We Are the Children of the Sun [Open to Dawnguard]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo turned to the side from his scrambled position on the ground and pushed himself up to stand, he felt like a heavy weight, a burden, had been removed from his heart. He was almost light headed with the sensation and this new ease with himself was enlightening to say the least. He brushed off the snow that had clung to his clothing and turned to see Audren close by him now. By the Gods he must have been a sight to behold rocking on the ground in tears, lord knows what Audren thought of him now. Théo chuckled at the very thought of it.

But by the look on Audren’s face, he must have seen it too? If not felt something odd within the force, if it was the force. “If I told you, you would think me run mad”. But Théo postured to explain to him his theory, it still was nothing more than that after all. He was sure that Audren would have seen unique and unusual things happen in the wider galaxy, some explained others a mystery, so there was some hope he might think it possible.

But the words never came, for the sound of horses hooves thundered toward them, kicking up snow and ice in their wake. A band of riders coming up from the south but, it was if they suddenly appeared out of thin air. Seems to be the way of Midvinter these days. The column of riders split as they approached the burnt remains of Himmeldal, circled around until Audren, Boo and himself were surrounded with arrow heads aimed at them.

A man with long white hair approached on his horse, he was a stranger to Théo but by his look he had to be one of these Aelvar he had heard of. “Tell me your business here”, he gestured toward the burnt remains of the house. However Théo looked astonished at the leader of these riders, so completely different to the Valkyri, there was nothing of their physique that would tell of their native baring of this planet, but they were, in fact mostly like they are older than the Valkyri.

Théo looked toward Audren, at that moment realised the similar look, “Are you sure you are not of Midvinter?”, he asked Audren in a whisper, a silly question but considering the circumstances?

[member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] ​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

She alike many other soldiers within the great hall, reached for her bow and drew an arrow against it's wire within seconds of the doors being breached and the newcomer stumbling forward into view; Ylva's eyes narrowed down the shaft of the projectile, her focus solely upon the throat of the girl, a kill shot were she to loose it, only to be convinced otherwise by those around her seemingly recognizing her and lowering their swords first. Beside here, [member="Coci Heavenshield"] whom had questioned Ylva's claim of being bred of Himmeldal in a way that suggested the elder woman knew the place intimately. Such answers would however be best reserved for another time as the wire of her bow eased and she lowered the pointed tip of the arrow to the floor, her gaze studious though that instant fire that had been provoked seemed all but absent now.

"W-we came across... something south of here..." The Child who seemed to go by the name of Nina, unbeknownst to Ylva gave something of a clue as to where they might be headed next; "A large gateway, swirling like... like a maelstrom. We... we got closer and... foul beings stepped out of it. Black, spiky armour...". It would seem the girl had described a portal of some sort, though again such technologies nor magiks were foreign to Ylva entirely; the Force itself remained all but a mystery to her, yet she and [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] had begun to delve into the basics at a very easy pace given the red head's stubbornness to learn, let alone admitting there were things she had yet to conquer.

It was going to be an arduous day indeed; Théodred hadn't come following in her wake and thus her eyes glanced beyond the girl to the entrance that she had burst through from wondering what her partner was up to, a sudden suspicion and feeling of discomfort coming over him as he seemed to have the same eye for spotting adventure as she so often did. It was this very thought that suddenly led to her regret in walking away from him, she wouldn't admit it but he was her connection to Himmeldal and to Midvinter itself; if something happened to him where she not there to keep him reigned in, she would not forgive herself.

"Be careful out there you fool..." Ylva whispered under her breath, as if to speak to Théo himself while her gaze for a time grew distant and she hoped for his best of health and safety. He was a fool, but he was hers and she reserved the right to fight (play) with him alone, not some monstrous black armored beast or whatever description the others were being given from the startled youth. It was clearly apparent that there was more to learn here however, she, completely knew to these people chose to keep within listening range of the woman who had questioned her, that she might answer when the time was right but so too eavesdrop on what was being said, that Ylva might know and therefore be of use should there really be a war to be fought across Midvinter.

[member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] ​

 

[Audren Sykes]

Théo was climbing to his feet, tear tracks still visible on his face and going into his beard. They were in stark contrast to the chuckle that even the Sephi could barely hear.

"If I told you, you would think me run mad."

"Too late."

Well, it was true. He'd introduced his girlfriend and adopted son to each other apparently without warning or preparation and had been discouraged at the results. In truth, it was surprising that the introduction had gone that well, come to think about it. No violence, no shouting. Even Audren knew better than to do things like that...not that he needed to at this point. Besides this individual example, there was the larger trait of being a Heavenshield. They were all crazy.

Théo gestured and was about to speak when the sound of incoming riders was heard. There was very little time in terms of approach and warning, it was as if they'd simply appeared at full speed. This planet certainly would be difficult to learn if this was a common theme. The group split into two, riding around the burned property from the south, and began circling. Audren kept his lightsaber in hand but did not activate the blade: his eyes had spotted the tracks that the horses left. Though they might have appeared from nowhere similar to the initial findings, there had been no tracks like these at the first village. The circumstances were not the same, but no less deadly for that.

The riders circled the three off-worlders until they were completely surrounded, then stopped. Light glinted off the points of the arrows aimed at them, not a one wavering in the slightest. Once the leader spoke Audren recognized the features common to the Aelvar, accent included. Long hair - similar in color to the Sephi's own - and pointed ears, as well as a much slimmer build than that of the typical Valkyr made the identification almost obvious. Théo didn't reply right away, instead looking at Audren as if just realizing the similarities between him and the elfin natives. He spoke in a whisper.

