We Are the Sons of Winter and Stars [Coci Sinopi | Ask to Join]

[Coci Heavenshield]

My beloved [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

She laid her head upon his chest, the fire of passion and love still burns within her body and heart. Only one touch from him brings forth the flames and passion ignites as he whispers her name. Her body shook and shivered not with the cold of Midvinter but anticipation and they made love.

Thurion with skin so soft Coci kisses, inhaling his manly scent intoxicating taking away all reason from her mind. “I love you”, she finally speaks, although through their display of love he would know, she does not hide anything from him.

The warm waters laps against them as they remain entwined only their heavy breaths audible as they lay together in bliss. Her finger tips gently touch is chest find their way to his board shoulders, she closes her eyes as they run across his tense muscles from the base of his neck to his upper arm. Every furrow and mound of his body she knows and there is no part of him left wanting for attention.

Their souls had become one, living in two bodies.

She leans back only inches away from his face and smiles. Her black eyes finding his and sparkling with the soft light of the room, the low crackling fire framed in a wall of stone, shed light over their bodies and the scent of burning pine, lingered in the air, removing fatigue. They are both spent.

“You are my light, my breath, my everything”. Her lips placed against his, barely touching then again and again, until her mouth parted in a kiss of love. This time together will end and they would have to ready for duty once more, but for this moment will last for eternity.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Drained in more ways than one, Thurion could do little else other than smile back at his beloved as the two caressed each other. "Best... bath... ever...!" he managed between heavy breathing. "Although I can't help but feel we're every bit as dirty as before..." he teased, nibbling the side of her neck. Their lips met as they often would, allowing their feelings for each other to flow freely between them. "I love you", he told her while rubbing their noses together. He felt like staying in that bath of theirs forever, even though his fingertips had already assumed a prunish texture.

Suddenly a knock on the bathroom door caught his attention. "Forgive me, my Prince...", came an elderly female voice from outside the room. "...but your father instructed me to inform you that the coronation ceremony will be held in a few hours. I've also taken the liberty to provide you and your lady with clothes for the occasion." His embrace of Coci tightened somewhat as if fearing she'd be taken away from him. Pure instinct. His attention soon returned to the woman in his arms and he kissed her once more. "Thank you. You may leave us." he told the person on the other side between kisses. "Of course, my lord", the voice spoke before leaving.

"I'm not sure I'm willing to get out of here, just yet..."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Their bodies pressed hard against one another, as the voice of the woman spoke. It had made her attention jump at the sudden intrusion, and it only confirmed her thoughts that they would soon have to attend to protocols. She cared little for the clothes she would wear, but had no doubt the woman would have chosen well enough to fit the ceremony.

Coci turned to Thurion holding her close and raised a brow, "You are insatiable", she said with a glint of excitement and no lack of willingness. However, it was she that began. Her mouth plunging to his neck her teeth pulling firmly but gently on his skin as her hands explored under the water.

"Let us live now like there is no tomorrow", she whispered between hungry kisses of his skin. Then in a sudden movement, Coci pushed away and glided to the other side of the bath. A small stone seat in the bath provided her with a step up and out, she turned and sat on the edge, resting the palms of her hands on the cool stone work. Water running and beading down her body and pooling around her buttocks. With the sudden coolness of the air of Midvinter, her skin formed small bumps all over her, but she felt the warmth of the fire on her back.

She raised one leg and allowed her toes to play on the surface of the bath water, her eyes lifted to find his, teasing him with a look of wanting and her physicality. Her mouth formed a smile her eyes penetrating his to his soul, "You want me? come and get me".

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It didn't take long for him to follow his love as she moved to the opposite side, sitting on the edge and dangling her feet in the water. Thurion remained in the bath, stepping towards her with nothing but love in his eyes. His hands found hers, placing his lips upon them delicately. He looked up at her, eyes sparkling like jewels.

