A Fragment of Winter [Coci]

[Lief]

The snow seemed to sparkle under the light of the sun as Mysa made her way from the longhouse she had been residing in. It had been some time since she had journeyed, together with her parents, to Midvinter, and during that time her ferocious devotion to the Old Gods had intensified. The Light shone through her all the same in her rejection of Velkar, and her connection to the Force had flourished of its own accord. The teachings of her Master were never too far from her mind.

Her eyes lifted, gaze set upon the snowtipped mountains which wrapped themselves around the valley. On the horizon a bird hung midflight, its screech echoing along the eastern crag to her left; Mysa smiled, Odiir was ever present here in his frozen realm.

As the flurries began to fall at a faster rate, Mysa flicked up the hood of her cloak and shielded herself from the worst of the elements. Snow and ice had become her companions, but she was not impervious to their effects. Hands sunk into the furs, the wooden figurine curled within her left while the interchanging heat of the luminescent crystal both warmed and cooled her right. A gift from Teign Himself, sent on the wind by the High God. Mysa had opened herself up to their whims entirely, and it was partially their guidance she followed now.

From the crunch to a firmer stamp as she reached the steps of the High King's abode. Inside she would find Thrand, her King, her Grandfather, and her Rolemodel. It was he who had introduced her to the ways of his people. He who had brought her the Gift of the Gods.

Alas it was not he she had come to see. Instead Mysa waited, gaze scanning the snow-laden surroundings. No, it was not her Grandpa but someone of equal note. The first true Mother she had known, and her Master in the ways of the Force. Coci and her Family meant the world to Mysa, they were joined, the lot of them, the Heavenshields (including Thyrian and Thrand, of course) and the Vi'dreya's. Their connections ran as deeply as any other Family, only theirs was a kinship of conscious choice. Which strengthened it far beyond your standard lineage.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A headache pounded in her head which woke her early this morning. The evening had been spent with Thrand who missing his family would not allow her to go to be without telling him everything of the news. Coci had not mentioned the reunion of the brother, that was not her place to do so. Thurion and Thyrian would soon visit him, and so she concentrated her stories around the family, the children which delighted him knowing they are growing up so well. And so well they are! All three developing into amazing people full of life and purpose.

She sat up in bed holding her head and curse Thrand, naturally the evening would not be complete without mead and as the night had grown old much had been consumed. Coci sat for a moment, using the force to clear her head and rid the influence of the mead. As her mind cleared she giggled and climbed out of the furs for the bathing room.

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

"Good morning Lady Heavenshield", the door usher greeted her and bowed as she passed. "Thank you", she said as he opened the wooden doors of the Great Hall and as the light of day filtered into her room and she could see the streets of Thainbroek, she smiled. "Indeed it is a good morning". Although the sight of the capital delighted her, her response was only filled with the thoughts of Mysa.

Coci pulled the fur cloak around her body, the chill of the morning invigorating and as with tradition of Midvinter for married women to braid their hair, she tucked her braid in the hood as she pulled it over her head.

Looking up the main street that lead to the Hall, Coci could see a figure of a girl coming toward her. She smiled, she sensed who is was and quickly made her way down the steps to greet Mysa. On approach, she beamed a smile and opened her arms to enfold them around the girl. She had grown so much since Coci last saw her, a slight sadness at this realisation as time was passing them by. "Mysa it is good to see you", she said hold her close and placing a kiss on her hooded head. "You are well?".

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

One step, two step, crunch, crunch, thud.

From snow to stone, Mysa walked straight to the Great Hall and was immediately enveloped into the warm embrace of [member="Coci Heavenshield"] who held her close. Despite the frigid weather, she felt as warm as Ashborn in that moment which goaded her into nestling her face down on the crook of the woman's neck and breathing in her scent. Crushed berries came to mind.

Leaning back she broke into a broad smile, before remembering herself and inclining herself into a bow of respect. It had been too long.

