In all it's Glory! [Aurelio]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Midvinter​

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Spring Time​

The Falls of Crystals​

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Baron [member="Aurelio Murtix"]​

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On the eve of harvest, the village of The Falls of Crystals buzzed with excitement for the coming festivities. All the peoples had busied themselves with preparations for the feast. The Grand Hall, decorated with tapestries depicting the histories of Midvinter and of local lore and legend. Native flowers adorned the tables, crisp in their splendor of white, as white as the snow peak mountains that rose above the village. The Hunt for the fare, that would grace the evening tables already roasting in vast hearths in the Mead Hall, supervised by a rotund man known as Gripper. Why Gripper? well, if one got out of hand within his Mead Hall then he would grip them firmly and throw them to the street, the think about their actions that day. Usual for Midvinter.

Aerin had returned to her home, a few weeks ago. From the adventures on Hoth, she traveled back to Exocron for healing which she received and only a long thin white scar any evidence of her injuries sustain. She had requested time from training, a question needed her attention to contemplate, something one of the Lords had asked she could not answer, and so she spent her days within the mountain tops self training and thinking. But today was not the time for this, celebrations now only hours away and she looked forward to it.

Her coming home, had removed her home sickness and cleared her mind of many things, save one. On some days as she walked the cobbled streets of Crystals, her mind would wander back to Hoth. Not because of the near death experience, and dangerous situation, but to a man that had captured more then she knew .. even now. She would catch herself smiling whenever she thought of him.

Aerin pushed open the wooden door to her new home. A more spacious house then her last, and as she is able to purchase and trade with more valuables and even some of the traders are accepting credits with the influx of Offworlders, she was able to furnish it better. Moreover, the people in this village more open and less superstitious and they did not know her. Yes, the house located on the elevated side of the village .. more convivial more, welcoming.

Tonight, she would dine, dance and forget the shrinking Galaxy.

​

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[Aurelio Murtix]

After the incident at Hoth, Aurelio had spent the time afterwards recovering and pondering his next move in the grand scheme of things. The baron had a few other interests that he was involved in concerning his ambitions, and it would take all of his focus to successfully make it all work. There was another thought in the back of his mind however that was distracting him, and he realized that the only way he could get it out was if he went to go see her. Aerin.

Once he was fully healed, at least to the point of functionality, Aurelio began his investigations into the location of his associate's homeworld and eventually found it in a remote location that he would never have discovered without the input of some knowledgeable people. Once he was ready, he put on his best Tapani clothes and took his new ship on the voyage across the stars where Aerin was there waiting for him. It took some time, but eventually Aurelio found his target and began his descent onto the planet. It was far more beautiful than the cold rock that Hoth was, and remembered the way the huntress' eyes lit up when she talked about her planet and people.

The starport was quite small, most likely because of the lack of visitors and the society's lack of interest in the galaxy's technology, but once he was safely off his ship the people welcomed him warmly enough to make him feel a twinge of guilt in how he insulted them. After pushing through some cultural barriers and asking a lot of questions Aurelio was directed to a place known as Crystals, and soon enough he found his way there looking for Aerin. Once he arrived it was obvious some sort of festival was beginning, which caught him as a sign of good fortune.

That feeling went away a bit however, as he then realized the people were not as knowledgeable on his friend. He began wandering around, hoping to find her maybe out and about with the rest of the villagers, but one person pointed out that someone had recently moved into a home on the elevated side of the area. Aurelio decided to test his luck, and managed to find himself knocking on the door of this mystery person's house. Maybe they would know something about her...

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Aurelio Murtix"]

After her arrival home, Aerin spent the time refreshing and dressing for the night entertainment. Although the peoples of the village had no knowledge of her on a personal level, they did however, know of her title of shieldmaiden .. that had become evident to them as she would practice her craft every day on the out skirts of the village, not much ever went unnoticed in small villages and soon the word had spread she would be their defender if one was required.

Her position would demand her to be seated upon the main table along side the Chieftain and his cohorts, that part of the night not that enticing but she understood it well enough. Her true title however, would remain with her. Aerin only had one dress, in which she would wear and so she put it on, added colour to the skin on her face and braided her long waist length hair which hung down the center of her back.

