Private At the Break of Dawn

[Thurion Heavenshield]

M I D V I N T E R
THE BLESSED PEAK
​

They set out from the Fortress of Dawn the next morning, before sunrise, having spent the night as honoured guests of the Dawnguard — a local Jedi enclave founded by himself and his wife when they first settled many decades past, with the fortress-monastery itself constructed on his older brother Thyrian's authority upon ascending their father's throne. A time long gone, for the order was now a hollow shell of its former self. Many of its senior members had joined their Grandmaster on her secret mission, but to their credit, those who remained at their post did so to this day, dutifully awaiting the return of their comrades.

Thurion was saddened by the empty halls and bleak look in their eyes, as if he needed another reminder what things used to be like with Coci by his side. For his grandson, however, and for the sake of the climb, he would set such sorrows aside.

"You doing alright there, son? Almost at the top," he paused to peer down at Aris doing his best to keep up. They scaled in the manner of his ancestors: crude crampons, simple picks, and a rope secured around their waists. Should the lad slip and fall, the elder would hold his weight. "Another hundred feet or so, and we'll be rewarded with the first light of day!"

Standing at 9,776 metres above sea level, the Blessed Peak was the tallest mountain in the west, second only to the Clenched Fist located farther east clocking in at a whopping 10,304 metres. To scale such behemoths of the world was said to court death — a worthy challenge to any stout-hearted Valkyri looking to prove themselves between wars. It was also said that mountains carried within them the wisdoms of the ages, and that these would be granted to those brave enough to reach the top.

Now stood atop the last cliff face, the High King began hauling the scion of House Noble "ashore", expediating the final few metres for him. He greeted Aris with the biggest of grins and warmest of hugs. "Haha, that's my boy," he proudly declared, as if daring the very gods at the threshold of their divine realm to suggest otherwise. Thurion helped the lad take off his pack, placing it in the snow next to his, before find a place to sit and recuperate.

Behind them, far below, was the Fortress of Dawn, acting as a base camp. Before them... Midvinter, as far as the eye could see.

Thurion sat upright, basking in the first light coming over the east horizon, his long mane of gold billowing behind him as he welcomed the warmth of his father's touch. The land itself became engulfed in an orange glow as the night sky turned bright red, they increasingly yellow. Clouds went from purple to pink, steadily whitening by the minute.

"Beautiful, is it not?"

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Oxygen, as it turned out, was something Aris needed more than most.

For the beginning of the long climb, he was calm as ever. There was no pause in his gate, though he did take his moments to just look out and enjoy the view. The fact he could punch handholds into sheer rock made it that much easier on his otherworldly endurance. He wasn't the slightest bit tired, and didn't honestly expect to be.

Then the air lessened. At first it was deeper breaths than he was used to, then right proper gasps for air. It took him by surprise at first, but once he figured out why he was suddenly out of breath and actually struggling for once, he was grinning. There were few things that could outright challenge him like this, and it filled him with the kind of joy any work out junkie had.

"I'm- good!"

As much as he was gasping down as much air as he could, he didn't slow, didn't seem to tire. As he felt Thurion start to pull him up the last bit of distance he actually let himself rest. Right up until he was on his own feet again, staring out down to the world below. It was beautiful, without a doubt. He wasn't used to seeing a world like this, either.

"It is. I didn't think I could see this far."

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Digging into his pack, the Lion produced a pair of tankards and a skin of mead, and proceeded to pour whilst Aris surrendered to the awesome might of Midvinter. One did not need to be a born son of the Great Mother to appreciate such raw nature, untouched by the march of time since before the first Je'daii came to worship the Force. The very mountains were older than entire worlds, its forests home to trees over ten thousand years old. Planets had formed and later shattered, empires had risen and fallen countless times, yet Midvinter remained.

