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

[Nina Heavenshield]

While handing out the various gifts of foods and furs, Nina came across an elderly Valkyri woman. Her back was terribly crooked and she needed a cane to walk around. Upon approaching her she soon learned that she was also blind, her eyes resembling a fading mist in colour. Nina felt sorry for the old woman and gently took her by the hand, with no words shared between them. She led her but a few steps over to a wooden rocking chair for her to sit down in. The woman looked straight ahead and offered her a heart-warming smile, the kind that only the elderly were capable of. When Nina was about to let go of her hand, she found that the woman's bony fingers would not release their grip. "Éar, is that you?" her trembling voice uttered. "So gentle yet so strong, and ever youthful..."

Éar was the Valkyri goddess of beauty and fertility, but also of the hunt. It seemed the old woman had mistaken Nina for the goddess herself. Either that or she was delirious from old age. "Have you come to take me home?" the woman continued, faded eyes looking up to the skies. Nina followed her gaze for a moment, then returned it to the woman. "It... It is not yet your time, my old friend. Rest now..." she calmy replied while covering her weary form with one of the furs to keep warm. "Then I shall wait... for a bit longer..." the elder spoke before her eyes closed and she fell asleep, finally releasing her grip of Nina's hand. She looked so peaceful in her sleep; the look of someone who has lived a full life with no regrets, awaiting the final step of their journey: Beornskald...

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

 

[Zak Dymo]

He said hello.

She said hello.

Introductions done. Pleasantries complete. They could each go about their business.

...and now she just seemed to be staring at him.

Granted, Boo was the only Pantoran that he knew of in this part of space, but the blue skin and yellow markings didn't usually garner such scrutiny."Um, so..." the youngling stammered, fidgeting under the weight of Coci's gaze.

Then she asked about pod racing.

Pod racing? He wasn't a pod racer... Oh wait, Zyger...

Before the tween could complete that thought, the woman made the point for him. Blinking, it was a little stunning to realize that the opponent in the other pod was the woman standing in front of him. The boy hadn't run into another one of his challengers before. At least, not outside of the track. That was kind of what happened when he hopped around different circuits on different worlds in different systems.

Bowing his head politely at her comment as to the victor, the boy meekly remarked, "I believe all is as it should be." The will or whim of the gods were often unpredictable, even by the prophets. And it was written that Balagoth moved in mysterious ways. Perhaps he was witnessing the evidence of that now. As he brought his eyes back up, the boy added, "I was not able to congratulate you then on your victory."

And then she grabbed him by the arms and pulled him into her.

...what just happened?

Thoroughly confused, the tween inched a step back as she released him from the hug. Her son? She must be mother to one of the younglings who had been on the ill-fated tour of Midvinter when it had been attacked by slavers. And the Pantoran and [member="Norah Kitts-Castillon"] had done what had to be done in order to get them all to safety.

Except it hadn't been all of them. Merely those that they could find, amid circumstances in which they had done their best. And their best had been barely good enough. And the human cost measured in lives.

What did one say to her words then? 'You're welcome'? He hadn't boarded that FrontierCorps shuttle with any goal of being a hero. Quite the opposite. He'd been spying on the Silver Jedi and the Coalition for the Primeval, through the cover of being a student at the Levantine Academy.

Thankfully, an Antarian Ranger arrived with an object that demanded the woman's attention. And so as she drew out the holocron and became a spectacle of attention by those awed by the mysteries of the Force, the young assassin did what he did best.

Slip away. Into shadow. Into darkness. Into the unforgiving cold.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Zak Dymo]

The young Nautolan lit up as Theo passed the wooden tauntaun to him.

It was a present! For him!

He could use it with his Jono Jawa action figures, and re-create moments from Raiders of the Ice in his own imagination...

The boy's head-tails drooped slightly, as the youngling stood on his knees and shuffled over to pass the wooden toy back over to Theo. "That's okay. You should give it to one of the Valkyri. I have lots of toys," Zak said. Like the orphans of Midvinter, Zak didn't have any parents either. At least, not that he knew of. He'd been identified as a Jedi Hopeful as a baby and raised by the Jedi since he before he could walk. But, even though he didn't have family, he had the Holy Order of Jedi Knights. There were lots of people who saw to his needs, fed him, clothed him. Even made him take a bath when he didn't want to.

Some of these younglings on Midvinter didn't have that. Or had lost some or all of that family during the attacks.

That tauntaun would probably mean more to one of those younglings than it would to Zak. Even though it was pretty special. Especially since Theo had made it!

