Family, Duty, Honour

[Lief]

The Northmark​

Midvinter​

​

The day had come at last for all of their plans to come to fruition.

Between several trips the Je'daii had worked alongside the High King, his family, and their advisers, to map out and construct a Temple for the Order in the North, where new territories were forming. It had been strange to realize that here on Midvinter Jyn had more family than she had ever known before, a brother who had claimed her as one of his own despite the fact that they had not been introduced until the meetings were conducted, and an ever growing family of nieces and nephews had sprung up from there.

She supposed the King was now her brother too, though neither of them had actually addressed this matter. The man she was coming to meet today was her nephew, though she would not undermine his authority in these lands by bringing that up. Today he was the Warden of the Northmark, and whether or not he had been informed of their familial ties was unknown to her. It would be wrong of her to mention it if [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] had not done so already.

At her side stood a newer member of their Order, one [member="Seamus Valik"] who had visited this planet before and knew of one of the other members of the Heavenshield clan that would be present this day.

As they approached the base of the mountain, which stood as ground between the newly formed Temple and what would be the Capital of this region, she turned to her companion. Brief introductions had of course been made during their briefing, and the journey over here from Aurum which lay on the other edge of the Galaxy. She was bundled in furs, though she knew well she could use the Force to stave off the cold it seemed strange to her to forego the native customs.

After all, were the Je'daii not all about learning? Culture was a large part of their Trials, and though she had finished hers that did not mean she would suddenly become ignorant to the possibilities that other species and cultures had to offer.

"I always forget just how cold it is," she remarked, to pass the time as they neared the meeting point. [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] and Mysa would no doubt be waiting for them already.

 

[Rai Seren]

She'd been to some cold planets over the two years she'd been traveling, but Midvinter took the cake. The cloak she wore over her newly made attire was quite warm, though. Only her face and hands were exposed, and she mostly kept her hands tucked inside the cloak, holding it closed around her so that she wouldn't end up freezing to death. At least the people here weren't likely to be out to kill her. Midvinter was overtly tied to the Silver Jedi, and as she knew it, one of the Midvinter royalty had been their leader, or was their leader? She didn't really know the status of that, and to be fair she didn't really care either. She couldn't be bothered to care right then. Thanks to what Toru had told her the only thing she could focus on was the woman at the head of the group.

It had taken her some time, but eventually she'd been able to figure out who Jyn was. She felt like a stalker for it, but she had to know for herself. She had to meet her sister. Being alone was horrible. She had Toru, but he wasn't really her family, he was just her caretaker. Her mother had left her in his charge, was all. While she did feel, to some extent, that he was like a father to her, it just wasn't the same for her. Jyn. Her sister. Older sister at that. How close she'd always been.

To be frank it was difficult not to run forward and just hug her. She wanted to do it, right in front of everyone, but she knew that would be super awkward, and would undermine what was going on. They were supposed to be meeting with some of the local royalty. The Heavenshield's. Not the Midvinter king, though. At least she didn't think so. It was possible she was wrong. Maybe he was going to come and this was going to turn into one of those really serious meetings that involved formalities and doing everything a certain way and watching how one talked. She wasn't all that good at that, so in those situations she tended to just keep her mouth shut. Now she was finding that even harder to do.

Jyn... Sister...

A tear ran down her cheek, and froze, leaving a crystalline glimmer there if anyone chose to see it. She didn't care. Not now. She had a sister.

[member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Seamus Valik"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

On the road from Norvegr-fen

It would take a good days ride to reach the base of the mountain to the meeting place. So [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] and he had left the day before in order to reach the gathering at the allotted time. Most of this part of Midvinter was new to him, having recently moved up here to being to establish development in the Northmark. Already work had started on the new capital, although there was still much to do to construct the city proper and to reclaim the lands from the fens. The city's foundations had been reinforced with countless amounts of stone and rock delivered in from the quarries from the mountains and once that had been completed, the city's building blocks had been put in place. Already the thick stone roads were completed, that was the first thing Théo had wanted done, it just made for the transport of lumber and equipment that much easier. When word had gotten out that a new capital was to be built, so many Valkyri had come to assist, from all corners of the Northmark.

