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

[Thrand Dawnbringer]

The Dawnbringer looked around him at the thousands of men and women staring back at him and the other gods. It was as strange to many of them as it was for the living who gave them reason to exist, for none save for the God of Mischief had ever interacted with them so directly, much less fought beside them. A warm smile sat upon his lips as a number of older warriors with grey in their hair approached him, recognising him as their former High King and compatriot; people who had shed blood with him to reclaim his throne, so many years ago. Nobody said anything, for there was nothing left to say that their expressions had not already conveyed. Thrand simply placed his hand upon their shoulders one at a time.

As the Maidens descended from the skies to send the fallen on their way, he quietly made his way over to where the Elven King lay, surrounded by family and subjects alike. The crowd of rangers parted where he strode forth, basking them in his golden glow until he came upon the young lady and the lad comforting her. Not trying to interrupt their embrace, he instead turned his gaze to the sword resting upon the ground. Leaning down his fingertips ran across its hilt and pommel, until he grasped its long, sturdy handle and lifted it effortlessly in one hand. Raising it to his face for a closer look, he wiped away the muck and blood covering its long blade. "My old friend," he uttered to himself, smiling fondly. Only now did the young man and elven lass turn his way.

"You are him, aren't you," the younger Thrand asked, noting the similarities with the statue standing vigil back at Tháinbroek while he carefully approached. The elder nodded and handed him his sword. "You have good taste in blades, Your Grace," he replied with a smirk. "Treat it right and with respect, and it will fight for you until the bitter end." The white-haired lad returned the nod and clutched Dawn to his chest. "Hello, Grandpapa," he then said and stepped into the inevitable embrace awaiting him. He didn't know precisely why, but it felt so good finally being able to say those words aloud. "Hello, sweet child," the Sunlight God greeted his second grandson for the first time.

Not allowing Ióunn to be a mere bystander, Thrand turned to her next. Ever smiling, he placed his large hand upon her red head of hair for the gentlest of caresses, and all at once she would feel her immense grief subside in favour of hope rekindled, along with a great warmth spreading throughout her being. "Your father cannot be killed," he told her. "Not so long as you and yours remember him, and his sacrifice."

In another part of the battlefield, the Warrior God sheathed his blade while approaching the Trickster. "Brother," he addressed him, stone-faced as ever. Sidling up to them was Éar, the middle child. She, on the other hand, did not hesitate putting her arms around their baby brother. "Velkar," she placed a kiss upon his cheek. "You did good here, today. Truly." Their older brother did not seem as impressed, yet even he had to offer a concurring nod. "Aye... you weren't completely poodoo," he said without any hint of which way his words were intended. "Father will know of your efforts here, I swear it. Perhaps then he will take you back," their sister spoke, ever the optimist.

The two would then step away from [member="Velkar Odiirson"] and with one last look of appreciation they returned to the Godly realm of the Allfather, bearing news of the battle to Beornskald.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It was over, at least for now. His head turned slightly as he watched the ethereal forms of brother and sister approach. A smile tweaked at his lips, but there was no joy in the world today, not even for Velkar. He loves them as any sibling would do, he could not fault them for they too where molded with a purpose by the hands of their father .. their nature was set in stone just as much as his. Helm would always be righteous, strong and stand against anything and anyone that would stand against the evils of this world and into the Realm. And Éar so beautiful as ever, so giving and providing would never see their peoples want for anything she is a good part of the reason the life cycle continues. So what exactly was Velkar's purpose? What design had his father intended for him? Cruel damnation.

"Thank you brother", he said not really wanting his praise nor did he really get it. You fight for justice my brother, are you going to bring justice upon our father? Of course he would not, Helm was a blind a fool as any of them.

But his smile widened as he felt the warmth of his sister's lips against his cheek and he embraced her placing his lips against her hair near her ear, "Take me back?", he lowered his voice, "There is always a way back". The truth of the matter was that Velkar had already returned to Beornskald in the belly of serpent, there was always cracked in the firmament, you just needed to know where to look.

Their brief reunion ended quickly and once more Velkar was left alone on the field of death. He could see the Maidens of Death continuing the rite of passage for the brave, the mighty warriors of Midvinter, and he walked slowly through the decaying bodies. A sorrow for this was in his heart heavy, and visible on his face which no one would ever see. And as quickly as the sense of sentiment come to him, it was replaced with boiling rage. Any any Valkyri that was near him dropped to their knees and bow their heads in a hope that Velkar would not turn on them and regardless of his true nature, he was their god too.

But his rage was not directed at them, Velkar stopped in the middle of field surrounded by the dead and raised his gaze to Beornskald with a twisted face filled with malice. "This! is your doing!", he bellowed with a voice that boomed through the air directly into the Grand Halls of the Allfather shaking the very walls with thunder. "You who cast me out for less". The joke had been played on them all, by the Allfather himself. He is a God and gods .. play.

Velkar knew of course, he knew why his father had cast him aside like a dog, Helm would always be loyal to him, as would Éar they are manipulated to his whims and he made them that way but Velkar would be his undoing. And Odiir is afraid of him as it could not be undone .. that was Odiir's mistake when he made Velkar the God of Fire and Mischief and he knew it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRatuRhMR78​

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

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rdCgUXwqnI​

Striding through the field of death and decay, the High King made certain to keep a mental record of each face he came across now resting peacefully in the reddened snow, and in the faces of the survivors he noted their grief and utter exhaustion. Yet when their liege lord strode forth they dutifully struggled to stand, only to bow their heads to the crown. Hundreds upon hundreds did he pass, and with each one his steps grew increasingly heavy until he could stomach it no longer. He had slowed down to a crawl when he finally stopped, succumbing to the emotional weight of the burden he took upon himself. He wept as he fell to his knees, face in both his palms. But as he did he was joined by several men and women, some unscathed and others not, all of whom placed their hands upon him. Thyrian looked up and was greeted by their faces so reverent that he was able to draw strength from their presence alone.

"Thurion," he sniffled and looked ahead, wiping his face free of tears and with the subtlest of nods he was pulled back to his feet by the two closest to him, and without another word he marched on towards the hard-to-miss animal companion of his brother's who had performed with such ferocity and might in battle. He knew he would not be far away, and was proven right once he peeked around Skywalker's flank to see [member="Coci Heavenshield"] tend to her husband. A snarl from the great gryphon seized his immediate attention, and so he knew to keep his distance as he circled the beast until he reached the Heavenshields.

