A New Lease of Life [Coci]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-MdhAwrpuo​

With the cold air of Midvinter rushing through his lungs, one last chop of his axe had the mighty tree finally felled, causing it to come crashing down and shaking the earth upon impact. The hard work had forced him to discard much of his clothing, until stood in leather pants and boots only. His hot, red Valkyri blood was enough to sustain him, coupled with the hard work he and the others were busying themselves with. "There, that's the last one," he told Belegar, a century-old man near twice his size who more or less was able to pick the whole tree up as it was.

After having trimmed the tree of its many limbs, the log was tossed on the cart with the others. On the cart sat young Pyp, Belegar's grandson, and what the red-haired lad lacked in developed musclemass he made up with his skills at tending to and handling of the Älk, great beasts of burden who were tasked with pulling the cart to its destination. "Hup, hup," the lad cracked his reins as Thurion and the other loggers sat up, and they were off!

The area picked out was to the far west of the continent, overlooking the vast expanses of the Great Maw, the sea which encapsulated the entirety of Midvinter. There, the Lord and Lady Heavenshield would start a new life for themselves, along with a whole host of people who had elected to follow them, be it through necessity due to the Sith burning down their homes or for the honour and glory of helping their legendary defenders found a new settlement - something which was rarely done at all, considering the Valkyri and their being usually stuck in their ways.

Through the forest and across the snowy plains they journeyed, the mighty beasts more than up to the task of pulling the hundreds of tons of lumber. Six trips they had taken with this being the seventh and last one for the day, as the sun had turned a deep orange with the setting of the sun. Once coming around the bend, there it was:

Fridheim - the peaceful homestead.

Several homes were already standing, and many more were being erected even as the party of loggers rode into town. Yet tonight Thurion would leave the men to their constructing, for he was bound for his home on the shore where a certain sweetheart and their infant son awaited his return.

Wiping the last beads of sweat from his forehead, he threw his bag of clothes over his shoulder and headed inside the cosy cabin, built by his own hand. Smoke rose from the chimney, and the ever-astonishing cooking of his wife graced his nostrils. Before he could announce his homecoming, the tiny toddler Thirdas had already spotted his father coming through the door and was steadily crawling towards him, chirping happily and grinning his toothless grin. "Come here, you," Thurion greeted his boy and picked him off the fur-covered wooden floor, taking him into his arms and kissing him.

Sneaking into the kitchen with baby clutched against his chest, he hoped to surprise the woman who had shared his hardships over so many years...

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Virgin air expands a dawning night​

as it descend over this new hearth.​

It is a time of excitement, of renewal​

as we step into this new skin.​

​

I smile and wonder fates drift​

This flowing floating river​

a current all its own​

with rebirth at every bend.​

​

In her arms she held her son as she showed him the wonders of the forests surrounded them. There is much delight in the discovery of pine nettle to one so small, and she loved watching him marvel the tree under which they stood that reached high to the Midvinter sky. As all children will want to do, Thirdas places it in his mouth to feel the texture of the nettle which she allows for a moment before removing it. He squirms in her arms wanting to get down and explore for himself, Coci smiles placing him on the ground and without any encouragement, Thirdas crawls off into the long grasses on the edge of the forest. She watches him, he stops from time to time discovering something new, a small flower maybe or insect .. such new life to witness is extraordinary.

Yet mother and son had an agenda today while Thurion was off helping with building the settlement. And as she followed her son and looked further afield around her, she realised they had found the perfect place. Taking Thirdas up once more placing him on her hip, "I think you found us our new landing site". Coci had spent the day with her son exploring the surrounds of the settlement taking note of ideal sites for defenses and future establishment of an army. "What do you think my little explorer?". Her only response was a large sleepy yawn, which made his mother laugh as she kissed is forehead.

It was time to go home.

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

Even before Thurion's foot trod the first step to the front door, the corners of Coci's lips curled in a smile senses his presences. She quickly wiped her hands on a towel as her black eyes looked out the window and across the lake that stretched for miles it seemed. It is beautiful here, already the sign of winter are etched upon the waters as the edge of the lake begins to freeze over. Snow already lay the ground blanketing the grasses and prompting the winter flowers to bloom. There is a purity in the force here, as crisp as the air and clean of corruption and they will vow to keep it this way, as best they can. Coci turns hearing Thirdas' tiny hands padding toward his father and as Thurion enters the door with his son, she can't help but admire them both. How alike they are, at least in looks save for those large black eyes that surprised both father and mother upon when Thirdas opened them for the first time. As black as the night sky.

