A Vhalorious Encounter [Completed]

[Coci Heavenshield]

​

Grace stood on a ridge on the opposing peak looking out across the valley to the Temple on the other side. She did not believe her eyes, this Midvinter to which she was drawn to through the force, she did not think possible to exist in the galaxy. Oh she had been to many places, seen much over her travels, but this?

The people, but few she had encountered, before starting her journey to this place. It was odd in a way, the Sun had lit the path, keep the cold at bay as if guiding her here. To the east she traveled on foot. Why would you not in this place? To be able to spend as much time taking in the magnificence of it. Midvinter is so beautiful, beyond what words could do to give it justice. She is a little short of breath, for many reasons, the altitude the main one, but this sight is breathtaking.

The promise she had made to her dying mother, to find her kin in a hope that they are good and well had met with dead ends, yet over the last few days, the report of this group of Jedi who called themselves the Silver Jedi, had been all over the holonet with the assault of Korriban and one name stood out among them. Grand Master [member="Thurion Heavenshield"].

Thurion. Not a very common name, save for one other, Thurion Vhalorious.

And so her gaze turned to the valley below and she began her descent in order to climb the other side to the Temple of Light.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The wind barreled along the walls of the valley, Grace could feel the strength of it against her lithe body and it took all her strength to remain clinging to the side of the mountain as she started her climb to the Temple above. The climb arduous indeed, but after several hours she finally reached the peak on which the grand structure sat.

She stood for a moment, looking at it, so proud on the rock from which it appeared to have been carved, reaching for the afternoon sky with tall towers and solid walls. To her it seemed to glow white with a radiance she had never seen before this day, the power of the force strong here, it was easy enough to sense to a Master Jedi. The wind reminded her of the cold, through her bones, even with the warmth of exercise the clipping wind pulled at her clothing and disheveled long platted blond hair. Pulling her jacket about her body and with arms folded across her chest, Grace walked to the Temple and began the climb up the meandering steps to the front door.

A gentle snow fall high on the peak still littered the steps, pristine not having been touched by any foot fall, she hesitated not wanting to be the one to corrupt it with her feet but still she had to get inside. The sound of water cascading over rock mild in the distance, and the soft glow issuing from the Temple windows warm and inviting to her. What is this place so majestic high on the mountain top, that it demands her presences?

A cold pinkish hand reached out and pushed open the doors to the main entrance and before her sight fell a large room with open fire in the center and a wall of heat hit her face causing her skin to prickle, but the warmth was so life giving. Grace entered, not a soul in sight, no sound save the crackling of the flames. She stopped her voice from calling out to gain attention, she did not want to disturb the sound of silence.

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

With the arrival of their newborn came a whole host of new experiences for both the King and his Queen. Little Thrand demanded just as much attention as ruling this entire world of people, but in a way the two balanced each other rather well; the familial responsibilities now thrust upon him and Kära proved a welcome respite from the responsibilities to the Realm, with Kära proving to be inseparable from her child. It was still much too early to predict what kind of man the infant would grow into, but somehow they both knew he would live up to his namesake. The mightiest of men, he would become.

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]' visit to Dawnbringer Temple just so happened to coincide with the royal family's stay there; often times they would spend the weekends at the temple to clear their minds of the business of rulership and devote themselves to raising their son. While Kära was out for a walk, Thyrian spent some alone time with the little one, cradling him in his arms against his chest while leisurely wandering the interiors of the temple. He was so small, able to fit in the palm of his hand.

Upon hearing the entrance to the temple open its doors, Thyrian made his way there thinking it to be his wife returning from her walk. As he appeared in the main hall, he was surprised to find a stranger standing at the entrance.

Thrand squirmed a bit as he began to awaken from his nap. "Hello? Can I help you?"

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She was lost in the glowing embers of the hearth fire, her eyes draw to them as if a moth to a flame and yet they offered her warmth and solace. Grace had found herself a long seat, one of many in this grand hall within the Temple, but as soon as the silence was broken by a voice, she stood up abruptly startled, if only for a moment.