"Coci," he knelt beside her, embracing her like a sister. "Thank goodness you are alright." He placed a kiss where he buried his face in her shoulder, but upon opening his eyes he saw his brother lying unconscious and so felt the need to care for him as she had. "Thurion," he whispered and ran his trembling fingertips along his face, from his forehead to his lips. He was then struck by a strong sense of urgency and clarity. "This is not the day you die, little brother. I have witnessed death's halls before, and I will let them take you before it is my time to return to their cold embrace," he said, holding Thurion's hand. He then rose and met Coci's gaze. "Prepare your husband for travel, Lady Heavenshield. We are going to see the Elves."

Those were his only instructions for her, and with a sharp whistle he summoned his horse to his side. At horseback he rode to meet up with some of the clan chieftains that had gathered near the centre of the battlefield. "My friends," he greeted them, "I leave it to each of you to look to the funeral of your clansmen. Honour them according to your traditions and send them off as befits their sacrifice here today." He looked back to where his brother lay by the gryphon. "I must see to my brother's safe recovery, I will join the Aelvar in their return to Averlorn." One of the chieftains stood, in spite of the wound to his leg. "Your Grace, Averlorn? Why go there?" Thyrian turned to meet the man's gaze. "They have the finest healers on Midvinter. Lord Heavenshield needs their medicine or I fear he may be lost to us." The thought alone was enough to convince the chieftain of his intent.

He then set his eyes on [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] and [member="Ylva Solveig"] interacting, and it appeared they were far more than 'just friends'. In either case, Thyrian called out to them. "Théo! We are going to see the Elves, your father is in need of their skills. You are free to join us, once you've gathered yourselves." He paused, giving them another look. "Do take your time, you'll catch up to us easily," he added, realising they likely wished for a few more moments to themselves.

Riding back the way he had walked on foot just minutes earlier, he saw the Aelvar making ready to leave this mess behind and head south to their woodland home. "Princess Ióunn," he called out to her and both Thrands at her side. "I... have a request to make of you," he met up with them. "It is quite alright, son," spoke the Dawnbringer, his large hand still sitting atop her red head of hair. "She knows of your intent. We await your command." Thyrian's eyes darted between the three of them. "Oh... Uh, alright then," he attempted to not seem as awkward as he felt. "Carry on, my lady." With a bow of his head the deceased King Eregon was carried by his men as the march to Averlorn had begun. Joining them was Skywalker soaring through the air, carrying Coci and Thurion and they easily caught up to them. Rather than fly all the way there, however, the mighty gryphon was made to land beside the ranks of Rangers and walk among them on all fours.

It was only now that their great father and Coci were reunited, and the big man promptly met up with her and Thurion once Skywalker had landed. At first he said nothing but simply pulled her in for his trademark hug. "Have I ever told you that it does my heart good to see you two," he then said with the widest grin, echoing the line he'd uttered on their many visits to Tháinbroek during his reign. "It does, sweet lass. More than ever."

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

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva Solveig damn near gasped as [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] picked her up in his arms and began to move with her, her arms instantly going for his neck that she might lace her fingers behind his shoulders, leaning into him and muttering her protests Théodred had sought to discourage under her breath. It seemed they were to join Coci Heavenshield once more, as well as the Father of whom Ylva had yet had the pleasure of meeting. [member="Boo Heavenshield"] was too among them, something that came as a great surprise and immediate respect washed over her for the little lad that had somehow survived the fierce battle all the same.

Being released of his hold, Théo allowed her the moment to collect herself before turning back to him in answer "The Aelvar looking one? No...-Sorry, I'm not sure atleast..." her voice was somewhat uncertain and certainly shaken from the exhaustion of battle that she more or less dropped herself to the ground floor beside the others and sought to gather her breath. Truth be told, she wasn't entirely certain the things she did see out there were all that believable. Gods and Monstrous creatures at arms with Men, Iron the likes of no worldly alloy she had laid eyes upon fashioned into blades that were as beautiful as they were deadly; power that held no rightly presence on Midvinter and had wiped out Force knows how many of their good men and women, fine soldiers whom had given their lives fighting for their King and for their People. Those whom had died today had done so with honor, though it did little to discourage the grief that would be felt from such losses.

Turning to glance back to Coci, Ylva soon looked over [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] with a curious eye and noting the rather distinguished older man, she could see something in them that she so often saw within Théodred. A certain sense of defined power held with integrity and a love for the land and peoples they watched over. Though difficult to explain in words, she captured in this family an ease of respect that came with her interactions with them. Even the Gryphon's seemed astonishingly loyal, such creatures Ylva had only heard stories about seemingly willing and perhaps even gladdened to be in the presence of men.

Ylva wasn't one for words and especially on the eve of such a day, she found it difficult to hold her head high with the waning strength that had been taken from her. All things within herself felt the pain and strain that battle had brought on, and tired as she was, the images that she had captured would probably hinder a much needed sleep this night's arrival. For once in her life, she found herself thanking whatever God or God's watching over her that she'd not only survived such a day, but come away from it among friends worthy of her trust.

[member="Velkar Odiirson"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"] | [member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"He took a hard hit to the head", she said after the looming shadow of [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] fell over them both, "I did my best to stop the bleeding", she continued as he came beside her and took her into an embrace. There was nothing left inside her, no energy to use the force to close Thurion's wound and there was no fight, Coci was exhausted, mentally and physically. Her brother's arm around her allowed her a moment to let go and simply sink into his arms for comfort and she placed her arms around him too to try and give comfort in return as best she could thankful he was alright as well. It was not until this day had she seen the Aelvar, Thurion and her had only heard about them, and if they could heal her Thurion, she would be eternally grateful to them. With what little strength she had left, Coci stood up and helped secure Thurion to Skywalker once more before climbing on his back.

She summon the courage to look out across the battlefield once more, her black eyes searching for the family all of them and relief filled her body upon seeing Théo with [member="Ylva Solveig"], and [member="Boo Heavenshield"], her lovely little grandson. A flash of white hair that would be Master [member="Audren Sykes"] who had once more came to the aid of Midvinter, the northern clans knew of the man and the deeds he had done for them in the fight against the Vinterbound and they would not see him without a mount to have at his disposal. And her nephew, Thrand who's bearing was unmistakable although he looked like his mother, with her heritage there was no mistaking the Valkyri in him, his father in him, and the forefathers before that.