"Greetings, Master, and many blessings to you."

Mysa tugged at her cloak, bringing it around her shoulders to stave off the worst of the weather. Even after so long on Midvinter she hadn't quite adjusted. Then again, she wasn't of the Vinterborn.

A kiss was set upon her head, which made her feel even more at home.

"I'm very well, thank you; how have you been?"

Truth be told she was more than well, she was invigorated. The crystal in her pocket pulsated with life and light, a piece of the Gods cradled against her palm. She was also excited, for whatever adventure lay ahead. More so than this, however, Mysa was simply content to be back in the presence of her Mother, her Master. Coci would never be anything but that.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A gentle hand settled on Mysa's cheek, her thumb softly stroking her skin near her jaw line. Coci's black eyes looked over Mysa's face, studying it, she had change much, not only in developing into a girl on the edge of womanhood but within herself. There is a calm about her, as if she had discovered herself or was it that she was simply happy to be home. This, Coci could understand as Midvinter is her's as she had lost Corellia. "I have been well", her simple answer which would not give away the recent effects of the war on Lujo.

"You are cold, let us make haste and I might have a little 'trick' to teach you to keep warm", she encouraged her to follow along back down the main street which would lead them to the main gates of the capital. "You have something in your pocket", she said as if discovering a great secret, but in fact Coci could sense it, the radiant crystal deep within the coat.

"I have ship outside the walls in a clearing in the forest, on board I have lightsaber components that you might like to take a look at?". She looked to see the reaction on her face. "After that, I think we should travel into the mountain to the south near Rildonmark. Rildonmark is the home of Clan Sabina and Lady Firebrand".

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

The girl leaned into the calming touch of her Master and breathed a sigh of contentment. Things seemed to be piecing together nicely, though it had not been without at least a little hardship along the way. Her Mother and Father had suffered a terrible loss after reaching Midvinter, something Mysa doubted they had shared with anyone else in the family. Even Mysa hadn't been told, but their inconsolable grief had left even she awake at night. It was during this time that she had overheard it. Such a terrible loss.

It had shook the child even then, though the implications had not been truly understood until more lately. Mysa had stepped into the arms of the Gods in order to try and strengthen herself and her resolve. She would not have them lose another child. The peace which coursed through her faltered for just a second at the reminder, tears stinging her eyes but going no further.

It had been too long since she had stood before Coci. Too long since she had stepped away from the loving hold of her parents.

With one very slight sniffle, which she masked as an extension of the cold around them, Mysa managed to beam a smile. "I am eager to learn anything you might offer" she said, as they began their descent from the Great Hall. Down the main street they strode, and for once Mysa was able to keep up with Coci's standard pace.

At the mention of the item in her pocket, Mysa's hand instinctively closed over the crystal. Her next statement revealed that the Heavenshield knew more than she was letting on, too. "I would love to take a look at them Master." A Lightsaber was a most sacred construct. Mysa did not even carry a training hilt these days, believing herself unworthy until she was able to construct her own. The very thought of being able to do so filled her with awe.

The gate loomed ahead of them, which would lead them from the Capital and out into the wilds she and Théo had once explored.

Mysa was curious as to why it was they might need to go to the mountains. Curious but not dismayed. She loved nature, she loved the thought of venturing amidst the peaks.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Through the gates and out down the long trail. Before them is the field on which she and Thurion fought alongside Thrand in the battle for the Throne, even to this day nothing is allowed to cross the field, no hoofs, no foot and no ship. So Coci leads Mysa along the worn track around it to a clearing in the forest where her ship sits waiting. Although most of the Valkyri that reside in Thainbroek have become used to the sight of the metal flying beasts, it still is best to place them away from curious eyes. As the ramp lowered Coci took Mysa on board to find the components for lightsabers, they are located in the cargo hold and Coci soon found the small trunk.