A knock at the door haltered her selection of shoes and she stood up straight back wondering who would be gracing her door on this night. Going to the door bare footed, she opened it. Her eyes widened as they fell on the form of Aurelio. For a moment she said nothing as she did not believe her senses, but he was stand there very much real. In the recognition, that odd feeling returned, that sudden welling of warmth .. and then she smiled, very glad to see him.

"Aurelio", she voiced his name "This is a pleasant surprise". She stood aside to allow him entrance to her home. He would enter into a large room, mostly open plan. On the back wall her large hearth set ablaze and spilling out warmth for the house. Surrounding the hearth .. the gathering place, Aerin's plush furniture of rich fabric the floors adorned with fur pelts to insulate the floor preventing any damp or breeze intruding. There is a slight soft yellow hue cast from the fire which soften the room and cast shadows into the small corners. Much could be said of the place, it looked larger by lack of furniture, but that would come over time.

On the far wall her mounted weapons and shield, there ready for use if required, in front on a mannequin, her armour. "It is good to see you! .. ", she began again, for some reason a little nervous. "I would have prepared for your arrival had I known, I would have... ", she stopped herself.

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

When the door to the mysterious home opened Aurelio was greeted to the sight of Aerin dressed as one should expect to as a woman of noble birth. She looked spectacular, and a smile appeared on his face in response to her own as he compared her appearance on Hoth to as she was now. The huntress invited the baron inside, and he whistled in a tone that showed he was impressed as he inspected her home. It was quite larger than he had imagined, the furniture she did have was quite expensive looking even if not the same fashions of his people, and a warm hearth that was as welcoming as she made it seem on their last adventure.

"It is good to see you! I would have prepared for your arrival had I known, I would have..."

"It's quite alright Aerin. Your home is quite lovely." He moved along the walls to continue his inspection, but stopped for a moment to stare at her weapons and armor before turning to face his comrade in arms, "I have to say though, not as lovely as you. I never expected a woman of your warrior status to ever wear a dress, but it is a nice change."

Aurelio made himself at home by undoing his dark red cape lined with fur and placing it down, allowing his black shirt lined with silver to be seen in all of its splendor. He then continued to do so by taking a seat on her furniture and inviting her to sit next to him with a pat on the cushion and the best smile he could summon. He had his full charm in effect since the baron was here to see Aerin, quickly running a hand through his slightly longer hair, and did not want to disappoint her by not giving it his all.

"I did say I would enjoy coming to your world, so I decided to drop in and see my favorite princess. How have you been?"

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"I do not wear a dress often", she spoke as she watched him walk into her home and around. Aerin closed the door and moved into the room only a few paces, her arms went behind her back and she held her hands in place, her eyes lowered to the floor before looked up to follow him. A grin on her face, as Aurelio moved looking about, she was pleased he felt comfortable, at home and she hoped relaxed. As far as Aerin was concerned he could have kicked off his shoes and placed them on the table. "However I thank you for the compliment", she said not sure if Aurelio actually meant it or was he just using Noble speak.

She walked behind on of the plush sofas as Aurelio sat in the opposite and gestured for her to join him. However, she remained her eyes following his hands and fingers as he ran them through his hair. Several thoughts in her mind now, all of which she would keep to herself. Baron [member="Aurelio Murtix"], now sitting in her home dressed in his finery and back to his best. She had seem him at his worst, of course, their first meeting rough and unexpected.

Aerin gave him a feinted look of displeasure when he called her princess. But soon that face changed to a small smile.

"I have been fair, and now well .. I see you are mended I am pleased for that", she said softly as she now moved toward him and sat down beside him. "I never really thank you for what you did on Hoth, if it was not for your plan and your ability to fly ... then well". Aerin turned sideways to face him.

"I am pleased you came here, and on such an occasion as this eve, it is the Harvest Festival and tonight the village will celebrate with a banquet in the Grand Hall and on the morrow there is the Hunt in which I will take part... I do hope you can stay for it? In this I can show you more of Midvinter and it will give me means to give thanks to you". She stood up abruptly. "I shall return".

Aerin walked out of the room toward the back to the kitchen. From there into the pantry and gathered a tray, a tankard of freshly brew Mead and two tall goblets made of glass cradled in beautiful silver work. Aerin prefers simplicity to an elegant design. She returned with the tray and placed it on the table before them and pour the mead. She held out the goblet for Aurelio to take and held her own to toast.