The Sun was not even up yet, Théo grinned at the thought of it. Feeling lazy today old man.

He secured the fur bedding to the side of his horse with leather strapping, as he looked to see if Mysa was ready to depart. He could have done with a few more hours sleep he thought as he stifled a yawn and looked to the darken sky that still held a hint of Velkar's green northern nights. Of all the Gods of Midvinter why was it that one that had decided to connect with him.

Finally, a faint glow of yellow light poked up over the horizon of the Eastmark and it was time to go. "Mysa you ready?", he asked from astride his mount. From their camp site it would take the two a couple of hours to reach their destination.

"What do you know of this Je'daii Order?", he asked his sister. Maybe she had more on them, although his uncle had informed him of as much as he knew and he had learned of the Je'daii as a child sitting in the boring Silver Academy lesson rooms. But if he recalled correctly, those were the lessons he took time to take a nap in.

[member="Rai Seren"] | [member="Jyn Lorr"]​

 

[Seamus Valik]

"Well, never fret about forgetting." He said smiling from behind a slowly growing beard, "Midvinter, is all too happy to remind you when it can."

He pulled his patchwork fur cloak around him. It had been a gift of sorts from his earlier time on world. It was warm and made from a number of smaller pelts sewn together with thin cut leather strips, he saw it as a gift because the people had shown him how to make it himself. There were few gifts as valuable as knowledge shared.

He watched the two women and noted the younger one's tear. He didn't know the reason but he could feel the emotions blending together in the girl's presence. He hoped she would be well enough for this trip. Youth was a difficult time for any person, he didn't envy her that now but he sympathized.

He stood quietly and rubbed his hands together for a moment and pulled his cloak closed again. His feet were getting colder than the rest of him and he decided to walk around for circulation rather than draw on the force for aid. He saw the force as a gift not a toy to be played with for every whim. When the other's arrived he would see whether it was needed but for now he would help his body do the work it was able to do on its own.

As he paced and looked around taking in the details of the area, his thoughts strayed a little. He remained close to his companions but he thought of Mysa. She was a friend, a good friend for his part anyway, beautiful, determined and good. He was fond of her company and was glad she would be along. The thought of his young friend helped to warm him further as he moved around slowly and occasionally stomped the cold from his feet before pausing to watch one detail or another like a curious child. It was a nice day at least. No blizzards yet. That was always a good day.


[member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Rai Seren"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Lief]

She had been up since before the crack of dawn.

Raé had been brushed down and fed, her hooves had been cleaned and the packs returned to her saddle, all before Mysa tended to her own breakfast. Largely made up of dried alk jerky... Not the best, or most filling, but full of protein. She had just finished securing the saddle pouches when Théodred called out to her, and with a grunt she pulled the straps tight, without constricting the poor mare, and peeked over top of her mount with a slight grin.

"When am I not?" she inquired, as she kicked some of Midvinter's famous snow overtop of their campfire before pulling herself up into Raé's saddle, "Let us ride, Brother."

Urging the mare on with the gentle tap of her heel, the pair of unlikely siblings began the final leg of their journey just as their Grandpa graced the land with an abundance of warm hues which marked daybreak. Her conversation with Théo when she returned home had helped her to look upon the dawn without grief... Instead she smiled at the reminder of the man-turned-God and said a quiet prayer in his honor.

Somewhere along the trail her Brother brokered a question, and she thought on an answer for a moment or two before shrugging, "Only what Aunt Kära told me," she confessed, finding it odd to refer to the woman as her Aunt after all these years yet knowing that the sooner they got over the transition the better, "And a little that I read back on Voss. Neutral types, right? Thyrian reassured me as best he could that they didn't align themselves with darksiders, at the very least, so that's good enough for me."

If their King approved of this, then who were they to defy him?

The rest of the journey was mostly done in quiet, as the pair nestled into their furs to stave off the worst of the brisk morning breeze which traveled unabashed through the snowy planes. Driven down the mountain range they were approaching. It wasn't until they came upon that place that Mysa finally slowed and reached for the feed bag which had hung beneath Raé's reins. She pulled it up so that the mare could eat, before swinging one leg over the saddle and dismounting. Her boots crunched in the snow.