Turning to find the source of the voice, her emerald eyes fell on a man holding a child. Her head tilted as she took in his features, a face she could have sworn she had seen before, but no. Realising she was staring, Grace immediately looked down to her robes and pressed the fold neatly before taking a step toward him.

"Forgive me, I am but warming myself by your fires. It is rather cold here on this planet isn't it?", she offered a soft smile. "I have come a long way .. I am in search of someone who I believe to be here. But I am sorry I have forgot my manners, my name is Grace, Grace Vhalorious". She took another step toward the man and noticed the child stirring within it's blanket.

"A new child. So precious are those that are born to the stars, that are born to the force", she could sense the child was attuned and strong with it as well. Grace also felt the power within the man, but she could not take her eyes off his face, his features. She had seen them before ..

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

There was something oddly familiar about this woman, something he could not place. She was obviously not Valkyri nor native to Midvinter, given how underdressed she was. Her robes made him think her a Jedi - perhaps one of his brother's people? Then again, many other than Jedi wore robes in their day-to-day lives. However, the Force could clearly be felt within her.

As she uttered her name, Thyrian flinched ever so slightly. Little Thrand let out a soft groan before going back to sleep within his warm blankets, turning his face into his father's warm chest. When the woman approached, there was no attempt by Thyrian to shy away from her. "Grace," he repeated her name. "My name is Thyrian, and this little rascal is Thrand." He took a step forward, allowing her to get a closer look at the infant. She was not the only one staring now.

"So, you... said you were looking for someone, Grace? May I ask who you thought you would find here, of all places? It's a huge galaxy, after all."

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She tore her gaze away from his only to settle her eyes on the child sleeping in his arms, cradled against his chest. She could see the features on the man before her written on the little ones face, and features she did not know and assumed them to be that of his mother's. Although Grace had not noticed the man flinch at the sound of her name, she did sense the reaction to it through the force, if only for a fleeting moment, a recognition of something he knew.

The sleeping boy is so beautiful, untouched by any corruption the galaxy has to imprint on him, at least in this place so isolated and far from anything, he would grow with the freedom of the wilderness .. for as long as possible, give a child it's freedom. For a moment she was lost in the beauty of the baby boy, looking over his face so serene in the knowledge he is safe within his father's arms but when the man spoke his name, her head snapped up and looked directly into his eyes.

It was only now she truly saw them, the flames burning there but not frightening to her more a soft warm flame that only wished to give life and comfort to anyone he cherished. Like the flames of the hearth fire. Yet behind them a long past that spoke to her of pain and suffering, of deeds done with the flames ignited to inferno, but Grace could sense the fire had quelled. The past had written on his face as well, scared and burned yet they too seemed to have softened, 'healing'.

She stepped back, not out of any threat or discomfort but out of revelation. It had to be? The force had drawn her here from the other side of the galaxy, to a planet she had not known existed until her ship touched down on its soil and ice. She had followed the Sun, it had guided her on a path east and into the mountain range until she reached the valley and above the peak, a blessed peak, she saw the Temple. Now, here in this room with a man that bears the name of Thyrian. It had to be..

And the child, his name .. that of her Aunt's husband.

Grace began to tremble, out of joy. She raised a hand and cupped it to her mouth a natural reaction of emotion she very rarely exhibits and her emerald green eyes filled with tears. Such emotion choaked her ability to speak but she would, still holding a sense of disbelief she had to tell him who she looked for .. and why.

Hardly able to speak, "I seek a man called Thurion Heavenshield". One would have had to be living in total isolation to have not heard of this name of recent times, and Grace that contemplated going to Voss to find him. With the news on the holonet, she had come to know of the Order of the Silver Jedi and that the Grand Master was he. Yet, the force had guided her here to this place, to the man before her now. Her story would unfold in time, but for now she needed the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place. Grace's eyes searched his face once more, looking for any sign that would give her clarity.