"To Hoth!", she smiled in jest .. "And to Aurelio". Aerin took a large helping of the mead.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"...And to all our fair Shieldmaidens", a warm baritone voice joined in on the toast. There stood an otherwise quiet middle-aged man in the doorway, locks of greying brown hair framing the bearded face of one Thrand Dawnbringer. Of course, no-one would know it was him since he'd only just shown up, and the last time anyone on Midvinter had seen the has-been Prince was many decades ago. Officially he was still branded an exile among his own people, thus making him a criminal for having returned in secret. Thanks to his son Thurion, he was finally given a reason to live and care about the future of his people, thus why he'd chosen to show up. To add to his disguise, he always wore a cloak and a hood; some people have long memories, even though he could not recognise a single face. Most of those he once knew were probably either beheaded or bought by the illustrious High King.

All were welcome to the Spring Festival, however, and not even he could stay away from the festivities. Of course, just because it was springtime didn't mean the snow was disappearing! It merely meant crops would grow again, and that the cold breezes were not as cold. It felt good to enjoy himself alongside his kind again, even if he really should be more careful doing so. His people-skills were sorely lacking having spent so much time living a hermit's life in the mountains, thus he did not speak often and merely enjoyed witnessing the children run around, random acts of drunken stupidity and the occasional brawl. Had he been a young man, he'd have thrown his lot in with trying to woo the many beautiful maidens present, such as the pretty redhead whose home he'd entered so rudely. "Forgive my intrusion, youngsters. My father always taught me to never let a worthy toast go to waste", he chuckled. "If privacy is what you wish, it shall be given."

[member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Aurelio Murtix"]

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Maybe he was imagining things, but the way Aerin was smiling and acting gave the baron the impression that maybe he was making her nervous. Aurelio had seen similar things in other women he had...become close to, but to imagine the mighty shieldmaiden in such a way was almost comical in how different it seemed than the woman he met on Hoth. It wasn't a bad thing, actually he found it interesting that he might have the advantage on this battleground of sorts, and he found himself smiling back just as much. With most women he had this effect on it was a quick fling and then leaving with no strings attached, but this...was different.

Aerin spoke her thanks for his help on Hoth then quickly stood up and went to retrieve some refreshments in the form of mead, pouring both of them a goblet before making a toast in the name of Hoth as a joke (damn ice-ball), and to himself which pleased him to no end. Aurelio was about to make an especially poetic addition to the toast when suddenly another voice, far deeper than hers or even his own, found its way to the baron's ears. The man now standing in the doorway of Aerin's home was an older gentleman, with the look of a seasoned warrior that made Aurelio jump to his feet, draw, and ignite his light-foil.

"State your name and your business, and then maybe your intrusion will be forgiven." Aurelio stood poised to fight in the stance of a fencer, his blue blade pointed towards the possible enemy, "And don't call me a youngster old man. Insulting those you barge in on must not be considered rude where you come from."

The young noble was itching for a bit of a good match ever since Hoth, where he had been injured and unable to fight at his all. A single reason was all he needed to strike, and only because it would have been rude to cut a man down in Aerin's home...without at least some provocation.


[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]
[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The Noble, [member="Aurelio Murtix"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

The door of her home opened once more, and through the frame of the doorway stood a man. She stood abruptly once more at the same time as Aurelio, he moved with speed and took up a position of defense with his blade. Aerin's head turned toward the wall, her sword meters away and out of reach. But she did not sense any ill will from the man, only a strong sense of cheer and merriment. She was about to quell the situation when the windows pushed open with a strong gust of wind.

The temperature of the room suddenly dropped with the intrusion and swirled around the room, feeding the flames within the hearth and the fire rose to a great height and roared. Much mayhem around the room, as anything that was not solid was pushed over and cluttered to the floor. Her long sword resting in it's mount on the wall began to rattle as if summon but captured. Aerin stood as if in a trance behind Aurelio. The return of the visions now clear in her mind as once more she saw herself stand in a street, dressed as a Shieldmaiden ready to face the coming danger. Again the white pale skinned creatures mounted on horses charged toward her, once more she readied herself to take out the legs of the mount and again her standing over the body of the foul creature and running her blade through it's chest. This time however, there was more, muffled voices yelling only one thing she could make out, "To the King!", she heard someone yell, her head turned, the vision began to wane, but not before she saw the figure of a man standing on high ground, the King ... but not the current one. The vision ended Aerin not shown the identity of this imposing figure.

