And So This Is Winter Fete (Silver Sanctum & Friends)

[Zak Dymo]

M I D V I N T E R
Silver Sanctum Coalition Territory
The Tingel Arm Region

Life happened in the most challenging of places.

Midvinter was a world like Orto Plutonia or Hoth, boasting life in spite of harsh, icy conditions that dared only the most foolish or brave of heart to try and tame it's frozen lakes and glacial tundras. But the mortality rate among the native Valkyri was affected by more than just the elements. The Vinterbound -- foul, unearthly creatures -- existed somewhere beneath the ice. Even the Jedi had been hard pressed to halt the advance of these unnatural predators. And, indeed, a recent attack by the Vinterbound had been halted.

...but at great cost.

Now as the winter sharpened it's cutting winds into the most bitter cold, many more younglings now found themselves orphaned and alone, finding only emptiness where once was the warmth of open arms. And awaiting the coming of a year which seemed but a glimpse of a bleak, barren future.

But no matter how dark the night, dawn was waiting on the other side of the horizon.

That light arrived now with the familiar ships of the Silver Sanctum Coalition, come to take some of the edge off the cold wind that had blown through so many affected families on the world below. Aboard a FrontierCorps ship, a Pantoran youth prepared much needed food and clothing for delivery to orphanages and shelters. Meanwhile, on a Jedi ship, a small Nautolan lad sat amid an explosion of wrapping paper and tape as he readied presents for delivery to younglings. And a young clone trooper listened while a Corellian Jedi Knight spun a tale about a Vinterbound who snuck into the homes of the Valkyri in order to steal Winter Fete.

And so this is Winter Fete, and what have you done?

Spoiler: Objectives

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

I thought I would throw out a few different ideas for this social thread, to give people a premise or foundation for their character's appearance in the thread. Feel free to float between "objectives" or make up your own. The only point of this thread is to create some character interaction, especially between characters of the faction who might not otherwise interact with one another.

1. GIVE THE GIFT OF WINTER FETE​

[member="Boo Chiyo"] is delivering food, clothes, and supplies to younglings and families in Fafnersvik who lost their homes or families during the Vinterbound attacks.​

​

2. CELEBRATE WINTER FETE​

[member="Zak Dymo"] is helping throw a party for the younglings of Fafnersvik with presents donated as part of a toy drive. Come join in the celebration!​

​

3. STOP THE VINTERGRINCH!​

[member="3X744"] is on the hunt for the folk lore villain who comes and steals gifts from Valkyri younglings during Winter Fete​

​

4. HAVE FUN!​

This one is mandatory, or else you'll get a thermal footwear unit full of coal.​

​

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Zak Dymo"]

This was going to be an interesting time but she wasn't opposed to some fun and sitting there in the thick robes while her attention was on the presents for the younglings... and special tani honey they had been getting from farms for the adults if they wanted it. She didn't know who but it was good to have some options while her mane of black hair was like a curtain around her back and shoulders like a cloak over the seat. Matsu hummed to herself finishing one of the presents as she wrapped it before setting it aside and marking it, then starting on another and slowly going with another when she finished.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

1. GIVE THE GIFT OF WINTER FETE

[member="Boo Chiyo"] | [member="Matsu Ike"]

Shortly after the battle of Fafnersvik Coci had returned to Midvinter to give thanks to a friend for saving her life. She had come of Tháinbroek to be in the grand hall for a dinner to show gratitude and visit Thrand and they had spoke of the battle and the losses sustained to the peoples of that fair village of which there had been many. Since that day the residence of Fafnersvik had reinforced the wall and had rebuilt the houses that had been destroyed by the fire that, in the end, had helped to dispatch the undead before the grand master dealt the final blow.

But some damage cannot be rebuilt, like that of families torn apart from the result of giving their lives to save families and friends and so Coci is back here. This time to assist with delivering food and clothing to those that are in need now their families can no longer provide for them. She had taken the Oathkeeper, a family ship packed to the rafters with meats and furs and leathers the Coalition had traded for in Tháinbroek at the main market of the capital.