"I promise to love you​

for every moment of forever,​

and when everything else crumbles,​

I will never"​

He then moved closer to place a kiss upon her belly button before resting his head in her lap. At this moment, everything felt perfect. There were no more wars, no more death and no more killing. Peace, serenity and harmony had taken their place, and love had conquered all. In the end, this only made it harder to return to the real world, but it was a price he was willing to pay.

An Hour Later...​

​

Cleansed of the blood and grime they'd contracted during the long battle fought, Thurion and Coci returned to their chambers to get dressed for the ceremony. Looking out the window, it was already dark outside with only the falling snow visible to them. On the bed lay the outfits prepared for them, both carrying the embroidered seal of his House. The male outfit was far more practical than fancy, as is the Valkyri way, with lots of leather and earthy tones. While a bit heavier than what he's used to, it still felt more comfortable than a suit or a tuxedo. The cloak, he'd been informed, was optional seeing how the ceremony was taking place indoors.

As he put on the leather jerkin to top off the outfit, he snuck a glance at Coci getting dressed. She looked magnificent. She always did, and she always would to him.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

As he tended to her wound, Thrand listened to her words. He knew the subject of her biological father was a delicate one, but he also knew she'd found peace in ending the life of the one who murdered her foster father. "Beorlund... I don't think you would've recognised him. He is old, now. The crown have been a cruel mistress to him over the years, it seems. His mind is addled and not his own. It makes sense that Njal would've worked through him to get what he wanted, whispering poisonous word to his liege lord over so many years."

It left a foul taste in his mouth to even speak of the corruptors of his land and people, which only made him focus on his task of patching Aerin up even more. "There", he said. "How do you feel?" He'd finished up by wrapping a piece of cloth torn from his cloak around her arm. "Now, leave it as it is until nightfall. You may remove it when in bed, long as you put it back on first thing in the morning. I'll be watching you, missy", he told her like a father would his young daughter before cracking a smile. "Well, it's high time I go get ready for tonight. I trust I'll see you there?" Thrand stood up, holding out his hand for her to grab onto. Once she, too, was back on her feet, he took the liberty of giving her a loving embrace. No further words were spoken.

An Hour Later...​

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Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oc1xWnienI​

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The royal bedroom was far more spacious than his old room, now occupied by his son and his beloved. It was an eerie feeling, standing inside the very room in which he'd watched his father pass away into legend. Where he had played as a child and where he had slept nestled between his parents after having woken up from having a bad dream. He never touched the bed at all, but rather pulled up a chair and sat beside it just as he had many decades ago. He could still see his father's fragile body lay upon its sheets so still and peaceful, holding his hand and feeling his pulse weaken. It had been one of the hardest moments of his life, to watch someone so strong in life never open his eyes again, or smile at his son again.

"Father", he spoke softly. "All I've ever done was to make you proud. I pray that what was done today has granted your soul the rest it deserves. I will not make the same mistake twice; your grandson is everything you could ever hope for, and a better man than I ever was. I miss you..." Shedding a few tears for his father, Thrand then rose from his seat and proceeded to get ready for his coronation. Much like the outfit his son would be wearing, his was no more fancy and just as practical in appearance. Once dressed, he laid his sword, Dawnstar, to rest upon the bed. "You've served me well, old friend." He prayed he would never have to wield it again for as long as he lived.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Prince [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

​

The influences of breeding are hard to remove. Coci understood this now as her fingertips lightly brushed over the fabric of the dress chosen for her. She has an eye many things, one of which is design and quality, and their clothes are of the highest. Her next words would run counter to most of her experience of Midvinter thus far, but they came regardless, "Is everything so soft here on Midvinter?", she asked as she looked over to Thurion, pulling on his boots.

Coci dressed in her undergarments which were also provided before placing the blue dress with gold trim over her head. She looked at the long voluminous sleeves not really knowing what to do with them, however the pattern on the fabric took her eye, it is Valkyri sown and designed, she wondered if the female voice that they heard not that long ago was the author of this art.

