Private &nbsp; Golden Slumbers | Tython Aftermath

Thyri Heavenshield · May 23, 2022

Little Thyri found the keep much too busy to his liking, as it seemed the entire Heavenshield Clan had come to visit Grandma while Grandpa was away. He wasn't sure just what was going on, but it was nice to see everyone in one place for once. Auntie Nina, for instance, he'd not seen since she opened her big school some years back after Grandpa became king. Suddenly there she was, alongside Papa and Uncle Thirdas and all the others. They all hugged and greeted each other, but they didn't seem too happy for some reason.

His father had permitted the boy to step outside while they waited for Grandpa. Was it his birthday today, maybe? Were they planning a secret party?

These were but some of the thoughts swarming his young mind when he then found Cousin Alva over by the stable. Quietly Thyri stepped inside, where these towering animals neighed and snorted loudly. It was quite scary for someone so timid as he, especially since a horse bit him once!

"H-hello Alva," he found himself eager to be by her side, his small hand instinctively finding hers. The two cousins had only met on a few occasions but had never spent any significant amount of time together thus far. She was several years older than him, as old as his sister Thora. He knew them to be best friends growing up.

"Horses are s-s-scary," he stuttered awkwardly, as part of his speech impediment. "One b-bit m-my f-finger once," he reached up with his other hand, showing her which finger. "H-he wasn't a very n-n-nice h-horse."

Seeing the way Alva patted this particular one put his mind somewhat at ease, however. He recognised it as Grandpa's horse, that white one he'd seen him ride when coming to visit Norvegr-fen. It didn't seem as grumpy as that other one.

Her handling of the noble steed also instilled in the boy an act of uncharacteristic inner courage, as he too felt the urge to stick his hand through the fence, reaching just far enough to pat the horse's greyish muffle. It felt oddly squishy, like human lips only much bigger. Little Thyri let out a cautious giggle, then looked up at Alva with a nervous smile.

"W-when do you t-think G-grandpa is c-c-coming h-home? He said we w-would go s-skiing when he c-comes b-b-back."

Coren Starchaser · May 24, 2022

A war had been fought, another war had been won. This one was very important. Home to the Je'daii and the Jedi. Ashla had been torn from the sky. Jedi had fought and died for the Light, Je'daii had fought and died for the balance, and Sith, and their dark counter parts had fought and died for their cause. Many had fallen, luckily, for Coren, and his own, they had all returned.

The Lion King (Nants ingonyama bagithi baba) had returned, albeit in worse shape than he or Celeste. Caltin seemed to be doing… fine. But there was a lot of power he was using during the fight. If it wasn't for

Mishel , Coren wasn't certain he'd have made it back.

Looking to hise wife, he nodded, a smile on his face. Another day, another war, another victory.

He couldn't keep this up. He had too much to live for now. After the Sullust Alliance had fallen, he wasn't certain about that, but then he found his family, his purpose anew. He was a Jedi, but he was more. He was a Wayseeker, finding the areas between the pillars of the Jedi. Looking to Celeste though, he shook his head.

"Unsure if we did anything worthwhile here. But this was not how I wanted to be spending our weekend." Trying to crack a joke was only because the ones he brought had survived. Still, his mind went to Cotan, and to Zark… others who were unreported as of the time they had left the world.

Everyone needed a vacation.

Celeste Rigel

Thurion Heavenshield

Bors Greythorne · May 25, 2022

The Queen had been the first to learn what had happened. Quietly she’d summoned him to her side to explain the situation, and the severity of it was plain to see on her face and in the tone of her voice. In all his years serving House Heavenshield, not once had he witnessed such an alarming expression find Coci’s otherwise serene features.

Bors was a man that had lived for well over 170 years and was well past his prime. He’d seen things most young folk would scoff at were he to speak of them, but above all, he’d witnessed his King in action and knew what tremendous power dwelled within that man. This was the man who’d fought in his blessed father’s rebellion, who defeated the Vinterbound scourge as they laid siege to the old capital, who victoriously fended off dark invaders from the stars. And most prominently, who had just years prior slain his people’s embodiment of Death itself.

The Lion King had only but begun his reign. It was simply incomprehensible he might now have already met his end, and not even in the defence of Midvinter. Despite his refusal to believe such talk, he received his instructions from the Queen. She told him, ‘hope is not yet lost.’ She would see to that personally, but she needed him to make preparations in her absence.