Grabbing up his collected packages and presents, the Nautolan popped up to his feet. Head-tails whipping around to the left and right, the boy looked sharply at the smaller padawan and the taller master. "What are we waitin' for?" the youngling demanded. "Let's get these presents where they're goin'!"

Then they were going to party like it was 799!

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

 

[Alleycat]

As [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] started to string the lights around the tree, Kaitlyn got the self-contained generator going so it would power those lights and the hot plate to heat up the water for the cider and cocoa. The Ranger had even brought marshmallows to top off the hot chocolate. It was something that she and JJ had with theirs when they partook in the sweet treat.

It didn't take long for curious villagers to come out of their dwellings to check on what the offworlders were doing to the tree in their village square. Kaitlyn greeted them and explained they were from the Silver Sanctum Coalition and sharing their Fete holiday with them to bring their war torn land joy and good will of the festive sea on. A few of the older Valkyri scrunched their nose at the notion, but the younger ones seemed genuinely intrigued and wanted to help them.

That is when it became a group effort, which made it much more fun. Soon the tree was decorated and it was time for the big star to go on top and the lights to be turned on.

"Show time!" Kait beamed at her Jedi partner.

@SCC peeps

 

[Judah Lesan Jr.]

When some of the younger villagers began to help, Judah smiled. It felt good to see so many smiling faces after such a gloomy time for the citizens. There was nothing like a festive atmosphere to bring cheer back into the hearts of those who suffered so much. Maybe it would be hard for one, but for the group as a whole, it would bring morale. If they could decorate a tree together, they could rebuild together. That's what this could give them hope to do.

[member="Kaitlyn Solay"] went to work on making sure there was power to get everything ready for the drinks. As she hooked up the lights and hot plate, JJ grabbed the candy canes and placed them on the tree in various spots. They would be for any children that would come by. The sweetened peppermint candy made for a good stir to use with the hot cocoa. The minty flavor added something unique to it.

"Alrighty then," JJ grabbed the star and leapt to the top and placed it on the top of the tree. When he came down he plugged the last part of the lights into the generator and watched as they turned on. "Make sure you save some of that cocoa for me later. This is fun, but I was hoping we could have our own little Fete celebration after?"

JJ squeezed Kait's arm lightly in a kind gesture before walking out front. He was the natural people person when he wanted to be. The introverted tendencies were just more visible on the surface was all. JJ could overcome them for what the people needed.

"Okay everyone, we have hot cider, and hot cocoa for everyone. There are some candy canes on the tree for the children. All of it is compliments of the Silver Sanctum Coalition. It's been a while since I've celebrated like Corellian's usually do. I still remember losing my home, but I'm glad to help you with rebuilding yours. If you don't mind, I was thinking we'd sing some fete carols, and maybe I'll teach you some traditional Corellian ones also."

Well he had everyone's attention now. He never remembered singing for Kaitlyn before, though he did hum a lot, and sing aloud when he thought he was alone. For some reason he was nervous about her hearing him sing now. JJ pushed it aside though and started signing the "Fete Song."


[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Maya Whitelight"] | [member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Boo Chiyo"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

2. CELEBRATE WINTER FETE

[member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Kaitlyn Solay"] | [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] | @Hot Cocoa!

Théo did not need a second invitation to get up and go to the celebrations. He was right behind Zak with a large bag of wrapped presents over his shoulders, but still in his hand the small toy Zak took a shine to. He did not wrap it, but instead placed it in his pocket and smiled as there was more than enough presents to go around. This one would be Zak's and he would make sure he gets it later.

Finding his feet in the snow once again, the cold air bringing life to his blood, Théo made his way to the gates of the village. Already there was cheer and fun, they had been missing out already?!

"Come on Zak we will miss out on everything!", no they wouldn't, but a him it seemed that way. Ahead there was a big tree all decorated with a big star on the top, the smell of cider and coca wafted down the street as they approached and his tummy rumbled because of it. Some of the children saw them approach and wondered what they carried in such big bags and began to jump around Zak and Théo pestering them with questions.

As they got to the tree, he could hear someone singing, a young man Jedi by the aura of him and a pretty lady near by, Ranger by the look of her. As Théo passed the pretty lady, "Hey he is not bad", he told her referring to his singing of the Fete Song. "Hello Lady, I am Théo Heavenshield", he flashed his best smile to her. Day by day, girls are beginning to become interesting to Mister Théo Heavenshield.

 

[Tempest]

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"] probably?
Objective 4...for now.

