Absolving Thy Mother's Sins [Coci]

[Lief]

Mysa had not yet adjusted to life away from Midvinter. Nor had she really adjusted to being outside of an observation complex. Yet that was not to say that she hadn't been made to feel welcome. Rarely seen without the thick hide cloak around her shoulders or in her grasp, and never without Éar clutched within one hand, the child had done her best to explore the beautiful home she had been accepted into.

Moreso than this had been the adventures she'd undertaken in the outlying land. While there were borders she was told to stay within, Mysa had still managed to find herself a hideyplace at the back of the house and would often curl upon the cloak and watch the birds in the trees and the sky. The smell of nature was like nothing else she had ever experienced, and truthfully the mini-Vi'dreya preferred being outside than inside... Something she clearly did not share with her Creator.

On this day, Mysa was once again outside. While not hidden, she was curled up on the thick cloak talking away to herself in a hushed tone. Éar was prancing around through the fur, much to the little girl's amusement - despite the fact that she was obviously the puppeteer of the whole thing; it was as if the hand grasping the wooden figurine was invisible. There was a few pieces of paper held down by rocks at her side, too, with poor attempts at drawings etched onto the surfaces. Whatever she had drawn was not really legible, but she had only really begun trying to draw a few days prior, and the crayons still felt odd within her hands!

[member='Coci Heavenshield']

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It is a glorious day, it alway is on Tabaqui. The late afternoons would see the coming of the rains in this tropical setting in paradise. Early this morning Thurion, Nina and Théo had departed to spend time together, venturing somewhere on this planet, she had no doubt Thurion would have a agenda for the trip, now in his position of grand master there was always something to consider and/or investigate. Thurion had began the renovations to their home, adding another room for Mysa, Coci had considered that this little one needed her own space, at least for the time it would take for her to adjust, not only to them but her new life.

When Mysa initially arrived, Coci decided it was best to remain in the background so to not overwhelm her with prying eyes and questions but now after a little time with them she decided to try and get to know Mysa a little more and hopefully in time the relationship would grow. Coci stood watching Mysa from the back window, no glass seperated the view but open plan to allow the outside in and today the softest of breeze cool their home and the skin. Coci is back to full health since the birth of their son and eager to get back to work, her promise kept to Thurion, as difficult as that was, she will return to full duty in a few days. But duty to the family equally important.

On a chair by the door sits a blanket and Coci picked it up. Dressed in light white clothes and bare footed with her long black hair falling around her face, she walked toward Mysa. On approached she smiled but remained standing with the blanket under her arm. "Such an adventure Éar is having", she began.

"It is a beautiful day, may I share some of it with you?", she asked and would await permission from Mysa. "I know your name Mysa, but I am not sure you know mine. I am Coci".

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]

 

[Lief]

"Shh, Éar... There's a big scary Hrothwûrm... Don't let it get you!" The Hroth in question was a tiny earth worm, wriggling in the grass just away from where the 'pair' were situated. Mimicking a bucking horse, she pulled up the little figurine onto its hind legs before having it galloping off in the opposite direction.

When she stopped its movement she held the little wooden figurine close. "It's okay, Éar, I'll never let anything bad happen to you... I promise!" And she meant it to, although not directly aimed at the figurine itself but all it stood for to the little girl.

Suddenly a new noise joined the fray causing Mysa to jump a little before turning her head. Furry's wife was stood there, holding a rolled up blanket under one arm. Blinking a small amount, she nodded her head to the question. "Of course, ma'am..."

Chewing on her lower lip she moved up a little bit on the furs incase she wished to sit there rather than on her own blanket - after all, the fur was so soft and comfortable to sit upon! - and then she gave her name. "Coci" she repeated, with a small nod of her head.

"Thank you..."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Unfurling the blanket, Coci spread it on the grass next to Mysa's fur before she laid down on her front, laying half on the blanket and the fur. Coci did not wish to take up all the room on the fur with her adult body and still she understood Mysa would require her personal space. She had viewed Mysa making room as an invitation and she would take it.