Words issued from her mouth in whispers, but they would hear. "An ill wind sweeps over Midvinter, a quickening... they are coming". Her eyes blinks and she shook her head to clear her mind., and she came back to them. A little confused by what she just witnessed.

Aerin looked toward the man a strong countenance of noble form of old, maybe a past Chieftain. Maybe his intrusion is a provincial quirk of these parts, she moved to the side of Aurelio .. "The Shieldmaidens of Midvinter thank you for your toast, Sir if you come for the Festivities and with good will .. we welcome you", she continued to move toward her blade, just in case.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

He noticed the disgruntled eyes looking back at him, with the man assuming a clearly defensive stance of sorts while the woman went for her sword. His face turned into stone, his gaze becoming stern like a father about to lecture his son. He took a few steps towards the outsider. "Put that toothpick of yours away, lad. I have no desire to fight anyone - least of all you, Shieldmaiden. I came here to show my respects, but I see now that I was mistaken. Forgive my intrusion, both of you." He eyed down the somewhat foppish-looking man, heavily considering going for his own blade, but this would not be the place for a fight. His father had taught him to choose his battles carefully, even more so when challenged by another.

"If there's nothing else I will return to celebrate the Spring Festival. This is my first in many years, and I do not wish to see it spoiled so soon. I bid thee good day." That said, he turned and exited the house, hoping this small encounter would not sour the remainder of the festivities.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Aurelio Murtix"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Aurelio Murtix"]​

​

Her eyes narrowed as his face turned to a stone expression. Aerin looked to Aurelio a little in confusion as to what just happened. After his intrusion into her home, and failing to introduce himself, let alone state his business, Aerin's temper flared. Forgetting she did not have shoes on or her coat, and so she followed the elder.

"My Lord", she began as she would address anyone that was clearly of high standing, as she reached his side and stayed his progress with her hand on his arm. "You dare enter my home, unannounced without offering your name, I welcomed you if your intent was noble and then you deem to take offense?", She moved to stand in front of him now, he would have to shove her aside to proceed.

"Surely you can understand our defensive nature in these times". She looked up into the weather worn face. As she is want to do, Aerin regretted her outburst moments after they issued from her mouth. "It is the eve of the festivities my Lord, let us not begin them on ill terms, but rather partake of them with good will to all".

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Aurelio grinned at the older man's departure feeling victorious, but this turned to a look of concern when Aerin rushed out to reprimand the intruder. The baron followed after, stopping in the doorway behind the newcomer with his foil still ignited and ready to strike if the need arose. The shieldmaiden herself was deep into her outburst and was trying to mend things with the man as well, but truth be told Aurelio truly didn't mind either way. He was still miffed by the youngster comment, and how it seemed this one was looking down on his youth with the usual contempt of jealous older men.

"Why even bother Aerin? This one seems more than glad to just barge into the homes of others without paying the proper respects that he claims to have wanted to give." Aurelio stepped out slowly into the cold, but stayed behind the man with his foil, "Maybe I should just run him through here and now? If he is even capable of a good fight still that is."

The young and arrogant man chuckled as he flourished his weapon, as he eyed the older man up. He was still intimidating and had an air of experience, but to the baron it didn't matter.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]
[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"I'm not a 'lord', Maiden", he spoke in annoyance as he turned to face the pair as they followed him out of the building. He'd done as they asked and left them to their buisness, so why continue the confrontation. "Nor do you need to know my name. Its meaning has been lost through the passage of time." He was about to let the matter rest and be on his way, but then the outsider had to speak up, brandishing his twig of a weapon once more. "Tell me: how many wars have you been through, young man?" he said, tilting his head slightly to the side. "How many battlefields have you waded through the bodies of friend and foe alike, drenched in blood and sweat?" Thrand stepped closer to Aurelio as he continued. "Do you think yourself a warrior, carrying around that blade of yours? Are you prepared to take a life, here and now?" His hand reached over his shoulder to grasp at the hilt of his huge Valkyri greatsword.