“For what, milady?”

“The return of our king,” she replied.

Word was discreetly passed down the ranks that Heavenheim was to receive off-world visitors. The day the iron longships descended from the wintry skies, the streets between the main gate and Erin’s Reach were cleared of travel and quartered off by a detachment of guards lining each side, so that when said visitors would arrive they might manoeuvre the city unhindered.

All Bors had informed the City Guard was that these honoured guests would bring ‘the noblest of gifts.’

As for himself, he would greet them as they arrived outside the gates alongside a full escort of the elite Lion Guard, the royal family’s household guard, each clad in full regalia with their iconic lion pelts draped over their shoulders. Bors however, remained true to his simple attire as he so often did.

The old man looked to the skies, his gaze drawn from the billowing banners depicting the golden lion against a heavenly-blue field to the sudden appearance of a ship breaking through the thick blanket of clouds.

Celeste Rigel · May 25, 2022

Celeste tilted her head back, eyes closed.

Is this the fatigue Coren experienced after every battle? It was more than being physically tired, more like… drained. And not to say she'd had it easy, but there were others that had expended far more of their energy during the battle. One of them was at her side. She opened her eyes when Coren spoke and managed a faint smile at his joke.

"Right," she said, nodding. "I think you owe me a vacation now."

Midvinter was restful, to be sure, but it wasn't considered a vacation destination. At least, not in Celeste's mind. The healer closed her eyes again, focusing this time on

Thurion Heavenshield . His presence was still there, but it felt distant somehow. Though, there was comfort in the fact that he'd be safe until they reached their destination.

Celeste gave

Coren Starchaser a quick look. He had some bumps and bruises, but nothing serious, thank the force. "I do hope you'll get some rest when we get there." Celeste reached over and gave Coren's hand a squeeze. At least they wouldn't be jumping back into the fray, even warriors needed to recharge.

Caltin Vanagor · May 25, 2022

”Be strong, you never know who you are inspiring.” - M. Rkalogie

… was he “fine?”

Or was he just as exhausted as they were?

The Sentinel set down on the landing pad as systems slowly started to enter “sleep” and “storage” mode. That meant that the loading and the cargo ramps were opening. “R0113R” or “Roller”, as well as BB-88 were both rolling around securing the ship. Slowly as the bi… no I’m not going to call him that this time, the “Walking Boulder” as he used to be called awoke as of all people, his wife Chrysa was there. Apparently she had just beaten them there, and was unwilling to not be away from him, or any of them, especially after such a harrowing experience.

Slowly, Caltin did something that he had never done before. He let someone else help him, as he put an arm over her shoulder and let the Sorrusian help him walk out slowly, the big man made his way to his quarters and nodded. Freeing himself up, Vanagor leaned over and picked up the Lion King and carried the unconscious monarch off the ship and onto the grounds of the landing pad.

He promised he would get the king home.

He keeps his promises.

TAG: Thurion Heavenshield Coren Starchaser Celeste Rigel Romi Jade Alva Heavenshield Thyri Heavenshield

Alva Heavenshield · May 25, 2022

A small voice at her side made Alva turn. She looked to find Thyri standing there timidly. "Hello little cousin," she said, a smile to accompany her greeting. Of course, the boy had grown quite a lot since she'd first met him. But for some reason, he'd always be that little baby wrapped up in Uncle Theo's arms. Was this how most adults felt about children? Alva's musing was cut short when her cousin commented about the horses.

"They may seem scary," Alva said with a nod. "But most really are quite nice." She fixed her blue eyes on the finger that Thyri presented, the one once bitten by a horse. Alva had grown up with horses, from the time she could hold onto the reigns, she was riding. Sometimes she forgot that others didn't have the same experience. "I've been bitten a couple of times. Mostly because the horses thought I had food." Alva's smile widened.

She was encouraged to see Thyri starting to get more comfortable around the horses, and she chuckled when Thyri reached in to touch Grandpa's steed. No matter her own buzzing nerves, she didn't want to alarm the boy.

"I'm not sure," she said. "Soon, I think – maybe today, even." Why else would every member of their family be present at the keep? Alva crossed her arms tightly and took a glance out the stable doors, just in time to see a ship in the distance.