The gentleness of the mighty gryphon was extradordinary, as extraordinary as his fearsome nature in battle, Coci had not even felt him land once more as if summon by a greatness beyond them all. Even after everything that had been witnessed in the battle, she doubted her eyes as they fell upon their father, the [member="Dawnbringer"], Thrand but there he was, walking toward her and Thurion and without a word his arms were thrown around her like he had done countless times before and embraced her, she doubted her body for feeling them but instantly succumbed to her emotions and buried her face into this chest and cried. Finally she could release everything, all her pent up grief and sense of loss and her fear for her husband, for all those that had lost their lives against this true evil that had wanted for nothing more than destruction. And among it all was her joy at seeing him again.

A strangled laugh come from her as he spoke, it hurt her body but she did not care. Those words she had not heard since the day of his death, and her hands gripped him tight latching onto whatever they could as she held him. "Father", she turned her head to him and kissed his cheek as she had done every time they had met only to make him blush. "We all love and miss you so much", she managed to tell him, she did not want him to go without knowing. She pulled back only to look down into Thurion's face, her hand resting on his cheek, "He will be alright, I assure you he will be alright".

As she spoke with Thrand, the train of Aelvar passed by carrying their king toward the gates of Averlorn. It was time to fall in behind them.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Do you know them? .. the Aelvar?", he asked her as she spoke of the Aelvar girl, but [member="Ylva Solveig"] was uncertain which for today everyone could be forgiven. Théo, like his mother and father had yet to have the pleasure, but that would come soon enough and he wished it would have been in more joyous circumstances. He made sure Ylva as comfortable on the ground as her strength gave way once more, she sat close to his mother although she was focused on his papa to notice them both. "Thank you Ylva", he said leaning down to kiss her cheek again, the thanks was for saving his mother and getting her to safety. And he knew that Coci would seek Ylva out later and thank her personally when both mind and body were in a fit state.

"Rest here, I will find us a mount", and there would be plenty of horses that survived the battle that were not without masters. But before he did, he walked over the Skywalker who shot him a look of warning with the command of royalty to which Théo bowed before receiving one in return and he was able to approach his father. He helped what was left of the elite Dawnguard secure his father once more for transport on Skywalker's back and as they moved away to form up a guard around them all once more, Théo leaned over his father took his face in his hands and touched his forehead to his closing his eyes giving thanks his papa was still alive and soon would have healing.

"What were you thinking?", he spoke to him softly with a hint of anger in his tone, "Taking on a .. god like that?". It was the only time Théo would be able to admonish his papa without receiving a clip over the back of the head. "I love you papa", he released his grip as the guards helped is mother to mount. He gave her a smile, and watched as they took off.

"Stubborn bastard". He added with the utmost respect for his father.

At this point, one of the Dawnguard lead three horses toward Théo and handed over the reins before nodded his respect to the Lord. Once [member="Boo Heavenshield"] would arrive, they would depart for Averlorn.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Those few, those noble few, that would live to speak of what happened here on this day, walked among their fallen brothers and sisters for their purpose was to gather them all and give their last remaining gift to them for what they did here today. Their King had issued the decree to set the pyres alight, to provide the last remaining rite before it all ended, and the rest that stand yet, to begin to find a solace in something or with someone. None would ever be the same again, even the gods are effected by such things, those that have the freedom of choice to let it. His exile had taught him one thing, that death comes without prejudice and without care for the deeds of men and women .. and children.

Judgement .. well that is fickle and why? because it is the gods that decide who is worthy and who is not. Is not a person just as brave that faces a foe that comes from within, with the only purpose of destroying that which keeps it alive? A child that is dying through disease lays upon the bed unafraid of death and reassures their parents that all will be well? Are they not worthy to enter the Halls? His father would say no. Cruel damnation, maybe that is why Velkar has compassion for them.

All around him the bodies were pilled in small heaps which dotted the horizon for as far as the eye could see. The Valkyri had done what they could to provide fuel for the burning but in these parts dry wood was hard to come by, some of the pyres laden with shattered shields and pieces of wood gathered from the nearby forest but it was not enough and as they lit them the flame not intense enough to do their job. He hoped that his father would see this, the small fires of death a testament to his whims, his mistakes, his own lust for power over life.

Velkar raised his arm, the power within him pulled from Beornskald and his green eternal flame erupted around his form which shot out and licked against all the pyres and gave them the life needed to cleanse. Each one of them bursting into life to ferry death from this world into the next.

​

​

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

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

Such wonders among such horrors. It was overwhelming to everyone that had witnessed the events of the day, so many questions needed answers but they would have to wait for now. Ióunn most grateful to the High King, Thrand's father he would see to it they all would get to Averlorn to pay tribute to the fallen from all parts of Midvinter, not just her father although to her, it was the hardest hit she would ever receive. She had remained by Thrand's side, only the once did she break from his grasp to greet the might lord of the sky. Ióunn recognised him, from the statue that Thrand had shown when they were children and the Aelvar had come to Thainbroek for the first in centuries to reunite with the Valkyri race. And looking upon his face now was like the statue had come to life before them with the one exception .. he was alive and around him a radiance like that of the sun, warm and giving .. the provider of life itself and without it life would die. As the three generations of men stood before her, it was easy to see the resemblance between them, there is a certain bearing in the all that imprint on all the generations of this family blood line.

"My Lord the Bringer of the Dawn, I give thanks for your kind words", she inclined her head in a bow. "My father will live eternal within all our hearts as he has done so before this day". She raised her hand a rested it on his, his skin almost too hot to do so but it did not burn her or any he touched who he held dear to his heart. "It would be an honour if you would deem to join us to witness my father's ascension, and all those that fought here today who have become our brothers and sisters regardless of race or creed for we now all walk the blessed land on which we live .. as one people".

Ióunn moved toward Thrand, her beloved friend and kissed his cheek as she handed him Velki's reins, for she would walk not ride leading her father's great horse behind the retinue of Aelvar and lead them all to the magic gateway to enter Averlorn. "Never will I walk alone, for I will never leave your side". She whispered to him as her lips brushed his hair by his ear.