Soft shoes provided for her sat at the end the bed on the floor waiting for her to slip into, which she did before moving over to Thurion. She stood in front of him and fussed with his collar and leather jerkin as if her effort would make him look more perfect then he already did. The fact of the matter was, she is nervous. Not really knowing what would be expected of her or if their Lord and father's people would accept her for their Princes partner. Silly really, she thought.

Coci looked up into his face, and smiled, her eyes finding his and for a moment she allowed herself to be lost in them. "Can you help me do up, please?". she asked finally as she turned her back to him to reveal no zip but a crisscross of fine ribbons to tighten.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Lord [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

She would never say the name of the Usurper ever again.

Aerin sat up straight and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "I feel fine thank you Thrand", she said with appreciation. The herbs have started to do their magic and with the killing of any onset of infection the wound had began to cool and heal. Soon enough Aerin would have strength to complete the healing through the force. The scar would remain however, left on purpose.

"Yes my liege", she bowed before him, with a smile, it would be one of the few times she could jest with him in private, and he will be King soon enough. Respect him?, she does with all her soul, as the man proved himself, not only to her or Midvinter, but to himself. And for that alone, she greatly admires him.

A small sharp laugh escaped her lips, "I will attend Thrand". She would not miss the coronation if all the galaxy was placed before her feet.

She looked into his face as he held her in a loving embrace, before leaning and taking hold of him around the shoulders and holding just a moment longer. As he departed, Aerin remained in the house to gather herself.

Sitting back on the bed, she looked around barely anything in the sparse room, nothing caught her eye, but her mind was on the coming event. A girl she may be, but a Shieldmaiden does not have the thought of packing a large dress for a party after a war. She had nothing to wear.

Hmmm, she began thinking of what to do, not many traders would be about today that remained behind after the battle, besides she had nothing to trade that she would be willing to part with. She remembers her early days at court, how the ladies would be dressed that resided in the Keep and Grand Hall, she lightly slapped her thighs before standing up again.

"I think it is time for this Valkyri to go and do some pillaging", she told the contents of the room. Thrand would reached the Grand Hall by now, he had not answered her question not really, but she knew he still needed time to himself, time that would be hard to find after this evening and he is King.
Through the side entrance Aerin walked and found her way to the sleeping quarters of the previous occupants. The so called courtiers had long gone, once standing in this hall baying for blood, gone.

Aerin found a room a lady once occupied and opening a large trunk in which she found enough clothing to keep her in good stead for the rest of the season. She reached in and pulled out a dress. "Perfect".

Aerin bathed and scented her body in oils before dressing and waiting for the call to Grand Hall, and to the King.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

When she asked him to help her tie together the ribbons along her back he was more than happy to oblige. He took position behind her close enough to smell the loveliness of her scent. He began work on her dress, tying the ribbons one by one at a deliberately slow pace. Bearded cheek brushed up against silky-smooth cheek as he rested his head upon her shoulder, taking all the time in the world to breathe in her presence, her aura. Their hearts beat as one as he kissed her cheek, a flutter of butterflies in his stomach. She never failed to soothe and excite him both, that feeling one only experienced when in love. Truly in love.

Once he had finished, he said nothing but rather held her close, putting his arms around her chest. Their lips met and once again the outside world ceased to exist. There was only him, her and forever, all in perfect harmony. Time was not yet invented and death itself had died. "I love you", he told her like so many times before. He only meant it more and more every time he said it.

At the Ceremony​

​

All was ready. The great hall had been prepared and refurbished to magnificent results, with beautiful carpets lining the floors and dozens upon dozens of banners hanging from atop the ceiling, one for every clan and noble house on Midvinter. This ceremony was not only held to crown their new High King, but also served as a chance for the defeated nobles to win back the favour of their new liege lord by presenting him with their ancestral weapons forged millennia ago. Once presented, all past grievances were forgotten and the conquering clans accepted their brethren back into the fold with open arms. Those who wouldn't oblige were quickly put to death through public executions. It was the way of their fathers, and their fathers before them.