Coci allowed her fingers to play among the fur, it is so soft, she knew this from previous experiences on Midvinter, many times Coci had slept in the comfort of it's warmth. "Do you like it here? .. Tabaqui is the name of this planet and it is so different to Midvinter. You must let us know if you wish to go to Midvinter again, I would be happy to take you. I love it there".

Her fingers found the drawings and writing pinned down by a small rock, removing the rock and looking at Mysa's work, Coci smiled. "This is lovely, your use of colour is very good". Then she noted her attempt at writing, but she replaced the drawings under the rock before she found a fresh piece of paper and took up one of Mysa's crayons.

On the paper Coci wrote her name, bold and deliberate, underneath she wrote Mysa, then showed her. "This is how you spell my name and this is your name. Would you like me to teach you how to write your name?".


[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]

 

[Lief]

"It's like nothing I've seen before" Mysa said, with honesty, keeping a nice hold of Éar for personal comfort reasons; since landing on the world she had never been without the little figurine or the fur cloak in one way or another. Midvinter had been the first place to actually feel like home to her, and while this new world was accommodating, as were its inhabitants, she did miss the snow and most of all the King. "I like it here, but I do miss the snow" she confessed, before glancing around and watching the life around them. "C-Could we explore a little?"

Watching the woman as she took some paper and a crayon, Mysa was intrigued as she began to use Aurebesh letterings; she could understand some of them, but by no means was she an expert at reading or writing given how little time she received with her Creator back at the lab. "Yes, please... I know some of the letters, but not all of them." Chewing her lip she wondered what else she had yet to be taught that she ought to already know.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"]

"I miss Midvinter too", she smiled, "I shall take you back there soon if you would like that?".

She watched as Mysa held the little figurine, Coci had never seen her without it or the cloak, but Coci hoped she could give Mysa a gift as well, and one that would last her a life time, the gift of reading and writing. "Watch my hand work the crayon", she began to write Mysa once more, more slowly so she could see the symbols forming. "You try it, don't worry if you do get it first up, it will come with practice".

Once Mysa had a turn at writing, Coci would take her to explore, the jungle surrounding the home is dense and there is plenty to excite the imagination of a her let alone a child. "Not far from here is a small pool of water, it is in a clearing but covered over by the canopy of the jungle, I will show you that. I think you will like it".

Spoiler

My apologies for being so late.

 

[Lief]

The young girl seemed to perk up ever so slightly to the first question, glancing over the woman for a moment as she absent mindedly had Éar prance around in the fur of her cloak which lay beneath her. "We can visit?" she asked, eyes widening. For a little while she had thought that she would never see Midvinter again!

As Coci penned four clear aurebesh symbols onto the paper in crayon, Mysa watched the clear cut lines and frowned in thought. It looked a little bit more difficult than she had anticipated, but she had to try if nothing else. Across, down at an angle to the left, back across... Her lines weren't as straight as they ought to have been, but this was her first attempt.

...

But that was just one letter. Slowly, and biting her lip throughout her concentration, Mysa wrote out the characters which made up her name

...

She struggled with that particular character, brows furrowing as she quickly added in the lower line. Finally came the last; her tongue peeked out as she concentrated hard on making it as neat as possible, eyes narrowing in focus.

...

Mysa glanced across the four characters which, together, formed her name. The core of her being.

With a small smile she looked across to Coci, hastily showing her the paper where the scribbles could be found. Imprecise yet decipherable all the same. What the woman said confused her, however. "A what of what..?" There was still so many strange things that this girl had to learn of.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]


"We are lucky", now that Mysa is part of the family Coci referred to her as such. "We can go to Midvinter whenever we wish, all you have to do is ask and either myself or Thurion .. Furry .. ", she smiled, "Will take you. I have no doubt that Théo and Nina would love to see their grandfather as well. Did you know that? that [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] is our father?". Coci too calls him that, as Father of the blood line.