Coci can never deny Thurion and without hesitation she went to him, her life long love now and beyond this life, and guided his head to lean down and she kissed him. They had only been back on Midvinter a few weeks and already she felt at peace here, a renewal had come over them both giving them a much needed boost to their purpose in life both physically and spiritually. "Dinner is ready, come be seated my love".

​

​

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

With baby boy still on his arm, Thurion leaned down to place his lips upon Coci's just as he wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her in for a tight embrace. No longer was there a pregnant belly to come between them, so he took every chance he got to hold her closer than ever. "Dinner, huh," he spoke through their kiss. "Then what's for dessert, I wonder?" While their kissing continued it was Thirdas who managed to finally break them up by pressing his hand against his father's bearded cheek along with soft cooing.

"Sorry, sir" he apologised to his boy before turning back to Coci with a smirk. "Kinda got carried away..." Hard work all day had a way of getting the blood pumping, after all. While he had them both at hand, Thirdas nuzzled into both their chests where it was so warm and snug, and Thurion placed a loving kiss upon the top of his head. "Right. Dinner."

Still only weeks old, the little one had yet to master sitting up so for the time being he would have to contend with his father's knee. The moment they sat down Thirdas would try and pluck his father's fork off the table, but his tiny hands and weak arms were barely able to lift it. Still, the challenge was what fascinated him so he would keep trying. "No, that's mine," Thurion chuckled and instead handed his son a napkin to play with. Much lighter and easier to handle, let alone more pleasant to nibble on!

He then proceeded to bury his head into his father's naked chest, pressing his little button nose against his warm skin. This was his safe space, and he could spend hours nuzzling into either parent's tummy or chest. While all this was going on, Thurion and Coci were enjoying their meal while marvelling at their second-born, both of them still very much basking in that special glow parents seemed to possess whenever a new life was born into the world.

"Grond dropped a log on his foot today," he reported while shovelling another piece of steak into his mouth. "He and the others just laughed at his misfortune, even though he broke two bones doing so. Never was the sharpest tool in the shed," he chuckled before taking a sip of his beloved blue milk, imported straight from Voss. "Still, I convinced him to sit tomorrow out to give it time to heal. Those thick Valkyri bones are hard to mend, even with Jedi healing."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She gently pushed the boat of mushroom sauce toward Thurion to pour on his steak if he wished, all the while watching Thirdas snuggling into Thurion's chest. Between bites, Coci would spoon feed their son a warm puree of vegetables which he seemed to like, he had a good appetite and it would not be long before more solid food would be demanded. If he is anything like his father. By the end of the meal, Thurion would find himself wearing most of the puree on his bare chest.

Coci grinned as her husband reported on the days events, "Why do men, no matter their age, always find amusement in another's pain?", she is teasing him, but it is a strange reaction in men and in some women and she has seen it oft enough. "Thirdas and I went for a walk today, along the lake to the forest a ways up to the north", she decided it was here turn. "Found a nice large clearing away from the settlement that might have great purpose later on". She did not have to go in-depth of her plans, he knew them well enough.

"And he discovered the pine nettles don't taste all that nice", she grinned placing another spoon full of puree in his eager open mouth. Her eyes shifted upward to find Thurion's brilliant blue eyes, there was mischief sparkling in her eyes that she was keeping to herself for the moment. Once the meal had concluded, Coci stood up and took Thirdas from his father, "I think someone needs a bath", their son covered in his food equally as his father. "Care to join your son?". She said throwing a grin over her shoulder to her beloved.

Leading the way to the back room to the bathing quarters, she began to prepare the bath making sure the temperature was perfect for them both and Thirdas loves bubbles so a healthy helping of bubble bath soap went into the mix. The large window that over looked the back toward the surrounding pine forest was coated in mist which also dampened her hair. Coci undressed Thirdas, and wait for his father to do the same before placing him in to play with his Papa.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"I dunno... it's just funny," came his only defense on the subject. "It was like, right out of a slapstick holovid! You would have laughed too..." Just by thinking back to it he couldn't help but giggle to himself. When Coci then mentioned her and Thirdas going on their walk together, Thurion looked down at his son munching away on the nutritious baby food he was spoonfed. Some of it along with drool couldn't be helped getting smeared across his chest, but it was of no matter - he needed a bath anyway.