Inside are various styles of saber hilts and all the necessary internal components but they are without individuality, only the one that will construct a saber will add themselves to it. "Mysa in here is all that you will need, but choose wisely". Coci stood back to allow the young girl to take her time in her selection if she so desired.

"I shall see to our transport while you make your selection, come find me outside when you are finished".

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

She walked alongside her Master and exited the City, her gaze lingering to the place where she and Théo had hopped into a cart and journeyed along the path into the great unknown. What reckless children they had been. What reckless teenagers they still were. The girl could not help but smile fondly at the memory. Fishbrain, Wriggles... She chuckled to herself for a moment, before shaking her head. The latter had, sad to say, stuck.

Along that self same trail she now walked, years later. There was a confidence to her that had been missing back then, an assurance in the Gods to guide her. The cloak of the Vhaanir, while still ridiculously large, fit her better these days. Like it had been made for her shoulders to bear. The rest of her attire followed the same unconventional style, none of the beige or brown of the Jedi - everything seemed to hold a slightly purple tint in a certain light. Even the furs.

And Mysa herself seemed to glow.

It was true that most Umbaran's already appeared ethereal, but this was something else. She was alight with radiance, she appeared healthy and high on life. Carefree yet reserved. Time had been kind to her in many ways, she had grown into a wiser state. Then again, she had witnessed much to say she was just fifteen.

The steady crunch of snow gave way to the creak of metal as her boots fell upon the ramp.

Following Coci inside, Mysa let out a small sigh of bliss to the warmer air and smiled. The trunk which was brought forward and set upon a table held her interest, which was only piqued as it opened to reveal all manner of parts crucial for the construction of a lightsaber. Except the most important parts of course. The crystals. Mysa had two, a color and a focusing. Ideally she would need another before she actually made the lightsaber. The first shimmered with the heat of the Gods and the frigidness of ice. The second was from the back of a Whiteworm, pure and transparent.

Carefully the child brought both from her pockets and settled them against the table. The gift of the Gods had a purple hue, and was much too large in its present state to fit inside the lens assembly. It would have to be cut, which in truth made Mysa excited. It wasn't that she wanted to desecrate what she had been given, more that she would have something to wear. A constant visible reminder.

Finding herself a stool, Mysa allowed the Force to flow through her as the parts were decided upon one at a time.

She knew that she wanted a standard size and grip, no curved hilts of saberstaffs for this girl! Her eyes remained closed, her trust in the Force and her Gods palpable. And when all of the pieces were selected, Mysa opened her eyes to peer over them. The casing was... Unique. Odd, even. Like nothing Mysa had ever seen before. It seemed standard enough until you reached the heart of the blade - the lens assembly, and more specifically the space dedicated to the color crystal. It was... transparent. The casing was definitely there, but rather than durasteel it was transparisteel. Just as strong, but with the added bonus of being able to see the beauty of the internal circuitry.

Her eyes widened. Such a thing she didn't even know could exist.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Meanwhile...

Pulling her fur around her body, Coci waited outside the ship. In the distance she could make out their transport approaching at a steady pace, and she smiled. Her gaze turned to the skies to check the weather, a skill she has learned over the years of coming here, to read the skies. It is such an important skill to have as it can mean life or death to those that are ignorant to it. The sky is clear for now, but on the whims of the Gods, that can change in an instant.

"Good morning Einar", she greeted the middle ages man bring her the cart for the journey. "Good morrow misses .. err.. Lady Heavenshield, it is a fine mornin indeed .. everything you asked for is on the cart, just be mindful of the change, it is due in over the next few days".

"I shall Einar, Lord Dawnbringer has made it clear he does not wish to send out a party to find us", she grinned. "That would be the truth of it, should you get caught .. the old girl here will see you right though, she is strong and used to the snow. Best mare to come out of Rildonmark I'd say".