"Are you sure you are not of Midvinter?"

Audren returned a small but visibly wry grin and responded in just as low a voice.

"Fairly so, but so many are asking now I might just have to look into the matter."

His gaze returned to the spokesperson of the riders, making solid eye contact. There was a brief thought of trying to use the Force to persuade the riders to lower their weapons, but they all carried the feel of Force sensitives, and trained in varying degrees at that. Who knew if his attempt would be successful? It only needed one to resist, and Mind Tricks had never been his strong suit. Instead, he kept his power prepared to either form a shield to block loosed arrows or to spear out and drastically spoil their aim. His vocal volume returned to normal, maybe a bit louder to ensure all heard him. The tone was factual but pointed, bordering on accusatory and rude.

"We were investigating the attack at Daal and are now investigating the assault here. What is yours?"

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] | | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Thirdas Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWW3kYmTXlA​

​

​

The situation had become volatile, a thick tension in the air between everyone standing at the ruins of the burned house. At any given moment the situation could turn and there would be more bodies to add to the growing list of bodies that would need to be thrown on the funeral pyres. This was simply to good to miss. So the air shifted once more, a surge of power crackling in the area and a soft green shimmer of light formed between the three that stood with countless arrow heads pointing at them and the solid form of Velkar appeared.

"Now isn't this fun?", the question posed to them all with a sense of incredulity if they did not believe they were alive and this was what life was living for. Velkar stepped forward in all his glory, his arms raised and turned in a circle adding theatre to their godless lives. He was met with faces of confusion, bewilderment, disbelief and a lack of recognition. He dropped his arms to his sides. "You don't know who I am?".

"I am Prince Velkar Odiirson of Beornskald, son of the mighty Odiir", surely that would clear things up, well it did .. to only one and Théo's face turned a deadly white. A subtle gesture for the hand of the man that would be leader of the Aelvar and Velkar was hit with a barrage of arrows that thumped into his body making him look like a pin cushion. Velkar looked down his body and sighed at this minor inconvenience, before all the arrows simply fell the the ground around his feet and not a mark on his body as the holes sealed up with his green magic, it was a good thing for this Eregon and the Aelvar that Velkar was in a good mood .. today.

"It seems, you are all of the assumption that I had something to do with this", he gestured to the burned house. "And you would be correct, I had to get your attention somehow. The green lights in the North? that was me. Spectacular wasn't it?", he turned to Théo, "Your ships communications not working that was me too. That whole fiasco with the red head, that .. that was all you". There was almost a sense of pride in Velkar's eye for Théo. He leaned in close to Théo's ear, "Never mess with redheads my boy, they will see you into an early grave". He patted him on the back of the shoulders for reassurance.

"But the attack on the village called Daal? that, my dear friends, had everything to do with that", he turned and pointed skyward to a portal forming to the south of their location. A churning mess of black cloud with flashes of red. It was an ill omen to say the least.

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A regal head turned toward the one that spoke, a young man with white hair to match his own and for all the look of him could be one of his kin, Eregon's eyes sparkled with a sense of intrigue and yet his face showed no signs of it. He was about to answer this brash young man when a powerful pull of warning came from the Frostvatn and before him and the rest, appeared this being so tall and glorious yet dangerous, it was obvious this creature of otherworldly nature was the likes never seen to Eregon. And for once in his life he was unsure of things. Natural instinct too over him, a sense to protect his rangers and now, these strangers that would be his ally, it seemed.

His hand moved to the side, palm facing toward the rangers and in an instant the arrows where loose and the loud hissing as they cut the air was deafening at such close range. Equally the thudding of each and every one of them penetrating this creatures body, but the result of the attack was uncanny, unnatural to anything or anyone of this world. He man that had appeared to them, just stood there as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened to him. How was this possible?

Eregon doubted his mind, his senses and could only sit on horse back in complete confusion. Although Eregon was right in the sense this creature had attacked this house, but as the otherworldly man spoke of the events of the hours leading up to this it seemed more had transpired across Midvinter. He also realised that had this man deemed his actions... offensive. Eregon would be dead, along side the rest of them. This man, this creature was unable to be killed?

It had to be a trick of the Frostvatn, a test? his mind reeled over this. As Eregon turned to look toward the south and saw the swirling portal, a wave of fear spread through his body, it was too close to home, to Averlorn.

"What is that?", he finally spoke, "And is that from where you come?". What otherworldly demon is this man?

​

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He was pretty much numb to this whole experience, so much had happened in this one spot in a very short space of time. And each one was a big as the next, and in situations like this things get muddled. Théo knew the Valkyri and Aelvar had formed an understanding, a pact of peace but this was his first time meeting them, and they were most impressive, other worldly and intriguing. This one, this leader was aggressive to say the least, a notable warrior of his kin no doubt and when the arrows were loose they zipped passed Théo and the rest with pin point accuracy, not even a breath of air was felt as they passed.

The apparition of this Velkar, left him confounded for words, even though over the last few weeks, events had indicated a move toward this point in his life. There were too many strange things happening in his life and if he were to think hard on it, the signs had been there from his youth. But he had not been raised to believe in such things, forever drummed into his head that there was only the Force. To trust in that, and that alone. But now, here standing a bold as brass was this God of Midvinter. Reality seemed to have taken the day off.