He has to be... her kin, her cousin.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Watching her eyes well up with tears as she came to realise their bond, Thyrian raised a hand to settle it upon her cheek, eyes wide with wonder as his course palm touched the softness of her skin. She had the same eyes as his mother, green like the summer meadows. The same eyes he once possessed, which had now been passed onto his son. Her hair was blonde, also like his mother's.

When she uttered his brother's name, there was no question about it.

A wide smile broke out across his face and a warm laugh escaped his lips as he pulled her in for a joyous embrace. "I can't believe you found us," he uttered past her ear to the sole member of his mother's family he had ever come across. It was a wonderful feeling, knowing their human ancestry was not lost. They were, after all, only half Valkyri - fortunately this didn't seem to bother his peers seeing how they did put him on the throne.

"Grace," he spoke her name again, before pulling back from their embrace to take another look at her. By now little Thrand stirred once more in his blankets, resting on his father's arm, and this time he decided to remain awake as his big green eyes opened slightly, letting out a content murmur. "Look, little snowball," Thyrian said to his son and held him up more so he could look the woman in the eyes, placing his face next to his own. "It's your cousin Grace!" Technically first-cousin-once-removed, but that's a bit of a mouthful even for an adult.

Thrand seemed hesitant at first, even shy as he'd rather just nuzzle into his father's beard, but eventually he let out a cheerful chirp and reached out towards her face. Thyrian brought him closer to let the toddler place his tiny hand upon her chin and lips, carefully exploring her features. "Thurion is not here," he told her meanwhile. "I hear he's being kept busy on Voss. I take it you've heard by now about what happened on Korriban..."

His smile died for a moment as he pressed his lips to the back of Thrand's head. "It is a grim day when Jedi are forced to play politicians. Load of hogwash, if you ask me - it wasn't the Jedi's fault what happened to Korriban City. I know my brother better than that, and he's got good people helping him." He placed a kiss upon the little one's head before stepping over to the closest table to find a seat, inviting her to join them.

"Now then, tell me everything! I want to hear what you've been up to all these years prior to coming here." He settled Thrand upon the table, keeping a hand around his tummy for support, with the toddler finding his father's large finger to wrap his tiny ones around.

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Initially the sudden embrace took Grace by surprise, she had remained in the moment of revealation and had stood there a little numb by it. But Thyrian's hearty laughter snapped her out of it and her arms flew around his shoulders but took care not to harm the young child. Tears poured down her cheek, tears of completely joy she had never felt before, and she too laughted to release the pent up emotions. A sense of relief washed over her not only for the fact she had fulfilled her vow to her mother but she took great solace knowing she was not alone in the world, she had family. But at this point she did not know just how extensive it would be or become.

She turned her head and kissed Thrand's fingers as he played upon her face and smiled at him, as he is so beautiful to behold. His eyes as green as her's looked back so very much like her own mother's from which Grace had got hers.

As Thyrian moved to the table, so did she and she sat next to him as he protected his son from rolling off the table, but she in turned reached out and took Thyrian's hand in hers, not wanting to let go now she found him. "Yes I heard of Korriban, an unfortunate event that has the galaxy at odds with the Jedi once more", this a known fact through the history of the Jedi, it is not the first time nor will it be the last, but she agreed Jedi should never be involved in politics. Grace nodded her head in understanding about Thurion, but her soul was bubbling over with joy and she could not wait to meet him too.

"We have so much to speak of, I want to hear everything too, everything about you and Thurion. And I am overwhelmed at this moment and don't know where to start", she began with a wide smile. "Before this I was traveling from place to place following any lead I had to find you and Thurion, but it was the force that gave me the true direction. Before my mother .. your Aunt .. died. I had been Yaga Minor with a group of Jedi that called themselves the True Covenant but when my mother fell ill, I left them to be with her until she became one with the force. It was on her death bed she told me of Sarah and you all". Why had her mother not spoke of them before this? she would never know, but it is no longer a matter to her.