Coci moved toward the cart and checked that all the supplies and goods she had asked for are present, once satisfied she bid Einar good day before he began his journey back to the gate of the capital. She walked to the horse and stroked it's long mane. "I think we need to find you a name, something better then "the old girl".

Her force senses tingled, Mysa had complete her gathering and Coci could sense her excitement.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

The lightsaber hilt had all the relevant components now, except for the final focusing crystal. Mysa replaced the color and primary focusing crystal back into her pockets, before turning and descending from the ship out to where her Master waited. The warmth inside which had enveloped her abandoned the girl the moment she stepped out onto the ramp. Her teeth chattered and immediately the cloak found itself wound around her body.

Mysa wondered if she would ever find Midvinter less hostile and cold. She loved the world, it was her favourite place to be, but she could never quite get past the temperature. She supposed that was why Thrand had gifted her the cloak all those years ago.

The sight of the mare and cart brought a huge smile to her face. She cheekily checked the back, for any sign of fish, a grin overlaying the initial smile. Oh how she missed her little brother. Thyrian and Kära may have been her true Father and Mother, but Thurion and Coci were regarded in the same light by this particular Umbaran. With it came Théo and Nina. They would always be her siblings. They would always be her family. She did not care if others thought it odd that she had two sets of parents, or that her siblings were also technically her cousins... That her sister was also her Auntie... Or one of her Father's her Uncle.

Okay so maybe it was complicated.

But Mysa didn't see familial ties in the same way as everyone else. She had been raised without them, introduced at a later time. Some days Coci would be referred to as Master, others as Auntie Coci, others still as Mother. Sometimes it was simply Coci. Mysa did not understand the simpler conventions, and she refused to pick sides. She loved them all equally, dearly. And she hoped they realized that.

Out of nowhere the girl gave Coci a short embrace, sighing into her shoulder as she burrowed her face down there. "I appreciate everything you have ever done for me, you know?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The warmth of the embrace was not lost on Coci. Holding Mysa for a little longer then the young girl had intented before pulling back to look down into her face with a warm smile. "I know you do, and just remember I will be here for you always .. we all will be". Her hand raised to cup Mysa's face, pulled from the warmth of the pockets of her fur her touch was not that of ice. "I love you", no matter the relationship.

"Now we have a long journey ahead of us, and look what I have here for us to ride in", she said stepping back to indicate to the cart and the horse. "This old girl, as the man that delivered her described, needs a name. We can't call her that all the long trip". Coci took Mysa's hand and lead her to the cart and standing by the horse she caressed the mare's neck. "Climb up and wrap yourself in the fur, you are cold I can feel it".

As soon as Mysa was settled, Coci climbed onto the drivers seat along side her. "You want to drive the first leg?", she handed her the reigns. Once they are underway, Coci will begin Mysa's training. "Did you find what you needed?".

Spoiler

That saber is the exact same one as Coci's. Purple blade and all. change it if you wish but what a coincidence! ^_^

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa more than welcomed the extended embrace. She sighed softly and allowed herself to be enveloped in warmth for a little while longer, before leaning into Coci's hand. There was no way she could resist a tiny little smile, she had sorely missed her Master. "I love you too" she responded, her initial urge having been to call her Mother. But Mysa wasn't so certain how the woman would take that, it had been a long time.

Her eyes turned to the horse and cart, and Mysa's tiny smile turned into a full blown grin. "What about Abilene?" Her hand fell upon the flank of the wonderful old mare as she walked along toward the cart itself, eyes lingering on the magnificent mane.

She did not want to stop her petting, but she understood that they had business to attend to. As a result, Mysa hopped up into the cart and pulled the furs about herself more tightly than before, nestling her nose into folds of her cloak.

"I'd love to!" she said; Mysa was not a skilled driver by any means, but she had a natural way with animals. Perhaps it was her respect for them. "Thank you Abilene" she said, as they set off down the track toward the mountains.

"Yes, Master, I did."