Perpetually Tempest seemed to be ending up in cold, icy places. She was sure that Siobhan was trolling her, though she had no proof!
Still, she’d been sent here as a gesture of goodwill to the Heavenshield family and to pay her respects. Midvinter was their focus of interest, in the same way that Kaeshana and Tygara was the Kerrigan homebase.

And so as she touched down she could already feel the cold seeping in despite a multitude of jackets, scarfs, socks and pants.

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tempest"]


Truly, Elpsis did not like the cold much either. While she had not grown up in the tropics like Tempest, she was a fire girl...literally! Sure, she could use her powers to increase her body temperature and warm herself up, but it was still annoying, and so she was more thickly clothed than she would have liked.


Difficult to look stylish in winterland. Anyhow, after leaving her room and still feeling cold, she ran into a wild Tempest! Elpsis was here as her...date/booty call/minion? She wasn't really sure, but didn't really mind any of those three definitions. As long as she hadn't been categorised as the younger sister.


After all, Tempest was cute, sort of nice and not a Jedi or Sith. "Y'know, if you're feelin' cold I got fire and can always warm you up," she whispered into Tempest's ear when she got close, rubbing her strong shoulders Undoubtedly she thought that she was being extremely witty. "Couldn't we have gone to a warmer planet? With beaches."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She carefully place the holocron back in the box and closed it. It would remain with her until she manage to see Thurion, at this moment she wondered where he was. Through their force bond she located him some distance off back in Thainbroek. Coci turned to speak to Boo once more but the boy had gone, his presence vague to her now as he slipped away. Her mind thought on this for a moment, wondering why he would go and not stay for the celebrations or maybe he is shy and would turn up again soon.

Her attention went to the mission and the distribution of the food and clothing, mostly done by the Antarian Ranger the good evenly handed out across the village, Nina is there to assisting an older lady into a chair and once the mission is completed they can go to the celebrations down the street and enjoy their time with all.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Chiyo"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Having made sure his father knew the part he would play upon his arrival, Thurion now made for Fafnersvik on a Coalition shuttle he'd borrowed when diverting to Tháinbroek earlier while the others gathered up at Fafnersvik. There had been no sightings of the Vinterbound since they successfully defeated them months earlier, and the people across Midvinter praised their King and the off-worlders alike for their victory. While such a victory came at a high price, it was good to see everyone smiling and joyously go about their buisness once more. Peace had been restored to his ancestral homeworld, at least for now. And they would spend their time wisely.

Arriving at Fafnersvik, Thurion set the shuttle down in the snow outside the village gates like the others had, right next to the Oathkeeper. Before making his way inside the village, Thurion gave the entrance to his ship a couple knocks. "Teetoo, you in there? Come on, buddy, you don't want to miss the festivities, do you?" A moment later the ramp lowered and the door slid open to reveal the silver-blue astromech droid who had been with him through thick and thin. "Let's go, pal. Hope you've got your winter tires on," he chuckled as the droid made his way down the ramp with a symphony of bleeps and buzzes. Upon entering the village, his eyes widened at the amount of people gathered outside, marvelling at the sight of the beautifully decorated Fete tree.

Before he could take another step Nina launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around him as best she could. "Hello, my sweet Snowflake," he greeted her, relishing the embrace of his daughter. It seemed like ages ago when last they were able to simply be father and daughter. "Where's your mother and brother at?" She turned and pointed towards the tree where everyone were gathered, and taking her by the hand Thurion made his way there. Sneaking up behind them, he placed his hands over Coci's eyes, blocking her view. Nina did the same to Théo. "Guess who?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

With the last of the bundles of clothes and food given out and put away in houses for the winter, Coci stood and stretched her back before finding the bon fire and some of the Jedi already there enjoying themselves. The tree look wonderful and festive which made her smile, even more so when she found Theo and Zak with their bags of presents which they began to hand out to the children gathered around them. Some of the presents placed under the tree for later to give out during the formal part of the celebrations.

Only a brief glimpse afforded of Nina teasing Theo by covering his eyes made her smile before her own had been obscured by hands she knows so very well. That low voice of his which always sent a thrill through her body spoke close to her ear and she felt that nervous butterfly sensation in her stomach once more, she marveled that after this time that this tingling feeling has remained as if only yesterday they had met.

"Tomtenisse?".

She turned so his arms would rest on her shoulders, hers found his waist before Coci kissed his lips, soft and warm. When she pulled back, a wide smile broke over her face.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] | [member="Kaitlyn Solay"] | @Nina and Theo​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

After giving some of the presents to the more eager children, Theo placed the rest under the tree. It was good to see all the smiling faces, on all the villagers and Jedi alike. Zak was at this best, laughing and having fun as was he and mother had joined them too. As he stood watching a pair of soft hands rested against his eyes and he could sense the mirth in the girl standing behind him, he smiled. His hands reached behind him and tickled Nina's sides before he moved and hugged her.