There were so many questions she wanted to ask Thyrian, he wanted to know of her and over time all would be revealed. Her other hand reached to the table and caressed Thrand's fair hair. "So strong this one", she said in a soft voice.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Watching her as she caressed his little boy, Thyrian contemplated what to say. Where does one even begin to describe his life? Should he tell her he was once a Sith Lord, alongside his now-wife? Should he tell her of how he died protecting those he loved - twice? Would she be able to glance the truth, anyway?

"He takes after his grandfather," he said, unable to sustain the smile due to thoughts on his father. "Thrand was the greatest man I've ever known. I suppose every child thinks such about their father at some point in life, but he truly was; strong, caring and wise. I can only try and live up to his example." Having watched Thurion around his family and friends, it was clear to him that the same greatness resided in his younger brother. He was not as sure about himself in that regard.

Baby Thrand turned his head in his father's direction and let out a joyful giggle, and it suddenly became impossible for the elder not to smile once more. Even now his father was making sure he did not falter, it seemed. "I'm sorry to hear about your mother, Grace. It's never easy losing a parent..." he then said, squeezing her hand gently. "When I lost my mother, I didn't know what to do with myself. I was only five years old at the time, but dad... He was inconsolable, utterly stricken with grief. He left us, me and my baby brother, because he could not bear looking at us and see the traces of his beloved."

Thyrian didn't wish to tarnish this joyous meeting with the gritty details of their upbringing on the streets of Pelagon. Instead, he skipped ahead to the orphanage. "We were taken in by the caretaker of an old, rickety children's home. It became our new home for a time, but..." He looked his cousin in the eye. "Events happened that caused me and Thurion to get separated, let's just say. He was found by the Jedi who took him in. I was not so fortunate," he said, gesturing to his face and eyes. Enough said.

"Many years later, I learn of my brother's position on Voss and go there with the woman who is now my wife, Kära, to meet him for the first time in decades. To my surprise he had already found a wife and had two children," he smiled, even chuckling a bit. "Nina and little Théodred... They're all grown up now, of course - but I'll let you see for yourself once you get to meet them in person."

"I also discover from Thurion that our father had returned to his homeworld after Sarah's death, and that he'd even reclaimed the throne denied to him a century earlier with my brother and his wife's help, no less. When he... inevitably passed, the burden fell on me to take up his crown. It was one I would happily accept ten times over to keep my little brother from ruling over others. I'll admit he'd probably do a better job at it," he chuckled briefly before going back to being serious. "But as a Jedi he is needed out there, helping people. The galaxy needs people like him to protect them. I'll do my part for the people of Midvinter."

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She had not expected so much, so much life in one life time. As her new found cousin began to speak of loves and losses, the picture became clearer to Grace, at least the parts she had been missing in the history of the family, her family. Such a sad life in a way but she thought that his life here on this planet had been the making of him, or so it seemed to her from what he had said. "It is never easy to loose someone you love, even though .. for me at least .. my parents had been elderly and had lived a good life". But she was saddened by the fact which had been made clear to her that Thrand the elder, had passed on top the force. "I wish I had been able to have met your father, and your mother but alas the force did not deem it".

Her hand came to her face once more, as he gestured to his own face, horrified by how he had recieved the scars. Clearly he had suffered the horrors of fire but now it seemed strange or maybe the reason why he had the flames in his eyes. It also accounted for the strange sense through the force she had around him. The fire that dwelled within him she had sensed that had quelled had been more in the past and something not so graceous. No sense of that darkness rested on his soul now, or at least, not one that would ignite without just cause.

But more wonderful news he spoke of, amid the pain and suffering, that of more family she did not know she had. More cousins through marriage it seemed and young at that. Grace smiled widely at the thought of meeting Thurion and his family more so then before. "When do you think Thurion will return to Midvinter?", she asked with growing excitement.