"A ship!" she said, turning to Thyri. Her mother had asked to know when the ship arrived, but Alva had a feeling that word would reach the keep faster than she could bring it. "Want to go see?" she asked, arching a brow at her cousin.

Thyri Heavenshield ,

Caltin Vanagor ,

Thyri Heavenshield · May 26, 2022

Thyri listened to Alva while she spoke, then fixed his eyes on those of Grandpa's horse as he patted his soft muffle. It felt good to know someone as comfortable around horses got bitten too, yet still had all her fingers. "I... am not... f-food," he told the white steed in the most severe tone he could muster, believing it would instruct the horse in what he could and could not eat. All he got out of it was a sudden snort, startling the boy enough to remove his hand.

As Alva brought news of a ship approaching, Thyri sidled up to his cousin to see for himself. In reply to her question, he made an eager nod and took her by the hand. Together they ran from the stables out on the streets, eventually taking them to a secluded spot atop the walls where few guards passed through. You learn to find these places when you're a child, especially during hide-and-go-seek.

"I d-don't rec... rec-cognise that s-ship," he stuttered softly.

From their vantage point, he could see Uncle Bors outside the gates ready to welcome whoever was aboard that ship. The presence of the entire Lion Guard gave him hope they were there to greet Grandpa, yet there was this nagging feeling that something was wrong. He should feel elated right now, so why was there this overwhelming sense of worry in the air?

The young child found himself tightening his grip on Alva's hand, though he knew not why.

Bors Greythorne · May 26, 2022

They came from the skies as if delivered by the All-Father Himself in His chariot of gold. How these marvels of engineering were capable of flight in the first place he couldn't hope to wrap his elderly mind around, stuck in his old ways as he was. He'd never set foot off-world and didn't expect to in the short few years of good health he likely had left. No, he was born on Midvinter and on Midvinter soil he would remain until his dying day. Let the young dream of taking flight across the stars.

Snow whirled in the air as the ship landed outside the city, with banners seemingly threatening to fly off their standards from the strong winds. Still, the welcoming party held firm, moving not an inch. As the ramp was lowered, Bors cleared his throat in preparation to commence the welcoming speech he'd rehearsed in his head.

He never got a word out, for he noticed the poor state some of the passengers were in as the first staggered off the ship. Soldiers in bloodied, dented armour and Jedi in tattered robes shambled down the ramp a few at a time; many were dressed in bandages and various other improvised solutions to stop the bleeding, and some were even missing entire limbs. There wasn't a lot of them, perhaps a couple dozen, but all of them were still breathing.

The old man had taken part in many a battle in his lifetime, but this was the first time he'd witnessed the brutal nature of advanced warfare. Black scorch marks and blaster burns were only some of the wounds he'd never seen before. He quickly realised this was no triumphant band of warriors, but a broken group of survivors.

"Guards! Get out here and help these men," he shouted to the men tasked with defending the main gate. Warm cloaks were wrapped around the wounded and those that could not walk were carried into the city, all whilst the royal bodyguard awaited their liege lord. Each time a new face appeared, he strained his old eyes to discern which one belonged to his king. All he knew was that Thurion Heavenshield would be aboard, but not in what state.

He would soon find out.

Heavy footsteps descended the ramp, belonging to one

Caltin Vanagor . The size of this man gave Bors pause, believing him to be a kinsman at first glance. At a closer look, the bald man's features were decidedly not those of Midvinter. What this man carried in his arms however soon took priority once it became clear to who the body belonged.

"No...!"

The elder approached them, accompanied by a lone bannerman. What he witnessed that day ripped the heart right out of his chest. The ever-stoic Grey-Boar felt the sting of tears as he laid eyes upon the seeming corpse of the Lion King - the greatest of heroes. He looked up at Caltin briefly, as if trying to gauge how this could have happened only to shortly after lower his gaze to the peaceful face of his nephew.

"Rest easy, lad. You're home now," his ragged voice trembled while he caressed Thurion's cheek, fixing his hair so that he would look more presentable to his people. Bors then turned to the bannerman. "Give it here."

Ripping the banner of blue and gold from its standard, Grey-Boar mournfully wrapped the royal colours around his fallen monarch as Caltin held him. Such a noble man deserved better than to be laid bare for all to see. He then signalled the elite Lion Guard.