"A happy Fete Day to you Nina", he said using words for once. But now he took her hand, "I have something for you". Bending to open his large bag once more, Theo pulled out a big presents all wrapped up with ribbon and all! He held the presents out to her to take with a smile, in side Nina would find a box designed and hand crafted by him and even painted by his hands, it was for her to keep her paints and brushes in.

"I .. I hope you like it". A slight blush crossed his cheeks.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"]​

 

[Alleycat]

"No worries. I will most definitely save you some hot chocolate and marshmallows," Kait nodded to [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] knowing just how the Corellian really enjoyed those white fluffy balls in his hot drink, then a soft smile graced her face as blue eyes gazed into his brown before he left to lead the group in singing carols. "I'd like that, having our own Fete celebration."

The Fete song that JJ sang for the gathered villagers was beautifully done. HIs smooth baritone voice warmed her heart, and a few others from the glazed over eyes of a few women. Kaitlyn had never actually heard the young Jedi sing before, just hum, but he was talented. The Ranger could sing, but nothing like her Jedi partner.

She clapped when Judah had finished, then turned to greet a young boy. The tall brunette recognized his name after his introduction. He was one of the younglings from the Silver Sanctum Coalition, and the son of the [member="Coci Heavenshield"] and [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], the Masters of the Order.

"Well hello there, young master [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]. Good Fete to you. Have some cocoa or cider should you like," Kait smiled, holding out a tray that had cups of the hot chocolate and apple cider on it. On the side were the marshmallows and cinnamon sticks as added treats.

 

[Judah Lesan Jr.]

A shiver fan down Judah's spine when Kait's blue eyes locked with his. In that moment all of time stood still, and he knew, he just knew. He smiled, and watched as she handed out the hot drinks. Naturally the crowd gathered because of the beverages. His singing had nothing to do with it, at least he was oblivious to the women [member="Kaitlyn Solay"] seemed to notice. He kept wondering if he'd missed the perfect moment to pull the mistletoe out, but he was certain another one would come along. JJ was likely overthinking it, but at least she wanted to have their own celebration later. It would be simple, but he had gotten her a gift, three really, but it was all in one package.

As the crowd continued to gather and sing, JJ was beginning to miss home. His mother [member="Katara Starkos"] had always insisted they sing a lot of the carols as a family around their fireplace. Judah always knew his parents stayed up later for their own celebration, but his mind was there around the fire, and seeing his dad pull the mistletoe from behind his back. JJ was really just being like his dad in that area. He had time for one more song before the gifts arrived for the children in the village. One more time to sing a song from home about home

"Thank you all so much for coming. We'll still be here handing out the warm drinks, but I'm afraid the time for carols is almost over. There are presents for the children coming, so don't leave quite yet. Now if you'll humor me, I'd like to sing one last carol, a reminder to us all that no matter where we are, we can always make it home to where we want to be."

When he was finished, JJ looked at Kait and began to sing. Why he was singing to her this time, he didn't really know, but it felt like the right thing to do in the moment, so he went with it. When he finished, he looked at Kait's blue pools once more.

"Good Fete, Kait," he said then turned to everyone. "Good Fete to one and all!"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Maya Whitelight"] | [member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Boo Chiyo"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"]

 

[Tempest]

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]
Tempest laughed. “Well, if all else fails they say that the best way to keep warm is to share body heat,” she said lightly.
Even if Elpsis was a good deal younger than her she wasn’t immature like a child, much like Tempest was at that age really.

“It’s a nice contrast…for a few hours…but now I’m wanting to be back on Arkas! Still, we’ve got a job to do. Kerri wants us to meet up with the Heavenshields. I think she sent me here because she likes it when I freeze my ass off.”

It was snowing, but this was the meeting place, and as she looked around for signs of [member="Coci Heavenshield"] or [member="Thurion Heavenshield"].

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Tempest"]


This writer is feeling a bit dubious about saying Elpsis was not immature.


"Arkas? Why couldn't we have gone there? You never take me to any nice places," Elpsis mock grumbled. In the light of the fact that the first time they met had been Morellia and that thread had only been a few weeks ago, that statement was probably a tad silly. Regardless, she whispered into Tempest's ears. "It's a very nice arse. You know I've got the skill to always warm it up. And Sio's not that bad. She keeps saying nice things about you whenever I see her."