She shifted slightly toward Mysa as she showed her her writing. The symbols written in the hand of a child but correct and well formed, Coci smiled as she took the parchment in hand to see it more clearly. "Great! this is well done, you will be able to write all the symbols very quickly I think and in time I will teach you to read them all".

Mysa's next question, only served to illustrate the lack of care of her education and well being, a neglect of a child that is offensive to Coci, neglect of anyone is but to dismiss ones care of duty toward a child is criminal to her. "I think it best to show you what I mean and when we get there I will explain", she stood and handed the parchment back to Mysa before reaching out her hand for Mysa to take.

 

[Lief]

Coci's response was soothing. She could return to visit the Valkyri? Learn more of their people as she had done in her short stay there? And what's more, she felt no pressure from the family she was now staying with; her Creator had pushed a great many matters upon her, things her small mind found difficulty comprehending. Of course, that hadn't been a good enough excuse for failure whenever it arose. "Furry said something about it, I think..." she said, regarding Thrand, although the whole thing was still very strange in her mind. In truth, family itself was alien. "But I would like to see him again, when I can."

The subject matter turned back to the scrawls of the young girl, and she glowed crimson at the praise. "I could have done better" she said, finding the compliment difficult to take even at such a young age. But she enjoyed learning how to write those markings, and she knew that once Coci was done for the day the crayons would be back out as she practised writing her name.

When she rose up Mysa stood too, folding the paper and stuffing it into her pocket for later. Her gaze lingered on the offered hand for a few moments longer than it ought to have, before she bent down to scoop up the fur cloak, Éar held within the same dainty grasp, and finally reached out with her free hand to meet Coci's. Her hand trembled lightly to the touch, and it took a lot for her to refrain from pulling away. Still, Mysa knew that she could not be afraid of everything new that came her way.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

"You did the best you could, and that is enough. No one should ask more than that". She said gently to negate Mysa's self admonishment, but the way in which Mysa said the words was like listening to an adult, as if Mysa had heard those words before and the tone issued through the child.

A trembling hand rested in Coci's hand, she allowed the child a moment to decide if the familiarity to the touch was acceptable before she folded her fingers over hers to lead Mysa through the jungle. Coci would not hold tight, Mysa could remove from the hold any time she wished too.

Coci began to lead her along the path that Thurion had created which would lead away from the house to the clearing where their ships are able to land. But before long Coci turned off the path, onto a wore track carpeted with fallen leaves from the giant trees of the jungle. The air is humid but cooler and the light dimmed as the canopy above thicken, the life in these parts buzzed, all manner of insects busy with their daily chores flitted around taking no notice of the two girls. Coci pushed back hanging vines that draped across the path and soon, she found the place she wanted to show Mysa.

​

​

"Do not be afraid", she whispered, almost afraid herself to disturb the scene. "There is nothing but beauty here for you to see". Coci had stopped, she would allow Mysa to take her time to enjoy the enchanted place and to make up her mind if she wanted to explore without fear.

 

[Lief]

Her gaze drifted down to the ground when the woman tried to solidify the compliment which had been given; chewing on her lip she said nothing more concerning it and instead focused on following the woman off through the jungle. Her tiny hand remained within the woman's larger grasp, and as they continued on their way she slowly lifted back her gaze in awe. The surroundings were beautiful; the sound of leaves and twigs crunching underfoot provided an overload of auditory stimuli, while the scent of wild flowers engulfed them.

Up ahead was a curtain of vines, which Coci carefully brushed aside. Tentatively the little girl followed through into the glade, pulling back slightly on her Guardian's hand unintentionally due to having slowed to a crawl. A gasp could be heard as the pools came into view. Peering up at Coci she wondered if she was able to explore, the hand remaining within the woman's own suggesting that she was waiting for permission to do so.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

Keeping her voice low, "There are many bad things in the galaxy that are set to harm us, but equally there is much beauty. This place is one of them, a natural beauty that is hard to describe. Can you feel it? can you feel the force at work here?", she nodded her head for Mysa to go and explore if she wished too.