It would be a hard heavy walk for her, the sight of her father laying lifeless as they carried him with the aid of the Aelvar magic away from the valley of death to the rock face where she would open the doors to the land beyond to find her mother waiting. It would taken them all south, over the rolling snow covered plains toward the line of mountains that ringed her enchanted homeland. The approach to the rock face etched in time and worn by Aelvar since time began.

She moved forward passed them all, her presences enough to begin the ritual of the opening and before them all, the 'gateway' appeared, a shimmering curtain of magic in the dulling light. There was no need for instruction from Ióunn to her people, they knew the ritual of the preparations well enough, they did not wait nor falter in their steps but passed by in silence, only the lament for her fallen father drifted on the air as the door opened and the road to her village would never be the same again. On the gentle breeze their voices softly cried and among them, Ióunn could hear her mother's voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH9ZDFBI1EU​

​

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

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DVo_Tkht6Y​

Thrand took Velki's reins in one hand while Ióunn took possession of her father's steed, giving him a pet down the bridge of his long nose. It wasn't difficult to sense that even the animals which had partaken in the battle were just as shaken as anyone, for this had been anything but a run-of-the-mill skirmish; the gods themselves were fighting alongside them, and it appeared the Crone and her forces were not intended to walk this realm of theirs. The conflict between their kind had spilled onto the mortal world, getting caught in the crossfire between forces too great and powerful to imagine. It made him feel so much smaller in an ever-expanding world.

Once his extended family joined them the Elves began their march home, quietly mourning their leader and everyone else that had fallen in the first-ever battle to unite the forces of Men, Elves, and Beorni. There was no doubt that this historic event would help break down the last barriers between their two peoples, and the thought alone that their societies could one day fully integrate made him feel hopeful in spite of the overwhelming sense of grief that hung over everyone this day.

His cheeks blushed when Ióunn kissed him tenderly, and with his free hand he took hold of hers and raised it to his lips for a kiss of his own. A black horse sidled up to the pair, and looking up Thrand found that the rider was none other than the King himself. There was no mistaking that his father had witnessed their small interaction, yet he opted not to say anything as he dismounted to walk beside them. "You've met your namesake, I take it," he broke the silence, offering his son a gentle smile. "Today has been a day full of strange events and encounters, for everyone."

"I did," Thrand said, looking back over his shoulder to see the big man reunite with his auntie. "He seems so powerful, yet very gentle in everything he does." His eyes found those of his father's. "Just like you and Uncle Thurion." Thyrian placed a hand upon his shoulder, giving him a loving squeeze. "And you," he added fondly. "But you also take after your mother; you have a good head on your shoulders, as well as a good heart. Intelligence was never a virtue of mine - I've had enough wisdom to make up for it. I fear in the years to come, good intentions alone will not be enough to keep our people safe..." Thyrian caught himself in the act. "Sorry, didn't mean to sound all doom and gloom. I try not to."

With another squeeze of his shoulder, the High King mounted his steed once more to ride to the front of the procession. Thrand now put his arm around Ióunn as they stepped through the gateway only to find themselves in the woodland realm of Averlorn, seemingly having skipped the mountainrange altogether. "That... explains a lot, actually," he gave voice to his thoughts. Quite suddenly they were all surrounded by the Aelvar, greeting them as they strode forth and standing out from the masses was the Lady of the Lake herself. He watched from afar as his father carefully approached her radiant beauty, dreading every step.

"My Lady," his voice faltered and he felt compelled to kneel. "I... I am so sorry." It had not been their first meeting, of course, so there was no need for lengthy greetings between rulers. "Come on," Thrand gently led Ióunn to meet with her mother, leaving Velki to wander freely now that he is home. As they passed by her father's body, he bowed his head in respect before moments later they stood before the Lady. By now she had bid his father to rise, and so the High King stepped aside to let mother and daughter reunite.

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

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

[SIZE=11.5pt]

[/SIZE]THAT time of year thou may'st in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold--
Bare ruin'd choirs where late the sweet birds sang,
In me thou see'st the twilight of such day
As after Sunset fadeth in the West,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed whereon it must expire,
Consumed with that which it was nourish'd by.
This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.

Sonnet 73 ~ William Shakespeare

The Lady of the Lake, descended the gentle sloping walkway that come down from the upper levels of the tree tops, her face as beautiful as the first flush of spring and time had not visited her. Although wise among her people, she was not immune from grief nor emotion and it was this that sat upon her face. She had seen his death, felt it and suffered the same pain as her beloved Eregon, if anything was to end her, it was this .. her heart break. But she could not join her husband yet, another was reliant on her life but until such time as the unborn child living within her womb was born, she would live.

As Eregon’s lifeless body drew need, Aewen paused and looked upon him, his clothes matted with blood and muck, his as well as the many he had slayen, he was cold and pale but regardless she leaned down and pressed her warm lips to his. Not everyone gets to say goodbye, for the most part that is the way of it. The ceremony would begin soon enough but firstly she had to greet the living and her daughter. As Thyrian, King of the Valkyri kneeled before her, she could only offer him a smile of gratitude for his coming. The importance of the sacrifice of those that had fought for the freedom of Midvinter was not lost to her, all of them no matter their race, the unity of the peoples was now etched in the very soil of their fair planet. “We are all indebted to you for your great deeds that have seen the defence of Midvinter claim victory this day. Your people and those that have come here today will forever be present in our hearts. We all have lost many, and none will be forgot and they will live on in our minds and hearts, be present in the history so that those that come after we have passed into the next realm will remember and draw great strength from them”. She gave Thyrian a respectful bow and begged him to stand beside her. No one bows today.

The face of her daughter so sad moved her heart as she approached her. The Queen cupped her face as mother who loves her dearly and kissed her forehead speaking directly to her mind. Grieve for your father, let your pain free and the sorrow of tears fill the rivers until you they come no more. Replace them with love, do not set your heart to stone and embrace the joy of life for it is what your father always taught you. Remember him this way and he will live forever.

Words she would give to her daughter but unable to live by them herself, for death was waiting for her after life would be born. Ióunn fell into her mother’s arms and wept. There would come a time soon, in which her daughter would have to take up the mantle of Queen, but for now she his daughter most dear who needs her mother.