Looking skyward, toward the mountains, she was amazed at the fact that she couldn't even remotely see the structure which had been constructed up there for this Je'daii Order.

"Well hidden," she remarked with a shrug, voice loud enough to carry it across to Théo, "At least that means the good people of the Northmark won't feel like they're being watched by Outlanders."

[member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Rai Seren"] [member="Jyn Lorr"]

 

[Lief]

Another had been sent alongside she and Seamus on this venture, someone Akro had told her was a long term member of the Order, pre-dating the reformation, yet Jyn had never seen her before. The girl had been surprisingly quiet during the journey over here, despite the fact that they had come all the way across the Galaxy, but she supposed the girl likely felt awkward or out of her depths. She could sense the apprehension pouring from her after all.

"Isn't that the truth," she retorted to the man at her side, shaking her head. As beautiful as this world was, for people such as Jyn it seemed like the last place in the Galaxy she'd ever want to live. Far too frigid and unforgiving. It was a good job she was the furthest thing from an adherent of Stav Kesh, the Je'daii sent her for her way with words and [member="Jericho"] had been brought along on the initial trip to plan as overseer and Steward of the subpath. He was there for expertise and deciding what was needed as part of the construction.

But Jericho wasn't here this time. Just the three of them.

Looking over her shoulder she smiled at the girl, sensing her overwhelming emotions.

"You don't have to walk so far back, we're all family here." It was true, the Order felt more to her like a family with each passing day. A true community of individuals. Little did she know the other weight those words had.

Finally they approached the meeting point, where two individuals and their horses were waiting. Jyn lowered herself into a deep bow of respect.

"My Lord Théodred, Lady Mysa... So lovely it is to finally meet you both."

A niece and a nephew... It was good to be finally meeting some of the ones [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] called his own. Perhaps when the formalities were over they could acknowledge one another as family.

[member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Rai Seren"]

 

[Rai Seren]

She blinked when Jyn turned and spoke to her. She hadn't even noticed Seamus looking at her, as the woman walking beside him was the sole holder of her attention. When she mentioned that they were all family she nearly choked on her own tongue, burst into tears, and ran to hug her. But she didn't do it because she had caught a glimpse of those meeting on the approach and she didn't want to make an improper example for them. She just continued to hang slightly behind, the adherrent of Stav Kesh on the guard against unwanted attention.

That said, she probably wasn't as on guard as she should have been. She wanted desperately to hug her sister and tell her the truth, but she couldn't yet. Instead, she hastily plucked at the frozen tear and dropped it away before straightening herself out and moving to stand close to the other two, her position that of guardian rather than of emissary. Though she was certain these two could care for themselves, and that there was likely to be no danger present.

Fingers tapped against her legs as she watched the two locals arrive. Both were rather stunning in their own right. She would have felt properly outclassed if she wasn't so comfortable in the clothes she'd made for herself. The fur ruffled lightly with each breeze and her ears were a little red, but she didn't shiver much, which was good. She had a feeling these two could walk around in their skivvies and barely notice the cold.

When Jyn bowed, she did the same, averting her eyes only briefly before they took in everything about the two and their attire. As was her duty to protect the Order, she had to at least try to keep herself collected. She would talk to Jyn when she had the chance.

[member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

As the horses slowed on approach to the meeting place, Théo glanced up were Mysa was looking for the Temple and all he saw was the hanging morning mist rising up off the snow cap as the Sun's rays began to warm. "You know some of the most loyal and dedicated to the cause of fighting the rise of the darkness in the galaxy has been darksiders", he said knowing the history of them within the Silver Jedi and personally. And some of his friends from his Iron Empire days had stood by his side in the heat of battle. But naturally like everything, it all depended on the individual and their purpose, but one thing he had learned was that not all darksiders are bad. It is Sith he has the problem with, and if there was anything his uncle and aunt would know of, it would be that and Théo knew they would not wish for any risk of anything bad happening to Midvinter, simply because no one asked the question.