"Always remember to take the time to stop and take in beauty, Mysa. It enriches the soul and reminds us that we are part of it, you are a part of the galaxy that is beautiful". Coci gently let go of Mysa's hand, effectively making the decision for her, so she could find her own way around the enchantment. "There is nothing here that will harm you, and I would protect you anyway".

To encourage Mysa further, Coci moved to the cool waters which is fed from a sources unknown to her. As she neared and placed her feet in the cool running water, Coci felt the muddy bottom, produced from countless leaves that had fallen to the waters and decayed. It felt nice on her feet and cooled the blood. Around the glade is much to see and touch, and although the lesson of the day is over, Coci would answer any questions Mysa may have. But for now, Mysa has the freedom to be within the peaceful landscape.

 

[Lief]

The little girl clutched at Coci's hand as she inquired about the Force, and slowly nodded her head. Her Creator had taught her how to manipulate the Force within herself, a crude form of Tutaminis, and as a result she knew the feel of it. This was a place seeped in light, she could feel the life coursing through every inch of the undergrowth. And it brought to her expression a sincere smile.

When Coci removed her hand from Mysa's, the child span slowly in place and took in her surroundings. Too afraid to do more than merely breathe at this point, she said nothing in response to her Guardian and instead watched as the woman sank her feet into the water. Natural silence was, above all else, one of the most soothing things Mysa had ever experienced. She settled down in the long grass and inhaled it gladly, beginning to feel at peace within herself... Much in the same way she had done when out in the snow of Midvinter.

[member='Coci Heavenshield']

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

It was the first time Coci had sensed Mysa at ease since her arrival to Tabaqui and to the Heavenshields. Her head turned to watch her for a moment as the small child sat down and entered a state of peace, it only made Coci more happy to have shown her this place, and anytime Mysa wished and when she felt more confident to venture out alone, this could be her place to find solace. We all need a place to go and be alone, to center ourselves whether Jedi or force attuned or not. Coci did not say a word, there was no need too.

Mysa looked for all the world as if she belonged here in this enchanted place, a small waif of a child, with the duplicity of a delicate nature coupled with strength. She had to be strong she had been through so much in her short life. And who knew what was to come.

After some time, Coci left the cool waters and sat on a small grassy knoll, above her hangs the vines, beside her orange fungi shaped like a fan and she could hear avian high in the canopy, chattering and calling to one another. She cast a glance in Mysa's direction and noted she sat by some fallen blossoms of white with a hint of pink. She raised her hand, only her fingers moving and the blossoms lifted into the air, floating like will-o-the-wisps, teasing and daring before they landed gently in her hair.

 

[Lief]

Time became indifferent as the child sat there, gazing out across the beautiful and most serene landscape. Still clutching Éar within her left hand she caressed the fine wooden figurine and brought him up to her eye-level so that he could see the world through her eyes. However, he was not the only thing to move through the air, as without warning several small blossoms floated into her view before settling into her hair. She could feel the Force flow around them, and cast her gaze slowly toward Coci.

The woman could use the Force? She hadn't really expected that. With a small smile Mysa rose up from the ground, careful not to disturb the flora both surrounding her and atop her head, and wandered toward her Guardian. The closer she came, and the more she focused on the woman, the easier it was to sense something different about her. Carefully Mysa extended out her hand towards Coci, her palm settling over the bump but not quite touching it, a pillow of air between them. Confusion laced her expression, before she bit her lip and very calmly looked upward.

"He's beautiful" she whispered, understanding suddenly hitting her with regards to the life Coci was carrying. The tenderest of smiles adorned her lips, and the small child's eyes welled up as an overwhelming sensation took over her.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

"All children are Mysa", she whispered and lowered Mysa's hand to touch her belly. On contact Mysa would physically feel the child within stirring, complete in formation and only days away from joining them all. "He will be named Théodred, in the way of the Valkyri".