Eventually, the tears of Ióunn subsided and Aewen allowed her to seek comfort in the young boy standing close by, the son of the Hearthfire who had grown into a man since she last saw him. She offered him to come forward and take Ióunn into comfort and once he had, her attention turned to the King of Midvinter.

“Lord Thyrian, I see you have many wounded among your people. Please have them delivered to the main gathering grounds in the village where my people will attend to them. Among them is your brother and his wife, please have him brought to me”. See would see to the Prince of Midvinter personally.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

His job was done, it was time to have some fun. Velkar looked around, noticed that the majority of the army was headed south to Averlorn, the home of the fair people. Apart from the Beorni, the Avelar the oldest known race on this planet, and their origins veiled in mystery akin to the place in which they live. He had a suspicion that were a creature of the Allfather but not Odiir, maybe his grandfather or even further down the lineage. Out of all the races on this planet, to Velkar, they are the more worthy, far more intelligent and graceful and hold a higher sense of dignity in their bearing. His brother Helm would argue different, his love was for the Valkyri and all their gruff nature, to each their own he supposed.

No need for horses or ships, or walking, Velkar simply vanished and reappeared in the forests of Averlorn. He did not care much for nature, the gentle sound of the avian mere background noise, and the lament of their fallen king, although beautiful to the ear, affected him little. However, his mind was on other matters more important to himself, as he walked through the glade. Who was this Grima? This was not a person he had been told of, or learned through the history books but there was some connection to Beornskald obviously. There was a sense of the familiar about her too, a certain feature of her face that he could not shake. And there was a disquiet within him.

Out of the surrounding tree line, a woman walked. Speaking of knowing a face, Velkar knew this one, but it had been years ago now, at least for her. Although like all her kin, age did not visit the features and she was just as pretty as the night he first met her. She kept walking toward him, there was a set look on her face that puzzled Velkar however in her eyes was the flame of fire .. anger.

She slapped his face hard.

​

“Did you miss me?”, he grinned, he had to admit he liked her, she had spirit. It seemed to take her a moment to collect herself, her breasts heaving with every long breath, her pointed ears twitching with every sound heard and unheard, the flush of blood on her cheeks and despite herself, her eyes sparkled with a delight. “Oh I think you have”. To Velkar it seemed to appear she was lining him up for another slap, however…

“We have a son”.

...

“What?!”.

 

[Thrand Dawnbringer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hluMK_Rpj0​

The Sun God walked amongst his people, joining the procession heading for Averlorn; a place he only ever heard spoken of in childhood stories meant to keep little ones in line, as the sneaky woodelves were said to snatch children that wandered into the woods alone. A silly notion, as there had been no reports of missing children to warrant such accusations in the first place. Theirs was a secretive race, however, having preferred isolation within their lush forest for millennia until recently. He had watched with great interest and curiosity as his grandson had been the first to wander Averlorn's woods and live to tell about it, effectively shattering the status quo between the two peoples.

Stepping through the portal alongside Coci and closely followed by the mighty gryphon carrying his youngest, he old man was greeted by sights he had only been able to dream about in life. Lush, green colours littered the world they'd stepped into, as if their village had been woven into the scenery. Working with nature in the shaping of their architecture, rather than try and rule it as Valkyri would. In comparison, Beornskald's beauty was unparalleled, yet it did not feel half as real as this place. If there was anywhere that instilled such a perfect picture of peace and serenity, it was Averlorn.

As the High King strode forth to meet with the Aelvar Queen, Thrand carefully took possession of his lastborn and held him in his thick arms. Looking down into Thurion's unconscious face, his own was struck with a sense of fatherly worry. He'd never had the chance to hold him as a child, to cradle him to sleep each night. Only now through such extraordinary circumstances did he find himself in the position to do so. "Come along, my child," he turned to Coci, managing a hopeful smile. As they began making their way to where Thurion would receive healing, Skywalker dutifully followed close behind. He would not let his companion out of his sight.

Joining Thyrian by the Lady's side, the Dawnbringer towered above them all yet lowered his head in gratitude and respect. "Lady Aewen of Averlorn," he spoke calmly with his deep voice, "I trust my coming here will not upset your people. It was never my intention to involve your people, and your sacrifice will not be forgotten." The Aelvar did not pray to the Valkyri gods, after all, and he was unsure whether his presence would be welcomed. When she approached, so graceful in her step, Thrand allowed her to look over his son resting in his arms.

"This man is Thurion, of House Heavenshield," he introduced the two just as the patient's head turned to reveal his grievous wounds to the side of his face, all caked in blood. Again his face trembled with worry. "He is my son. My littlest one..." Collecting himself, he turned to Coci. "This is Coci, leader of the Dawnguard and my daughter-in-law, as well as the mother of my grandchildren." Brief though they may be, once introductions were taken care of they all made for the Houses of Healing together where a bedroom had been prepared for the wounded couple. Thrand gently laid his son to rest upon the impossibly soft sheets once he'd been rid of his armour and dirty clothes. Thrand sat by his bedside alongside Coci as his body was being washed. To Skywalker's great dismay he was no let inside - his size alone would not let him!

"Even as I look upon him now, I am reminded of that day," he spoke to her softly. "The day I failed as a father. I had just lost my wife - the greatest love of my life - and for all intents and purposes, my own life was over. I came back to Midvinter to die, leaving my two boys alone and afraid. I abondoned them, Coci..." Eyes welled up, and his hand balled up into a fist. "I am undeserving of their forgiveness. Of any forgiveness. They would be right to hate me, yet they readily show such love. Such was the way of their mother," he smiled even as tears rolled down his cheeks. His hand found hers for a tight squeeze. "I am old, Coci. I know my outward appearance remains unchanged from the day I departed this world, but I begin to feel it in my heart. My grandchildren are all grown up, men and women in their own right. The world has moved on without me."

Wiping away his tears, he was able to collect himself with one last sniffle. "Perhaps I should not have come here. They warned me the experience would be a difficult one..."

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

“Our world is one world my Lord of the Sky and all its people will return to the soil from which they were created no matter what their beliefs, no matter what their rank or station in life .. we are all equal when faced with death”. There would be no unwelcome to the Valkyri, none that fought side by side with her kin would be denied their names nor their deeds for what was done. “You are welcome here, and will be always”, Aewen bowed her head in respect to the man the might of the Valkyri once called king.