"Did you help mommy out today," he asked with wide eyes and exaggerated voice, as one often does with toddlers. Thirdas just giggled as his silly father and began jumping up and down in his lap out of sheer enjoyment. A kiss was placed upon the lad's fluffy cheek, and in response Thirdas wrapped his short arms around his father's arm for a hug, clinging to him like a baby monkey.

Having finished their meal, Coci scopped the little one into her arms and walked him to the bathroom, and at her suggestion Thurion followed. The table could be cleared later. Under her no-doubt watchful eye Thurion rid himself of the few items of clothing he did wear and slipped down into the warm water, and was promptly handed the boy. Thirdas always was in complete ecstasy when bathing in bubbles, and he couldn't wriggle enough from his father's steady hands to play with every single one of them.

"Won't mommy join us," he looked back to her with a smirk.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

There had been a smirk on her face this whole time, her eyes never missing anything and more so the shameless display of her husband, she knew him well enough to know what was on his mind. "Mummy has had her bath", she said softly kneeing by the side of the bath as she poured water over Thirdas' beautiful golden hair. She gave Thurion a mock 'behave yourself' look all the while grinning, their time to spend together would come soon enough once their son was blissfully asleep safe in his bed. The next pitcher full of water was poured over her husband, drenching him and matting his hair to his head, a small amount of shampoo was applied and she began to wash him while he did the same for his son.

Eventually, father and son were squeaky clean and Coci stood up to find them both a towel. Placing Thirdas on the floor among a soft fur she dried her son the best she could as he no intentions of remaining still as he tried his best to escape out the bathroom door. Taking up her son in her arms once more, she turned to Thurion now stood toweling himself, "I'll go get him dressed for bed". An unnecessary comment, but not without motive as her eyes lingered over him.

By the hearth in the main room, Coci sat Thirdas by the warm fire and began the struggle to dress him as he was not interested in such an undertaking but preferred to investigate the objects close at hand, it was prudent to give him one just so he would settle back and chew on it, at least he was still enough to place clothing on his body. He is very much like Théo in this regard, never wanting to be still for a moment and Coci began to assume that the brothers might be similar and once Thirdas found the use of his legs, he would run before walking. "You know that fence you built around our home to keep Théo in? I think the next one needs to be higher", She spoke over her shoulder a little louder, thinking Thurion still in the bathroom.

"Come here my little tearaway", She took her son in her arms and nuzzled her nose to his, delighting in her son.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

After their warm bath, with father washing son while mother washed father, Thurion placed another kiss upon Thirdas' forehead before Coci could scoop him out of the water to get ready for bed. By now the sun was long gone, replaced by shimmering moonlight and too many stars to possibly count. He took a minute of respite while Coci tended to their little one, leaning back in the tub with his eyes closed. Muscles hard at work were given pause and found calm in the peaceful waters, and the only sound heard was the light dripping of water along with the faint cooing of their baby boy. "Yeah, a simple life..." he sighed, a mix of bliss and trepidation.

How long until duty demanded more sacrifices?

Before he could grow too grim with heavy thoughts, however, the tender music of his wife's voice snapped him out of it. Her comment on getting a bigger fence had him chuckle, and he felt it time to vacate the bath before his fingers turned to prunes. Wiping himself down with the towel until perfectly clean and dry, he wrapped it around his waist before stepping out into the living room where Coci had just finished getting Thirdas ready for bed.

Tossing his dirty clothes in a nearby basket he stepped towards the two. "Come here, you. Time to say goodnight," he told the toddler as he took him from Coci and pressed him to his chest where Thirdas proceeded to bury his face into. Upon entering the lad's room he laid him down in his crib, having already drifted off to sleep in his father's arms in record time. Every night Thurion remained by his side, observing the boy as he slept so peacefully and usually would only leave at Coci's bidding. "He is so beautiful," he whispered, caressing Thirdas' golden hairs. "I did not think I would ever be blessed with something so precious a second time in my lifetime."

He took his wife's hand and pressed it to his lips. "I love you so, so much."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She stood in the doorway of Thirdas’ bedroom simply watching Thurion with his son. Sound asleep the little one, having drifted off to the land of dreams in his father’s arms as he was taken upstairs. Coci could not but smile as she pushed off the doorway into the room to stand beside her husband as he caressed Thirdas’ face. “We have been blessed in many ways and now we have a chance to live a life we have both only dare to dream about”, she said softly so not to wake their son.