"Men of the Lion! Come forth and attend to your King!" In perfect sync, the royal guard marched forward to take possession of the body. Six men on either side hoisted Thurion's wrapped-up body unto their shoulders and prepared to carry him through the streets.

"Thank you," Bors turned to the muscle-bound man and shook his hand. He should have liked to express his gratitude more eloquently, but right now he had no mind for fancy words. "Please, follow us to the keep," he instructed Caltin and those beside him. "The Queen awaits the return of her husband..."

As Bors turned away from them to lead the procession towards the keep, he wiped a stray tear from his beard. He was not one to grieve openly; however, were things different and he could have been given a moment alone with his nephew, he would have broken down right then and there.

Only the Queen's promise that hope was not yet lost kept his legs from crumbling underneath him.

Alva Heavenshield

Coren Starchaser · May 26, 2022

In his youth, Coren had learned the subtle skill and almost art of battlemind. He used it to a great extent to push himself and his comrades farther in combat. Since the end of the Sullust Alliance, he hadn't been in a prolonged, or as aggressive situation as had occurred on Tython. To be frank, the Sith that were there was some new situation, some new mindset than even Carnifex. It was… dangerous here.

Libertas was one of the other Sith, the Sith he was used to. Not this… bizarre feat they had. Even when he had worked along Sith before his collapse into carbonite and his consequential redemption.

"I wouldn't have brought us if it wasn't important…" For the very nature of the Force itself. "But yes. You name the world, we'll get off Kattada, away from the Vagrant fleet, me, you, the kids." He smiled, squeezing her hand.

"We need to make sure we help him find his way back." He nodded to Thurion. His intent was not to bring home a dying King.

Celeste Rigel

Thurion Heavenshield

Celeste Rigel · May 26, 2022

Celeste offered her husband a quiet smile. But that smile would be short-lived. As their ship set down on Midvinter, Celeste rose and straightened out her robes. Though the battle was done, for now, they did have a task at hand – one that

Caltin Vanagor took quite literally, to bring the Lion King home.

"Yes," she agreed, her eyes following the rather imposing form of Caltin as he exited the ship. At Coren's side, Celeste would exit, too. The gray of Midvinter welcomed them. The air was brisk to say the very least. Valae Heavenshield, her friend and former Grandmaster had warned her about the cold before. And, for a moment, she wondered how the Tatooine-born Valae had adjusted to living here.

The sights and sounds of this world were very different than what she was used to. Here, the buildings were constructed out of stone. Things were rustic, but charming. Had they stopped here under different circumstances, she might have liked to explore the city of Heavenheim.

As members of the King's court came to greet them, Celeste offered a respectful nod of greeting and remained off to the side. The shock was palpable, the Valkyri guard meeting their king in such a state. Celeste bowed her head slightly to allow them a moment, and she glanced up at Coren when they were invited into the keep. For the moment, she said nothing, but she gave his hand another squeeze.

Coren Starchaser ,

Thurion Heavenshield

Alva Heavenshield · May 26, 2022

Hand in hand, Alva let Thyri lead the way. Soon, they'd found the perfect vantage point to take in the visitors. The breeze ruffled Alva's wavy hair as she peered over the wall. "I don't either," Alva said. But then again, she hadn't seen very many ships. Still, there were some guesses – perhaps members of the Silver Jedi, that'd make sense given Grandpa's position as a former Grandmaster of the Order. Or else, she guessed these were allies.

Alva's eyes found Bors at the gates, and a number of forms moving to greet him.

Glancing sidelong at Thyri as he squeezed her hand, Alva offered an encouraging smile and returned the gesture. Then, she returned her attention to the scene unfolding before them. "What's happening?" Alva said aloud, watching as Bors removed the banner and wrapped something in its gold and blue hues.

Gently tugging Thyri along the wall, Alva moved to get a better look.

By now, their Grandfather was nestled snuggly in the banner of his home. "I can't quite…" she started to say, her eyes on the bundle being hoisted onto the shoulders of the guards. However, some faces among the crowd were familiar. "I know them," Alva pointed with her free hand at Coren and Celeste. "Celeste is my mother's friend, she used to be a healer for the Silver Jedi." She glanced at Thyri again momentarily. "And that's Coren Starchaser." It was quite a famous name, even here.

Alva squinted at

Caltin Vanagor – he wasn't familiar, but he did seem to fit in quite well with the Valkyri guards. He was tall and broad, just like them.