Truth be told, Elpsis had a bit of a rose-tinted view of Siobhan. Mainly because the Lady had ripped her evil Daddy's spine out since he'd been a massive jackarse. And the Kerrigan award for lame flirtation goes to...Elpsis. Anyhow, they left the ship and walked into the cold. Like always on Midvinter it was snowing a lot. Maybe they could find a Nordic hut to warm themselves up!

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The Valkyri word for 'elf' that she uttered so flawlessly caught him by surprise, causing him to laugh. "No, silly! It's just me," he told her in joyous tone as she turned in his arms, completely flooring him with those sparkling, black jewels of hers. "Merry Winter Fete, my love," he said as their foreheads touched, their noses rubbing up against one another. Then their lips met, and all the worries of the world were erased.

Interrupting their kiss was the sound of hooves trampling the snow, along with bells chiming to the rythm of the hooves. Pulling up to the open gates was a wooden sleigh pulled by a pair of horses, and sat in the driver's seat was a large man dressed in furs dyed red with white trimmings along with a hat of similar style. His beard was pure white and reached down to his chest. The man leaped off the sleigh and reached into the back of it, pulling out an enormous jute sack, bigger than even himself, and waltzed into the village of Fafnersvik.

"HO-HO-HO, Merry Winter Fete," the man in red declared loudly with a deep baritone voice, sack in hand and tossed over his shoulder. Approaching the beautifully decorated tree at the centre of the village square, he began pouring the contents of it beneath the tree to join the other presents, much to the cheers of all the children. Once that was done, the man in red stepped up to Théo and Nina and gave them both a big hug. He then moved on to Coci and Thurion and proceeded to do the same, pulling them both into a big bear hug. "I almost choked on the blasted beard on my way here," the familiar voice spoke for their ears only.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Zak Dymo"] | [member="Elpsis Kallikora"] | [member="Tempest"] | [member="Judah Lesan Jr."] | [member="Kaitlyn Solay"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina smiled as Théo presented her with the wrapped-up gift, and once she held it in her hands she leaned forward to place a small kiss on her brother's cheek. "Thank you, Théo," she chirped happily and held onto the gift for her dear life. She then reached into her pocket and in turn presented him with a gift of his own. It was a small package, containing a pendant. "I had grandfather make this for you. I found the crystal inside the cave on Rhen Var," she said as she handed it to him.

Not long after brother and sister had exchanged gifts did the man in red appear, which took Nina by surprise to say the least. Yet when the large man embraced her and her brother, she instantly knew who had donned the red costume and proceeded to return the embrace before he moved on to their parents.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The slight blushed turned to burning when Nina set a kiss on his cheek, Théo's eyes darted around to see if anyone was watching, not because he did not want her kiss but to shield his red face but a wide happy smile broke across his lips as Nina loved his gift to her. Then she handed a gift which he quickly unwrapped, his fingers searching for the heavy object inside until he found it and let it rest in his hand. He could see Grand Papa's influence in the design and the black crystal set in the center .. it is perfect, just like Nina. Without hesitation, Théo place his hand on her shoulder and leaned in to kiss her cheek in return. "It is beautiful", his words whispered to her mind. Théo took the pendant and placed it around his neck settling it on his chest.

Before any more exchange of words could he do, when very large familiar arms wrapped around the two of them. Théo looked over the man dressed in a red outfit with long white beard before a hearty laugh fell from Théo, it had broken the tension he was feeling, something odd to him never felt before which he would think about later. Once Grand Papa Winter Fete moved toward mother and father, Théo took hold of Nina's hand once more and lead her to the hot cocoa and all the other children gathered.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Merry Winter Fete, to you too my darling", she said in return as her arms rested over his shoulders and they nuzzled each other. However, her black eyes flashed open as arm engulfed them both. Thrand, arms as steel almost cracking ribs in his embrace took hold of them both without much effort. She could not help but laugh, his comments about he beard and his get up. "Thurion talked you into this, didn't' he?", she looked Thrand over placing a hand over her mouth to hide her mirth. For a moment, her mind went back to the Grand Hall, only moments after they had reached victory for the Throne and the three sat on the floor, in silence and in each other's embrace. Such a long way they had all come since that day, and the family is as strong as ever if not more so.

Her hand found Thurion's entwining her fingers through his as she stood by her husband and watched as the children for the village played and light shone over their faces, the younglings of the Order the same, and this was what it was all about. All the wars they had fought, battles won and lost all seemed to a distant past, but each and every one of the fights for freedom was set in the faces of those now enjoying it. This is what it is all about, to be able to give the ultimate gift ..

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​