Only a God can kill a God, so Théo knew the arrows would have no effective on Velkar. Even though everything he had thought was naught by tales of legend now stand in front of him, it was still hard to believe, but there was no sense in denying it any longer. There was so many question in his mind he had for this God but they would have to wait.

He had seen something similar in his youth when the Vinterbound marched upon Thainbroek, the darkened swirling cloud when the Gods had come to their aid, but this was different, more immediate and threatening.

“It is exactly where he comes from”, Théo finally found voice. “Beornskald”. Théo did not know of Velkar’s exile, where he had been all this time, or what was his purpose apart from the obvious, but he did know that Velkar was not to be trusted, never for one moment to the next, even though the God of Fire and Mischief did actually have a heart .. sometimes.

This was a new enemy, an unknown one and no one on Midvinter, in the present day had any knowledge of. Théo turned to Velkar, his hand now holding his saber hilt even though he knew it would amount to nothing if the situation turned on them. “We move out”, he nodded toward the south and the swirling the portal, “Is this your doing?”, his reply was a look and gesture from Velkar that told him that this enemy was new to the God as well. This made Théo’s heart run cold, all he could think about now was his family, and his beloved Ylva and what they all would be about to face side by side.

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

Without warning, a surge of power filled the area and green light grew from nothing into the form of a humanoid being. This being stood between the Aelvar and the three potential pincushions. He spoke casually, as if appearing out of thin air was commonplace. Come to think of it, if one had the power, it probably was thought of as commonplace. Perspective. If the emotions present in the Force were of any indication, Audren was not alone in his confusion regarding the being. Apparently he could read the signs on their faces, or emotions, or however he did it, for he introduced himself incredulously...which did absolutely nothing to clarify the situation for most of those present.

There was a subtle gesture from the Aelvar spokesman. Abruptly the aim of each and every Aelvar shifted and each nocked arrow was loosed. Rather than the three off-worlders being the pincushions, it was this Velkar person. He did nothing to defend himself and was hit by every single arrow. Instead of starting to bleed, staggering a bit, and dying, he sighed and watched the arrows fall to the ground. Where each wound should be was instead a brief bit of green light, then normality. Even his clothes were restored.

Without retaliation, Velkar claimed responsibility for the burned house they stood near, as well as the aurora in the northern sky. The communications equipment on Théo's ship not working was apparently his doing as well. Then another bombshell was dropped: he knew about what had happened with Ylva at Thainbroek. Granted, there had been a lot of people there, but it would be impossible to have been there and ridden here in this same amount of time. Alongside the 'appearing in a flash of light' and healing of the skin and clothes, this indicated that the being was different.

The attack on Daal was apparently not his doing, however. Instead, it was the fault of the black and red cloud to the south. The Jedi had a passing thought about whether the directions mattered: aurora in the north and cloud in the south. Something to wonder later. The Aelvar wondered aloud what the cloud was and whether it was where Velkar came from. Oddly, it was Théo that answered, repeating the word that was apparently a location. Beornskald. The word, or world, or whatever it was meant all of nothing to the Sephi, but it was apparently known to Théo. He would take his cues from the younger man.

The decision to move south was one that the elfin Jedi agreed with. If the cloud was indeed the source of the current troubles they needed more information at the very least. Théo asked something that hadn't even occurred to Audren: whether Velkar was responsible for the cloud. The nonverbal response made it clear that it wasn't - not that there was any reason to trust the being. There was, however, a logistical point to deal with.

"How are we going to get there? The Tarly can only carry so many, and if that is actually the source then time is of the essence."

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Tháinbroek

Once their embrace ended Thyrian placed a hand upon his son's cheek and looked down into those emerald eyes he himself had once possessed. Mother's eyes. "Go and gather your things, then say farewell to your mother," he offered him a weak smile, trying to inspire confidence. Turning to Thurion and Coci knelt by their daughter's side, he waved a couple guards over. "Take Nina to the royal bed chambers so she may rest up in peace. Whatever she requires will be granted her." Thyrian's hand found his brother's shoulder. "Let them take care of her. We have work to do," he said, and Thurion looked up at him and nodded with newfound determination.

As the War Council gathered around him, the High King raised a fist into the air. "We cannot wait for any stragglers to arrive - have the men strike their tents and gear up for battle. We march!" A loud cheer erupted from the crowd, filling the Great Hall. At once they all scrambled to head out to instruct their clansmen, leaving the Hall empty save the king and his extended family, as well as Arnor and [member="Ylva Solveig"]. "Lady Ylva, you are free to do as you please. Whether you wish to march with the army or go your own way, I leave to you." He offered her a nod of her head, for there was no time for extended chatter this hour.

Leaving the others to prepare themselves, Thyrian stepped towards [member="Kära Hearthfire"] and met her gaze. His resolve quickly crumbled and he resorted to kneeling before her. "My Queen," he spoke with uneven voice, afraid to look her in the eye. "Long may you reign, if the battle goes ill..." But she did not return the same formality and instead leaned down to place an everlasting kiss upon his lips, clasping his cheeks as she did. Thyrian returned the affection, but even more so drew strength from it. He had a feeling he would need it in the trials to come.

The last to exit the Great Hall, the king followed closely behind his son eager to join the army already lined up and ready to follow their liege lord. It was utter silence as he wandered down the steps, and at the bottom his black horse had been prepared for him, all armoured up in mastercrafted Valkyri steel. As he descended the steps, his brother stood talking to old Belegar, his second-in-command, while donning his iconic suit of armour. "You're lucky I thought ahead and had it retrieved before we left Fridheim, lad - otherwise you'd have to fight in your knickers," the old warrior lightheartedly berated his lord as he helped him with the leather straps. "I'm sure someone would have appreciated the sight," Thurion smirked, referring to his wife at his side.