Today is a good day. There is a lot of cheer in the air regardless and all of the people of Fafnersvik remembered them, greeting each and every Jedi as they entered through the newly fashioned gates which had been thrown open to allow visitors free entrance and welcome. In the small market place is a large bon fire where all can gather to celebrate and keep warm. Coci found her way to the center and the fire and to find a young boy by the name of Boo. It would be this time that she would meet the young man that had saved Théo on that trip to Midvinter. But little did either of them know she had pod raced against him, neither of them know of each others identity .. until today.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

2. CELEBRATE WINTER FETE

[member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Matsu Ike"]

A gift given, is a gift shared. Théo has been apprenticed to his father in carving wood and creating things of beauty from the supple timber, it is a gift handed down to him and one in which holds more meaning to him than simply applying the tool, Théo uses this to meditated and focus. But since hearing that Winter Fete was soon upon them, he had been busy in that small shed he and father had found on Voss when he had constructed his lightsaber. Théo had returned there and had began his creations to give to the children of Midvinter to bring some happiness even if only for a short time.

He had left mother on her 'mission' to distribute clothes and foods, and with a heavy bag slung over his shoulder he made his way to find Zak. A smile formed on his face, thinking of his friend here in the 'watery' place, at least he could get wet if the need arose and Théo is so going to make sure he does with a volley of snowballs when they have time for fun. But there is work to be before this, wrapping presents and handing them out comes first.

Théo found his way to the Sanctum ship in which Zak is to be found, a short trip through the snow which Théo relished and took his time before striding up the boarding ramp. He found his friend soon enough sitting at work wrapping all manner of things and placing pretty bows on each and every one.

"Hey mate!", he greeted him as he placed his bag on the floor and sat down himself. Opening the bag, Théo carefully removed the toys he had made by hand under the careful instruction of his father. Some of the toys would be familiar to the children of Midvinter, long boats, horses, Vhaanir, and even some not so familiar to them. The larger pieces father made.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

5. SECRET OBJECTIVE

Riding high in the saddle, her hips swaying with the momentum of her horse, she munches on a piece of fruit. Her eyes feasting on it as she chews, never before had she eaten such a thing, so sweet and juicy that it ran down her mouth and neck with each bite. It is a peach, from the gardens of Voss Temple sent to her after her order and by the way she ate it, it would not be the last. I wonder if it could be brewed .. ? No, too soft.

Her bay mare continued to plow hooves through the snow on the road to Fafnersvik, she had been there when the Vinterbound had surfaced once more, Thrand had called her to arms and so she answered and fought along side many of the Jedi from the .. what are they now? Sanctum? Aerin had divorced herself from all things Jedi or the like, preferring to live within the force on her own terms. She did not believe in their restrictive ways, so limiting to their abilities to stifle such beauty as the Force. To her the Force is simple, it is itself and knows no bounds of subjective philosophies.

She has much sadness for the peoples of this village, having lost so much, but for her the battle itself was simply that. To Valkyri battles are intrinsic to their way of life, clan clashes, board disputes, battles of the Throne, and Vinterbound all part of the life that revolves on Midvinter and there will be more and she will just get on with it. Behind her mare is her faithful pack horse laden with all manner of goods and things she had acquired from trade in Tháinbroek before making her way north. Most of which is things she needs to pass the winter and after the Fete she will return to Rildonmark to see it through.

But behind the pack horse is the secret gift for Théo and [member="Nina Heavenshield"]. The black stallion for Prince Théo and the white mare for Lady Nina. She rides smiling thinking of her good friend [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"], the King, she would have gifted him one too, save for the fact he would never sit on it for long, it would not do to have the King of Midvinter sitting on his arse in the snow.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

4. HAVE FUN!

"Can you inform me again why you issued me the most recalcitrant horse in our stables?", the male horse fresh from training is head strong and has a mind of it's own. Thaerd spent most of the journey 'fighting' for who was the 'master'. He flashed an annoyed look to his cousin Aerin, sitting happy atop her mount eating.

"He suits your personality", she informed him to which he replied with a hmmpf. "Besides he is the only horse that could carry you with all that armour you are wearing". Aerin added with mirth. Thaerd looked down and noticed a small blemish on said armour with great sword over his back, and quickly removed the smug, to which Aerin laughed.