He had been honoured by his uncle, the King with a duty of care over the Northmark and his purpose of fulfilling that duty had started the moment he accepted the position. His gaze feel on the approaching Je'daii as he dismounted and walked toward them all crunching in the snow. There was a genuine sense of gladness within the one that spoke first and the rest were guarded which was natural given the situation but there was no hidden ill will among them nor would they find that within him.

"Please call me Théo", he said as he bowed low, the Jedi way. Not entirely sure how to address the leadership of the Je'daii with title, he opted for Midvinter culture, "My Lady Lorr I do believe, it is a pleasure to meet you and welcome to Midvinter and the Northmark". She would also find a hint of curiosity within his gaze as their eyes met because before him stood a aunt to him and although not by blood but other means, she was family. However, he was not remiss in greeting the rest of the group regardless of not knowing their names, he offered the same level of respect in the form of a bow to the man and the young lady.

"As much as I relish the briskness of Midvinter, I think we could find a more suitable place to begin our talks. I have with me a tent that would accommodate us all quite comfortably .. unless you have another place in mind", he offered as he could see some of them, if not all, were cold.

​

[member="Rai Seren"] | [member="Jyn Lorr"] | [member="Seamus Valik"]​

 

[Seamus Valik]

He watched the two approach and didn't bother to hide a smile at the sight of his friend. She had an undeniable beauty that did nothing to hide the strength of character he knew she possessed. If anything it augmented. He waved calmly in spite of the cold. A simple raised hand, a Midvinter styled hello and then gave a mirrored bow when he saw that they decided to observe a more Jedi like tradition. It was a kindness to observe the traditions and greetings of another, and he received it as such.

He walked forward to the man, who despite his rank here had decided to just call himself Theo, and offered a hand to clasp forearms in a more local greeting.

"I'm Seamus, well met Theo." He said before turning to Mysa and repeated the greeting even though he would have given her a good hug in a less official situation. "I see you, Mysa Snowstrider." He continued with his best grin. "You look well."

He stepped back to let Jyn handle the talks. He would help if he could and he was sure he could busy himself with something soon. He left his cloak open as he waited the promise of a spot out of the cold already warmed him, or maybe it was the pleasant company. Either way.




[member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Rai Seren"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Lief]

"If that is what you wish, then Théo it is. But then I must insist you simply refer to me as Jyn. The girl accompanying us is Rai."

It was obvious that she had quite the difficulty referring to him as such, he was the highest ranked individual here and this commanded respect. Still she had been among several of his Kin before and knew how they were about formalities in the most part, keeping it to a time and a place. Apparently this was not a time when it was deemed necessary.

"By all means, what you have will be more than suitable. Let us assist in setting it up, and then we can begin. I brought a small bottle of Corellian wine if either of you partake," an older vintage of course given the current state of that world, but Jyn had chosen it due to the heritage of the man before him. Or more, that of his Mother. She figured that he'd get to enjoy much of his Father's culture on a daily basis, why not present him with something less accessible?

A small smile lit up her face as she watched how Seamus and Mysa seemed to interact, so it was this particular woman that had been his point of contact here on Midvinter? That was good to know.

[member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Rai Seren"]

 

[Lief]

Glancing across to her brother she showed him just the subtlest of frowns.

"I meant... Sith, I suppose. More so than Darksiders themselves." Though truth be told she had a feeling he knew as much. After all the hardship Mysa had been put through by their ilk who could blame her? It had been a Sith who had risen the Vinterbound and sent them down to Thainbroek where their Grandpa had perished. Sith who had attacked this world of theirs. A Sith who had conjured up the cauldrons of malice which she had thrice encountered and defeated at this point, one such alongside [member="Seamus Valik"] even. A Sith who had whisked her away from Midvinter and tried to force her into darkness.

No, the axe she had to grind was with those who followed those ancient codes and doctrines which preached control and strength over others... Not those who did not align themselves exclusively with the Light.

Naturally Mysa remained at her Brother's side when they approached the Outlanders, and her body dipped into a bow which had been well practiced. Her gaze drifted over to Seamus when she caught sight of him, a gentle smile upon her lips as the more vocal representative for the Je'daii exchanged words with Théo. Her friend approached them then, utilizing some of what he had learned here on Midvinter to greet him in the native manner, before he turned to her and looked as though he wanted those formalities to fly out of the window.

