Authorised Personnel Only

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Voss​

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Tower of Prophecy​

​

​

the approach of midnight​

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[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

​

From that day when the family had visited the Tower of Prophecy, much had changed for them all. Too much for Theo's liking, and he had found it hard to come to terms with. Gains and losses, broken hearts mended hearts but in time, it would sort out in the end. Such a strange day on many levels. One strange event plagued him now, in his dreams he saw many things but recurring was the image of a key in a case locked in the Tower. It was like it was calling to him from a far way place or rather from a far away time and there was more in his dreams, dangers and death. And Nina ..

Theo sat up in his bed deciding it was no use fighting the images and going back to sleep, he pushed back the covers and went for a drink of water and to wash his face. Although he and his family live mostly on Voss, he and Nina are Padawans now and reside in the quarters for their rank even though not far from their parents the divide is felt. At least Nina is close by, next door.

He walks to the window and looks out toward Voss-ka and in the distance he sees the towers reaching for the night sky. Why is Nina in is visions? somehow she is intrinsic to this, a needed piece of the puzzle without which there would be no resolution. But what needs resolving? He does not want to place her in any danger, he loves her too much to do that, but the call is great ...

I will go alone.

It would not take long for him to dress in his Jedi robes and clip Belawir to his belt. How will I explain this to Mama and Papa? The answer lay in that key and so Theo walked to the door and slipped into the corridor.

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Théo wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep. She couldn't put her finger on it, but ever since uncle Thyrian appeared out of the blue, along with her half-sister Kära, something's been gnawing at her. For so long she'd been apart from her old life as a Vi'dreya that part of her wished to never be reminded of her heritage. There was little to no joy in it, as the Umbaran family was plagued with misfortune and insanity. Kära seemed to be doing alright, though. Nina was very much a Heavenshield by all accounts, but there was no denying her odd appearance when compared to the other members of her family. Théo was born into it, while she was merely adopted. Never had she thought of it this way before, and part of it was due to meeting Kära that fateful day at the Tower of Prophecy.

There was no use trying to fall asleep, she decided, and instead Nina got out of bed and stepped towards her bedroom door. On the other side she could hear tiny footsteps, and upon opening the door she found her brother skulking the hallway. "Théo?" she called out to him through the Force as she slid out of her room, dressed in her white nightgown.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He was about to turn and leave when he heard the door open before the soft voice of Nina spoke to him through the force. "Yes, I am here", he returned to her in kind, and although he was happy she was there, part of him knew she had to be, and that scared him. He turned to look at her standing in the dull light of the night and for a long moment he gazed at her, she looked like an angel, radiant and white against the isolating darkness. "You should go back to bed", he added, his face not showing any hint of emotion. But he knew she would not just leave it at this, and would want to know where he was going this time of the night when he should be sleeping.

Theo fiddled with his belt, dropping his gaze away from her so she could not see his eyes, they would betray him. Then he sighed as he looked down, Who sleeps in their Jedi robes? It would be no use trying to lie to her. He raised his head, this time with a strong determined look etched in his gaze to face her questions. "I have to go .. I have to go to the Tower", he simply said knowing she would understand to which he referred and to save her the trouble of asking.

"Something is there I must get. I can't explain it, and I don't know why but I must go and get a key". He would not tell her of his vision and that she was a part of them, if she is to come with him, it would be her decision and the guidance of the Force. ... and why does the Force ask one of such adventures in the dead of night?

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

"A key?" Nina looked at her brother in the darkness with big, curious eyes. "You mean... that key in the display case? Before meeting Uncle Thyrian?" That fateful day had taken everyone by surprise, and answered as many questions as was raised. More would be revealed in time, she was sure of. For now, however, she was happy for father that his long-lost brother was returned to him. "You... you shouldn't go alone. We don't know what in there." Her gut feeling told her to go wake up their parents, but then came to the conclusion that Théo would've done so himself if he thought they could help. Instead she asked him to wait outside while she got dressed.

She made sure to bring her lightsaber; not because she believed she would have to use it, but because a Jedi should never be separated from their weapon. Once she got changed into her padawan attire, Nina took a moment to fix her hair before stepping outside. Bed head hair isn't the most Jedi-like, after all. "Let's go," she told him and took him by the hand. "We should stop by the kitchen and grab some supplies, don't you think?" There was no real need to sneak around inside the Silver Temple as all were free to come and go as they pleased, but they weren't very keen on explaining themselves should they happen to get caught.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He simply nodded his head, she had guessed right about the key. But her words had brought emotions to the surface in the young man, and his eyes fixed on her once more. "Uncle Thyrian", he whispered uncertain of the man and his true intentions. Théo's chest puffed out with a breath drawn in from the depths as if steeling himself for what he was going to say next. "I was so frightened that day. For everyone", he began. "To give so much to father on one hand with his return only to take away with the other hand, and I hope Mysa will be alright with them".