"Sit with me, my boy," said the proud grandfather, passing Aris one of the tankards. "A feat worthy of a first taste of a man's drink, wouldn't you say? Don't tell your mother." The notion of a legal drinking age had yet to reach the ears of Valkyri society, with many boys getting their first taste of alcohol as young as twelve years old.

"Never cared much for spirits," he continued after the initial gulp. "They cloud your judgement, impair your focus, and numb you to reality. But even I can appreciate the social aspects of it; a strong drink also removes doubts, restores confidence, and inspires courage. So you see, there is good and bad to be found in all things."

Setting aside his tankard for the time being, Thurion fished out his trusty smoking pipe and a tiny box of dry leaves. He plucked a pinch of its contents and crushed them into the bowl of the pipe, pressed down on them with his thumb, then proceeded to strike a match and light the weed, drew in, and produced a puff of white smoke out the corner of his mouth.

Pipe smoking was a relatively recently-developed vice of his, since the departure of his wife. He smoked because he enjoyed it, not because he required it to function. He figured that, since he didn't care for the drink, a man his age ought to enjoy some imperfections to their lifestyle.

"I'll tell you what," said the High King and placed a hand atop the lad's head of silver. "Moments like these humbles a man. Even a king. Especially a king. Shows you how small and insignificant you truly are in the grand scheme of things, and that the world and all its creatures are the ones with all the power. All you can do is be their shepherd; to protect them, to serve them, and guide them towards a brighter future. The power to ascend to your aspirations resides with them alone."

Grandpa idly fussed with Aris' locks as he spoke.

"Your mother knows this truth, as does your father. No king rules forever, nor a grandmaster of any order. All we can do is strive to usher in a future we can be proud of. It's no different from being a parent. We pass on our wisdom and experiences to our young, but what to do with these is up to them."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris took a seat when it was offered without hesitation, leaning back on his hands to try and catch his breath. He wasn't going to, not with the air so thin, but relaxing at least made it so he could take deeper breaths that didn't sound like he was gasping for air. He did raise a brow right up at the offered drink before shrugging. Brewing was an art of it's own for the Epicanthix, and while they were more aware of making sure those too young didn't drink, it wasn't uncommon for those around his age to begin learning how to brew the family's spirits.

He took one sip before his face scrunched right up. The alcohol was a taste he could do without, that was for certain. Everything else, though? He took quite a liking to it already. He listened in silence as Thurion spoke. As ever, Aris wasn't one to speak much when he could instead listen. His brow did knit together some, though.

"What makes a king good? Dad doesn't want to be a king, even with all the Epicanthix trying to convince him to be."

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Ah. The question.

Thurion's shoulders visibly slumped, his back hunching as he plucked the pipe from his lips and sighed a plume of white smoke. He rubbed the back of his neck and gave his beard a good scratch, buying time to think of an answer that wasn't all-too heartbreaking.

"Your father is a wise man indeed," said the Lion, followed by a hollow chuckle that died as soon as it appeared. He took a deep breath and looked towards the west.

"They say a good king is a reluctant king, but that isn't the whole of it. A virtuous man should feel reluctant to accept such a responsibility, but once having donned the crown, they must act decisively in all that they do. You must transform into what your nation requires of you; become that which your people crave. You are no longer yourself, for yourself, but theirs, always. You've become a symbol, whether it be for grace, might, or authority. Duty must come first, always — their needs before yours, always."

He went for his tankard, downing the rest of it all in one go, and wiped his mouth using his sleeve.

"It is a lonely business," the grandfather continued, his booming voice softened into a frail whisper. "I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. You need the right person by your side to see things through; to alleviate your concerns and shoulder your burdens. Loving company to keep your spirits high and emotions in check, or you'll start to lose yourself. I watched my father become ill with work attempting it all on his own, not having that person to turn to. We did what we could for him, but..."

He shook his head.

"I wish you could have met her. My Coci..."

He sat in silence for a few moments, then reached for Aris' hand.