Coci could sense the welling emotions in Mysa, "What is it, Mysa, tell me what you are feeling so I can help you". It was still to fresh to early for physical contact, although Coci wished to comfort the girl with a hug, it would only come when Mysa was more comfortable with the family. Intrusion should never be placed on a child unless the wanting of it comes from them. And Coci would give her comfort to her willingly if asked.

The lowering of Mysa's hand to her physical form, to feel a child most precious to Coci, was her way of say, 'it is alright'. Love comes in many forms, between man and woman, mother and child, friends, lovers and those that have been placed in ones care, through no fault of their own, they need love equally.

 

[Lief]

"Théodred," the child repeated, her hand calm when placed upon Coci's stomach. There was not even a slight tremor to her touch. Her lips, however, could not say the same thing as they wobbled in place. She had been struck by emotions she hadn't even known to exist, yet while it felt overwhelming for once she had no urge or desire to flee.

"He feels so loved," she began, with a tiny little sniffle, "this child of the Vhaanir..." Mysa had no way of processing it, though she did try her best. Looking up at Coci once again she smiled meekly and very gently rubbed over the spot where little Théo had kicked. She knew nothing of biology, of the nature of creation, yet that did not matter. In her core she understood, she could feel his life through cloth and skin. The Force flowed through him, and in that moment she knew that he would be great.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

"He is loved", she smiled down into Mysa's face. "As you are".

But at the mention of the Vhaanir, Coci trembled. The imagery of the battle of Midvinter came flooding back to her. The long day that saw victory for Dawnbringer, the day father and son stood side by side and fought for the Throne, and the rightful King took his place once more. Coci was there, standing alongside Thurion as she too entered the battle.

The image of the visitation from the Vhaanir has stayed with her, the young stag entering the royal tent on the morning of the battle, a portent into the future. The Valkyri say the Vhaanir are sacred, to see them is to look upon the Gods, as the Gods of Midvinter look through the eyes of the Vhaanir. She did not know it at the time, but young stag that had allowed them the privilege of it's presence, was Théo.

"With time", she contined, "I hope that you and I will become friends and that you can .. at any stage of your life, come to me if you need me".

 

[Lief]

Yet again the young Snowstrider felt overwhelmed, and this time she hid her face against Coci's leg. The whole excursion had taken it out on her, and so with a very soft little yawn she murmured quietly before settling her thumb between her lips and rubbing at the side of her nose.

"You're already my friend" the little girl said, before nuzzling against Coci's leg. "Can we go home, now?" she inquired, her tone expressing her exhaustion. "Éar is very tired!"

Looking up to the woman gently she stepped back and then peered around the lovely little glade. Oh she would be returning to this place, it was mystical and she felt at peace here.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]


She raised her hand and gently placed down on Mysa's head as she rested tired against her. Her fingers smoothing back fallen hair from her face as she look up into the canopy. Time had marched on, and evening was coming and in that moment, Coci realised they had remained in this place of peace longer than she had thought to, but that was of little concern. "Yes .. we can go home", she said in a lower voice as she looked back upon the child's face.

"Lets gather your things". Once Mysa had, Coci's hand extended to her once more to lead her back. "They will be wondering where we got to".

There is a slight chill in the air, the temperature had dropped, a rare thing on Tabaqui but they would be able to sleep with comfort within their beds safe and secure. Coci could not help looking at Mysa, there is something special about this girl. Her origins unclear to Coci, only the scantest of information known but regardless Coci could sense her purpose even if Mysa did not know it. The lightside of the force pulsing with a raw energy unchecked with a freedom to be. Although Mysa will consider Tabaqui her home in time, there is a strong pull toward that wonderful icy planet. This Coci understood all to well, once the ice of Midvinter gets into your blood, it never leaves.

The End.​