When he tried to do the same to her as he had to Théo she shook her head and instead gave him a quick and brief hug.

"I see you, Seamus Valik, welcome back to Midvinter."

She stepped back and glanced over the two women he accompanied. There was a similarity to them, but where one hung back and seemed rather withdrawn the other took the lead. At the mention of the tent, which remained upon their mounts, Mysa actually turned to walk back to Raé and began to remove the pieces she carried.

[member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Rai Seren"]

 

[Rai Seren]

A sigh of relief escaped her when she didn't have to introduce herself. Not that she wouldn't have done so, but it meant she didn't have to interrupt this whole thing just yet and announce that she was a Seren, and Jyn's younger sister. Instead, she offered a nod of her head to each in turn when she was introduced. If she could remain silent and just be the guardian of the group then all would be well. If she were forced to talk she feared that she'd end up blurting everything out, which would undermine the meeting that was taking place by inserting emotions into the situation. It was what she wanted, but she also knew her place. Toru hadn't taught her to be self-centered, after all.

Her eyes watched Mysa move back towards her mount, she assumed that she was getting the parts of the tent that Theodred had mentioned. She could offer to help? But if she did that it meant that she'd have to speak, and also she didn't know how to set up their tent s she'd probably just end up being a hindrance if anything. Also not a good impression to make. Ultimately, she decided it would be best if she hung back, though she did move a little bit closer to where Seamus and Jyn were standing so she didn't seem like she was distancing herself from everyone, which would almost be as awkward as blurting out that she was Jyn's sister. Come to think of it, maybe she shouldn't have come at all and just waited for Jyn to come back.

In the end she looked down at her toes and then straightened herself out, affecting a smile. It wasn't that hard. She was happy to be near her sister. At least it wouldn't seem forced.

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He took the man's arm offered in greeting firmly, "A pleasure", Théo spoke in turn, but the young man seemed to be somewhat distracted by the presence of his sister, Mysa. There was an air of familiarity between them which made Théo grin himself. Although he is very protective of her, the fact that Mysa knows one of them was encouraging to the over all start of the establishment of the alliance. But Mysa could be sure that Théo was ask her how she come to know this grinning boy later.

But for now, Théo turned his attention back to Jyn and the young lady standing a little back from from her. "Jyn it is most kind and thoughtful of you", he offered a small bow in thanks for her gift. "I have not partaken in that drop in some time, so I would be delighted in sharing it with you once we are settled within the tent".

There is always purpose within Théo's suggestions and words, this is a trait he had developed as leader for the Iron Empire, a phase in his life that had served him well and not just the leader of men and women, but in respect to deportment when meeting with others outside of the most trusted arena. Words are one thing, actions another and with the simply idea of them all erecting a tent was part of that, if anyone who had any experience with erecting a tent knows that this simple operation can cause much friction between the best of friends or even lovers. He wanted to see who was the leader of the group, and mostly importantly, how they would work with outsiders, such as Mysa and himself.

"Hello Rei, it is lovely to meet you. I wonder would you be so kind and help me with the canvas for the tent?". He raised an arm and indicated toward his mount and on the rump of which was strapped the canvas. As he walked toward his horse, he shot a look toward Mysa and gave her a frowning questioning look as his eyes darted back toward 'grinning boy'. But despite himself, he could not help but laugh softly as he unstrapped the canvas from his horse.

​

[member="Rai Seren"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Seamus Valik"]​

 

[Lief]

With all of the formalities and introductions out of the way, Jyn turned to her fellow Je'daii and lightly clapped her hands in anticipation of the task ahead. Only it seemed as though Théo had already taken Rai off to go and help him with the tent canvas. She watched the young woman for a moment, curious as to whether or not she'd speak to the Warden or not. Hopefully she would.

"Seamus," she said, looking back toward him with a soft smile, "Why don't you go and help the Lady Mysa?" Not that Jyn thought she necessarily needed the help. Still, two sets of hands worked faster than one, and it gave him something to do. Now that the two Journeyers had been tended to Jyn walked over to where Théo and Rai were and began to assist with removing other parts for the tent, being that the canvas was in good hands. Supports, pegs, a ground sheet, there were many components for them to not only fetch but piece together.