As the procession grew nearer, Alva watched silently… until a sharp gasp escaped her.

Nina Heavenshield · May 27, 2022

Meanwhile, at the Keep...

"She looks so serene," Nina remarked upon seeing their mother, fully submerged in the Force as she was. Her slender fingers caressed her warm cheek, helping to assure her she was alive and well underneath that motionless exterior. A soft smile graced her lips as she turned to her brothers likewise surrounding the Heavenshield matriarch.

"So, she's... with Dad, right now?" Thirdas, the youngest, tried his best to grasp the situation. His knowledge of the Force was limited compared to his elder siblings, for they had both been raised Jedi whereas he chose the life of a soldier.

"She is with his spirit," Théodred, the older brother, explained, his hand finding that of his mother's for a soft squeeze, hoping she would feel their presence wherever she was, and that she might tell Father. "To provide an anchor to this world, so we don't risk losing him to the Netherworld."

The instructions for each of Coci's children had been brief, but she'd explained that their father had surrendered himself to the Force and required revivification upon his return home, as well as her absence by the time they would arrive at the capital. It was up to the Lion's cubs to hold down the fort until their father's return.

Nina looked over to

Valae Heavenshield doing what she could to keep Mother comfortable, checking her vitals and generally keeping her body safe. "Come on, boys. Let's give them some space. Val will take care of her." Théo proved to be the least willing to exit the room, still holding onto his mother. The touch of his brother's cybernetic hand on his shoulder stole his attention, and a nod between the two had him submit to the suggestion that they leave the room.

"Call on us if you need anything," she told Valae before joining her brothers in the main hall. At the end of it stood a pair of thrones, flanked by several other council seats. The three siblings felt drawn to the empty chairs while awaiting news of their father's return. Upon the king's throne sat his winged crown, likewise awaiting its owner's return.

"Has it sunk in yet," Thirdas asked his brother, who stared straight ahead at his future. "That one day you'll be king?"

"I don't much like to think about it," Théodred replied after some thought. "I want to make Papa proud, but... I feel I am unworthy of the honour. And... I remember how much the crown burdened Grandpapa, then Uncle Thyrian. Now Papa. I don't think I'm equal to the task laid before me."

Nina took his brother's arm, leaning into him for support while fussing with his raven locks. "None of them desired the throne," she reassured him. "And yet, they all showed themselves more than capable. You carry a piece of them inside you, Théo. When the time comes, they'll be there to guide you. Father especially." Théo smiled down at his sister, comforted by her wisdom.

Meanwhile, Thirdas had stepped up to the throne and plucked the crown from its cushioned seat, inspecting it up close. Count on him being the most brazen of the three. With Gryphon Crown in hand, the youngest sibling turned to face the other two.

"I think it will fit you just fine," he stepped down from the elevated platform and approached Théo. You could see the hesitation on his face, but he still lowered his head as if to receive the crown. A part of him was curious to see what it would feel like donning it for the first time.

The blast of a horn interrupted the moment, almost causing Thirdas to drop the crown. "He's here...!" Nina tugged on Théodred's sleeve and shot a no-nonsense look at Thirdas. "And you put that back where it belongs! Enough fooling around!"

Doing as told, Thirdas then quickly popped his head through the door to tell Valae they had arrived before joining his siblings outside the entrance.

Ylva Heavenshield · May 28, 2022

Heavenheim,
Midvinter.

The happenings of that outside of Midvinter were beyond the scope of Ylva, far unlike her Husband Thêodred Heavenshield who often influenced their son

Thyri Heavenshield to want to venture out, explore and get himself into trouble out there just as his father often had. The mention of worlds alike Tython often passed her in the Keep, often accompanied by other frustrating discussions surrounding diplomacy and politics between their homeworld and neighbouring systems, all of which

Thurion Heavenshield had been far better at dealing with. Hells, even her son had more patience for such talks than Ylva ever did. As such, whenever the day of the King's return would finally arrive, Ylva would care little about whatever else surrounded his absence and would be simply relieved for his safe return, his company and her release from having to listen to the other nobles' complaints...