The guests were already gathered inside the throne room, sat at the many longtables with mead in their cups and food on their plates, yet none would drink nor eat until after the ceremony. The tables, all lined up, created an aisle adorned with an exquisite carpet stretching across the hall from the entrance to the throne itself. The carpet wore the blue and gold of the now-ruling house, much like the two banners found on either side of the throne. At the entrance, behind closed doors, stood Thrand, now preparing to meet his subjects as their new High King for the first time. A momentous occasion, to say the least. Thurion and Coci held hands as they approached him.

"My children, there you are!" he greeted them both, smiling wide. "My Lady Sinopi, you look absolutely radiant! It's been a long time since last I saw someone donning that dress." He examined the fine fabrics by running his fingertips along its intricate patterns. "It once belonged to my mother..." he then said. "Your grandmother, son." He took a deep breath and then turned towards the twin doors leading to the great hall. "It's customary that all members of the royal family walk up the aisle. I hope neither of you have stage fright. Gods know I do..."

​

Spoiler

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

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Thurion and Coci took position a few feet behind the elder, and before they knew it the doors swung open. The crowd were suddenly gripped by silence as they turned to look upon the three figures stood at the entrance. They rose from their seats and bowed their heads in honour of their king. After taking another deep breath, Thrand began his walk towards the throne awaiting him on the far end of the great hall. Thurion gripped the hand of his beloved tight before they followed their father; the father of a people, the father of Midvinter.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Life was never the same after Coci had met Thurion in that cave, and life is now in a constant state of change. Yet regardless of all that changed around them, they remained as in love as they would always be, a love that grew with each breath they took. She turned in his arms as he kissed her and spoke the words she never wants to end, she hears them as if it is the first time he tells her. Her heart fills with her returned love, and beats in time with his, her soul take flight only to become one with his and her body trembles with every touch of his. She loves him, and more so she is in love with him.

But all to soon, the outside world intruded once more, pulling them both back to the events of the coronation. Thrand stood alone, and waiting them both, he needed them now more then ever. Coci looked into his eyes, the sapphire blue sparkled as he looked at her only to be met with the twinkling of her own, before she placed her kiss of pure love on his lips. "Your father needs you now, we must go to him", she whispered as her hand played in his beard. However, for now she did not move, her body unable to part from his.

-----------------------------------------------------

As Thrand touched the delicate fabric of her dress and explained it's history, Coci placed her hand over his and held it. "Father we are right behind you", she said as they approached the door as it opened. What greeted her eyes was extraordinary. The Grand Hall had turned into something from a fairy tale and all the Valkyri had dressed for the occasion in their finest. The banners and standards hanging over head as they passed the people with lowered heads in respect, and the festoon of flowers adding colour and grandeur as well as a subtle scent of perfume. The main hearth roared with large logs warming the hearts of all within the wall of the Hall.

Coci loosen the grip on Thurion's hand and took his arm for support, as she is overwhelmed with the occasion. She felt many eyes on her and her beloved, but they would only returned to their King. "How are you?", she asked in a whisper, wondering what he must be feeling about all this, considering he is in line for the Throne and one day...

"Thurion?", she turned to look up into his face to search for the answers there.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Lord [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

Aerin seated at one of the many tables in the Grand Hall, waited along with the rest of Midvinter for this day. Before her many silver platters of food ready for feasting, but she payed it little attention, the only thing that did was the bottom of her tankard of mead as she looked down into it in thought.

It is strange when something comes to an end, one has the feeling of loss even though one never desires to go through what they all had in the past years, the fighting and hiding, the constant vigilance against the tyranny that had gripped Midvinter, now ended. She began to wonder on what her purpose would be now, she will find one of course but she still could not help think something was missing.