Thaerd, Chieftain of Clan Sabina is not coming the village in official capacity, but still wants to look his best. Although a little haughty at times, he is very friendly and has come to the celebrations to provide entertainment in the form of playing his lyre and telling stories of legends old to the children, after all his is a bard as well. He looks up to see the welcoming gates of Fafnersvik and sighs with relief as the tedious journey will be over soon.

 

[Maya Carrick]

1. Give a Gift of Winter Fete

[member="Coci Heavenshield"][member="Zak Dymo"]

Being a while since she had come to this planet once before to aid with her silver fleet not for the humanity part but for the medical. Been amused to watch with her but when her full team had done the magic as they called it from the Gods themselves to heal the way they did. Even then she wasn't one to hope for nothing more then been called into serves once more. Even then she couldn't help but the warmth of her heart to bring the hope to those that had very little. After reading the reports of what taken place in the front lines.

Even then she had brought with a couple of her ships from the silver cross itself. Even so she had made her own children help even them putting some of there own touches to the cargo. Even so her first order of business was to locate [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

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

A package, clumsily wrapped, was delivered to the Fete. The label read:

TO: The Sanctum, c/o The Heavenshields
FROM: Jorus Merrill

The package contained assorted candies of dubious provenance, and the holocron of Boolon Murr.

 

[Judah Lesan Jr.]

The season of Fete was approaching and a village on the cold world of Midvinter was in desperate need of the holiday cheer. They had survived an attack, but lost almost everything. If ever there was a time and need for humanitarian aid it was now. The holiday season was one which usually brought out the generosity in people, and JJ was no exception to this. When his master [member="Cambria Zadira"] had sent him word of the effort, the Corellian didn't have to think about it before he answered for both he and his ranger [member="Kaitlyn Solay"].

The Corellian was instantly taken back to memories of his years in the Lesan home. His mother always made the season enjoyable. After the season of thankfulness, the day after the main feast, the family would decorate the tree while drinking hot cider, hot chocolate, and singing fete carols. The smells of cookies and fudge baking in the oven usually accompanied the festivites. Nothing made JJ more homesick than the memories he faced now. Despite the homesickness, there was an overwhelming desire to share those memories with those who had lost so much.

He was dressed for the cold. His usual attire would not be warm enough. A wool cloak was taken from from some of his dad's belongings along with a long sleeved thermal shirt. His pants weren't anything special, but the boots fur lined for extra warmth. His feet always got cold in the snow. JJ was in the cargo hold double checking that the pair had brought all the right supplies with them. A large tree was situated in the village square, and the two were going to decorate it. This was going to be JJ and Kait's first Fete together as well. Maybe he would sneak some mistletoe later.

"Alright, we're all set. Let's go and spread some holiday cheer, hmmm?"

 

[Zak Dymo]

He kept his distance from the bon fire.

As a Pantoran, the boy had youthful fantasies of what his ancestral home of Orto Plutonia must be like. Glacial lakes. Snowy peaks. Fresh powder crunching lightly underfoot. It was like the princess castle of a fairy tale, something fantastic that only existed in some imaginary place far, far away.

He had been raised beneath the ghettos of Coruscant. Living by the sewars and going without heat in the seasonal winters. If Coruscant could even be said to have seasons. Unlike many other small younglings, he had survived because he didn't feel the cold as some other near-humans did. He was more like the Valkyri. Cold rejuvenated him. He would rather sit on the side of a frozen mountain than lounge beneath the sun on a warm beach.

He knew what it was like to be hungry. To fear that one might starve to death. To want for food so badly that you would fight over it. Even kill for it. But, above all, he knew the fear and uncertainty of being poor. Impoverished. It was a look he recognized in the eyes of some of the younglings who shuffled through the lines where they were giving out hot food, warm coats, and things other children would have turned their noses up as gifts for a fete: Socks and underwear.

It was so easy to take so much for granted, especially when someone didn't know what it was like to go without.

As he passed a bowl of hot stew to a small boy, he caught a glimpse of a woman walking toward him. Looking up as she approached, the boy inclined his head politely. "Good Fete to you," the youngling intoned softly.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Maya Whitelight"]​

 

[Zak Dymo]

The Nautolan's wrapped presents were not going to win any beauty awards, and there was probably more wrapping paper stuck to him than to the gifts being wrapped.