However, there was a question she had to ask and no doubt it played out through her eyes. "Why .. why did you no longer call yourself Vhalorious?". She tilted her head a little curious to know the answer. But something further he had said made her even more curious. "Crown? you, you are King of this planet?". Her eyes wide with the anticipation of the answer for clarity, yet a smile still graced her lips.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

As Grace's excitement became palpable, Thyrian couldn't help but smile just as little Thrand locked his tiny fingers around hers, attempting to give it a nibble. "Don't worry, he's yet to grow teeth," he assured her. Only able to fit the tip of her finger in his toddler mouth, Thrand closed his eyes and with his father's help slumped over to lay on his side, still bundled up in his blankets.

"Yes," Thyrian then spoke, awkwardly nodding his head. He didn't want to come across as boasting his position, but how does one casually inform someone they are royal? "I was chosen to rule this world and her people following the passing of my father. I'm sure you've noticed by now they are not technologically advanced, or very knowledgeable about... well, anything that's not Midvinter. Some would no doubt call them 'ignorant', but I like to call them 'simple'. Nothing wrong with that."

Thyrian caressed his son's cheek as he napped. "They're strong and tough on the outside, yet warm and welcoming on the inside. And they are an honest people, deeply loyal to their friends." His hand then found Thrand's little foot to gently hold. "I am proud to be leading them."

His eyes met those of his cousin's, and his smile faded somewhat. "I... don't rightly know. We were only ever called by our given names, and we didn't find out about our family name until decades later. Thurion I believe was nicknamed 'Heavenshield' by his fellow padawans, and I..." He paused, thinking on what to say next. "My name was not always 'Hearthfire'. But I had done things I am not proud of before being reunited with my brother and my father, and now that name no longer holds any meaning to me."

Thyrian took Grace by the hand. "We will always be members of the Vhalorious family. Our mother's name will not be forgotten," he said, speaking for his brother and himself. He then released Grace's hand and instead rose from his seat, very carefully plucking Thrand off the table and into his arms where he would continue his nap, much in the way Grace had found them. "Now, Thurion likes to pop in now and then, whenever he fancies. No doubt to get away from the stresses of his duties. I could set up a meeting for you, if you'd like."

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It was almost too much to take in, all his answers to all her questions and still Grace had more of them. But for now this was more then enough to try and digest. After all she had come a long way herself, traveled here allowing the force to guide her and as always .. it was right.

"I have only experienced the people, the Valkyri, very little at this moment but yes I had noticed the lack of technology or what we would consider modern items, but from what you say their are a wonderful people", she looked at into his eyes with a look that suggested she did not agree with his assessment of them. "I think they are not simple, but noble .. and no, there is nothing wrong with that at all. In fact .. ". It was perfect in her eyes. Grace let her sentence finish with a wider smile.

"Oh there is so much to catch up on with all of us and I fear we will wear each other out with all the questions", she turned to smile at the cradled child in his arms. However, when he mentions the possiblity to meet Thurion .. "Only if he is free to do so", she remained good graced in her words but inside she wanted to meet him here and now. She wanted to meet them all.

"Do you ..think I would be able to stay here a while, your Grace?". She addressed him with a more fitting countenance for his title.

Grace pulled her gaze away from Thyrian and his son for a moment, and looked around the large room in which they sat by the hearth. She took in all the detail of the room, the carvings, the design all the signs of the history of the planet seemed to be here on display for those to look upon. A language strange to her writ along a large beam, "Can you tell me what that means?", she pointed above them to the beam. Of course Grace did not have the knowledge that the man, her cousin, had built this Temple. Nor the reasons for it.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Cradling little Thrand against his chest, Thyrian moved over to join his newfound cousin under the sturdy wooden beam etched with Valkyri runes. While he was no expert on the language - he was far better at reading than pronouncing the words, let alone hold conversation in Runian - he'd double-checked with the people helping him build it that the symbols and the intended meaning when put together was correct.

"It says: 'We honour the dead and give thanks for their sacrifice in our time of greatest need, so that they may find peace in the afterlife'," he told her, gazing up towards the ceiling. The image of his father flashed before his eyes, and he grew mournful of his passing. He found himself holding onto his baby boy, as if the little one was giving him strength rather than the opposite. In his sleep, Thrand clutched his father's shirt above his heart.