The donning of his armour was a painless process compared to most, and once all decked out a loud whistle rang out followed by the shriek of Skywalker perched atop the Great Hall alongside his mate Cloudancer. With great whooshing of wings he swooped down, forcing a few of the men to break formation for fear of getting crushed beneath the gryphon's weight. When Thurion stepped forth and gave him a good scratch behind the ear Skywalker promptly started purring. "It is time, old friend. Today we face death together," he whispered as their foreheads touched and their eyes met.

By now the High King and his son both sat astride their respective mounts, one black and the other white. "Enough snuggling, you two," Thyrian rode past with a chuckle before galloping down the street of cobblestone until he reached the main gate. Unsheathing his sword Brimstone, he held it aloft and just as it burst into flames did he cry out: "TO WAR!" The entire capital thundered with cries of battle as the gates opened with a loud creak and the Great Valkyri Army marched out in force, with Arnor Oathsworn leading the way and the two gryphons and their riders soaring above their heads.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

​

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

With great reluctance, Coci allowed the bearers to take Nina to the royal quarters where she would be taken care of. She leaned down and placed a kiss on her daughters forehead before they would be permitted to lift her. "Rest up my child, your father and I will return to you as soon as we can and remember we both love you dearly". At least they knew were one child was through all this. And it was high time to move out, the men and women of the clans rallied to their king as would Coci and Thurion however they had come ill prepared for any form of battle, this attack taking them all by surprise and there is still the unknown quality about it all. It is best to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

"Lady [member="Ylva Solveig"], would you accompany me please", it was not a question but more of a statement of authority and the look on Coci's face would brook no refusal. Coci took Lady Ylva to the back rooms in which Coci knew the armour was located. Thurion no doubt would have his armour somewhere, if not brought to him along with the guards from the Westmark. And likewise, Cloudancer would be ill suited out as well, so once her beautiful Gryphon would transport her to the south, Coci would release her to the skies and order her home to her family. Just in case, after all they are the last of their kind and it was not worth the risk.

In the armoury, Coci sized up Lady Ylva, there was a sense from the women that she protested, internally at least, but this was not something Coci was prepared to move on either. "At least wear a chest plate", she began the compromise from the start. It was obvious the woman was a warrior, a hunter and by the look in her eyes, fearsome with it, and she could look after herself. Coci would leave Ylva to do her own choosing, as she did the same and began to remove her Jedi robes and to kit out with the best of female armour provided. And once done, her light saber ignited the purple blade humming in the room casting its light upon the metal, she checked the hilt and after satisfied it was in good order did she extinguish the blade.

"Shall we go or we shall miss the fun". A wry smile turned up the corner of her lips, men are too eager to war and especially the Valkyri. It is in their blood.

By the time Coci walked out of the Grand Hall, Thyrian had already departed through the gates of Thainbroek. Her husband, as she rightly suspected, was standing in all his glory in his Valkyri amour, looking as dashing as always. Skywalker and Cloudancer at the ready and it would not take long before the two Gryphons pushed off the ground and rose into the skies. The wind whipped through Coci's hair, pulling it behind her as their heads turned south and it was not long before the portal could be seen from the skies and for a moment she did not know what to think, it was like the Netherworld all over again but that can not be. So what was it. "Thurion!", she shouted over the wind so he could hear, and see that she was pointing the portal. She looked at him as if to find answers, but there was none to be found on his face, this was something they had never seen before to this extent.

The Gryphon travel much faster than horses, and they cut through the skies with ease until below them was a group of people centered around .. Himmeldal? Burned to the ground. "Thurion, it is Théo!". She turned Cloudancer's head toward the ground. At this point it was difficult to see who the rest of the party were, although it appeared Boo was there and the most recognisable white long hair of Master Sykes.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Kahne Porte"] | ​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He agreed with Audren entirely, time was of the essence and the idea to approach this situation before it got a foot hold would be paramount, however there was two things stopping them at this point. They would have to split up, Audren was quite right in his assessment, the Tarly would only take so many and horses? It was not feesable. Lord Eregon and his Rangers would have to travel on horse back while the rest flew in the ship. Théo contemplated the ideas in his mind, the Tarly had guns too but would they be effective against, that. His eyes drifted back to the maelstrom. And the other problem was, they had no idea what they would be facing once there. Maybe it was more prudent to wait for the army to arrive. If they were to leave now and face down what might drop from the skies .. he had the feeling they all would be overwhelmed.

"Audren", he addressed the man without formality now, and turned to him so only he would hear. "We need to get south but .. this is unknown this enemy. Not even he", his head gestured toward Velkar, "has knowledge of it. At least he is not letting on if he does. We could take the Tarly while Lord Eregon brings his Rangers but timing would be critical, we don't want to get there too far ahead of them". He looked at Audren searchingly wanting his thoughts on the situation. "Or we wait for the Midvinter bannerman to arrive". That was of course, if they knew to turn their gaze to the south.

"If this whole attack is coming from Beornskald", which Théo was still finding it difficult to comprehend even with the presences of this God among them, "Then we are going to need Velkar on our side". And Théo was hoping that his last statement was not the worlds biggest mistake to have placed trust in the God of Fire and Mischief, the God every Valkyri feared the most. He had even contemplated the fact that Velkar may just be the author of this whole event and the devil was walking among them now.