As he looked over at Theo's cache of presents, the boy immediately recognized the large lizard-horse. His favorite fictional protagonist had to ride one in The Adventures of Jono Jawa: Raiders of the Ice, which had involved Gangsta the Hutt trying to steal ancient technology from an ice temple on Hoth. "Oh, it's a tauntaun!" the child blurted aloud.

"They... they should have, like, tauntaun's on Midvinter," the youngling remarked candidly. "Then... then we... we could go, like, riding tauntauns in the snow an' stuff."

As he finished wrapping the last gift, the boy popped to his feet and began to gather up the presents. "This is going to be soooooo astral!" the boy opined aloud, talking to both the Jedi Master and his fellow criminal padawan-in-training. "There's gonna be a Fete Tree, and... and a fire... and, and lots of food."

The fire was really special. There weren't any fire places under the sea. Aquatic homes were warmed by way of thermal currents.

[member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Alleycat]

Midvinter wasn't that far from Voss, but the environment was totally opposite. While [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] was double checking the supplies they'd brought for the Fete celebration, Kaitlyn had gone to a homestead nearby their landing site to borrow some sort of land transportation to carry all those supplies into the village of Fafnersvik.

After kicking the snow off her boots on the side of Patriot One's boarding ramp, the Antarian Ranger entered the A-36 Sleuth scout vessel. The tall brunette was wearing a snow parka with matching pants and warm fur-lined boots as well. Shaking off the biting cold from outside, Kaitlyn pushed back the hood on her parka, then began walking back to the hold where she could hear the young Corellian Jedi humming a tune that was foreign to her. Fete wasn't something the Antar IV born had ever celebrated before. But from what JJ had shared with her, the special holiday would be something to behold and fun to boot; bringing hope and joy back to the people of Fafnersvik especially the children was what mattered most though.

"I secured us some transportation for the supplies. A very kind white-haired man let me borrow his red sleigh," Kait smiled, then added with a chuckle. "The beast pulling it I swear has a red nose. Never seen one have that before… Shall we get moving? The tree in the village square won't decorate itself."

[member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Matsu Ike"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Maya Whitelight"] [member="Boo Chiyo"]

 

[Judah Lesan Jr.]

"And did this man appear to be jolly and round with a white beard," JJ asked with a smile.

He returned to his work while humming his melody again. JJ picked up the first package and walked it to the sleigh and didn't believe his eyes. The animal pulling the sliegh did look like it had a red nose. There were songs about this, but Judah wasn't going to sing that one, well, maybe later. JJ was looking forward to decorating the tree with Kaitlyn. She may never had celebrated the holiday before, but this was something which was the highlight of JJ's year. Hopefully she'd learn to love it too.

JJ loved how she looked in the white outfit. He thought she was gorgeous, and knew exactly what he wanted for Christmas. She was his ranger, and he'd told his mother how he felt about her. JJ was smitten but also respected her. He was pursuing her, and it was likely obvious to her he was. That was fine with him, if she knew. Once the sliegh was loaded he jumped into the sleigh and grabbed the reigns.

"I've always wanted to drive one of these!"

He began to sing

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sliegh..."

[member="Kaitlyn Solay"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Objective: Secret Mission
Location: Tháinbroek, Capital of Midvinter

Thrand: "Are you sure this is what this... what did you call it, 'Fete' of yours entails? Forcing old men to play dress-up?"

Thurion: "Oh, come on. You're not that old."

Thrand: "I'm well over a century old, boy. And saying it aloud only makes you feel older, let me tell you!"

Thurion: "Quit your fussing, dad. Don't forget your hat..."

Thrand: "No. I don't like it."

Thurion: "Just wear the damn hat, will you? They'll recognise you otherwise."

Thrand: "And why do I need to wear a fake beard? I have a beard!"

Thurion: "It needs to be white. Yours is not white enough."

Thrand: "Eugh! It's so itchy, and it gets in my mouth."

Thurion: "I gotta say, it's not every day your son acts more adult than your own father."

Thrand: "Hmph! You know, back in the day we used to just sacrifice a goat or two to the Gods. Involved less getups and more drunken stupors..."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] | [member="Kaitlyn Solay"] | [member="Maya Whitelight"] | [member="Matsu Ike"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Not immediately seeing the Master in the room, Théo turned and went into a low bow. "My apologies Master I did not see you there", however a large smile broke over his face, as he sat down next to Zak.