"You shall stay here for as long as you'd like, cousin. Every door in Tháinbroek and beyond will be open to you." His free hand went for hers and held it tight, sending waves of warmth through their connection. "Would you like to hold him," he then asked, a tender smile on his scarred lips.

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"A very noble sentiment", she said after hearing his translation, "And not so simple". Grace smiled at her cousin. The Temple was indeed welcoming, a sense of calmness and honour seeped through the walls. And although her cousin was new to her, and over time they would get to know each other more, and Thurion as well, she knew the brothers to be true nobles. There are many different types of nobles, those that are cunning and move to find the higher ground, and those that hold virtues as more important then even their own lives. Those that know what it is to be Jedi, are nobles and could stand along side any King and be equal.

Grace looked upon the small boy in his arms, and smile before raising her arms to take the child. "Of course I would my cousin, Thyrian. He is my cousin too. But .. I have little experience in this so do show me how". She even wiped her hands on her robes to rid them of anything that might harm the child, it mattered little of course but instinct is instinct. And a woman is a woman.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Placing a tender kiss upon the sleeping toddler's forehead, he very gently handed him over to Grace along with all the blankets, while taking every care to make certain she had a steady hold of him before letting go. "Always keep a hand against the back of his head, and try to always keep him close to your body. It'll make both you and him feel more secure." Plus it also allowed the exchange of body heat, although the fur-lined blankets did a good enough job on their own.

Now with both hands free he didn't really know what to do with himself, and as they slowly began wandering the hall he instead started fiddling with his wedding ring just to keep his hands busy. A man with his past was not used to not actively doing anything, so he always felt quite awkward with nothing on his hands, be it caring for his little boy or ruling his people.

Still, the peacefulness of their moment together was not lost on him, and as they wandered he carefully wrapped his arm around Grace's shoulders. He didn't feel the need to say anything; he quite enjoyed the silence.

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Three quick nods of her head to indicate she understood, but her eyes never left the child in her arms. Grace was so nervous to take Thrand, it was strange, it was the first time .. in a long time .. she felt fear. But only because she did not want to bring harm to the boy. But once he was secure in her arms, and she had the reassurance of her cousin, as he stood close by her, she let out her held breath and smiled down into the face of her youngest cousin. Well she believed him to be the youngest, for who knew the Heavenshields ..

So this it was it feels like to hold something so pure.

For the moment, all she could do was smile. And allow Thyrian to guide her along as they walked, she cared little as to where he was taking her. Grace marveled at Thrand's eyes, they are of the Vhalorious and when he closed them to sleep once more, she missed them. His body moved oh so slightly within the blankets, content and without any care in the world knowing he is safe. This gave her the greatest gift a child could give.

Blood. There is nothing more powerful in a family as this. Save for love. Grace had learned a lession today, and one she had never thought would happen. Only now did she turn her gaze from the child to that of Thyrian's face. So grateful is she to have found her family, that he would see this through her eyes.

​

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

A gentle smile lingered on his lips as he watched Grace hold his baby boy with the utmost care, content with the knowledge that his mother's kindness was not unique to her alone. Thyrian was also made aware of how his brother had taken after their mother, and he their father; it was hard not to, being constantly surrounded by his father's legacy. Still, he wouldn't have it any other way. As a child he adored and worshipped Thrand and, in spite of all he's been through, he always would.

When Grace then turned to meet his gaze, something urged Thyrian to embrace his beloved cousin once more. His bearded chin rested upon her shoulder and he found he did not wish to let go. Somewhere in the back of his head it felt as if the woman in his arms was his mother. He would've found himself lost in the moment had little Thrand not let out a tiny whimper.

"Alright, come on then, little Snowball - let's go find your mother." His arm remained around Grace's shoulders as they stepped through the doors to find Kära, his Queen.

[member="Grace Vhalorious"]​