The images of war and the experience of it, will never leave ones mind but things like this are so intrinsic within a Valkyri she had to wonder what the King would do to quell such things from happening again. She knows the nature of the Valkyri well enough to know they will grow restless, their warrior spirit will subside for some time, but eventually, it will stir once more. There are only so many mead induced fights that will satisfy a warrior spirit before it longs for the sword to be unsheathed once more.

She pushed those thoughts from her mind as the large doors open and the royal family emerge and began their walk toward the waiting throne. Thrand looked every bit the King in his leathers as did the Prince and his Lady. From her viewing point, she smiled and lowered her head as they passed.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

​

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svUHcWvG4R0​

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"I'm fine, love", Thurion whispered to Coci walking beside him. "Just... a lot to take in."

The sight of so many of his followers wearing their finest, all washed of the horrors of war and all carrying a few more scars from it, was enough to make every step he took feel like running submerged in water. He also took note of whom were no longer around to see their hard work come to fruition. Many faces he'd hoped to see on this day were missing, many of which he knew personally. It felt like an age ago when he set out on this journey, to reclaim what was his by right. Now that is was over, the burden of keeping his men alive was replaced by keeping the Realm of Midvinter alive and prosperous. He knew better than most what lurked in the darkness, and should this evil emerge once more he would have to stop it.

The walk seemed endless, but eventually the three stood before the Ice Throne of Midvinter like they had earlier that day, only now its presence felt so very awe-inspiring, almost intimidating to behold. Perhaps knowing that he would now have to sit on it factored in, for how could he assume the seat of power that his father once did and hope to even come close to the ruler he was? As he climbed the few steps to then turn around to face his peers, a breath of confidence filled his soul. With a gesture of his hand he asked that Thurion and Coci take position on his left.

"My brother, my sisters, my sons and my daughters - all you who bled beside me in battle on so many occasions, and who never failed to make me proud even once - this is no more my day as it is yours. You will be able to finally return to your homes, your villages and your families. No longer will the call to battle sound, and I release you from your oaths. We all are equal in the eyes of one another as well as the Gods, whom have all stood by our side from the very beginning. They believed in you, as did I. I still do." His eyes fell upon those of Aerin in the crowd, looking stunning in her dress. He sent a nod her way before taking his seat upon the throne.

"This brave Son of Winter has reclaimed what was lost to him and his for many years, and has ascended the Ice Throne as his father, Threign Hammerfall, once did before him. May the Gods grant him the same wisdom, strength, benevolence and righteousness as is befitting of the High King of Midvinter. Long may he reign!" The master of ceremonies then lowered the crown until it sat upon his head. "Long may he reign!" the hall voiced in unison, followed by cheering and shouts of joy. Thurion looked to Coci, took her hand in his and gave it a kiss. He then turned to look upon his father sat on the throne, and it was as if the thing was made for him. His father caught his gaze and extended his hand, which Thurion held onto firmly. It was a moment between father and son that neither would forget.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

King of the Realm of Midvinter [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

All eyes turned to the throne, for the most part the Valkyri within the Grand Hall fell silent. Aerin turned to watch the ceremony as the royal family took up their positions, all of them looked regal and stood with proud brow, yet Aerin sensed their nerves but that was to be expected. No more so then Thrand, his lot now laden with the responsibility of an entire nation and Aerin silently vowed there and then to assist him with her humble abilities.

Thrand spoke of the honour of the battle field, to be able to bleed in partnership with fellow warriors, the pride of it and the pride he feels toward them all. He relieved them all of oaths given freely to man they believe in, but she would not depart from her oath, she will remain vigilant to the ever present threat of danger to her beloved Midvinter. She will be his ears and ears.

Thrand looked to her, their eyes locked for a single moment before he nodded toward her. Aerin smiled and lowered her face only to hide a flush in her cheeks, before her eyes lifted once more to see the crown placed on his brow.

