at her from where his head was resting and smiled. "Good morning," he whispered, as if afraid to break the soothing silence.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Had it all been a dream? The gentle song of the small avian at the window stirred them both, it pecked at the icy glass catching small insects that had decided the corners of the window would be home. Some, caught in laced webs now frozen solid and so too, the litter of small bodies. The bird cared nothing for the machinations of men nor the evil that had trod on the soil of Midvinter, it would look upon men with puzzled gaze lacking the comprehension of why they killed for the sake of killing. It is this that will always divide the creatures from men, one kills to survive, the other kills for power or control. Which one has the greater intelligence?

Coci opened her eyes, they are heavy just like her body. It ached from the physical exertion of the previous day, that alone was enough to give her her answer to her question. It had been reality. She is still tired, her mind aching with a piercing pain from emotions spent. Yet, there is sooth in the room, in the form of her beloved laying next to her, safe. Thurion moves against her, she looks down and tries to smile but cannot, instead her arms already holding him grip tighter for fear of him vanishing the in remanence of a dream distant.

The night's fire had gone out, the room chilled and there is a thin mist which licks at everything in the room. Coci pulls up the fur making sure they are both covered from head to toe, and the bodily warms is trapped to sustain them. It is their world now, nothing else exists but the universe under the covers and in his arms, it is only now does she feel able to speak. "I love you, now and beyond this life". Her words are spoken with the gravest of meaning, only death has the ability to remind them of mortality and in so doing, one retreats to a more primal instinct for fear of it. It is a carnal desire to perpetual ones own existence through the innate ability to bare children. For a man it is to seed and for a woman, to flourish with fertility.

Her hands begin to caress his body, her finger tips all but touching his skin, he is god to her someone she cherishes beyond anything in this world and her only wanting is to sooth his mind as well as her own. Coci's aching body moves under the fur until she is astride him, the fur falling from around her shoulders to her waist, the morning light that streams through the icy glass makes her skin pale to the eye, and the cold hardens her breasts. The hours of the morning would be slowly spent in a confirmation of emotional and physical love. Physical pain of both their bodies, a minor inconvenience ...

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

As the day had passed, Théo had made his way back to the Grand Hall and his bedroom meeting no one on his way which suited him. He had fallen on his bed in what he worn and did not stir the entire night. No dreams, no movement .. nothing. The day had finally taken it's toll on him of both body and soul and he succumbed to the healing of sleep.

~oOOo~​

​

Upon the morn, the rays of the dawning sun streamed through the window of his bedroom, the very room in which he had been born. It was the only source of warmth at this point, and Théo turned his head to look at it. The words of the strange Elder that had spoke of his grandfather anointed the highest of honours by the Gods and now sits beside them, gave him some consolation in the waking hour, but rays of light are one thing, his grandpapa's arms placed around him to hold with love, another. And that was something Théo would miss until the day he walked the Halls of the Gods to see him once more. To this, he would hang on to, even though he is angry with his grandpapa for dying. The phases of grief waving over him in turn, was probably the most healthy for him to be able to vent such emotions that come from grief, unlike the others that seemed to simply accept it. Save for Mysa, he sensed it in her too.

He rolled on the bed until he looked up to the ceiling, and the beams that held high the roof and on them the carvings of the Valkyri, symbols of which he did not know the meaning of, but that mattered little for they seemed to shine with the glistening of the sun and glowed as if speaking to him of soothing grace. Théo turned to view the entire room, compared to the rest is was not stately nor did he want it to be, but in it was his history and his things that had been placed there to remind him of home. But now, this home, his home was no longer. With the coming of the day it would pass to another, and so he would loose yet another thing that ran deep in his heart .. his birth home. This room would become someone else's and he reduced to but a guest. The story of Midvinter for Théo was coming to an end.

He remembered mother's words, time to celebrate .. what exactly?

Théo pushed off the bed, his head still groggy from the lack of good rest, still the events sat on his mind heavy and would not relent until time pasted. The room is cold away from the rays of the morning sun, and he stood shivering looking at the hearth dead. The idea of fire at this point seemed to be the furthest from his mind, but fire is such as giving element as well as dangerous and 'taking'. Now, he did not wish to be alone, he needed the comfort and company of his loved ones. Mother and father are a bed and still resting, no doubt the others are too, but his mind only on one person, he left his room and sort the door of Nina.

He opened her door gently hoping the creaking of the wood would not wake her if she was still asleep before he poked his head around the door, to see her still hidden beneath the covers. He moved into the room quietly and went to her hearth to place the logs on the grill before setting them alight, he watched the flames gently lick around the wood before they bit to burn and set the room glowing with the yellowish light. Théo stood leaning on the mantelpiece taken in thought for a moment, as the wood began to crackle and the smoke issued and vanished up the chimney. His head turned toward the bed in which Nina lay, thoughts of her kept to himself surfaced but he would not allow them to take hold in this moment, but he needed her now.

Moving to her bedside, Théo laid next to her, that was enough just to simply be along side her and watch over her.

​

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina stirred from her sleep the moment Théo lay down next to her, but would give away nothing. In utter silence she opened her bright blue eyes and just looked at her brother as the sun licked his face. It seemed to her each day he turned more and more into father, as his profile had become almost identical except for some youthful traits, such as smoother skin and not a single wrinkle. Thinking back she could not remember ever seeing her father without any wrinkles whatsoever, but she imagined he looked close to Théo's current appearance, minus the black hair. It was also difficult for her to imagine Théo having ever been the tiny newborn babe she once held in her arms and loved to dote on.