Finger tips gently played in Thurion’s long hair as he remained seated, allowing herself the luxury of this for a moment before encouraging him out of the room so they may spend time together. The dawn will come soon enough and start a new day in which the three of them would set out to do their daily chores or continue on with the business of establishing the new settlement.

As Coci closed the latch on their son’s bedroom door, a smile turned her lips although she tried to stop it. And the most subtle of finger movements and the use of the force in Thurion’s direction resulted in his towel falling to the floor. “Oh gosh you did not secure that very well”. Yet her eyes slowly trailed up his body.

She moved passed him kicking the towel out of harm’s way and over the railings of the top level and watched it sail to the ground. “Oops”. It only took her a heartbeat before she followed the towel and she raced down the stairs and as she got to the bottom Coci turned to look up into Thurion’s face as he remained on the upper level. A curling finger and a twinkle in her eyes would tell him all he needed to know and Coci turned unbuttoning her shirt as she headed for the front door. Her white shirt falling to the ground would be the last thing he would see of her before she entered the cold crisp night air.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The not-quite-so subtle undoing of his towel around his waist had him grinning, and when she raced down the stairs and left him standing there buck naked Thurion took no action to cover up. Instead when she headed for the door he leaped over the railing to land on the bottom floor with a *thud*, foregoing any stairs and the time it would take to run down them. Noting her white shirt falling to the ground, his warm Valkyri blood stirred alive. The hunt was on, fueled by burning desire.

Heading out the door into the cold Midvinter air, sustained by the blood of his ancestors as well as his want for her, Thurion ran after her, away from the rest of the settlement into the nearby woods. Catching up to her was easy enough considering she was still ridding herself of items of clothing along the way, and as soon as he were able he pounced her, pinning her to a bed of green mosses. By now they were both naked, and he wasted little time in pressing his lips to hers, pouring every ounce of his love and lust through their passionate kiss.

Hands began to roam her body, feeling the softness of her skin and firmness of her flesh as their bodies clung to one another. "I want you," he whispered in between kisses.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She felt the softness of the moss on her back as she lay. The chill on the air gently teased her skin, yet fire ran through her veins as lips met in a kiss filled with love and desire. There is a sense of something new within them both, a renewal of freedom that had been taken from them and now here in this place they call home, it is found once more. They are able to be just as husband and wife should be, living a life they etch out for themselves and their family and to love one another. There is nothing grander than this.

The cares of the galaxy vanish in this place, at least for a little while, and both allow it to take them away to a hidden place in which only they exist. Their bodies uniting once more, there are no need for words as they are inadequate, lacking in any capacity to deliver truth in love. Coci’s fingers curl and dig deep into Thurion’s back, she opens her eyes looking up into the night sky to find the moon goddess riding across the darkness of space only to bathe them both in her soft white glow before disappearing beyond the clouds heavy laden with virgin snow.

The forest around them stirs from slumber, a life of its own pulsing with an energy and purpose that fuels them both and as the night progresses they become part of it. Soft flakes of snow drift downward settling on them as they lay, each one feels like fire to the skin as they bodies are hot with love. Coci had never felt so alive then in these hours with him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpBst58Ut9o​

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pGaz_qN0cw​

Days and nights came and went as a full week passed, and the settlement was still hard at work completing what was to become the town centre. With the housing, being the number one priority, taken care of, the second priority came in the form of laying down cobblestone for the streets, allowing for easier access and town maintenance. Along the perimeter a wooden palisade had been erected to provide temporary protection against the wildlife, with plans of replacing it with sturdy stone walls the likes of which only existed at Tháinbroek previously. Already the masons had begun laying the foundation, and once the streets were in place work would begin on the walls.

The people who had helped found Fridheim had all settled in and begun to live their new lives here, with those able-bodied aiding in construction while the rest worked to keep everyone fed and clothed, inviting both the elderly and children alike to be helpful wherever possible. Yet word had spread of this new settlement under the guiding hand of the Heavenshields, and with many displaced and without a home following the Sith attack more refugees were pouring in every day. Initial plans had to be scrapped in favour of erecting more houses, for they were not about to refuse anyone looking for a new home. Expanding beyond the walls seemed inevitable, prompting the idea of an outer as well as an inner wall - something even the capital did not possess.