"Have you a person like that in your life, dear boy? Someone to turn to in your darkest moments, to pull you back from the abyss?"

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

To put the people before the self. It sounded incredibly lonely. The idea that at least one person to share it with could help lessen the burden, but that person wasn't there for Thurion anymore? It brought a more somber expression to Aris's face. Or at least in a way that Thurion could tell. People who didn't know him wouldn't even see the shift.

He did get pulled from those thoughts pretty quick, though. He looked right to Thurion's hand, then back out to the view as he reached up to idly touch the necklace he and Zaiya Ceti had made for each other.

"I'm not sure I want to burden her with such an idea. But also, I think she would anyway. That's just how she is."

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The warmth returned to him then, smiling at his grandson's reply. Though he knew not of whom he spoke, he suspected she was a fellow padawan. Such relationships were often frowned upon in the days of his own apprenticeship; he was pleased to learn times had changed for the better. Neglecting such a vital aspect of growing up is unhealthy for any species.

"Then you hold on to her, Aris of House Noble," said Grandpa, putting his arm around him. "I believe the Fates afford us but one true love in this life. Should they slip through our fingers, we'll regret it for the rest of our days."

Thurion gave his shoulder a squeeze, a pleased look on his face as he looked out towards the sea whilst drawing long on his smoking pipe, then released it all in a cloud that assumed the shape of a seafaring vessel fading into thin air.

"I am happy for you, son, and I am proud to have watched you grow strong, but also wise and kind. I foresee a grand future for you, and all your siblings. And if you're ever troubled by what might be, then I have some advice for you: don't. We learn from the past and prepare for the future, but always live in the here and now. Every day we're dealt a different hand; it is up to us to decide which cards to play."

He twiddled his wedding band.

"Do you love this girl? Be sure to tell her so. Then do so every day for as long as you live. You'll regret the days you don't."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

"I do."

There wasn't a hesitation to be found in his answer. After all this time, after all the ups and downs, the seriousness and the silliness, the rights and wrongs he experienced with Zaiya Ceti , there was no doubt she was his absolute best friend. Even if he didn't understand fully what love was, or what it would properly mean to him, seeing how Thurion acted as he spoke of his late wife, the longing, saddened smiles, the encouragement to live for the day, it was enough of a glimpse to properly confirm it.

He tightened his grip around his necklace, as if he was squeezing her hand in his again. Maybe she could feel that, as they had hoped the artifacts they made would let them.

"It's- a little different though. Not how I feel, just- having to plan ahead. She's Lovalla. Her kind aren't supposed to be able to grow that kind of affection for outsiders, but she was able to with me. It's wonderful and it- really makes me happy. But it's dangerous for her. They bond for life once they do, and even being away can really hurt them. Too long apart can even kill them. It's not the same for me, so- there was a lot of planning together to make sure she wouldn't get hurt."

There was a longer pause as Aris realized something. He was a naturally quiet person, but when it came to Zaiya, he actually started to ramble. She'd tease him if she found out.

"I don't know if she can actually bond that way with me, like how the Lovalla do. They glow, her species I mean. In the most literal way. Emotions shining as colors. I've seen a married couple of her species, and how they glow is beautiful. All I want to do is make sure she can shine just as bright."

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion turned to his grandson, taken aback by the sudden rambling. The introverted boy rarely spoke two sentences in a row, let alone full paragraphs to give voice to his innermost thoughts and feelings in such a mature choice of words. He considered it an honour just to have witnessed it, and simply sat there smiling. What Aris told was the most beautiful thing he'd ever heard.

"Bless you, my child," he said, wrapping his hands around Aris'. "You have the most beautiful heart. I'd encourage you to bare it more often, that we might know the soul beyond that stone façade."

The Lion stood then, brushing off the snow stuck to his behind whilst staring up at the heavens, reaching out. So close he could almost reach up and touch the realm of the gods, where he knew his dearly departed awaited him when his time was through. But that was not what he was reaching for; he was hoping She would take his hand. He did this sometimes, on the faintest chance that She would return the gesture. A way to feel close to Her.