Théo walked toward Nina, still standing in her night clothing, "My fear was .. that they where going to take you as well. But I know now that Father would never allow that, nor mother nor, me". In a sudden and surprising move, Théo wrapped his arms around Nina holding her close as if he would never let go, the fear of her leaving refreshed in his mind and heart.

But he did and with hands resting on her shoulders, "Lots of spooky things", he smiled hoping to lighten the mood somewhat, not sure he succeeded with the spooky comment. "I will wait, be quick". While Nina went to change, Théo walked over to the long window that showed the view of the night and Voss-ka in the distance, hmm how will we get there? The answer came to him quickly accompanied with a smile.

Upon Nina's return, he turned to her once more, "You look immaculate, as always", he teased her, but she always did as Nina is exceptional with attention to detail. Must be a painters thing .. With the mention of food, Théo's tummy grumbled and he looked down at it. "Good idea, I suppose it will not hurt to take a sandwich".

As Nina took his hand, Théo led her off down the corridor toward the stairs that swept around the main entrance of the Silver Temple, the blue crystal that was as large as anything he had ever seen glowed with a soft blue light that filled the main area. There are Jedi about this night, there always is, coming and going from training or mission, a Jedi's life never clocks off. They would either smile at them as they passed or nodded a greeting but none would stop them as their appearance in the Temple was nothing unusual. It did not take long to get to the mess hall which never closes ..

"I'll distract them, while you pack some food". Suddenly all this had become real, the pull of the force growing stronger on him.

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

She blushed slightly at his comment. He sure had come a long way from the terror toddler she used to know. Then suddenly, the toddler grew up. She was very proud of her little brother, and so she leaned forward to give him a small kiss on the cheek before they departed for the mess hall. They descended the great stairway leading down to the main entrance where the massive blue Force crystal hovered in place as it always had. Nina had very limited knowledge as to what it actually was or what it did, but she as all Jedi could feel the Light emitted by it. It was soothing to be around.

The two found a good blend of not looking out-of-place without drawing too much attention at the same time. It would not do if someone they knew saw them up and about when they were supposed to be asleep, or they would surely march them back to their rooms. When Théo's suggestion came, Nina nodded and gave her brother a squeeze of his hand before leaving his side, bound for the kitchen. There were always people up and about there, although at this hour they were mostly night-shift guards who were on their lunch break and the likes. She didn't quite understand why adults got to stay up when all the younglings had to go to bed. Imagine all the things that could be done if you never had to sleep!

Putting on her inconspicuous face, she quietly walk right past those sat around the tables, either conversing or eating, and headed through the door leading to the kitchen itself. There was no staff whipping up orders or anything - this wasn't a restaurant, after all - so there wasn't much of a chance of her running into anyone. The policy of the mess hall was that everyone made their own food from the countless ingredients in stock, but now wasn't the time to get cooking. Instead Nina went for the fruits and the berries, filling the rucksack she carried with whatever could be eaten as is. She also stuffed ready-made sandwiches from the fridge into the bag. By the sound of Théo, there was no telling how long they'd be gone. Water was a priority as well.

Having stocked up on supplies, Nina made it back to where she'd last seen [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]. Fortunately he was still there, covering for her; she'd been worried he would be found out just standing around doing nothing. "Got the supplies," she told him and handed him one of the red apples she'd packed. "Let's go."

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Although less crowded then usual, some Jedi and Rangers had decided that the wee hours of the morning was a great time to eat. A couple of curious sets of eyes found Théo to which he just smiled and turned away trying not to draw any further attention of himself. However, if they are to following him with their gaze he best considered it to be away from the door Nina went through, so he walked, at leisure, to the far end of the serving area.

"Plates and cutlery are over there if you need 'em", came an old voice from behind. Théo just about jumped out of his skin and turned around to find an old wizened Jedi standing behind him. "Th.. thank you Master", he stammered, but Théo eyed him as he had not seen this old Jedi in the Temple before this. "Hmmm, Heavenshield if I am not mistaken. Come boy come and sit with me".