"My Lord Heavenshield," a frail old woman at the head of another group of refugees approached him on bended knee. "Please," Thurion lifted her back on her feet, for her knees were weak and he had no stomach for people groveling in the dirt for him. "We have journeyed far in search of this sacred site," her ragged voice told of their story. "Ever since the Dark Ones came and burned down our village, those left of us set out in search for hope. You have granted us that hope, my Prince." Even as she spoke the good people of Fridheim began tending to the weary travelers, offering them food and warm blankets.

Thurion helped the grateful lady to a nearby bench to sit down while being offered a cup of soup, but before he could leave her side she blessed him with a kiss upon his forehead. "More come each day," the sudden appearance of old man Belegar - who at this point acted as his trusted second - voiced his concern. "From all over the world they journey, believing the stories that this is a safehaven. That it is blessed by the gods." The man was unafraid to speak his mind, yet there was seemingly no disbelief in his own words as he spoke them. "Blessed or no, we will not refuse anyone seeking a new home. We'll find ways to accommodate them while more homes are constructed." Thurion turned to the elder, and the two shared a smile and a nod as he bumped his fist against Belegar's broad chest.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

With each passing day more and more people from the west come to Fridheim. This influx of Valkyri put pressure on the already stretched resources of food and shelter for the fledgling village and at is rate, with construction continuous, Fridheim would soon rival Tháinbroek for size and grandeur. Although this was not the intent demand would see it thus.

Coci and Thirdas had visited the shores of the bay on which they now called home, they had walked among the fishermen returning from the waves with empty nets and boats. Young boys and women sat along the shore line busy weaving new nets and much had been destroyed in the attack to the north of here while good strong men worked on the dock to re-establish the jetties. More boats would need to be built, as there are few that go out each day in search of food.

She had spoken to the fishermen, all of them telling their tale, “The fish are gone, bay is cursed M’lady”. Many of the creatures of the forest had slowly returned but the seas of the bay were empty of anything substantial. And so Coci and Thirdas went to sea, gathering all the boats available, all the men and nets they had in their possession and made their way to the narrow entrance of the bay before the Great Maw opened to them.

Thirdas thought this a wonderful adventure, his eyes wide taking in everything around him and he wriggled in his mother’s arm wanting to get down and see for himself. And while Thirdas found new discoveries among the men and equipment, getting under their feet and causing a stir to the delight of the men, Coci stood at the bow, facing toward the Great Maw, standing still with eyes closed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qajr4XPDqTI​

Some time would pass before Coci smiled and opened her eyes, she had been searching through the force for the fish and called them back to the bay, “Now is the time to drop your nets”, she simply said as the waters around them began to churn as thousands of fish swam around them, flashes of silver and gold just below the surface of the water they could see as they passed before dispersing in all directions throughout the bay. The fishermen looked on in disbelief they had never seen such a sight before and some looked upon her with wonder and confusion, but while they worked pulling in the nets laden with bounty beyond their dreams, she spoken to them of the force. It was time the Valkyri knew of it .. both the darkness which they had already witnessed, and the goodness of the light.

Once the fishing boats sat fat in the water heavy with the harvest of the bay, the ships turned to head for home. Coci held Thirdas in her arms and sat by the side of the boat so he could watch the constant stream of fish still returning. But her gaze was set upon Fridheim to see the village and it growing before her eyes.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Having spent the next couple hours hard at work erecting yet another building, Thurion and his fellow construction workers were taking a break and enjoying some food and drinks. Casks of mead were shared by the natives, while the humble Jedi kept to just water as he was never one for the stronger drinks. Like, at all. No, to Thurion nothing would ever beat a tall glass of cold, blue milk, for it reminded him of when he was young and got to taste the drink back on Tython during his first days in padawan robes. Nothing else came close to it.

"You're not having a sip when we're not looking, are you, boy," Belegar teased the young lad tasked with filling empty cups with mead, much to the enjoyment of those around him. Men and women were sat on furs in the snow or on nearby benches and chairs, all centered around their Lord Heavenshield. Thurion merely watched the boy scurry off to find another cask when Belegar seized the moment to spice his cup of water with some mead, prompting some who noticed to chuckle quietly.

"Ah, he's a good kid, that one. Lost both his parents during the attack from the skies," the conversation took a sudden turn, with the old Valkyri recounting what happened. "His father was a soldier. I am told he died well, died fighting. His mother... my daughter, she... was at home, pregnant with another child when..." Belegar turned to look over at the redheaded boy with solemn expression. "He's all that I've got left, and I'm all he's got. For all I'm good for." He looked down into his drink and grunted. "Ah, aren't I an arse for souring the mood so," he chuckled and raised his drink. Thurion did the same and drank from his cup, only to moments later spit it back out in a spray of water mixed with mead, straight into the face of the old man.