It wasn't something Jyn had ever done before, so she was eager to learn from the two Midvinter natives.

"Do you lay the ground sheet before or after the main frame is risen, Théo?" she inquired, curious as to which of the pieces they ought to be focusing on first.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Rai Seren"] [member="Seamus Valik"]

 

[Rai Seren]

"Oh- umm, okay," Rai said, startled at first but quickly regaining her composure. "It's nice to meet you, as well."

She followed after the handsome man, moving to his mount. It was a nice creature, even though she'd not seen anything like it before. It seemed well cared for and definitely well-behaved, which was more than she could say for a lot of the mounts she'd seen people riding over the years. Most of them she steered clear of. Animals were nice, but she didn't have any particular affinity towards them. Best to keep her distance so she didn't end up trampled.

But here she was, helping him gather the pieces of the tent that were stored on his mounts trappings. She'd thought to ask him a question. He was a leader among his people so surely he would have advice on how she should broach the subject of her mother to Jyn. But as soon as she opened her mouth to ask Jyn came wandering over and started asking him about the tent, so she clamped her mouth shut again and went back to getting the pieces.

Once she had as many as she could carry, she moved then over to where they were going to set up the tent and laid each piece down one by one. She'd been in tests before. In fact she'd lived in one for a few months on a jungle world that she never got the name of, but she'd never actually put one up. Now she, like her sister, was curious as to how one went about doing that, so she moved near the two in order to listen to the answer.

[member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Seamus Valik"]

 

[Seamus Valik]

He gave a small nod to Jyn as he looked back and then looked to Mysa. He had few friends left in the galaxy since the Republic/Sith wars, so to have a chance to spend time with one and help the Je'daii simultaneously was a pleasure he was certain he didn't deserve. He offered a more polite smile to the Ranger who was a new acquaintance but as close to family as he considered all the Je'daii.

"It would be my pleasure, Ranger Lorr." He said before nodding to Theo and moving off to join Myas in gathering the materials.

He began Untying the poles and laying them in a small pile to one side before he returned to help with the other materials. He didn't know what to make of the man just yet but he seemed a good sort. He knew he could find out with the force. He needed only to stretch out with his feelings and sense the man but that wasn't his way. He preferred to let people prove who they were by word and deed, not to be guided by predisposed ideas based on a persons feelings in the moment. He knew all too well that a person could rise above a feeling or a disposition to do many great deeds. The force would not need balance if it had no tipping point and to act before someone showed the had tipped to far one way or another could easily push them beyond reach. Odd thought for building a tent, even for him but the force brings wisdom when it chooses not when we do. He glanced at Mysa and the others. His bright blue eyes glad at the sight of them working together already.

"What would you like me to do first?" He asked Mysa, "Should we stake out the area or do we need to go hunt a meal for the meeting?"

He was only half joking. She had taught him to hunt not very long ago and it was a far cry more complicated than the markets he had grown used to over the years. It was worth asking, to him anyway.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Rai Seren"] [member="Jyn Lorr"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]

 

[Lief]

"I'm glad you came along for this," she said, when she felt him slide up beside her and begin to remove the last few pieces for the tent. Structural, whereas Théo's mount had been holding the fabric. "Midvinter suits you."

Walking alongside him toward where the tent would best be set up, with the mountain at their side acting as a decent buffer from the worst of the wind, she set down the pieces she'd been carrying before smiling across at Seamus. It seemed as though he had learned a thing or two during their time together.

"I have enough meat for five, I reckon. Setting up a perimeter wouldn't be a bad idea, there are plenty of dangers in these parts - don't let Felix trick you, his kind are apex predators - and the further North we get the more likely we are to find remnants of the Vinterbound."

Though the Valkyri had worked wonders in eradicating most of the devilish fiends, there remained just odd splinters of the damned things. She and Seamus had met more than one on their adventures in these lands, though she hoped they would not face similar today.

"We should get some of the meat cooking, though... You want to scout the area out, or get a fire started?"