He stayed further interaction with his own blade at his back as he managed to compose himself. "No blood may flow during the Festival, outsider. I offer my apologies and I accept yours in return. Now I will be on my way, and I would appreciate if you could leave me to my lonesome." He nodded to the stranger and then bowed to the Shieldmaiden, followed by him turning to leave their presence.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Aurelio Murtix"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] | [member="Aurelio Murtix"]​

​

"As you wish my Lord, be on your way. We mean no ill will toward you ", she spoke the words with annoyance but her eyes held a questioning gaze. She hoped the Mead of the Grand Hall would soften his attitude. However, something plagued Aerin's mind. As the elder stood tall and moved toward Aurelio his body held an air of legend old, a countenance only bred in those of distinction .. and that hilt on the sword. It is the sword that has her mind now racing.

Aerin turned to Aurelio, placing a hand on his arm, "Stay your weapon, tonight we go to celebrate. And I have need to prepare more, I seem to have lost my shoes", she said trying to lighten the mood somewhat. Her head turned once more to look at the Elder as she turned to leave. The hilt of the sword now in clear view, and her eyes narrowed once more, this time recognising the fact that that sword could only have been forged for the hand of nobility. It is a Great Sword.

She looked into Aurelio's eyes and smiled, a soft smile. However, in her own he would seen questions she now needed answers too. Was the Elder a thief, a murderer that now holds the Sword, pried away the Great Sword from the dead hands of the rightful owner? or is he ......

Her head snapped back to watch the departing figure of the Elder. "It could not be ... ". she whispered as if the wind had issued the words from a distant past.

Turning back to Aurelio, "There is something I need to find out", she said with more urgency.

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Aurelio felt a twinge of intimidation as the man came forward and grabbed the hilt of his mighty sword, making the young baron realize for a moment that he might have picked a fight with the wrong opponent. Luckily for him the man managed to reign himself in before departing, and sure enough the brief flash of fear left with him as Aerin came up and touched his arm, snapping Aurelio back into the present moment at the mention of her shoes. Aurelio smiled a bit, but in the back of his mind there was the nagging feeling that he would have lost if the older gentleman did indeed engage him in a fight. It made him angry to think so, and to distract himself he looked down at the shieldmaiden only to find her distracted by the stranger and whispering something he could not hear clearly.

"There is something I need to find out." she said while turning back to him, and in Aurelio's time of self-doubt he wondered if the recent encounter made Aerin lose interest in him since he failed to stand his ground in the face of the obviously more powerful stranger. Maybe the way she was looking at him was...

"Is it about that man? Why even bother with that fool?"

The light-foil was put away, and the baron turned to walk back towards the still open door with an annoyed look on his face. At the very least he could warm himself up some more before going to the festivities and potentially running into him again. If that was the case though and weapons were drawn, Aurelio would have to follow through and prove to himself that he was not weak.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]
[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The Enigmatic [member="Aurelio Murtix"] | The Hot Headed [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

She stood only for a moment, as she watched Aurelio go back inside. Her eyes falling over his physical form as a smile crept over her face once more. She followed his foot step soon after and closed the door to her home. Aerin remained stand only meters into her home, "It is about that man yes, there is something in his .. presence that reminds me of .. something", she said now moving toward Aureilo. She will voice her thoughts to him, if what she believed to be correct, then this is Aurelio's strength and she knew she would need him in this.

Aerin moved to the fire alongside Aurelio, and lifted the bottom of the skirt of her dress to warm her bare feet, she allowed her face to turn toward Aurelio. Her eyes set with searching as she looked over his fixed firm face, still bearing signs of annoyance. His countenance stirred something deep within her, his act to demand respect and no hesitation to draw his sword commanding which served to show Aerin there is more to Aurelio then he has previously revealed. She remembered the events on Hoth, and his bravery by placing himself in a perilous position as capture of pirates, who at any given point, could have simply killed him. She smile broke across her face as she dropped the hem of her skirt and faced him.

"Are you sure you do not have some Valkyri blood within you?", she asked softly, but in jest as she moved closer. Valkyri, notorious for the charge in battle. Her blue eyes meeting his emerald eyes, twinkling with a delight and passion, that warmed her blood, her previous nervousness gone.

Her hand raised and cupped his left cheek, she could feel the growth of his beard as her little finger caressed near the corner of his full lips. Her countenance soften as she leaned in and placed a kiss on beaconing mouth. The briefest of kisses, but one full of tenderness and love.