Everyone laughed, but none quite matched Belegar's in sheer loudness, slapping his knee and wiping his face. Then a trumpet sounded, and Thurion was the first to rise to his feet. "The king is coming, the king is coming," the word spread through the town, pulling everyone's attention to the hill overlooking Fridheim, and upon its crest there was a rider, followed by another, and then another. Banners caught by the wind depicted the scarlet and silver belonging to House Hearthfire, and Thurion couldn't help but grin learning of his brother's arrival. All of a sudden it became a priority among the locals to clean the place up, but he simply stood and awaited the royal family and their escort riding into town.

His wife had also heard the news, and when she appeared with Thirdas clutched to her bossom he smiled and pulled her in for an embrace. "I missed you today," he spoke for her ears only. "More than usual, that is. And yes, that includes you, little Snowball." Their lips met for a brief kiss, and when it ended they turned to the approaching riders, positioning himself behind her with arms wrapped around her front.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The sound of the hull scraping the sand on the thin beach that edged Fridheim was a welcomed sound. Already the fisherman landed the beach and began to pull the boats to shore, and many Valkyri came to help them as this meant that they had an abundance of food that would last them for weeks. The women would get to smoke the fish to preserve it for the long winter to come, and the herring would be pickled and stored.

Coci climbed out of the boat with Thirdas in her arms sleepy from the journey and the fresh salty air, he would sleep well tonight but the trumpeting of the horns of the village aroused him of slumber once more as he looked around to see what all the fuss was about. Coci heard the cries go out. The King of Midvinter has arrived, in full regalia and all at once the already busy village was busier still, scurrying about readying the foreshore for his arrival.

“Thirdas, there is someone you should meet”, she told him as his face rested on her cheek, as the horns had frightened him a little and he searched his mother’s protection. She reassured her son with gentle caresses to the back of his head and soft words to soothe. The two made their way through the streets to find Thurion and when they did, both of them broke into a smile.

“I missed you too, I always do”, she whispered back just before his lips met hers. I love you, beyond all life. But Thirdas was not happy, he had had enough of his mother’s company for the day and wanted only his father. Coci could not contain him in her arms any longer as he began to climb her to reach his arms out for his father behind them both.

The riders approached and around them the villages stopped and lined the street bowing as he passed. She could see Thyrian face now, so like his father and becoming equal in expression as it was clear to her he did not relish this adoration that was demonstrated before him. But he is King, and the people of Midvinter need their King, as he is their symbol of hope for the future. Thrand was, now Thurion and Thyrian, and in time, all their sons and daughters.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

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

​

Two of the king's retinue were the first to enter the up-and-coming town, carried upon the finest steeds from the royal stables demanding of people's respect and admiration. They were members of the esteemed Huscarls, sworn bodyguards of the High King and the royal family, and today all twenty members served as escort across the vast lands of Midvinter. Following behind them was the king himself, donned in his royal attire, crown and all, and mounted upon a mighty stallion as black as his rider's cloak. It had been a long journey, taking them a full week to trek across the plains and tundras, through forests and mountain passes, but Thyrian and Kära were both set on coming to visit their extended family.

Behind the king came another pair of huscarls, and behind them a horse-drawn carriage appeared containing the queen and their young prince. The remaining sixteen huscarls following shortly after, along with a wagon packed with camping equipment and food for the journey. Banners of scarlet and silver fluttered in the wind, its colours said to depict the king's noble heart - or perhaps the fire which burns within it - and his queen's white locks, gleaming like silver in the moonlight. As the carriage parked itself in the middle of town where everyone had gathered to receive the royal family, Thyrian dismounted alongside his huscarls and merely observed the townsfolk, all bending the knee in a combined show of respect. Gods, how it made him loathe the crown upon his head, for he had seen enough people on their knees for one lifetime.

"Rise, I beg of you," he pleaded, obviously uncomfortable with the whole scene. Once everyone was back on their feet he nodded and smiled, before his eyes landed upon the sight of his brother and sister-in-law, as well as the child wriggling into his father's arms. The only ones to have remained standing as they rode in. Wasting no time, he strode right up to them and took a moment to simply enjoy seeing the two again, then suddenly reach atop his head to remove his crown, tucking it under one arm. "Sister," he greeted Coci first with a kiss on her hand, for they had not met since she left for Husavik in the aftermath of the Sith attack. "You look as lovely as ever. Motherhood agrees with you. And this," he noted the squirming lad having just gotten settled in his father's arms, "must be little Thirdas."