"Lord Velkar!", Théo suddenly turned to him, "We need to close that gateway between Realms, how do we do that?", and Théo wanted answers. But there was no time for the answer, for in that moment a loud screech of the cry from the Gryphons filled the valley, the whooshing sound of large wings cut through the air and Théo turned to see his parents descend to ground. Now they were two more, and the odds were growing in their favour. Instinctively his head turned toward the north in a hope of seeing the large column of Valkyri riding into the valley .. but above all he was hoping to see a long mop of red hair flying in the wind and a large wolf snarling as it looped across the ice.

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"Lady Ylva Solveig, would you accompany me please".

Being among these people was by no means as peaceful as being out upon the wilderlands of Midvinter, it was rather chaotic despite their Legions numbers and the King whom called them to Order; as though the barbarianism had not left their names even after a time where civility had come to them over the distant years past. What was most surprising and caused her brows to lift high atop her crown were the words of [member="Coci Heavenshield"] whom asked for her company in the form of an order.

Oh how her beloved (yet presently in trouble) [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] would have cringed at the look that was repaid. What was it with these people that seemed to rile her so, sure enough the exposure of a Son on the eve of a presumed battle was more than justified to twist her undergarments so to speak yet this older woman...-Introductions were sorely lacking. Still, the question over Himmeldal had not escaped her and it would seem only now that Ylva would have a chance to follow through in her claim.

Coming into a room that held the likes of an armory, Ylva's eyes crossed over the many arms and armaments built for battle. Chest plates, pauldrons, grieves and all sorts of plating fit for real men and women hang from the racks and the mannequins that sought to show off their like. "At least wear a chest plate" Coci turned and urged her with a less than enthusiastic glance, she'd clearly picked up on the young red head's disinterest in being shown what to wear during such a ceremony. Her own attire however wasn't without it's protective armor and though she looked every bit a mere hunter, there were worse things in the wilds that she had faced than any mere man or woman of the world. Perhaps overly confident given this fact, she tilted her head with a skeptical twist of her mouth while the Lady Heavenshield would soon turn her attention to true priorities at hand.

Given the nature of things, Ylva decided it best to let go of her pride, governed by the movement of Coci as she made her way back out through the main hall towards the others or atleast those whom remained. Following her, the red head felt she had all that she requied. "Akron's Teeth" sat tightly against her back, arched across her shoulders by the bow-wire while her twin War Axe's rocked at her hips with a small shingle of metal upon metal as she marched in behind Coci in tow. With her Quiver at her back and extra's strapped to her war-ready Guardian, Ylva didn't wait for any further guidance before mounting the great Bjomolf and turning him back to head in the direction the legion had already began their long march in. If she was quick enough, she'd make haste to meet back up with [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] in no time at all. She adamant about riding with the rest of their troops when all hell would break loose, were that their fate.

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

While the army would move as quickly as it could, it would still be some time before they'd reach their destination. They still had no idea what they were about to face against - nobody did; Nina's description was sorely lacking, but it was all they had to go on. It therefore seemed prudent for Thurion and his wife to scout ahead upon the backs of Skywalker and Cloudancer soaring through the skies. What soon came into view was beyond their comprehension, for such a thing should not exist in any mortal realm.

"I see it," he shouted back, eyes struggling to take it just what the swirling portal was. Down below, however, there were shapes of men and horses, along with the distinct shape of the Tarly. Coci confirmed to him that Théo was among them; no doubt they too had witnessed the gateway form farther south, so massive that it could very well be seen from the walls of Tháinbroek. "We must be at Himmeldal," he called out to her, before gesturing for them to descend and join up with whomever was accompanying their son.

A piercing scream from Skywalker would announce their arrival, and as the two gryphons made their landing Thurion practically leapt off Skywalker's back to land steadily on both feet. The first thing he noted was Master [member="Audren Sykes"] being present, someone who had served with him on countless battlefields throughout their time with the Silver Jedi. He offered the man a quick nod of his head, though had there not been so many strange faces present he would take greater effort in greeting an old ally.

"Himmeldal..." he then noticed their old family home now but a charred corpse of a house. "What's the meaning of this?" he asked the people gathered. He recognised one of the Aelvar as [member="Eregon Wuduælfen"], someone of high rank within their society and military structure. Truth be told Thurion had not bothered to delve into the workings of their kind other than overhearing the occasional rumours and speculations of his peers, so they were very much still a mystery to him. But there was one among them whom he did not know, that drastically stood out.

"Théo, who is this man? What is going on here?" His fingers gripped around the hilt of his sword, ready to draw on a moment's notice. The Force told him the man was not to be trusted, yet showed no signs of darkside influence or corruption. He realised there was no time to answer all the questions adding to the already substantial pile, but at this point he could not help but ask. "You are not of this world, are you?" He made certain to keep both Coci and Théo behind him should hostilities come to pass. If such was to be the case, however, he would not draw first.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

The Sephi turned slightly to listen to Théo. Some of it made sense to him, and some did not; he assumed it was a cultural difference. It was purely logical that those taking the Tarly didn't want to arrive before the Aelvar as there was oftentimes safety in numbers. Having a force of friendly, battle-trained, Force-sensitive fighters at one's back was always preferential to having nothing after all...if they did have them. It still wasn't clear why they were here.

Bannermen would be helpful too.