Oh crumbs ..

Théo looked around, looking for Nina but she was still busy. "I am sorry Master but I ha... ".

A raised hand stopped him continuing. "Now you have a few minutes before your companion returns with the loot, come and sit young man". Inwardly Théo sighed, busted! "Beware the guardian, do not look her in the eyes for she will see through to your darkest fears and play on them, twist them until you are a gibbering heap on the floor. If you want to get .. ", he looked around as if telling a secret, well he was telling a secret, " .. the .. you know", he motioned with his wizened hand like twisting a key, "You have to .. sing to her, a song that tells of her beauty".

Théo stiffened, the old Jedi is a nutter! but he knows what they are up too? Théo stood up quickly, as he sensed Nina had returned, so he bowed quickly to the old Jedi, "I shall remember, and thank you". Never forget your manners.

Approaching Nina, "Come on lets go", he took her hand once more and they strolled out of the mess hall. Once clear, Théo directed Nina toward the side of the Temple and existed through the side door there to find several ground speeders. "Your transport my lady", he said giving her a mock bow and swish of the arm to present her with her carriage.

Silly old coot! Théo could not get the old wizened Jedi out of his mind. Sing a song indeed.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

"Why, thank you," she spoke into his mind amused at all the silly attention, and promptly courtseyed in response to his bow. As she assumed her seat on the speeder, a terrifying thought struck her. "You... do know how to pilot one of these, don't you?" She didn't wait for an answer and quickly changed seats so that she'd be the one driving. "Too little, too late," she teased while she stuck Théo with the bags in the passenger's seat. "Besides, dad showed me how to drive before you were even born, squirt." Nina suddenly felt emboldened by their situation and the risks they took. It was all so very exciting! She knew now she'd gotten just a taste of how her brother must feel all the time when getting up to no good. "Of course, he wouldn't actually let me drive at that age..."

"Alright, let's see here..." she pondered 'aloud' while rubbing her chin as their father would, despite the obvious lack of a beard, before buttons were pressed and the levers pulled in order to start the vehicle. As the speeder came to life, Nina gripped the control sticks hard enough to whiten her knuckles. "Easy, easy..." Slowly they backed out of the parking space and turned themselves around to face the grand Tower of Prophecy. "You ready, Théo?" Once he'd given the all-clear, Nina released the breaks and the two were off!

They were surprised to find that no-one seemed to pursue them when they left the Silver Temple behind them. Nina didn't waste time worrying about that as she was far more concerned with not crashing the speeder. They ascended high into the air overlooking the city of Voss-Ka, where fortunately traffic was low thanks to the wee hours of the morning. The sun had yet to appear on the horizon, which also granted them the cover of night to approach the Tower undetected. "It's so beautiful," Nina said awestruck by the view as she eased her grip of the controls. She even reached for Théo at her side ruffling his dark hair with a big smile on her face.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Well, of course I know... Hey!", his mouth dropped open as Nina quickly jumped into the pilot seat. "Please tell me you know how to drive this thing", Théo asked softly with a grin on his face as he put the bags in the back seat. "And don't call me squirt", he spoke these words aloud not really wanting her to hear them as her words stung a little.

Théo dived into the passengers seat and strapped in. A good thing too considering her next comment, "So you have never actually driven on of these things!", he yelled but all to late. He watched her with amusement as she mimicked father and to pay her back.. "You know what? a beard would suit you well".

Nina pushed the speeder forward and high into the night sky, whether he was ready or not. Théo leaned over the side of the speeder and looked down, the wind in his longish black hair billowed behind him and filled his lungs to the max. The Tower stood out beyond all the other buildings in Voss-ka, in fact it looked ill in the night, his brown etched with worry his eyes flicked to Nina for a moment as the sense of them was make known to the tower or at least that it what it felt like to him. He pushed the thought away quickly not wishing for Nina to pick up on his mood. His mood did not get any better as Nina ruffled his hair, he pulled away from her, he just wanted her to stop thinking him a toddler still, he is far from that now.

"Yes it is beautiful", he said not really looking at the visage around him but at the Tower growing larger as they approached and that was not beautiful, at least not to him. He looked to Nina still fairing well with the controls, and his mood softened. "I have never seen such beauty".

"Do you think you can land this thing?", he pointed to the lawns at the back of the Tower. "Maybe behind those bushes so we can hide the speeder .. just in case".