Her choices had been made for her, and the end result she knew would be a marvel; after all, the ability to see the sacred crystal the Gods had gifted her would be more than wonderful!

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Abilene is a great name and so it shall be!", Coci chuckled because she began to feel more at home out here in the wide open spaces with her daughter. Mysa took the reigns and urged Abilene forward, the truth of it was that Coci had as much experience at driving a horse and cart as Mysa so they are both learners. Abilene had not really moved but shifted in place. "Hmm .. maybe a little harder with the straps?", she did not like the idea of whipping the horse to action as she had seen it done before it just looked so coercive, which she supposed was the purpose.

"Maybe we should try some animal friendship to encourage her to lead on?", she asked Mysa, wondering if she had the ability to perform this skill, if not Coci did and she would encourage the horse to move.

Reaching behind her and pulled up one of the large álk furs and placed it around both their shoulders. The air of Midvinter biting and even she felt the nip on her skin regardless of using tapas, the skin still feels the effects. Coci sensed Mysa's body temperature, although stable it was chilled and if not warmed up somewhat she could fall ill.

"Mysa I want you to learn a force skill called tapas, it is a skill we use to regulate our internal bodily temperature to keep us comfortable and safe in extreme climates. Since you will be spending a far amount of time on Midvinter, I think it would be prudent for you to learn this. It is not that difficult to learn and once your have the ability you can use it anywhere, from hot to cold climates. Théo uses it a lot if he is somewhere warmer then his body can take".

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa did not like the idea of being too rough with the horse, even though she knew for a fact that its flank was more than capable of bearing the brunt. Instead she leaned forward slightly, one hand extending outward to run along the rear of the horse's back; in the same instance she breathed in slowly, and when she did finally exhale the mare whinnied before pressing onward down the path.

The jolt it created had Mysa lean back in the seat, hands retreating beneath her furs where they held the reigns. It was only at that moment that Mysa actually heard what Coci had said concerning Animal Friendship, and her cheeks reddened considerably, for she had taken it upon herself to do so even without her suggestion. The pair were, it seemed, very much alike. That was a comforting thought.

Warmth spread throughout her as further furs were brought about her shoulders. The girl sighed, contented, and nestled down as the mare plodded on down the lane. The accompanying instruction had her turn her head slightly in wonder; thankfully the mare seemed to know where she was going. "Tapas?" she inquired. It wasn't something she had used or heard of, but it sounded wonderful. The idea of regulating body temperature seemed very practical indeed!

"How would I do such a thing, Master?"

She could see mountains in the distance, all around them really, and wondered which would be their destination. Anticipation rose within her, genuine excitement at the day ahead.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It did not surprise her that Mysa had a natural affinity with animals, nor that she possessed an innate ability to use Animal Friendship and when Coci had witnessed this she was very proud of her. Very few believe that, what they consider the lesser powers of the Jedi, to be of any worth, when in fact, they can be just as powerful as those abilities that take a long time to 'master'. If you have the wit, especially in a battle, these skills are valuable. Coci had proven that with the use of Force Blind on Lujo, a 'lesser' power that had her opponent flee. "Like all things in life, pay due diligence to your abilities, never underestimate yourself, or the force and trust in it. I am delighted to see you have a natural ability in this power, to be able to calm a creature could save your life one day, or more importantly .. the lives of others".

As Abilene moved forward and their journey south began, they soon entered the road leading to Rildonmark. Through continuous forest they would travel until they would reach a small village at the crossroads. It marks the road to north, south, east and west and there they will find an Inn.

Coci pulled around the fur to cover Mysa's shoulders before placing her arm over them as well, to hold her close for warmth... for them both. "Tapas?, well it is like you place an invisible shield around her body but from the inside. The force is many things, as you know by now, it gives us strength and power .. and energy. It is the use of this energy we tap into to keep our bodies at a leveled temperature".