Coci gave Skywalker as reassuring pat on the neck, just before she entered the room in which Thurion would be treated. He was just as anxious and the rest of them, Théo was close at hand should he be needed and paced outside the door waiting for any news of his father’s health. It would be a long wait.

As Thrand, the Dawnbringer laid her beloved on the bed and sat by his side, her eyes not leaving his face, regardless of the injuries he will always be her handsome Thurion. Her hand reached out to Thrand, a trembling hand that fear he might vanished upon her touch as if this whole ordeal had been but a dream and he was not here with them. By she felt him, warm and alive, she felt his sorrow and regret as he looked upon his son’s face. “If you had not come, we all would not be here. If it was not for the Gods ..” she trailed off, he knew she was right.

“Both your son’s have hearts that only are filled with love and forgiveness, each one shows it differently, but that is all their hearts are capable of. I dare say that this capacity not only comes from their mother, but from you as well. I have seen it remember”, only now did she turn to him, taking her gaze from Thurion, the day in which Thrand had pardoned the mad Usurper was a show of mercy and forgiveness where most would have killed him.

“It is time you forgave yourself, just like they have forgiven you”. She smiled a little recalling she had said similar words to his son Thyrian shortly after his return to Midvinter and the arms of the family. “It is time to let go of your grief”.

Lady Aewen waited on the edge of the room, drawing the power of the Frostvatn to her to prepare for the healing of the Prince of Midvinter. His body washed of the corruption of the battle field and soon she would being the rites. She said not a word, just watched as the father of the boy laying on the edge of danger, spoke to the woman by his side. Sadness within the heart of the man, regrets of days pasted filling him with long forgot sorrow, long forgiven sorrow. Yet, no one true is rid of it, it sits waiting in the time when you are most vulnerable and open to it. No one is immune, not even a God.

Without a word she moved to the side of the bed, on the table was a large pitcher of water which she took up and poured into a bowl and began to recite in a language older than Runian.

​

​

​

Aewen poured the water over Thurion body, it sparkled with a pure white light, which seemed to dance on his skin and as it did, his wounds began to knit and mend. She gathered more water and repeated the words which clung thick to the air, and Coci could almost swear they seeped into his skin. The power from the woman was like the most powerful she had ever felt from someone attuned to the force. It was beyond words to describe and it was frightening, it was not dark, it was not light it was simply .. the force.

Thurion’s wounds to his head would not be completely healed but any threat to his life had been expelled. It would be time enough soon for Coci to receive treatment, but for now she would not leave her husband’s side.

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

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyn8gAYtNu4​

When Ióunn came to him after having spoken to her mother, Thrand embraced her as she let out all her sorrows. The loss of her father, as well as many of her people, along with the horrors they'd seen just hours ago. Taking lives, watching lives get taken - all in such quick succession that the senses become numb to it. This had been her first battle, as it was his. As she let her tears run freely, he too let his emotions take hold. While his father remained with the wounded, and his aunt and grandfather took his uncle to the Houses of Healing, Thrand looked around him and witnessed all these faces of men and women in pain, suffering. He wanted to take her away from it all.

Her father's horse remained nearby, and so he had an idea. He gently lifted her up off the ground and hooked his arm under her legs, carrying her over to the noble steed and placed her upon it's back before getting up himself. The horse had just been rid of its saddle yet still retained its reins, and so he ushered it onwards and away from the crowd of people. At a gentle stride they made their way out of civilisation and into the forest, the very same they'd set eyes upon one another all those years ago.

The sun was setting after a long day of hardships and darkness would soon fall upon them, and so as they rode he pulled his cloak around them both. "You'll let me know if you wish to go back," he asked her, looking down into her face. "I did not wish to surround you with more suffering. Not after the pains you have already suffered." They rode the banks of the Frostvatn, the ever-frozen lake from which Averlorn draws strength. Being so close to it, Thrand felt its power surge through every fibre of his being. As the sun was finally laid to rest over the horizon the full moon took its place, along with too many stars to count.

Yet his gaze was never lifted to the skies, but instead remained fixed on hers. "No stars could outshine you," he said, settling a hand to her cheek. Leaning closer, his nose touched hers ever-so-gently before finally his lips found hers.

[member="Ióunn Wuduælfen"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Averlorn was like nothing he had ever seen on Midvinter, he did not think it possible that there was a part of Midvinter that did not lay in ice and snow. It was lush and filled with trees not seen anywhere else and what was more interesting to Théo was that Belawir had come. He seemed very much at home here, and the Aelvar paid little attention to him or if they did, it was to greet him as one would an old friend. Belawir was truly a mystery, just as these people are. The village was just as beautiful as the surrounding woodlands, entwined within the forest as if part of the living environment but the design was just as filled with beauty. There is a calming presence here, not only through the force, but coming from the Aelvar even though they are suffering the loss of their king there is a serenity within the sorrow. His body ached, now that fatigue has taken hold of him and everyone, he let the calm take him for he knew tonight once the time came to rest, he would sleep deeply for it. It would be the only night in which they all could, for what was to follow, the images of the horror of the war would visit them in their sleep for years to come.

He paced outside the room, his father within being attended too and it was difficult for Théo not to enter, but he knew it was not his place. His father would live, but it did not stop the worry. Théo needed a distraction, to clear his mind, he knew worrying would not help his father so he walked along the balustrade ornate and rich with symbols and soft flowing curtains, a yellowish light beamed as the sun began to set in the Westmark. Under his arm, in a bundle of cloth and bound with a leather strap was the broken shards of his father's sword, Snowfall.

​

​

The design simply, yet handsome and the edge of the blade was still keen, as keen as the day it was forged. He unwrapped the cloth and placed the shards on a plate of a statue with some major importance to the Aelvar. At this moment, he felt a familiar presence approaching, he turned his head slightly toward the man who's shadow fell across the blade. "What do you think of this? can it be re-forged?", he asked his uncle, no doubt he was looking for respite from his concerns for his brother, as well.

Théo stepped back from the statue, rubbed his forehead with firm fingers as if trying to press away the horror of the battle. None of them would come away from this unscathed. "Whatever it is you need, whatever it is you want me to do .. I will do it", he said with the words of an Oath, he unscathed his blooded sword still hot from battle, bowed his and bent the knee before his king and present him with the hilt of his sword.