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Nina giggled at his comment on how she'd look good in a beard, such a silly thing to imagine! But she soon picked up on her brother's feelings and rather than resume her teasing of him she reached for his hand, keeping a steady grip of the control stick with the other. "I'm sorry, Théo. I don't mean to belittle you so." It was still difficult to look upon him and not see the little rascal always getting into trouble, even when still in diapers! While many had seen his as a menace, Nina always thought him the cutest and sweetest child she'd ever laid eyes on. She was there when he was born, within those birthing chambers on Midvinter, and had ever since vowed to keep him safe and to always love him. And she did, very much so.

She then blushed slightly at his next comment, knowing he was referring to her as well. It seemed to her that Théo was warming up to the very same girls he so desperately tried to get away from just a few years ago, which was only a normal evolution that comes with age. It only just now dawned on her, however, that she'd never considered looking at boys that way. Nina then let the thought go as they approached the Tower of Prophecy, and Théo came with the suggestion that they hide the speeder in some bushes close to the Tower as a precaution. "Okay," she agreed and set them down right next to a couple of large bushes where they could stash their mode of transport for the time being. "What now," she asked. This was Théo's crazy idea, after all.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

For the first time in Nina's life, she would see a serious cloud over Théo's face as he turned to her in seat. It was time to tell her all he knew, what the vision had shown him but at this point Théo would give Nina an 'out' if she wanted it, he did not like the idea of bringing her along in the first place. For many reasons, it could be dangerous, and besides they would get into trouble with not only the people that ran the Tower but mother and father as well.

"Nina, we have to get inside and get that key", he started not really knowing where to start, but her hand in his gave him much comfort. "I .. I have been seeing things, visions", geez the Seers of the Tower would love Théo and probably try and recruit him. This talent was not something Théo had considered although it had happened to him in the past and his path as a Jedi still remains unclear to him, yes he wants to be a blademaster, but there is much more to being a Jedi then that. Like Nina, he wanted to be more like his father as well, as the two children do not know what mother does what her purpose is as Jedi Shadow, and it is kept that way for their safety. One day they might discover it.

"I can't tell you a great deal about these visions, except that you are a part of them and this is dangerous. I don't really want you here, but the Force tells me that something is inside that is bad and needs to be destroyed. The key opens something, I don't know what .. but it has something to do with that", he pointed to the ruins near the speeder and the Tower sealed off with nothing more then tap and a sign "Authorised Personnel Only". There would be more protection to the ruins then the tap however. They would discover that soon enough.

"If you want to go home, back to the Temple, go now", he said with much gravity, as he jumped out of the speeder and grabbed the bag. He turned to look up at the long spire reaching for the sky, it looked menacing but is not. Getting into the Tower would be the easy part as it is open constantly, getting the key not so easy.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

As Théo gave her the details, Nina looked and listened intently to every word he said. Those visions he spoke of she found both frightening as well as intriguing; she'd read about Force sensitive beings experiencing such visions, able to see things without even aware of their connection to the Force. Fortunately in this case the latter wasn't true, but it didn't detract from the fact that in some cases the receiver of such visions would often be written off as delusional. It made her sad to think about, but now was not the time. When he asked whether she wished to go back to the temple, Nina's brows furrowed as her grip of Théo's hand only increased, holding it up for him to see.

"Never," she told him with a shake of her head before pulling him in for an embrace. "I'll never leave you, brother." And that was that. As the embrace ended Nina reached for her bag and offered him a soft smile. "Shall we?"

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He felt like Nina would squeeze him to death as she embraced him, proclaiming she would never leave him. Theo was not sure how he felt about this, although he understood she did not mean it literally, there would be times when he would go into place where she could not. And the same would be for her. The two of them now training to be Jedi would see missions as apart of duty that would require them to face dangers alone. Was he pulling her into one of these now, to have to face a danger she did not ask for? However, her look and action told Theo that no amount of argument would change her mind .. not now.

"Alright, come on", he voiced to her mind.

Theo pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder once more before walking toward the Tower, they cut across the lawn now lit with special lights to give the building a soft glow, however he paid no attention to the finer details of the attraction. The front door is open, never is it closed to those that come to Voss-ka to seek council of the Seers, never is it run on the clock as Jedi and citizens alike don't run to duty this way.

The lighting in side had been dimmed, yet still gave enough the guide the feet. One person sits by the door to welcome tired strangers and students alike and the only thing that would stop Theo and Nina was a kindly smile. He returned his smile to the elderly man and reached for Nina's hand once more. "Stay close to me". Suddenly this had become all to real.