"Long may he reign!", she joined in the call.

As the official part of the ceremony now complete and the master of ceremony busy with the signing of the parchment, Aerin looked around the expectant crowd. She smiled and lifted her voice. "Let the feast begin!", she yelled in a cheery voice.

That was all that was needed for the entire Hall to break silence and the din of conversation and cheer which grew loud. Food from the kitchen quarters arrived and placed on the long tables, mead tankards and flagons by the cart load and the sound of laughter filled the Hall.

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mj83glvgdk

And began the festive music.

Aerin, took her place at the end of the long table and filled her tankard and took food from the plates before her. Her energy had returned somewhat, her arm felt better with Thrand's medicinal application and with her self healing. She looked around to enjoy the sights of the Hall, it would not be long before the rivalry would grow to a point of the customary .. fight. It would not be Midvinter without one.

Her eyes wandered to the throne, wishing for her King to be at easy and to partake in the meal. She contemplated whether he would dance with her later in the eve. That thought made her smile.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her Prince and beloved [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

​

As Coci turned to look out at all the face looking back at them, she took in a deep breath. So many years spent in isolation, out of the view of eyes to look upon her and living within the shadows, she felt strange. No Silver Shadow stood upon the platform but as the life partner of the Prince of Midvinter and in time King. But it is alright, the peoples of Midvinter in ignorance of her normal life and in a way that felt good to her. To be something other then a Jedi, but simply a woman.

She looked down as Thurion placed a kiss on her hand and her heart skipped a beat with the thrill of his touch once more. Time would end but this feeling he evokes in her will remain long after the end of time. Time is powerless.

Coci moved closer to Thurion as he took a moment to be with his father in this moment for Thrand. Hand in hand the family linked and it would remain this way forever. As the crown lowered over Thrand and rested on his silver hair, Coci bowed her head in reverence as did all of Midvinter. A cheer of good will and long reign filed the Hall and soon the band played.

She turned to Thurion and smiled, "Once we have eaten and find a moment.. dance with me", she whispered. The horror of the battlefield had not left them and would not, but now is the time for healing on all levels, and it is time to celebrate.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Go on, get out there and have fun while you're young", Thrand told them, giving his son a playful shove in the direction of the ongoing feast. He then slumped back onto the throne and began to receive the many chieftains already lining up to declare their fealty to the new High King. The feast itself provided much needed background noise to ease any tension between rival clans, and the ever-flowing mead dulled their senses to make them more agreeable, although too much would make them more aggressive. It was a fine art that his father had instructed him in for many a year in his youth.

Thurion and his beloved Coci soon found a pair of seats for them at one of the tables, smack dab in the middle of it all. He couldn't say he knew any of their faces, but they all seemed to know him and the raven-haired woman at his side, for upon taking their seat they all cheered, raising their cups and flagons. Thurion couldn't help but feel slightly awkward, sat amongst these giants boasting and feasting like there was no tomorrow. Their table manners ranged from acceptable to flat out bad, but not without that special Valkyri charm so palpable in every aspect of their lives.

He remained largely quiet, eating his food while much of the enjoyment came from simply watching the others interact. Thankfully there existed water as well as mead, and so he filled his cup and turned to Coci. "Here's to the new king", he offered her a toast between the two. It was then that the band filled the great hall with another tune, and so without further ado he rose from his seat and took his beloved by the hand. "May I have this dance?"

​

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8ir8rVl2Z4​

​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The incomparible [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

​

Her fork pierced the most tender meat she had ever tasted, roasted to perfection and basted in juices of the fruits of Midvinter. The blood of the meat oozed down her fork onto her fingers as she placed it in her mouth, the taste of the meat made her mouth water as she delighted in the rare tenderness. Her body seemed to crave it, as if she had not eaten well for many days, the mead even more delightful to the palette and she took a long draft of her tankard to follow the meat. She is enjoying her food, and the company around them both. She could not help but smile at all the antedotes the Valkyri spoke of deeds done in the past and the on battlefield this day.