However, he still didn't understand what was meant by Beornskald, and if it was why they would need this Velkar's help. And the being definitely wasn't on their side. If he had to guess, Audren would wager that Velkar had his own plots and the rest of them were simply useful tools. Regardless of whether Théo realized that, the younger man turned and posed a question to the being about how to close the 'gateway between realms'. He was still lost, but had some glimmer: it was possible they were dealing with dimensional issues. Way outside his pay grade.

Before Velkar could answer, there was a screech from the air and a rush of wings. The Master sensed the two Heavenshields now that he had warning of their arrival. Seconds later the two Masters - Grand Masters really - were on the ground. Audren returned the nod offered by Thurion, though held slightly longer and deeper in deference. This was, after all, the other man's homeworld at the very least. And he was royalty, and he was older, and he was a Grand Master, and the list went on.

Apparently this specific location meant something to the older man. He named it, then asked why it was like this. The question held an edge, barely there but still audible. His hand gripped his sword as well, moreso as his gaze fell upon Velkar, and he made the claim that Velkar was not of this world. It was obvious that he didn't know Velkar, as Théo was asked who it wsa.

"Thurion Heavenshield, Velkar Odiirson of Beornskald. Velkar Odiirson of Beornskald, Thurion Heavenshield. He did this to this homestead - Himmeldal? - to draw our attention here, and to that. Théo thinks it comes from Beornskald, apparently like Velkar."

The Sephi's voice was casual as he made the introduction. Whether intentionally or mistakenly, titles were left off which made the whole thing seem almost off-handed. To clarify what he meant by the word 'that', his left hand came up to point at the swirling mess that Théo had called a gateway. His right still held the lightsaber hilt; it hadn't slipped his mind that they were surrounded by Aelvar who had not announced their intent as well as standing next to a being that had shrugged off an impressive number of arrows like a light breeze.

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

These were the oddest people, asking question of one only to be answered by another, and they did ask too many questions. The bearded one commanded respect just in the way of how he presented himself, there was an air of one that had been born to lead men and women. “That would be Prince Velkar Odiirson of Beornskald actually”. He gave the gathered group a gesture with sweeping arms that spoke of, ‘at your service’, which was anything but what Velkar was here for.

“Oh I am out of this world”, Velkar grinned with mischief, “But I would suggest I am more of this world than even you, Lord [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]”. Of course Velkar knew the man’s name, after all a God has a front row seat to all that happens on Midvinter from the heights of Beornskald, or in his case, through the ability to see all from the far reaches of the Gateway of the Dead. But those dastardly years of exile are behind him now.

And this was the son of the Dawnbringer, one of them at least. There was a large hint of the man in his son’s features, although this one’s beard was cropped. Velkar could only assume that Valkyri men, (and even some of the women) sported beards to keep the cold at bay, because it surely could not be for preening or aesthetics as they were the most unattractive feature the species opted to adopt.

Velkar offered them all an air of total indifference to their distrust of him, there would be nothing they could do for all their gripping of sword hilts, if he was to turn on them, after all it as his nature, a gift given to him from his own father on the day he was born. There is always an agenda to his father’s actions, there was always a purpose to it, and why would anyone decree their own flesh and blood to be mischievous and couple that wonderful virtue with fire? What on Midvinter did they all expect would happen?

“I would not place to high a price on the value of his pile of burnt rubble Lord Heavenshield. After all it is not what you are taught? Besides as the young man has rightly pointed out, that is more worthy of your attention”. His head inclined toward the portal. “Oh but I can see something more worthy of my attention”, his eyes fell over Coci with a slow and lingering look. And he was about to approach her with all his charm in place.

The loudest cracking and fizzing boomed. There was a marked change in the portal as it shifted from a swirling maelstrom and opened up spilling a thick waste of matter toward the ground to the south. This even stopped Velkar in his tracks. “For thousands of years we have been fighting the timeless enemy, fighting side by side in order to vanquish the horror they would bring to the golden plains of Beornskald and each time we were victorious, pushed them back into their festering hole but this time .. it is different. They grow more bold”.

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

“This pile of burned rubble?”, Coci could not hold her tongue a moment longer. “Was once our family home”, her anger was growing quickly, she had always had a temper which for the most part was always kept in check, but to see this? A place special to her because she had had it built as gift for her husband so many years ago, now laid waste made her blood boil and the maelstrom was the least of Velkar’s worries at present.

What fuelled her darkened mood further was this man’s wandering eye over her presence. And she was wanting for something to release the tension that had been building up around her, around them all. This unknown event that was threatening Midvinter and their very lives was testing to anyone patience, let alone to someone that does not possess that virtue. As he approached her, she began to move toward him with the full intent of punching his face.

A God indeed, the idea of it was simply ludicrous. So this had to be a madman, or an enemy of the Crown sent here as a diversion to direct their attention away from what was to come. As the crashing of sound filled the air around them, to the point that shock waves could be felt through the ground beneath them, Coci looked to Thurion concerned for their safety even this far away from it.

This strange being that professed to be the God Velkar, spoke of an enemy that only he had had experience with, or that of those of the Godly Realm had knowledge of, it sounded so farfetched but for a moment she considered what they had all witnessed in the wider galaxy, strange things that if one had not seen them with their own eyes, would have trouble believing.

“Who are you really”, she asked as her gaze turned to the maelstrom growing wider and more threatening by the moment.