"If I was to fall into a frozen lake I could survive it by placing a force shield around my body in conjunction with the use of Tapas. At least until help would arrive, even we as Jedi can not hold on forever".

The cart hit a more rough patch of the road and since there is no suspension, the ride became tedious to the tosh. "Maybe I could do with a force bubble for my bottom", she joked with her daughter. "Or another fur", she added reaching behind her to grab a spare and shoving under both their bottoms.

"Try it. Pull the energy of the force to you, inside you. Place it at the center core", she pointed to Mysa's stomach just above where her belly button would be. "When you feel the build up of heat, you focus on that, maintain that level of energy. This will keep you warm for as long as you need it". Like all things force related, the explanation can be more difficult than the application of the skill.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

Mysa smiled nervously toward Coci as she spoke, taking the woman's words in and nodding her head. It was true, such things were invaluable and Mysa was grateful to have such an encouraging Master. A small frown replaced it after a few moments though, and the girl's features scrunched up slightly. "Would it work on Sentient's? I mean... Aren't we all animals?" Her mind flashed back to the whiteworm she'd had to fight... And the Vinterbound before that. Could she have avoided harming them after all?

That put her in a dark mood, and a heavy sigh left her. Eyes fixed on the road ahead of them as the mare led them through the countryside, but her heart wasn't quite in it. The Vinterbound, the events that had happened that day on Midvinter, still left her waking at night.

Nothing more was said for a while, Mysa instead just nestled down into the furs. That was, of course, until Coci spoke of Tapas. It sounded complicated, but she knew that it would be easier in practise. Such was the way. The easier a concept was to explain, Force-wise, the harder it usually proved to be in terms of visualization. It was quite frustrating, really.

The cart rocked them, throwing Mysa's focus away from the events of the Dominion and back on track. She managed a meek smile, getting comfortable in the seat before turning her attention to what Coci was asking her to try. Handing her Master the reins, Mysa closed her eyes and began to focus. The Force would have to be drawn around her, protectively. That was something she could do. As for trapping in the heat and moderating her body temperature... That would take a little more effort.

Focusing on the very core of her being, the warmth which settled around her abdomen, her organs, the blood which pumped through her, Mysa tried to bring the protective bubble down around herself, and that bodily heat that was naturally in place. She had to amplify it slightly, as it was currently lower than standard, and protect it in unison, to keep out the cold of the snowy planet.

It was difficult. More difficult than she had anticipated.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Taking the reins from Mysa, Coci guided the horse around a small bend in the road. They would reach the function in a few hours and get settle for the night, however, her brow knitted as she sensed Mysa beginning to pull the force around her. The force bubble forming, the internal seeking within her body had reached the desired parts of her body, but when one is trying out a skill for the first time there will always be small hurdles.

"Pull the force into yourself, just like you do when you strengthen the body with it, strengthen your core let the force pull in a concentrated area and use that energy to warm you".

As she spoke Coci could feel Mysa's body temperature had dropped below what was sustainable for her to continue the journey. The furs would not be enough, and so Coci pushed force energy into Mysa elevating her temperature back to a good standard. If she could cap that, she would be protected from the elements. But all was not lost, if unsuccessful, Coci would be able to provide the warmth for her until they reached the Inn.

"Don't over think this, focus and let the force come to you, naturally. Like the use of any force ability clear your mind and center yourself on that alone".

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

It all seemed so simple, but Mysa couldn't for the life of her pinpoint exactly what she was supposed to be doing. Of course, Coci's encouragements helped and the reminder to clear her mind had the young girl inhaling softly and rendering her uncertainties obsolete. She was among family, there was no need to fear failure.

With a slow exhale, she wrapped the Force around herself - almost like a blanket - and envisioned all of her natural warmth being locked in. More so than this, booned.

And surprisingly it seemed to work. While she didn't feel overly hot, the harsher bites of cold began to fade. A content grin formed on her lips, moreso because of her newfound warmth than the realization that she had done as had been instructed.