New Himmeldal had been on her mind recently, that which she and her husband had spent the majority of their lives living within since Thêodred had brought her back to Midvinter. Ylva's heart ached to return to the open wilds where she could hunt and feel free once more from the responsibilities that came with the care and custodianship of Heavenheim. Of course, her Mother-in-law took the reigns on all matters of vast import, yet Coci was never one to rob Ylva of the exposure to leadership or duty. Perhaps this was why Ylva had often gravitated to Thurion more so, the King was far less inclined to throw Ylva into the deep end, and as Coci had often remarked, he had a tendency to be soft on Ylva's more...-Impulsive side.

The years had been good to her, despite her cynicism at times. Coci Heavenshield had taught Ylva the ways of the Force, serving as her official Master within the Dawnguard before releasing her of her apprenticeship and allowing Ylva to further develop her abilities on her own time. Naturally, Thêodred often guided her when she found herself in need of a helping hand...-Or simply when her Husband felt the need, but Ylva truly loved and appreciated the life and home they had built up for themselves, as well as their Children Thyri and

Thora Heavenshield , who was growing far too quickly for Ylva's liking.

Walking the corridors of the Keep, Ylva had been intent on returning to her quarters for some time to relax and free her mind of the day's burden before being interrupted by the calling of one of the maidens. "Your Grace, the Queen wishes your presence?" the young girl spoke nervously, inexperienced and lacking familiarity as far as Ylva could tell.

"Please, don't call me that..." Ylva spoke gently, forcing a smile so as not to make the girl panic; "My name is Ylva...-Just Ylva" she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder assuringly before starting to return from the direction she had been walking.

"Apologies your Gr-...Ma'am...-But we appear to have guests arriving" she explained, knowing not who nor why these arrivals had come, but only seeking to do as she'd been asked.

Sighing heavily under her breath, Ylva poised herself so as not to sound so frustrated by the news in front of the girl. "...-Truly? Wonderful..." she replied, failing to hide her scepticism as they walked back toward the front of the great Keep; Ylva intent on being present when their guests would arrive. As far as she could recall, there were no meetings with other clans or noble houses that she had missed, yet the Capital of Midvinter brought all kinds of peoples coming and going, most especially during the heavier snowfalls where the winter blizzards would force them indoors for days on end.

"Where is the Queen?" she asked as they walked, soon having a second thought, "Better yet, where are my Thyri and Thora..." she said with a greater sense of caution. Thora was especially gifted at making terrible first impressions and getting herself into troubling situations.

Alva Heavenshield |

Nina Heavenshield |

Thurion Heavenshield |

Caltin Vanagor · May 29, 2022

“The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements but rather with the things we do for the people we love and esteem, and whose respect we need.” - Walt Disney

Sure, walk behind them into a throne room to be questioned. He can do this. He was expecting to. So why was he feeling so weak to do so? Perhaps it was age, after all he was technically over nine-hundred years old. Perhaps it was the level of the battle and the short turnaround time. He was exhausted after all, and sleeping in a co-pilot’s chair was nothing like sleeping in a bed. Perhaps it was the woman walking alongside him, arm and arm. Marriage does a funny thing to a guy who spent his life keeping others he cared about at arm’s length.

It’s not that he didn’t want to be close to others, but there was some feeling in Vanagor as if he was never meant to just be happy. Perhaps it was the way of life of the Jedi of his time (though there were well known Knights and Masters in relationships and love with others), maybe it was just the notion that he did not want anyone to have to deal with losing him. No, Caltin never truly considered himself better than anyone else, but he felt like he did not deserve it.

That was then, this is now.

Maybe it was the reason why he was so determined to get Thurion home. He represented something "new", something that could be strived for in the big man's eyes. Heavenshield was actually able to walk away from the game, so to speak. He was going to be able to sit back and watch his grandkids grow. A small part of Caltin wanted that in his life, maybe. Maybe that was why he worked so hard to pull the man out of the water, and to get him here.

Now, he was more at ease with just about everything. There was still that sense of failure though, like he did not get Thurion back soon enough. Seeing the poor older man who felt a sense of shock when seeing the Lion King’s face, it gave him pause. True, there were no ill feelings, yet, but still, the big man had hoped he would have brought the Lion King back under his own strength, not having to be carried. Hopefully that will change soon enough, but he did what he could.

If he did not remember this, Chrysa was there to remind him.