“Mother, this man .. I have met him before. It is very difficult for me to explain but”, it was Théo that spoke up now. “And I am not sure we have the time”, and time was running out if they are to have any chance of defeating this threat. “He appeared out of nowhere, thin air right before us, Lord Eregon’s rangers arrows had no effected on him, nothing”, he looked at both his parents trying to grasp the words to convince them, and himself of this strange and new reality.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A raised hand stopped the Rangers from taking further action against this man that formed out of air. Lord Eregon had sat silently on his mount the entire time, watching and gathering information as it passed between those that stood talking. However, the young man that looked all the part of kin of the woodland realm, correctly wanted to know his part in all this especially since the tiding on wind was ill.

His Aelvarian ears picked up the sound of wings beating the air well before the herald of their cry, the Gryphon, a creature rarely seen on the winds of Midvinter, and only he had but twice in his life time witnessed the majesty of them. So secret and scared are they that even the Aelvar revere them with a sense of awe. Now two of them dropped from the sky with riders and as they alighted and walked among them, did he know them to be the Heavenshields. He had heard of them, but yet to meet them, now was the day but ceremony would have to wait.

The Aelvar rangers would remain on horseback until commanded otherwise, but Eregon threw a leg over the back of his mount to dismount. His Aelvarian feet did not make a sound as they touch the ground lightly covered in snow, nor did his footfalls tell of his walk as he approached the man that had addressed him so directly. “My part in all this, is yet to pass”, he spoked with a gentle nature which was counter to his bearing, and he inclined his head in respected to his [member="Audren Sykes"]. “As is yours Lord Sykes”.

His steely eyes took in all his young man’s features, it was uncanny the likeness to his people yet his face unfamiliar to Eregon. “Are you of the Woodland Realm? I do not know your face”. Yet everything was happening all at once.

“Lord Heavenshield, Lady Heavenshield your son speaks the truth. Although the Aelvar do not worship Gods, we have knowledge of their legend and of Beornskald. Yet here one stands before us”.

Suddenly Lord Eregon went on knee and place the palm of his hand against the soil of Midvinter, he did not turn toward the maelstrom like the rest but her gaze turned to the north. He felt the vibrations of the sound through the earth, but there was more in it to be read. “Lord Heavenshield, King Hearthfire approaches”. The tremours in the ground told the Aelvar Prince that hundreds of men and women on horseback are close, and his Aelvarian eyes could make out the fluttering banner of the King of Midvinter as it led the army.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

There was so much going on all at once, everyone chiming in with various pieces of information all assaulting Thurion's capacity for comprehension. Throughout the discussion he simply stood there, fingers gripping the hilt of his sword and glaring at the one claiming to be the disgraced god Velkar. Every word the 'man' uttered fell like poison upon his ears, every smug grin testing his composure. If the veteran Jedi Master had ever felt true rage in his life, it was at this very moment. Every bone in his body wished nothing more than to break every one of his. But he held firm, and instead walked right up to Velkar and stared him down with unflinching resolve.

"I have met many self-proclaimed 'gods' in my lifetime," he snarled behind gritted teeth as he sized him up. "Most of whom found their divinity severely lacking as I drove my sword through them. Now, what does that make me, God of Mischief?" Were he his brother, his eyes would surely light up in flames as his gaze defied everything Velkar's very being and everything he stood for. Only when the attention was brought to the great portal in the distance did Thurion let go of his burning hatred, for there were far greater concerns to deal with at the present moment.

"Whoever you are, you will help us stop whatever is causing that," he pointed, "to happen. The entire Valkyri army is marching this way, but for now there is just us. We must prepare ourselves for whatever is likely to come out of that portal." His eyes turned to the Aelvar rangers. "Lord Eregon, have your men set up a defensive perimeter around the portal and be ready to meet whatever steps through with enough arrows to blot out the sun. We must hold until the High King's army arrives. Those who get through the barrage we can deal with," he referred to the rest of the group.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Whoever I am? did you not hear a word I said?". This statement only confirmed Velkar's ever lasting dim view of the Valkyri.

"Ah you want me to say you are a God killer". Velkar simply laughed in his face. And yet in the blink of an eye, Velkar turned dangerous.

"It seems your divinity is sorely lacking as well, Master Jedi. I can see your hatred burning you up inside. And your arrogance, you do not even believe the words of your own son. Take heed .. or you will be the death of them all". Velkar did not flinch from Thurion's burning glare in fact is was mildly alluring to Velkar, in his own eyes Thurion would see a hot green flame deep down to his very core, the green eternal flame that if the mood took him, Velkar could burn them all where they stood. His capricious nature flickered, a sickly grin bared his teeth but in his mind there was a voice that only he would hear. His father, the mighty Odiir quelling his son's rage, reminding him of the battle to come.

He paid no attention to the orders his Thurion barked at them, nor would he follow the man it was simply beneath him to do so. Velkar turned and walked through the center of the burned Himmeldal, a shimmering green glow the colour of which was the warning northern lights, he raised both arms to his side, his palms faced upward and upon them both the gathering of power and magic danced on his skin. The air around them all was thick with it, the source of power they would feel did not come from their force, it was far more powerful than that.

Velkar walked toward the south, into the open valley laid lightly with pristine snow and turned his palms to the ground and the crackling green stream of magic blanketed the snow hot and hissed with the green fire as it spread, until the snow melted and turned to vapour exposing the dirt below. A loud rumbling began and grew louder by the second, but it did not come from the portal but beneath them under the ground they stood on, it shook violently and began to heave.