She liked being warm, but she liked Midvinter even more than that. The thought of having both in unison was very appealing.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She could sense Mysa working the force pulling it to herself and deep within her core, her bond to her padawan growing stronger by the day and of course she is her daughter no matter what the new found family tree. Coci smiled as she watched Abilene tread through the snow on the road, before placing an arm around Mysa for a hug. "Well done, and over time this will become second nature to you".

The bend in the road, opened up a view of their destination for the night. A small village on the crossroads on which they will turn toward Rildonmark come the morning.

​

​

"Not as grand as Thainbroek, but I am sure we will be welcome and find a warm bed for the night in the Inn", she said looking upon the sight with her own wonder. Coci had not been this far south herself, so all this part of Midvinter was new to her as well. They entered the small village of Hljóður straum. The evening is fast approaching, and goodly people of the village are setting about preparing for the night. Fires already lit in the hearth and the smell of roasting meat filled the air, and made Coci's stomach growl, reminding her they had not eaten for some time. No doubt Mysa would be hungry too and so the first 'mission' was to find the Inn and eat.

"Keep your eyes open for the Inn", she said looking about herself, Coci noticed some of the Valkyri looking at them as they passed, curious to know of the newcomers but did not recognise them as part of the royal family. Which she did not mind, it was a nice change from the attention in Thainbroek.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

She felt tired, as she usually did whenever learning something new, and the added warmth she was feeling only hastened the desire to rest. But they still had a ways to go on this journey so she did her best to keep her mind awake and ready. After all, the paths could be dangerous what with all the predators Midvinter was home to.

Leaning against Coci, she was surprised to find that the journey was reaching a break as they came upon a town. Somewhere to rest, oh that was most welcome! Perhaps they could get something warm in their tummies at the same time. The thought of a broth made her stomach rumble.

"It's beautiful" Mysa stated, of the town, a slight smile pulling at her lips. She especially loved the thatched rooftops!

It was already very late; she could smell the meat on the breeze, fires glowered in windows... Had she been younger she might have shied away in fear but she knew a hearth when she saw one.

Keeping her eyes peeled for an inn, Mysa turned her head and stared through the darkness. Her eyes were excellent for this sort of thing, one of the few things she appreciated from her heritage.

"There" she said, gesturing a few buildings away to a rickety building. One of the few in the village to have a second floor, and no doubt sporting a basement too. What's more, the wonderful smell of food seemed to be drifting from its direction!

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Coci turned the head of the mare toward the Inn Mysa had located. They crossed a wooden bridge, only wide enough for the small cart to cross and the creaking under the weight was alarming but they made it. The small crystal water stream sang a babbling song which was nice to the ears, and the water looked like it had come from the near by mountains. On the edge of the banks small white flowers grew among the rocks, she had seen them before and loved them, in fact they are the flowers that she worn in her hair the day she married Thurion.

Finally the journey had ended for the day, Mysa and Coci could rest and eat. The Inn, although rickety promised much, the smell was alluring and no doubt they would find a bed for the night. As they stopped by the building, a small boy came out to greet them, he was a little apprehensive at the sight of strangers but he liked the mare and approached. "Lady, I will stable you horse for you .. if you are staying in the Inn", he informed them. Coci jumped down and handed him the reins, "Thank you young man, may I know your name?".

"I am Karle", he said with a slight bow of the head. "My father is Inn keeper", he added, before taking Abilene to water. Coci noticed a place by the side of the Inn, enough to house the cart for the night. "Mysa help me move this cart please", Coci lifted on of the poles that secured the horse and lifted it off the ground, it is heavy and she is not using her force skills, she takes the opportunity whenever on Midvinter to go without.

Once the cart was in place, Coci gathered a few items she had brought with them to trade for the night's fare and bed. "Shall we?", she asked inclining her head toward the door of the mead hall.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​