The child shied away from the tall man - even taller than father - preferring to bury his face in Thurion's chest. As the two brothers looked upon each other with such awe at the men they'd become, Thyrian took a step forward to simply allow their foreheads to touch. No words were needed. The creaking of the carriage door stole his attention, and upon turning he watched as the White Lady and their child appeared. "I know, I know," he turned back to the pair, chuckling softly. "Would've saved a lot of time to simply take a shuttle, but we wanted to make the trip the Valkyri way. Besides, the fresh air and quiet scenery has been a nice change of pace."

Again the people kneeled at the sight of the High Queen and their Sun Prince, prompting a defeated sigh from Thyrian. "Ah, seven hells..."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"]​

 

[Lief]

The journey had been nothing short of arduous, yet a breath of fresh air all the same. Their little Sun Prince, while hardly one to cry or fuss, had made the trip a little more difficult than it otherwise would have been, there was so much more to consider after all, it wasn't as though she had only herself to worry over. She had, of course, made it work. How could she not? Her boy was worth every ounce of energy she put into, more so than that. He was her everything.

Most of the trip he had spent either sleeping or oggling the view outside the carriage. The times when they halted and Thyrian joined them were few and far between and much cherished by the pair, and between both boys she was never too cold at all. Both had fire in their hearts. She had never been prouder to call herself a Hearthfire.

As their trip began to wind to a close, Kära took special care to ensure everything was tended to where Thrand was concerned. He had been fed, cleaned up, he'd had a nap, now he was sat on her knee bouncing happily and clapping his hands as he was want to do whenever he had a little excess of energy. She had noticed a change in him since their run in with the Vhaanir, just a little twinkle in his eye. She leaned forward and settled her lips to his forehead.

The horses drew to a halt, and she knew that it was time.

Bundling the boy up, though he had no lack of warmth, she exited the carriage with all the grace she could muster. When the cool wind hit her skin she shuddered, but she did not let it show. Even after all these years it was something she fought to adjust to, she did not mind it at all. In fact it was rather refreshing.

When the people began to kneel she shook her head, and with her free hand she bid them to rise before they had so much as touched the snow. It seemed all within their family were against such gestures, she had even noticed Mysa doing similar around the City. The girl was back home, no doubt catching up with Gideon and refinding her feet. She had Thurion to thank for her safety, a debt she could never possibly repay.

It was to Thurion, with their own babe in arms, and his beautiful wife Coci that she approached firstly, though she gave her husband a coy smile as she passed him all the same.

"Brother, Sister," she said, with a gentle embrace to each. Their boy's hand roamed, clutching at Thurion's beard and gently toying with a strand of Coci's hair, before she stepped back and smiled broadly. "I am so very glad to see you."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member='Thurion Heavenshield']

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The yearning of his sister Nina had shredded Théo's heart to ribbons when she told him of her heartache for the family to be together once more. She had stayed with him for some time after the gala had finished but now she was set to return home and he had got time off from his duty with the Iron Empire to bring her back himself. Besides, there was simply no way that he was going to miss this family reunion, for the love of the gods, they all deserved some form of joy after all especially after the recent events on their home planet that tore their souls.

Taking Nina by the hand, the pair strode up the new streets of Fridheim and he could not help but admire the work already done here in this new settlement. It warmed his heart but also he felt, once again, that he should be here to help. Well maybe he can now while he stays awhile. However, the good people of Fridheim were beginning to gain sore knees as they once more knelt as the Thane and Princess of Midvinter approached, some would bend the knee at half measure and look to their neighbour questioning whether to bow or not while the older Valkyri waved a dismissive hand as enough was enough. Théo did not do anything to right their minds but instead gave them all a passing wink with a grin on his face.