TAG: Thurion Heavenshield Coren Starchaser Celeste Rigel Romi Jade Alva Heavenshield Thyri Heavenshield Ylva Heavenshield Nina Heavenshield

"Vanguard" (Secondary - Long Handle)

"CONSERVATOR" (Primary - Long Handle)
HK-88 Robes, Battle Armor,Toraynor-Henkan(mind crystal added) Advanced Jedi Utility Belt
Starship: Spectre, (Jedi Interceptor in the hangar, Dilorian, and Bike both in the cargo bay, the late Karki Eusith's Armor, Shield, Temple Guard Lightsaber mounted on the wall)
Sanctuary Island

Bors Greythorne · May 30, 2022

The world had seemingly slowed to a crawl as the fallen king's escort entered the city through the main gate, taken up through the cobbled highway leading straight towards the Keep. Man, horse, and carriage were all re-routed elsewhere to keep the street clear of traffic, but it was likely an unnecessary precaution. All of Heavenheim had stopped dead in its tracks and instead gathered to see what all the fuss was about.

There were plenty of audible gasps as more and more noticed the state in which their sovereign had returned, all wrapped up in the royal colours and brought home by his bodyguard. His head was left uncovered, offering little doubt as to who the body belonged to. Gasps turned to outright sobs, spreading fast through the city. Tower bells were rung as on the day of his coronation, their steady toll adding further gravity to the occasion.

Bors looked around as he led the procession towards its destination. The hope in his kinsmen's eyes turned to grief; for all intents and purposes, Thurion Heavenshield was no more. Fallen in glorious battle, on his way to join his father and brother. To walk with the gods and feast at their side until the breaking of the world. Grey-Boar knew, however, that his people still had need of their king. This could not be the end.

Finally reaching the end of their trek, the king's escort was met with the royal family awaiting their noble father's return.

Nina, Théodred and Thirdas all did their best to keep up appearances, attempting to convey strength even in the face of such devastating loss. The eldest sibling urged the middle sibling on with a nudge, for Théo had the unenviable task of filling their father's shoes for the time being.

Tentatively, Théo stepped forth. He gave Uncle Bors a soft nod before approaching the wrapped-up body presented to him. His heart broke even further upon seeing the face of his dear old Papa, so still and blissful. He cupped his cold cheek, but before his composure had a chance to break completely Bors stepped between father and son with orders for the guards to bring the body inside.

A grateful Théodred wiped his tears and turned to the Jedi responsible for his father's return. He was drawn to

Caltin Vanagor first, as the big man seemed the most grief-struck of the group. "A thousand thanks to thee, Master Jedi," he held out his arm. "Our father is returned safely because of you. All of you. Please, make use of this city for as long as you wish. It's the least we can offer for your service. I am Théodred, son of Thurion."

His blue eyes scanned the other Jedi, noting their wounded state. "Please, bring your people inside! We have food and water and enough room for the wounded to be comfortable."

Alva Heavenshield

Romi Jade Ylva Heavenshield

Thyri Heavenshield · May 30, 2022

"Grandpa! Grandpa!"

The cries of a small boy forcing his way through the crowd caught everyone's attention, as Thyri had abandoned his and Alva's hiding place and made their way down to the Keep. Disregarding the solemnity of the occasion, the young child rushed over to the banner-clad body and tugged at it, hoping to rouse his grandfather from his slumber.

"Grandpa, wake up," he pleaded with him repeatedly before stepping over to where Thurion's face stuck out from beneath the covers. "Grandpa, p-please..." But the Heavenshield patriarch would not stir, and upon realising this Thyri burst into tears just as his father caught up to him, tearing his son away from the fallen king.

"It's alright, it's alright. Come away, now," he comforted Thyri in his arms as best he could.

Meanwhile, Nina tended to

Alva Heavenshield in a similar manner, holding her niece so that the guards might proceed inside. "It'll be fine, child," she uttered softly past her ear. "All will be well, you'll see." However cryptic it might have sounded, this was neither the time nor place to elaborate.

Following the king inside alongside the Jedi, Thyri immediately ran straight into his mother's arms, sobbing like the child he was. "Mama," he wept uncontrollably. "Grandpa... h-he's..."

Thirdas would meanwhile barge through the door to where Valae was tending to Coci, informing her that their blessed father had arrived. As he did so, Théodred instructed the Jedi where they may put their wounded. "Over here, we've prepared plenty of straw, clean sheets, and the softest furs we could find to keep them comfortable. They will be well looked after, you have our word."