He smiled as they approached, and burst through the ground all around them was the mighty Hrothwûrm, twenty of them rising high above the ground roaring at the rude awakening. But for all their protests, the Hrothwûrm stood obedient to Velkar's whim. "Come my darlings we have work to do".

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

Audren only halfway paid attention to the Velkar person, his eyes were on the maelstrom in the near distance. What he did hear though, was that this was a war between the being's people and whoever was controlling the portal. A war that had raged for thousands of years, yet in this encounter all that had been sent was the single one wearing green. That made total sense. Of course, as this was being explained the storm opened up into something else, no longer just a threatening visage but a physical presence. The sound of it could be felt.

In stark contrast, the footsteps of the Aelvar who dismounted couldn't even be heard against the snow. Nor did they break the surface of the snow, much like Audren's own. He, too, inquired whether the Jedi was of the Aelvar race. He was reminded of a story he'd heard once, Corellian maybe. Something about being called a Hutt and buying a drool bucket. Maybe he'd have to get some genetic testing done. Fortunately, the man moved on to the Heavenshields to validate what Theo had stated and to inform them that the rest of the Valkyri were closing in.

For his part, Thurion clearly didn't like Velkar. The hatred boiling in the man....well, Heavenshield was merely mortal. It might be interesting to see the spat continue; Thurion all but claimed the title of god-killer as an implied threat to Velkar. However, when the cloud-portal thing began releasing its guts, the senior Jedi let go of the anger and turned to the immediate threat. He gave orders to the Aelvar - Lord Eregon - to position his people around the portal and hit them at range, then the others would deal with the remainder.

Velkar chose his own path. He walked south through the remains of Himmeldal and seemed to gather power, evident due to a glow of the same green as the aurora from earlier. That power could be felt in the air, a pressure that had nothing to do with the air. Neither did this seem to be Force-based power. That said, Audren had heard the theory of there being different 'frequencies' of the Force, and this may qualify under that. This was not the time to ponder the matter however. The being released a portion of that power into the snow. It danced along the snow of the valley, manifesting as green fire, and sublimated most of the snow there into steam. Even over such a wide area, the temperature increased. The sudden rise in temperature and humidity would lead to fog, if not instantly then within the hour.

As impressive as the display of power was, it was just the teaser. Once the dirt was revealed loud rumbles could be felt from within the planet's crust. They grew more and more intense until the cause burst forth. Nearly two dozen gigantic worms were now visible above the surface. The Sephi had never even heard rumors of their like being underneath them; he had to wonder what else was on this world.

"Well, he brought his war here, but at least he brings his own army."

The Jedi pulled his dagger from its sheath. He did not yet ignite the lightsaber he still held however; there was no point in informing the enemy exactly what they were facing until it stopped the first few.

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion realised how his reaction to Velkar taunting him must have looked; he was a respected Jedi Master and former leader of a major Force order, now letting his emotions get the better of him. But these were trying times, and he could not help it that everything about this stranger rubbed him the wrong way. If there was one thing he could not stand, it was people proclaiming to be gods or some sort of divine beings based solely on how seemingly powerful they were, or at least perceived themselves as being. Too many times had he met people - some good, many of them bad - who believed themselves invincible, only to foolishly rush into the fray and get themselves killed in some horrific way. Call it battle-fatigue after decades of war, but an aging Thurion no longer had any patience for such foolishness.

To cool off, once he'd given his instructions to the Aelvar leader as well as the group of Force users surrounding him Thurion sidled up to [member="Coci Heavenshield"] as she tended to Cloudancer. His gloved hand gently caressed the gryphon's feathery mane as he let out a deep sigh. "I shouldn't have said that," he confessed for her ears only. "It's not how a Jedi should act." He had always found it difficult to be an effective leader for his people while also keeping to Jedi ideals. It was a balance not intended for them in the first place, and now he could see why that was.

Slowly he turned to face his beloved, his lips forming a slight frown. "It is time, my love." He knew of her intention to send Cloudancer back to Fridheim to protect her family. He would give Coci a moment alone with her, but not before he could place a gentle kiss upon her cheek. As he turned from her, however, the earth beneath them started to quake with tremendous force. At first his eyes looked to the swirling portal, thinking something had at last come through. Then his gaze sank only to find the man professing to be Velkar standing between them and the portal, seemingly drawing upon some unknown power. Moments later the earth cracked open around him as several great and terrible Hrothwûrms ascended from underneath. "What the kark..." he spoke in disbelief with eyes wide open and mouth agape.

But the wonder he experienced from witnessing such awesome power was short lived, for soon after the portal began to fizzle as the eye of the swirling maelstrom opened up, and they could all make out the first elements of the malevolent forces Nina had spoken of back at the Great Hall. Figures clad in dark, twisted plate armour and wielding terrifying weapons capable of inflicting horrendous mutilation stepped through from the other side, seemingly disinterested in the small force of defenders as they made no attempt to halt their advance, marching on through as if unopposed.

"Let's get moving, people," he called out to everyone on the scene, for the Aelvar host were already in position to rain fire upon the invaders. Thurion returned for Coci once more, this time for a lasting, deeper kiss before gazing into her eyes for however long they could make the moment last. "I love you, now and beyond," he whispered as he held her close one last time. But time was of the essence, and so he leapt on the back of Skywalker, all armoured up for battle, and drew his sword Snowfall while donning the impenetrable Heavenshield. "To battle," he cried out as Skywalker took flight towards the portal. "For Midvinter!"

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​