Théo let go of Nina's hand, swept his long black álk cloak out in a dramatic fashion, hand on heart and pommel and went down in his knee before the his uncle. "My Lord, High King of the Realm of Midvinter. My Commander and Chief, Protector of the Peoples of Midvinter, Seat Warmer of the Wooden Throne, Changer of the Locks to the Stores of Honey Mead at Tháinbroek", so some were made up but true nonetheless, "In the name of the Sun God! I do hope that among your retinue there are wagons filled with the brew!". And with this the people of Fridheim stood and the sound of laughter filled his ears. He looked up and gave Auntie Kära a cheeky wink and smile. And .. waited for the clip across the back of his head from his father .. or uncle. Or both.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | @Mother | [member="Kära Hearthfire"] | [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | @Wriggles​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

It was simply amazing, seeing how far they'd gotten on the settlement after only a couple of weeks - Nina had been told her mother and father had plans to lay the foundation for another town, but she could never have guessed the sheer scale of such an undertaking! Of course this was Midvinter, so everything was huge in comparison with most worlds she'd been to, but still! As she and Théo wandered the beginnings of a cobbled street Nina witnessed the influx of settlers from afar, likely refugees seeking a new home. It made her decision to stay even firmer, so she could help out those in need. She may have hailed from Umbara, but these were her people now.

The sight of close and extended family all gathered in one place made her heart swell with joy, but when Théo made his rather goofy entrance in front of the king and queen Nina couldn't help but snicker. When her brother finished his lengthy, overly formal greeting, it was not their father or uncle who would give him what-for. Instead it was Nina, coming in from the side to push her palm against his forehead only to shove him to the ground. "You talk too much," she giggled before turning to properly greet everyone.

"Uncle Thyrian," she stepped into his warm embrace, only to soon after set her eyes upon the little prince all bundled up in Kära's arms. "Thrand..." she uttered barely audibly, gently caressing the boy's cheek. "He will be worthy of the name." Nina looked up at Kära, and moments later she'd thrown her arms around her, careful not to disturb the babe between them. "Auntie Kära," she nuzzled into her neck. For once, someone she did not have to strain her entire body to put her arms around!

When it came to mother and father, and of course little Thirdas, rather than greet them one at a time Nina simply put her arms around all three at once for a group hug, with the golden-haired boy trapped in the middle. This is what she had missed for so long, since she was a child. Their family being a family.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The family clan had gathered with the surprise visit of Theo and Nina. And yet there was one missing, her daughter Mysa had not arrived with the Hearthfires, this concerned her somewhat know Mysa would not miss this for the world either, so something must be keeping her from them of great importance. At least that is what Coci hoped. She would ask of her soon however.

Nina's arms grabbed hold of them all standing together as family while Theo remained on the ground after his gracefully chastisement from Nina, all his mother could or rather would do was shake her head at him. There are some aspects of the child that never leave the man and Theo was no different in that regard. A pause in the greetings gave Coci the opportunity to approach Kara standing as beautiful as ever with her son. "Kara you look more radiant then ever", she said placing a soft kiss on her cheek before doing the same to Thyrian. "Brother, I am pleased to see you well". It had been quite some journey for the family over the years and when they walked into their lives and more so for Thurion. So moments like these are truly special to them all.

Her attention now placed on Thrand sitting in Kara's arms, her hand raises and graces his cheek so soft and her eyes search for his features looking all the world like his grand father, at least on the bearing of his forehead. Kara's features settled on the boy as well, he was a handsome blend between the two parents and ancestry. She greeted her nephew with a kiss on his head as he squirmed to this mother.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Hearthfire"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He just watched from his position on the ground, with a broad grin on his face. Theo sat up with bent legs and rested his arms on them and he turned to look up at his father and Thirdas. His brother extending his arms toward him and wanting down to come to him, Theo did the same reaching for him while father lowered his brother into his arms. "I have something for you brother", he said as Thirdas pulled on his long black hair and Theo reached into his pocket. "Here you go", he said giving his brother a small wooden carved toy which he made himself. And naturally one of the wings went straight into his mouth, "I hope it tastes good", he said with a laugh but in time Thirdas would play with it and many more to come if father had this way.

And while Thirdas was occupied with his toy, Theo stood up lifting the his brother to his right arm and approached Aunty Kara. "So this is my cousin brother Thrand", he looked upon the boy with soft eyes and a smile before turning his gaze to the Sun. "You are not gone", he spoke the words softly that only mother and child would hear them, before Theo kissed his forehead for the first time. "This is Thirdas .. I don't think you have met", and they paid little attention to each other as is the will of children of this age, well fleeting interest. "And I have something for you too", and out of another pocket came Belawir. "His name is Belawir, a very important stag to our family .. very important to me". And soon Theo would go find his friend, it had been too long since the pair 'locked horns'.

​

[member="Kära Hearthfire"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​