Conversation with Thurion would be rendered impossible, with all the noise that surrounded the table on which they sat, she turned to him and looked over his handsome face, and read there his unease. But before she could enquire her face was hit with a flying piece of meat from where she did not know, it slid down her face as she turned to look for the culprit regardless. Those close to her stopped and looked on with slight alarm for the moment, however, Coci only smiled and laughed, but the laughter and belly full of Midvinter's finest only produced a very large and loud belch from Coci which was left unchecked, the table only cheered and they returned to their meals and conversation. However, she shot a sheepish looked toward Thurion before grinning at him.

"To the new King!", she said half muffled with her mouth full of meat and a slight flush to her cheeks.

As the musicians contined to play, Thurion rose from his seat and asked her for a dance. Coci wiped her hands on a cloth before taking his and swallowing hard the remainer of her food in her mouth.

"It would be my honour to dance with you My Prince", she said as she stood and waited for him to lead her to the dance floor.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

King [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

Pushing her plate away having finished her meal, Aerin's eyes looked to her King once more. Surrounding him now are many of the Chieftains of Midvinter, those of friend that had come to his aid to regain the throne and others on the opposing side, now contrite and offering their alligance to him. Although this is the way of Midvinter, it still did not do anything to remove her disgust at this, double standards. They will be watched by her in the future.

She stood from her place, as leader of Clan Sabina until such time as Thaerd returns from his exile imposed on him by herself, she would represent her Clan. Aerin walked toward the throne and the man, her friend seated upon it. Her hands took hold of her skirt of her dress and lifted it to reveal her matching shoes and so she could take the steps up to the main platform, Aerin of noble blood and birth knows well the protocols of court and would now perform duty. As most of the other chieftain had concluded their declarations and moved away, Aerin bowed low before her King.

"My soverign, as Leader of Clan Sabina, I pledge my continuous alligance to the crown of Midvinter and to you", she said as she remained in a supliant position. As she raised up and stood tall her shoulders pinned back and her long red hair fell down her back below her waist, she smiled as she looked into his blue grey eyes. "I think I will comission a cushion for you my King, you seem a little ... uncomfortable in your ... seat", she is, of course, referring to his bum.

Her eyes shifted right and left, to see who might be close and listening, but deciding she is safe to speak more familiar, she leans in, "Thrand, let me help get the blood circulating through your .. seat once more, and come and dance with me", she asked hoping to not only dance with him, but to give relief to him from duty if only for a moment.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Leading his lady out onto the dance floor which remained largely empty as most were still partaking in the imbibing of mead and feasting of food, Thurion held her hand firmly until they stood in the middle for all whom bothered to look. His other hand now settled behind her waist and held her close. "I think you're taking to the Valkyri ways better than I", he spoke softly into her ear as the two started swaying to the rythm of the soothing music.

With a gentle kiss upon her forehead he then let the tips of their noses touch ever-so-slightly, before then resting his forehead against hers. "By this time tomorrow we'll be back on Tabaqui, with Nina. We'll be having dinner by the fireplace overlooking the lake, and watch the sunset redden the sky." As much as he enjoyed the company of his people here on Midvinter, returning to their home on tropical Tabaqui will be a lovely change of pace. No more ice and snow, no more wars between kings.

He shot a glance over her shoulder towards his father sat upon the throne, receiving the redhead's oath of fealty as the last clan to do so.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

As the last of the clan leaders to declare their fealty to him, Thrand's otherwise stoic expression soon turned into a wide smile upon receiving Aerin Firebrand, the fiercest of redheads. "My... seat?" he asked before adjusting his stance. "It's pronounced arse, my dear Lady Firebrand", he then replied with a wink. When she then offered him a dance, he suddenly got shy and cheeks reddened. "Me dance? I, uh... haven't danced since... a long time ago." He lowered his head as if in deep thought for a moment.