Soon enough they found that room, the one in which holds the key and the start of the family .. changing. But he did not wish to think on that event now, there was nothing he could do about it anyway. Theo walked around the glass case, it would be easy to break the glass but that would only alert the Seers to their intent. "I don't suppose you know how to pick a lock?", he asked Nina in jest.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Passing the elderly man with a forced smile on her lips, Nina held Théo's hand as they entered the large room once more, filled with display cases and ancient artifacts. Making sure they weren't followed or watched, they set about to break into the display case containing the key her brother had witnessed in these visions of his. Whatever it opened, she figured there was probably a very good reason to keep the two separated. Otherwise, why keep a key from that which it opens?

When asked about being able to pick locks, Nina gave her younger brother a look, raising an eyebrow much like their mother would when she wouldn't buy Théo's wild stories of how it wasn't his fault his clothes were all dirty, or how he hadn't cleaned his room yet because he was too busy meditating. Suddenly, however, Nina reached into her bun of white hair and pulled out a couple hairpins, causing her hair to fall around her face. "Everyone growing up on Umbara knows how to pick locks," she then simply said while getting to work. "I've just never done it myself before..."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He had been too busy thinking about how to break the glass case to pay much attention to what Nina had to say. It was only when he caught her reflection in the glass did he realise what she was up too, but even then he was distracted by the fall of her white hair around her face. Théo could only stare for a moment, mesmerised, before his throat contracted making his mouth dry unable to swallow.

"Right, well ... you do that. I'll, err go and keep watch in the hall", he informed her, his voice would have been raspy had he voiced the words but he pointed to the open door without doors, as if she did not know where the door was. Théo's legs pumped hard to get out of the room, cared little for the noise he made. Once clear of Nina's sight, he walked to the wall, his forehead planted on the hard surface. What is wrong with me .. he turned to rest his back against the wall, looking up into the ceiling for answers and not finding them.

Something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, it was the elder Seer coming along the corridor toward him. "Nina we have company", Théo quickly warned her. "Hello again .. err Master". Was that the correct way to call a Seer? who cares! The Seer said nothing on approach, but stopped to look into Théo's eyes. He knows! then the Seer elder raised an arm and pointed to a door across the corridor ... "That is your way young man, you and the girl".

Théo swallowed hard this time and said nothing as the old Seer trundled down the corridor and out of view. Poking his head around the door frame, he waved his arms furiously to hurry Nina along, beckoning her to come on quickly. "The people are crackers in here, nuts, and down right spooky ... ". And yet, that door.....

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Hearing the sudden voice of another, Nina froze in place without even daring to breathe. Luckily the person didn't seem to stay for long, and when Théo showed up looking all flustered and stressed, she dropped what she was doing and went about re-inserting the hairpin into her hair. In a few swift motions her hair was put back up, albeit not as fancy as when they had left due to the lack of mirrors. "What? What is it," she asked, stepping towards him. "I can't get the lock open, Théo. I'm sorry," she then said, her lips turning into a tiny frown.

Instinctively her hand reached for his to let him know she was still with him and the next step was for him to decide. "What do we do? What did that man tell you?" This was all starting to seem like a terrible idea. Well, terrible-er. Her brother never did think things through before committing to the first thing that pops into his head, but that's who he is and she loves him for it. Besides, whatever happens she made a choice to stick by him in this.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Don't think, feel. Theo's new motto and it works. Too much thought and one will never live a life to it's fullest, might die in the process, but what a trip! Besides, he is not that bad, not that unthinking he would place people in danger, especially Nina. He looked down into the case, the key still resting on it's cradle but looking back into Nina's face now etched with concern he soften. "Don't worry about it, you did good to try".

The sound of breaking glass, it actually sounds nice and intriguing to the ear. Theo's saber hilt smashed in the case and he reached in to take the key only to cut his hand on a shard but nothing serious.

Oddly enough there was no alarms, no nothing to alert security to the break in .. odd. Did Seers require security, could they not 'see' this coming? Regardless of this thought, Theo looked up quickly and noticed the security cameras around the room, they had been turned off. His mind raced, and could only think and believe it had been the old man in the corridor that had done this. Nina's first question had been answered.

"He .. he told me to go through a door. When we leave .. ", he turned his gaze back to her. "Come on we better get out of here". He shoved the key in his pocket. Leading Nina along the corridor toward the main entrance in which they came, they had to stop as voices could be hear in the other room and approaching them. Quickly they turned around going the other way only to see a shadow fall across the floor from around the corner, someone else barred their way out and so, Theo found a door in the corridor, pushed it open and lead Nina down the stairs. Not realising it, but Theo had opened the door the old elder had suggested.