"You want it? I have plenty more of them in the bag". He said handing one to his bestest buddy! "I made it you know!, well with a little bit of help from Papa".

Théo reached up the Zak face and ripped off some of the paper stuck to him, he suspected that glue on Nautolan skin would not be a good thing, if Zak's skin was anything like that of a frogs. Damn frogs! well at least the once on Ossus.

"I don't think Midvinter has Tauntauns .. there are big serpents though but I don't think you want to ride one of those", they will kill you as good as look at you. "Midvinter has horses, did you know?", hoping that would appeal to Zak instead, he remembered his ride on the war horse of the Shieldmaiden Aerin Firebrand. "I think my Mama has gone to see about the fire and stuff, not sure where Papa is". The two boys continued to wrap and chatter incessantly, not hiding there excitement.

​

[member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Matsu Ike"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Objective: Help distribute the food and clothing
Location: Fafnersvik

Nina had not been present at the Battle of Fafnersvik, when the Jedi and Valkyri defended against the Vinterbound legions. Her brother had been there, however, as had [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]. Meanwhile, she'd been staying behind with her grandfather in Tháinbroek to help him deal with the situation there, as word of the Vinterbound marching once more on their people had sparked panic among the civilian population. Helping the King soothe the unrest was the least she could do.

Now that she was there to see the damage for herself, or rather the leftover signs of damage, she was even more relieved over not having witnessed such death and chaos first-hand. She wasn't as good at facing danger as her younger brother - or as stubborn. Helping her mother distribute all the goods they'd brought from Tháinbroek was more to her liking, as it involved helping people without the killing-zombies-part. The people there were very friendly, probably because they owed their lives to the Jedi who helped prevent their settlement to be reduced to a pile of rubble.

Nina smiled and made extra efforts to give the children special attention, especially the tiny ones. These people didn't have much in the way of... anything, really. It felt good spreading such joy.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] | [member="Kaitlyn Solay"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Maya Whitelight"] | [member="Matsu Ike"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

1. GIVE THE GIFT OF WINTER FETE

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Chiyo"] | [member="Jorus Merrill"]

"Good Fete to you, young man", she inclined her head in a bow to the blue skinned boy. Coci studied him for a moment, something familiar in him made the back of her neck prickled with the recognition. Thurion had told her of a boy from the Primeval by the name of Boo Chiyo that had saved their son's life from pirates on their expedition to Midvinter some weeks ago and now resided on Voss. But this young man she had 'met' before and with that dawning she smiled. "How is the pod racing going Boo", she used his name now aware. "It was a good hard fun race on Zygerria was it not? .. I think you should have won .. not I". With this revelation, Coci moved to Boo and hugged him. "I have you to thank for my son's life, thank you".

Stepping back, Coci looked around for Nina and found her distributing food parcels and clothing much needed for the winter for the villages. Such a soft soul she is, no warrior she be, but there is a quiet determination within her that if any of her loved ones was threatened .. Coci knew the warrior would surface. She walks her own path, serenely and how Coci admires her so.

"Master Heavenshield, forgive my intrusion, but this parcel has arrived from Voss and was sent immediately to Midvinter. It is marked to you and Grand Master Heavenshield", the Antarian Ranger presented a badly wrapped parcel to her hands. "Thank you and Good Fete to you ranger".

"Well this is curious isn't it ... ", she did not complete her sentence but her brow knitted. Curious indeed, I can sense the force ...

Coci read the note, it was a gift from [member="Jorus Merrill"], she remembered the first time meeting the Captain ages ago now, they had a short cool conversation regarding a certain master of the Order back then and she smiled, a couple of forthright people standing moral to moral. I own him a drink.

She unwrapped the parcel and opened a box finding candies which she handed to Nina to give to the children but sitting at the bottom of the box ... Coci's eyes widened with surprise and using the force her hand drew up a holocron which sat in the air inches above her open palm. Well one would be hard pressed to describe the look on the faces of the children and adult Valkyri that witness this .. magic.

 

[Alleycat]

"…Hey!" Kait exclaimed cheerfully.