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] ​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Thyrian did not follow his father and Coci inside, for the building was already filled and his presence would not aid in his brother's recovery. There was many questions he wished answered, but they would have to wait 'til morning after a night of much-needed rest. So he meandered about the place, so interwoved with nature that it seemed as if their dwellings had appeared through natural means. Everywhere he looked there were wounded men and women lying on stretchers and makeshift beds, making even this experience an uncomfortable one.

Finally he laid eyes on a familiar face, someone who worried for Thurion as much as he did. Théodred stood by an Aelvar statue of a woman, marvelling upon its craftmanship before presenting it with the broken shards of his father's sword, carefully placing them upon the stone table the statue held aloft. Appearing beside his nephew, Thyrian was almost too exhausted to speak and his first words came out raspy, as if choked up with dust. "Your father once reforged it, after he'd discovered it long ago during his first meeting with our father. By then it was old and rusted, and shattered when they were forced to defend themselves from a Vinterbound ambush. But he remade it with phrik, to guarantee that it would last. Whether he decides to pick it up once more, I cannot tell."

He reached out to touch its hilt and blade, noting its edges still sharp. "How many battles were won by your father, wielding this sword? Too many to count. In the end, it took a god to defeat him." He couldn't help but smile briefly at the thought, but while his focus lay on the broken blade on the table he heard his nephew speak, along with the sound of unsheathing sword. "Théo..." he said in surprise to find him on his knees, swearing fealty to his king.

He did not stop him from doing so, however, realising that the moment held much meaning to the young man. Thyrian straightened, assuming the appearance of a High King as he placed a hand upon the pommel of Théo's sword. "If service to the realm is what you seek, then you shall have it," he said as his hand then placed itself upon Théo's gripping his sword. "Rise, Théodred of House Heavenshield." With that the brief ceremony was over, and Thyrian's shoulders slumped noticably. His fiery gaze flickered as it met that of his brother's son, and before he knew it he'd put his arms around him, embracing him as his own. "Your father is going to be alright, you hear?" His words were soft like a whisper. "I won't allow any other outcome. I'll go fetch him from death's halls myself if I have to. I know the way..."

They would remain like that for a couple minutes, allowing his nephew to release any pent up emotions if such was his need. Only then would he ease his hold of him. "Now then, go find a place for you and that fiery lass of yours to spend the night. Nothing left for you to do here," he told him with the faintest of smirks, lasting less than a second. "I will see you in the morning for King Eregon's funeral."

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

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

I don't want father to be alone, Ióunn spoke to her mouth through their connect thoughts. He will not, was the simply response before her mother let her go and beckoned Thrand to come forth. She understood now, mother will attend to the Heavenshields, but come the hour when alone, Aewen will be by her husband's side until the moment in which he will depart this mortal realm. She let slip her mother's hand only to place it into Thrand's who come to her and walked her away from the village, it was difficult to walk as fatigue had taken to her body through spent emotions. There was no will for her other than the will and want to be alone with him, they had both survived the day, a day in which there was no winner, no victor and no guarantee that you would walk from the field of death .. alive.

The lament continued, the forest was drown in it as the old song was sung once more, like it had done since time of sorrow was born. The trees have heard it countless time and each time no more or less important. They take the sorrow in their wooden hearts, along their great stem so solid and true, into the ground and lay it in the soil so that each person that dies is remembered by Midvinter. No one every truly dies on this planet, they dwell within it's very core forevermore.

By the shore of the Frostvatn, Thrand led her and she followed without any protest nor word spoken. Ióunn could only offer him a weak smile in return for his desire to take her away from the village to find a peace alone with him, she was grateful for it and already felt a weight lift off her heart and soul. Simply being with Thrand was healing her and he was the only person she truly trusted so entirely.

Ióunn stood by the Lake face to face with the boy she loves and she lifted her eyes to his, his words more beautiful than the night sky moving her heart and she could not believe that there was any more tears to shed in her, but one.. one tear rolled down her cheek as his gentle touch soothed her. But it was not a tear of sorrow, but one of love and as he near and their lips met for the first time, Ióunn closed her eyes and left this world and entered another, to a place in which only they reside. Her moist warm lips parted and returned his kiss leaving nothing wanting in the heart. And now the pain of sorrow left her only to be replaced with him, her beloved Thrand.

​

[member="Thrand Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thrand Dawnbringer]

Thrand would remain at his son's bedside alongside Coci, watching as Lady Aewen and her assistants tend to Thurion's wounds. The concept of rest did no longer apply to him; his service to the Allfather and Midvinter was constant and unyielding, and exhaustion would not come to him through natural means. His daughter-in-law, however... As the hours went by and the sun set Coci was already napping against his broad shoulder, drifting in and out of the waking world. Not to mention her own wounds would require tending to as well.

Finally the Lady turned to the two onlookers and offered a slight bow of her head, letting them know the healing was completed to the very best of their abilities. Thrand met her gaze and smiled wide, breathing a sigh of relief. "Sweetie," he whispered softly to wake Coci up. "It is done. He is resting peacefully." He wrapped his arm around her. "You should have a lie down yourself, let them tend to your own wounds. Thurion will be right here, beside you." He gestured to the empty bed next to his son's.

"I will watch over the both of you," he assured her while rising them to their feet, holding her steady while leading her over to the bed. As they passed by Thurion's bedside, he allowed her to reach for her husband for a gentle caress of his cheek, before he laid her down amongst the soft sheets. "You will be together again in the morning, after a full night's rest. Sweet dreams, my little one," he bid her goodnight with a kiss upon her forehead as the healers gathered around her bed to begin the healing process. They would work on her while she slept, for the Force was their only instrument.

Once Coci drifted off to sleep again, Thrand stood back up and backed away to watch husband and wife rest beside one another, looking so very peaceful in spite of what the past day had thrown their way. "For all the powers of Beornskald," he told Lady Aewen in passing, "We have no way of mending wounds and restoring life to the very people who created us to watch over them." The Aelvar queen touched his arm and offered him another soothing smile, before leaving to attend others in dire need. Thrand would not leave however, preferring to remain by their side through the night; ever wary of the darkness.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her concern for Thurion was the only thing keeping her from sleep, deep sleep but held in the arms of their father it was impossible not to drift off. Yet in those moments the battlefield revisited her mind, the countless deaths of so many laid in waste, in the blooded snow would bring her back to reality. Although it was over, the war to win was yet to come. They all must rise from it, become better for it, become better than it, if they are to live without the hardship of pain. Easier said than done.