She didn't actually know how long they'd be down in these parts, after all the Je'daii were here to see their newly built Temple. Still, a little something to warm their bellies wouldn't go amiss, and if she and Théo had been able to raise the tent alone she felt confident that the three remaining individuals would be more than able to do so without she and Seamus.

[member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Rai Seren"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The small group of representatives from the Je'daii Order were most accommodating with lending assistance for the tent, and with an air of authority Lyn Lorr was the main leader here among them, not that she was showing it outwardly or with any sense of superiority over the others but with a sense of grace that he admired in leaders. And furthermore, they were friendly and willing to find out more about Mysa and himself as much as he wanted to know more of them. "Thank you Jyn. It would be best to peg out the ground sheet first, the more protection we have against the cold ground the better. Mysa and her friend will soon have the poles up".

Théo turned to his helper in the young lady called Rai, "But first we might get the furs for the flooring off the second horse and lay them on ground sheet, before we get the canvas", he turned to her with a smile. "Have you ever felt the pelt of an Álk. It is the fur of what most Valkyri use for bedding and coats and even flooring, it is so soft and warm", he informed her leading her to the second horse that carried the food supplies and furs.

He unstrapped one of the bundles of fur and held it out for Rai to take, it would not be too heavy for her to hold until the ground sheet was secured to the ground. And so Théo took hold of the sheet and pegs, and with Jyn's help they would soon have that secured for Mysa and Seamus to begin to tie the poles. "So .. Jyn. Is the Je'daii temple complete?", he glanced toward the high peaks of the mountains near by. "If you still require further resources please don't hesitate to ask me for them, both my uncles and myself would be glad to help".

​

[member="Jyn Lorr"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Seamus Valik"] | [member="Rai Seren"]​

 

[Lief]

Apologies, I didn't realize I was up

Jyn could sense Rai's uncertainties, her desire to speak to Théo out of earshot, after a lifetime of Force-based Empathy it was easy to pick up on such things. Part of her was curious as to the why of it, but it was not her place to question.

Instead she smiled at the Midvinter Warden, took up the ground sheet, and moved to where they had decided the tent out to be erected.

"From the reports I've been given it's my understanding that the construction is complete. There are a few things to finalize up there, mostly furnishing though. As for the resources, worry not. Anything we need that we do not have we'll happily trade with your people to acquire. From what I hear you have quite the craftsmen. Now... I'll get to work laying this bottom sheet while you fetch the furs, many thanks for your assistance."

Giving the two of them a chance to talk without risk of Jyn overhearing, the Ranger began to unfold the ground sheet. It was larger than she had anticipated, and the breeze which still barreled against them despite the protection the mountain offered had it putting up a fight. She reached out, tugging upon a couple of heavier rocks through the Force in order to bring them over to lay atop the sheet to keep it in place until the furs were brought over. Better than nothing, she supposed, she'd make sure to clean the sheet off before any furs touched it.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Rai Seren"]

 

[Rai Seren]

Rai was not an empath. On top of that she wasn't particularly the best at reading people. Most likely this was a result of being brought up in the ways if the Echani, who communicated best through the art of dancing in combat. In a battle she could read everything she would ever need to know about her opponent, but talking to them often told her nothing unless the person flat out gave them answers. Long story short, she didn't realize that Jyn was letting her talk to Theo.

But when they went back to get the furs and Jyn didn't follow, it at least gave her a chance to talk. She waited until they reached the mounts and had started unhooking them before she spoke, though.

"This might sound like a really odd question," she began, breathing in short breaths between words as her anxiety got the better of her, "but how do you tell someone that youve barely talked to that you're the sister they didn't know they had?"

Definitely an odd question but she was hoping for any sort of advice and honestly he seemed like a good source for it. Some people just had this way of carrying themselves that you knew they had wisdom. This man was one of them. The air about him made her mystified but she wasn't as gifted in the wisdom department. Give her something to see and she could do wonders. Give her an enemy to crush and she was in her element. Ask her a philosophical question and she'd probably think you were mental.

She turned back to the furs, starting to heft them up, while she waited for him to answer.

[member="Seamus Valik"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] [member="Jyn Lorr"]