The Ranger didn't know why, but just added that little bit to [member="Judah Lesan Jr."]'s song as she plopped down next to him on the sleigh's cozy bench seat. The Jedi seemed to be in his prime here. From what the Corellian had told her about his homeworld and where his family lived up in the mountains outside Corornet City, it was a winter wonderland during the cold months just like it was here now. Kailtyn had not seen her partner this excited and happy in a long time. Perhaps this Fete celebration would be an uplifting experience not only for those of Fafnersvik and Midvinter, but JJ and other Corellians alike who still rightfully mourned the lost of their planet and traditions.

It didn't take long for the beast to get them to the village. The bare tree in the middle of the village square was tall and wide at the base. It would be beautiful after they were done decorating it. And when people came to view it, Kaitlyn would have hot cocoa and cider for them while JJ led the gatherers in Fete carols. Yes, this endeavor would be a very uplifting experience for all, and a renewal of hope and joy in humanity.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Boo Chiyo"] [member="Maya Whitelight"] [member="Thaerd Thawbearer"] [member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Judah Lesan Jr.]

JJ laughed when Kait yelled Hey! She hadn't heard any of his carls before, but she seemed to know what to do with this one, and that warmed his heart. The snow covered peaks of surrounding the village reminded him of home so much that JJ almost forgot he was not on Corellia. The aid was bittersweet for him, because while it was good to help those who had lost so much, Judah had lost more. It was hard to get in the dumps when helping others though, and if this became a new fete tradition for him, then so be it. Corellians had learned to move on. While the world was missed, their culture was not. It bled into everything, and impacted the galaxy in a good many ways.

The boots JJ wore crunched into the snow once the sleigh had stopped. He rounded it to help [member="Kaitlyn Solay"] out of her side. He didn't have to as the woman was more than capable to take care of herself, but the festivites had JJ in a rare mood, one which made him generous and chivalrous. Well, it made him more than he already was. JJ surveyed the tree, the perfect shape. The evergreen tree was wide at the bottom and pointed at the top, near the perfect triangle too. The branches were full of needles, and the tree had a natural fluff to it which made it very fitting for the season.

"Well let's get to work. We'll string the lights first, then the ribbon and tinsel. After that we hang the ornanments, and the tree topper is saved for last. I really hope you enjoy your first Fete, Kait, I really do!"

Judah looked around for others to help. Many hands made light work, and Judah knew the tree could take a while. Sure he could use the force, and with the size of the tree he would have to in some places, but he didn't want to be robbed of the joy which came from seeing the finsihed tree after the work put into it.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nina Heavenshield"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Boo Chiyo"] [member="Maya Whitelight"] [member="Thaerd Thawbearer"] [member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

5. SECRET OBJECTIVE

The small train of horses that followed Aerin into the village was met with cheer, a herald of her arrival. Many of the Valkyri that had recognised her from the battle bowed their heads in respect, she even heard some of them say, "There is the hand of the King", so different to what was once called out to her so many years ago. It was nice not to be called 'witch' anymore. She returned their bows each and every one and for once it was nice to be riding not across the field of battle, but into happier times and celebration.

As they moved through the village, Aerin noticed the rebuilding and that the people of this fair village had began to rebuild lives as well but many did not have that ability having lost so much more than mire trinkets. She passed a house that had not been touched since the battle, the window dusty and the door all but had come away from the frame, out side sits a small child with another even younger, dirty and undernourished. Aerin immediately stopped and dismounted.

"Good Fete, children", she said on approach and she did not ask for their parents it was obvious enough. They clung to each to each other, fearing her and uncertain of their future, "Please do not be afraid, I want to help you", she said kneeling before them. Her eyes looked over the house, that could soon be mended, but not so their souls. "Do you have family beyond these gates?".

The girl, being the elder spoke. "We .. we have an Aunt in Tháinbroek".

"Then after the Fete I will take you there to be with your family".

Aerin sensed the presence of many Jedi, some of which she knew others not. Her head turned toward one familiar to her, and found Coci Heavenshield a little way off. "See that lady there", she pointed toward Coci, "She is Princess of the Realm and wife to Prince Heavenshield and I do believe she is here to give the gifts of food and clothing". It was then she noticed the younger girl with long white hair, she could sense the connection between Coci and she and it was clear the young girl was delivering the goods. "And that must be, the Lady of the Realm. Go to her and eat and have new clothes. After the Fete I will come back and find you".