Without warning she reached for his cheek and caressed it gently to let him know she were awake. Nina then wrapped her arms around her little brother and rested his head upon her chest while she held him, knowing he ached for closeness from the moment grandfather passed away. She cradled him like he were that tiny bundle of joy again, while burying the lower part of her face in his hair. "I love you, little brother. Thank the gods you're safe," she finally broke the silence.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was no resistance from Théo, he simply allowed Nina to take control of him and he gave himself to her. Resting against her chest, he could hear her strong heart beating gently and soothingly to his mind and soul, he closed his eyes and took the moment into his heart and there it would remain forever more. She is warm, warmer then any fire could hope to fill his body and rid the cold, and her scent her skin was intoxicating to his senses. The day in the Tower, Nina had ceased to be sister in his heart, but something more but he knew, her words enough to tell him how she still sees him. And each one cut his already dying heart.

"I love you too", he said never referring to her as sister, but opening his eyes and placing a soft kiss on her heart. Reluctantly, Théo moved away and sat up in the bed but took hold of her hand, "I am very glad you are safe too, I .. I don't know what I would have done had ..". There was no point in ending the sentence, history had already been made and a new destiny was about to unfold. He turned his head to look down upon her beautiful face all shrouded in the furs, he had to wonder if the day would come where she would look upon him with eyes that no longer saw a brother, but a man. Or was she waiting? for a destiny to return to her, some other that she had been designed for? Probably.

He leaned his back against the bed rest and let out a long sigh before he took her in his arms and pull her to his chest holding her for one last time. She had lost much too, and although Nina was handling these events better then he, she still needed to comfort as well. Her long white hair spilled over him, his fingers found their way into it and gently played with the long strains, her hair is soft and like the snow that lay outside their window, but unlike the snow, it is warm. "Good morning". He smiled, a sweet yet sad smile, for today they will witness the coming of a new King.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TchHlLC80-w​

Hours later, the ceremony begins...

The night had been more difficult than most for him to find rest, even with Kära in his arms. His father was gone again - for good, this time - and he couldn't but feel like he was now truly an orphan. However, he did find solace in his family; all were in a state of turmoil in the aftermath of the battle, but each helped the others get through it. The way a family should. The way he and Thurion had when they were boys.

Now, as he stood before the twin doors separating him from the throne room where all had gathered to witness the son take up his father's crown, Thyrian leaned forward to rest his forehead against the sturdy Valkyri wood, eyes closed as if asleep. His heavy phrik armour was nowhere to be seen, instead he wore a brand new outfit fitting for a king, both practical as well as ceremonial in both style and function. No lightsaber hung from his belt - in fact he was unarmed, for once.

Voices could be heard from inside the massive throne room, but their speech was difficult to make out; the few voices he could make out from all the background noise spoke in Runian, of which he knew very little having only spent a few years on Midvinter. It's not like he had taken lessons in Runian - gods know he never intended to sit on the throne any time soon, if ever at all!

It was then that a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder, and upon turning Thyrian looked upon his Kära, whom he had loved from the moment he met her. She didn't say anything, and neither did he. No words were necessary, and instead the two embraced each other as they embarked on their new life together, and she would finally be the Queen he'd always imagined. Provided the many chieftains supported them, of course.

With Kära on his arm, the doors were opened from within just as the hall went quiet. At the far end stood his father's throne, untouched since last he saw it, and upon it sat the Crown of Midvinter; ancient relic forged by the hands of the very first Valkyri High King. The crowd quickly parted as the pair slowly walked down the aisle, and to Thyrian it felt like each step got heavier and harder to make. As they got closer, Thyrian's head turned to send a nod Thurion and his family's way. His brother smiled and attempted to bow, despite the pain it caused him. This made Thyrian stop in his tracks as he reached out to place a hand upon his brother's shoulder.

"No," he told him, shaking his head. "Never." He then pulled Thurion in for a brotherly embrace, gently so it wouldn't cause him pain. "Make him proud," the younger brother wispered past his elder brother's ear before their embrace ended and Thyrian found himself at the foot of the great throne. Only now did he turn around to face his people as the Master of Ceremonies appeared to begin the coronation.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She stood beside her husband dressed for the occasion in the Heavenshield Standard colours of blue and gold. She supported Thurion when he needed, as his injuries still plagued him and would for some time to come. Although they had slept well and rested most of the morning, their bodies and mind still felt the fatigue of the previous day, naturally it would. Thyrian would be the same, his heart heavy with not only what was about to happen but the loss of his father he only until recently had been reunited with. At least Thurion had had some time with Thrand before his death, so to her family and herself. Many years they had helped shape Midvinter into what it is today, either through the defense of the land or helping Thrand build up the realm, the Heavenshields had been there. Thyrian had not this opportunity, but in time he would. It would be their time now.

As he was about to pass them, he stopped and approached Thurion to embrace his brother. Coci stood aside to allow the brother's their moment together, after all this was a replacing of their father something that was not lost on her and would be hard for them both to witness and endure. This was all still very fresh, the open wound of the heart still bleeding for the death of Thrand, for every one and for her, she could not help but look around thinking he would walk in the room at any moment. But that would never happen. And where was the Shieldmaiden? Aerin Firebrand. Thrand's friend for so many years and the one that had found him in exile, it was her that had helped start all of this.

Coci lowered her gaze to the floor as Thyrian passed to approach the throne, although Thurion had moved to bow to his brother she did not. Not out of any disrespect but because Jedi do not bow to Kings or Queens, but he has won her friendship and loyalty and love and the grace of Thyrian new station in life would be given to him from her. Taking Thurion's arm once again, she turned to look into his face with a smile, "I know this is difficult", she spoke to his mind, "But your father is proud .. of both of you".

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​