Like everyone that had endured this day, she too would have to live through the pain of all the loss and help those that will not see loved ones again, rebuild. There was no destruction to the likes of buildings or cities but the destruction was far worse than that .. it had been soul destroying. As Thrand lead her to the bed by her husband, Coci did not fight it, she knew if she was to be any help to anyone, she had to mend but nothing would separate her from Thurion’s side, never would.

As he laid her on the soft bed she managed him a smile, as sad as it was, but it was done to reassure their father that everything would be alright. She knew her smile was a lie, so did he but that is the only thing she had to offer him at this point. Coci turned her head to the side her eyes falling upon the restful face of Thurion, he looked at peace but their force bond told her different and he was no different from the rest. And immediately she joined him in the shifting shadows of dreams.

The Aelvar worked on her, mending her broken bones and cuts, the cleansing of her skin and redressing her to rid her of the armour and blooded mess underneath and now she lay in a white tunic with the sheets tucked about her and the darkness of the night shrouded them both, but watching over them was Thrand, alone in the dark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySsFGAk3P_M ​

She was not alone however, even in the state of sleep her mind reached out to Thurion, her greatest skill in the force, and placed herself there in his mind’s eye and she stood in her white gown with her hand raised to him, calling to him to come to her .. just like he had done to save her so many years ago. Come. Take my hand. She spoke to him .. Come my love, my beloved Thurion.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

From the moment of his defeat at the hands of the Crone-Goddess, Thurion's world was turned to darkness; an empty, endless black void bereft of hope. His spirit trapped and torn between life and death, and beset by foul demons stalking his shadowy surroundings. Resisting only slightly suffered unto him tremendous torture, while giving in to their will offered mending of the soul overwhelming to the sense - yet even in his state of unconsciousness Thurion knew not to give in; he recognised the corruptive nature of doing so, and so suffered the consequences. They tore away at him, piece by piece each time he would not allow them to claim him. This went on for what seemed like a lifetime, although in reality it had only been hours before his body was brought before the Lady of the Lake at the Houses of Healing in Averlorn.

The Aelvar queen's touch proved successful in driving out the dark spirits that hounded him, leaving his spiritual prison cold and grey. But it was his own wife's words which would restore his spirit so severely whittled down and worn out, lighting up his dreary world and bringing back hope to his weary bones. Life was returned to him, with red, hot blood resuming its course through his veins. In truth he even awoke early in the morning, hours before sunlight would grace the forest of Averlorn, although barely aware of his whereabouts as he was yet too weary to open his eyes. And still he could sense her being closeby - so close he could just reach out and touch her. So he did, his left hand moving on its own to reach across the small space between their beds to find Coci's right, entwining their fingers. It was all he could possibly muster before succumbing to rest once more.

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

It was not until late in the morning that he stirred next, roused by the sound of birds native to nowhere else on Midvinter chirping outside their window. Slowly his eyes opened - at least it felt like he opened both eyes - yet his vision proved severely limited as he began to scan the ceiling so elaborately adorned with carvings unlike any he'd witnessed elsewhere. He could feel Coci's hand still in his, yet he could not see her to his left. Finally he managed to turn his head to the side to set eyes on her sleeping form, lovingly tucked into bed. This greatly puzzled him, still groggy as he was, as it was a detail no mere healer would bother with, and in turn this would prove to be his first clue.

Summoning what little strength he had, Thurion then took to pulling himself up to rest his back against the headboard, supporting himself on his elbows. As his gaze was directed down towards his feet, he was slow to focus it upon what lay beyond; upon a chair sat a large-built man with long, unkempt greying hair, smiling wide from ear to ear as a divine aura surrounded him. "D-dad...?" he whimpered like a child, watching him rise and step around his bed to feel his nurturing hand upon his cheek. "My sweet boy," came the response and only now was he able to fully focus his gaze. Yet the first to weep was not himself, but the large man now taking the undeniable appearance of his father.

Thurion raised his hand to place upon his father's. "Are we..." he began, referring to himself and his wife resting next to him. But he did not have to finish his thought nor sentence, as Thrand's tears turned to laughter. "No. No, this world has more than earned to keep you around for a while yet," he chuckled as he leaned down to embrace his youngest child. Thurion did his best to return it, but mostly found himself resting against the immensity of his father. "I knew you would come, Papa," it was now his turn to shed tears. "I knew it in my heart."

Thrand lingered for a moment in their embrace before eventually pulling away to get a good look at his boy, yet his smile wavered as their eyes met. "Ugh, I can't wait to be rid of these bandages," he said, causing Thrand to falter even more in keeping up appearances. "I can barely see with them covering half my damn face." By now Thurion had taken notice of his father's diminishing joy, his own brows furrowing in response. "There are no bandages, Thurion..." His left hand lifted to his own face, placing it upon the left side of his face. His hand began to tremble. "They told me that you would experience numbness to the left side of your face, where the Crone's fingers digged into your flesh. It will pass in time, they assured me."

As Thurion's fingertips traced the deep scars from forehead to cheek. "Son," he continued after swallowing audibly, "Lady Aewen and her healers did all the they could, but... they could not restore sight to your left eye." Upon hearing this, Thurion fell silent as his gaze drifted away from his father's. After several seconds of deathly silence did he speak. "Show me," he asked of him. "Please..." A mirror was produced and handed to him, and with great hesitance did he lift it to reveal his exact injuries. The man staring back at him had but one eye, blue like the clearest of skies, while the other was but a grey and deathly pale imitation, surrounded by four long-running scars for each of the Crone's claw-like fingers. "I... I see," came his weak realisation of the situation.

Slowly he lay his head back down against the softness of the pillow, staring into the ceiling before once more having to turn his head fully to the side in order to find Coci by his side. "I'll, uh... I'll give you some time alone," his father said, heading for the exit. "I will let the others know you are up and about." With that, husband and wife were alone and as Coci now stirred from her slumber Thurion felt he had to mask his appearance to her by pressing his left side into the pillow. Reaching across, he let his fingertips grace her cheek as her eyes opened. Even as he despaired over his sorry state, he managed a smile just for her.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​