Eventually he reached for her hand felt its softness in his large palm. He then stood up and merely walked down the steps towards the dance floor - where his son and his lady had already started dancing - taking her with him in the process. "I may be old, but these bones still remember a thing or two." He then proceeded to waltz straight into another Valkyr merely passing by, almost spilling his flagon of mead. His brief burst of confidence immediately vanished and awkwardness settled in once more. "Well... Like I said, it has been a while", he told his dancing partner while still trying to remember the steps.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The King [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

Her shoulders were still shaking from laughter as Thrand lead her to the dance floor. It was simply impossible for Thrand to go for too long without issuing a swear word, it is part of the reason she likes him so. However, it is not something Aerin partakes of, her father teaching her that is it unseemly for a lady to do so, a lesson she learned well. Oh there are exceptional times of course, like if in pain one tends to vent but her stock and her self respect as a woman will not permit such indulgence. But it is part of Thrand and one very endearing to her.

They had settled into position, and Aerin had placed her hand on his shoulders only to be stopped by his initial awkwardness. She looked over his face, and pondered once more, this time unsure of herself and a growing situation deep inside her. "You are older then you once were, but you are not old". she finally said. Now she took charge of the situaion, as the passing Valkyri did not dare to protest the spilt mead to the King.

Aerin right arm firmly took her King in her arms pulling him to her with strength even he may be surprised at, and she pressed her body to his. The other, the left rested across his shoulder and under his long silver hair. Now it was her turn to smile wide at him as she began to sway with the music before she moved in closer and to his ear whispering, "Just allow your body to meld with mine and follow my rythmn", firey and fierce a red head might be but they are more then that and Aerin has a side to her yet seen by Thrand, that of passion and love and a strong sense of delicious wickedness. "How fares your arse now?".

She comtemplated for a moment as they moved together, Thrand still finding his feet so to speak. She knows well enough he has passed loved and may still hold dear that love, after all Prince Heavenshield is from his loins and had not simply fallen from the skies. But Aerin hoped happiness for Thrand once more, to find some joy in life once again, even if it seemed to come from the most unlikely of people but deep down she hoped he might one day, look upon her with dfferent eyes. For now, she is happy to with him in this moment.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The "Lets end this sucker" [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

​

The hand on his shoulder, allowed her fingertips to play with his longish golden hair she loves so much. She smiled as he noted her behaviour at the table, "I can teach you how to belch if you wish", she jested as she giggled at his comment. However, it did not take long for the atmosphere to take her away to another place, the only place that exists for her where she can be his. His arms are her Shield of Heaven and coupled with the gentling music she drifted away to bliss.

Warm lips set upon her brow, noses caressed in love's touch and she closed her eyes as their force bond prickled with emotions unequalled by any in the galaxy.

"By this time tomorrow we'll be back on Tabaqui, with Nina. We'll be having dinner by the fireplace overlooking the lake, and watch the sunset redden the sky." his words filled her soul and as she remained within his arms his words had already transported her home, she is already there in spirit.

"We will listen to the night creatures awaken and begin their nightly flight, the cool breeze from the lake will caress our skin and sooth any aches in body and soul. Nina laughter and happiness at our return will begin to remove our heart aches and we will begin to heal". Coci turned her face inward and placed love's kiss on his cheek.

Only an inch from his face she looked into his eyes, "Life began for me, the day I met you, the day even before the cave on that moon, do you remember? A Master Jedi set to protect a strong willed Knight at that time. I did not know that day would herald the coming of the greatest love the force blessed us with. Such things we have seen .. been through in our time together, and we stand together strong, as one. Thurion Heavenshield I love you". Her lips parted as she placed them on his soft warm mouth, barely touch she closed them on his bottom lip only to continue again.