The stair would lead Nina and Theo to ground level and an exit to the outside, they did not need any encouragement to take this option and soon found themselves back in the night air. However, it had been a side exit and right before them is the ruin they passed with a dark opening cut in the ground barred off with little more then rope. He stood for a moment, releasing Nina's hand and taking the key out of his pocket. "What this opens is in there". He said to the night.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Turning to Nina, he asked her to go wait for him by the speeder, the next part he would do alone. As he watched her walk away until swallowed by the night, he turned toward the ruin. He knew she would be safe, although he did not like the idea of her being alone in the dark, but the dangers are not there, they are below. Théo had his way across the lawn existing the shadows of the Tower that had protected him until he reach the ropes.

There is no special alarms or people to watch the entrance, which was strange indeed, it was like the path ahead had been prepared for him, as if someone knew he would be coming. He would not question that now, there was no going back. And so, Théo ducked under the rope and walked toward the metal gate. There is a lock on the gate which this key does not open, he could tell immediately, as the hole for the key was too small. His hand reached out and pushed, the gate opened without any resistance save for a small cracking.

At this point there was nothing he could sense inside that would uncover any danger, no presence of anyone or thing. He walked in, his saber now ignited to light the way forward and the white light fell upon cold hard stone, and steps leading downward into a black hole. Little by little, Théo made his way, the corridor of steps grew colder with each foot fall, a chill chill his bones but he continued on regardless.

His body shivered.

He entered a chamber, nothing fancy about the place, no mysterious script or carvings, just the pattern of the masonry as it interlocked to strengthen the walls. The ceiling was the same, flat and dull. But toward the back of the room, there were three doors all thick wooden as if they are new but this place is thousands of years old. He walked until standing in front of them, again the key he held did not open the locks, the holes are to big.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A coldness filled the room, it chilled him to the bone. It was like nothing he had ever experienced, not even on Midvinter. His skin prickled with it, sending bumps across it until the ice entered his heart and set it to stone. Théo lost all sense of emotions, any of his reality to care as if it had been sucked out of him. He stood for a moment, numb almost, unable to move or even want too but a pulled turned his head to the side and before him stood a woman shrouded in the mist of the unknown, of the dead.

​

​

She is beautiful to behold. Théo raised an arm, his hand reaching toward her wanting to touch her not just see if she was real, but drawn by a need to feel contact. Skin against skin, but he stopped himself and let his hand drop to his side. "Who are you?", he finally asked. Her eyes shifted her gaze toward him, a smile crossed her face as she regarded him. "I am the seeker and watcher .. protector". Her hand raised and point at his side to where the key was hidden in his pocket. "I have been waiting for you".

Her body moved through the air, riding the currents that shifted within the force. Théo watched her unable to remove his gaze or her words that had entered his mind, a beautiful voice like none he had ever hear, like a song that played upon his heart. He would follow her, no matter where she would go, he would follow and love her. He needed to know her name .. life would never be worth living not knowing her name.

"Please, what do they call you?".

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

She turned to look at Theo, her dark eyes seemed to look straight through him as she contemplated his question. It seemed strange to her that someone, after all these years, would want to know such as thing as her name. It had been centuries since she spoke her own name that she had trouble remembering it. "Grace", she said softly and in a way that felt to Theo to uncertain. And it is a name Theo would not forget, she seemed to be the very essence of the word, so graceful and serene.

"But you have not come here seeking my name Theo Heavenshield, you seek what lay beyond the door". She turned to indicated to the three of them. "You .. you know me?", he asked but this place is so eerie and surreal that anything was possible here. She ignored his question, "Which one will you choose?".

It was near impossible for Theo to take his eyes off her, but she insisted he choose a door. "I don't know which one to choose, help me". The beautiful girl shook her head no, "You must choose, only you must make the decision but be warned, choose wisely for two doors only lead to dangers and pain, one door is your destiny".

Theo looked toward each door, they all looked the same there is nothing on them to indicate anything, no sign of direction so how was he to do this? He walked toward them, to the nearest to him and placed his hand upon the hard wooden surface, he used the force seeking direction and did so to the next and so on until he finally stepped back.

"None of them is the right door and none of them is the wrong one", he said as he turned to face her once more.