His arm fell to his side. No luck today either.

"As for what troubles you," he continued as if nothing had happened.

"You must trust this girl of yours to know what she wants. There is always risks to interspecies relationships; if not physical hurdles, then emotional. A difference in average lifespans, incompatible means of reproduction, or social stigma in either culture. Trust that she's accepted the risks to your relationship, and that she's willing to try regardless. Nothing is more important to any relationship between two people than trust, romantic or otherwise. It supersedes all else, even love."

Thurion returned to Aris and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Talk to her, son. Tell her what you've just told me. Open your heart and lay bare your soul. Trust her to make the right choice, then make it work."

He pulled him to his feet, still marvelling at how much he'd grown.

"We all glow in our own way when we're with the person we love most, Aris. I should count myself most fortunate to see the two of your glow, together."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Trust her. It was such a simple answer, but Aris clearly hadn't reached such a conclusion. He wanted to protect her. With how little could hurt him, and what he could even heal from if he was hurt, he couldn't help but want to keep others from the more permanent harm they could suffer. If they broke an arm, they wouldn't heal it in a day like he did.

Aris watched Thurion for a moment as he was pulled up to his feet. He was towering now, nearing the height of his only biological grandfather. Even his features were reminiscent of the Butcher King.

"I'll bring her here again, soon. She's built for the cold, possibly even more than you are, granda." He gave a smile, an actual one too. Zaiya Ceti had helped him to learn how to smile, and what it meant to.

".. Thank you, for your advice. I'll talk to her."

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Grandpa nodded, the warmth of his smile infectious.

"I look forward to meeting her, dear boy. If you need pointers on where to take her, I know all the best spots," he gave Aris a nudge of his elbow, then put his arm around him as both stared out at the world at their feet.

"Remember this moment," he then said, his jovial tone turned melancholic.

"Remember today, for today will never come again. Live life to the fullest. Go grab that girl of yours and tell her you love her. And know that... that should you ever need anything... I'll always be here. And when I am no longer, look to the rising sun and you will always find me, wrapping you inside a blanket of warmth, and telling you how much I love you."

He glanced up at the sky.

"I'll be up there, dancing with the girl of my dreams. And I will bask in the tales of your triumphs, yours and your siblings. Until the end of time."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

".. You have to stay around for a long while." It was an incredibly selfish ask, Aris knew. Especially with Thurion's wife waiting for him on the other side. But it didn't change his mind. He wasn't ready to say good bye to his truest grandfather, nor would he be any time soon. There was a lot he hoped to show.

"I have all kinds of questions, even those I haven't thought of yet. So.. Be here for the moment for a while longer, okay?"

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion turned to Aris, and saw in him and his innocent plea the small child he'd once cradled, long before they embraced him as a grandfather. Such is the curse of any parent, that they should look upon a man or woman and still see the child they'd raised, but it is also a blessing. Most children can't wait to grow up big and strong like their parents, whilst many parents wish they'd remain children for a good while longer.

Knowing the stoic Aris would never ask it of him, Thurion put his arms around the teen on the cusp of manhood and held him the way any child deserved to be held; with warmth and absolute love.

"I'll be right here," he assured him. "For as long as I am needed, I will remain."

He kissed him atop his head, and added on a lighter note:

"I've got to see the two of you glow."

Aris Noble ​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris seemed to be quite relieved as he nodded his head in agreement. It was hopefully going to be longer than needed, but, Aris could accept that much at least. He smiled faintly, leaning just a bit into the hug before he'd straighten up. He wasn't much for physical affection, even with his closest of family, but the fact he actually leaned over would speak volumes of the comfort it brought him.

"I'll bring her soon. Or, even, I could just invite her here now. She really did like Midvinter before, so why not, right?"

Thurion Heavenshield