Then it hit her. As she pulled back to look into his eyes once more, she realised what she had just done, and what she feels for him. The wave of heat ran through her body, as fear and confusion along with the wanting of him, warred within her. "I .. I must go and find my shoes", she said quickly and retreated to her bedroom, closing the door. Aerin took in a deep breath to steady herself, to no avail and leaned against the closed door. "What did I just do?", she whispered to herself, as a smiled returned.

Quickly she put on her shoes and returned to the main room. She feared making eye contact with Aurelio just now, so she busied herself with her fur coat. "You will need your coat, I do have more if would like something thicker .. I need my sword", she said moved rapidly around the room. Finally, she had prepared to leave for the Grand Hall, standing ready in her shoes, fur coat and sword. It was only now she looked Aurelio in the eyes once more.

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

"Are you sure you do not have some Valkyri blood within you?"

It was the question that finally brought Aurelio out of his daze, and he turned from looking at the floor to see Aerin coming towards him with some sort of intent in her eyes. Before he knew it they locked eyes, and the shieldmaiden reached up to hold his face before giving him a quick kiss. His expression turned to one of surprise as she scurried off to lock herself in her room in search of shoes, leaving the baron to process what had just happened.

He could sense something in that kiss, something he couldn't place, and he couldn't help but smile a bit as she came back out of her room and went to work getting her coat on and offering him one as well. Aurelio stepped towards the huntress of Hoth as she was decked out for the special occasion and moved to take her hand into his own. She obviously felt something for him whether it was simple lust or something more, but only time would tell if he felt the same way.

"I'll be fine even in this weather, you should know that by now Aerin after what happened on Hoth. Now let us go see to this local festival!"

Now he was more excited to take part in the customs of her people, but the baron was also still interested in that older man and possibly settling the score.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Aurelio Murtix"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

The awkward sensation was defused by Aurelio's words. However, his seemingly unaffected manner only caused Aerin to feel a sense of pain and injury to her pride. She dropped her hand away from him and stood up to her full height. Lifting her head high and proud, her face dropped to a neutral express. "As you wish Aurelio", she simply said as she moved to the door.

She was even more confused then before, she wonder why he had come to Midvinter to see her. "It is only a short walk to the Grand Hall, the cold will not bite you to much". she said as she began walking up a slight incline to the upper levels of the village.

Soon the two stood outside the main entrance, a vast set of double wooden doors closed to the outside elements. Aerin reached up and push forward the doors, immediately the warmth of the hearth issued open into the evening air. The Grand Hall festooned in all manner of flowers and the table set to provide enough fare for all. Mead traveled on many trays to all the tables and the sounds of the patrons within, boomed around the vast Hall.

Much laughter and conversation blended together, and as she past she could hear many stories of past glories and victories. She smiled now since leaving her home and soon everyone would be in the mood for a fight. As is the way of the Valkyri.

Aerin reached the main table and took her position, she now turned to find Aurelio hoping he would join her there.

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Aurelio was caught off guard with just how quickly her demeanor went from shy and giddy to as cold as the snow around them while the two of them headed towards the Grand Hall and the feast. Was it because he tried to take her hand? Or maybe it was because he didn't make a big declaration of love? Many other women who wanted that from him became as cold and distant after a while once they realized that they couldn't change the baron to their liking, but he refused to believe that the fiery Aerin could be so fragile. Then again, while he was great at seduction Aurelio was not very good at holding onto the women he wanted to stay.

Soon enough they were embraced by the warmth of the hall, which was decorated with the splendor of her people. The sight and sounds of the celebration brought a smile back to the shieldmaiden's face, and soon enough she was seated at the main table. Aurelio moved to sit next to her, determined to fix his screw up, and placed his hand down so that they were gently touching as he grabbed some mead and looked into her eyes.

"Quite the celebration here Aerin. I might not have the blood of your people in my veins, but I know a good party when I see one."

He nodded, then broke the stare so that he could scan the room for the man from before. If he could not have Aerin, at least he might have that rematch...

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]
[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Aurelio Murtix"] | [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

Fragile.. yes she is fragile, just like any woman. But not with the want to change, no one has the right to demand that, unless something inherently evil. Aerin Firebrand, a woman that will never shy away from facing adversity, stands tall and proud against those that deem to tear her down, holds values true to her heart - nobility, honour, duty, loyalty, all given freely to those that deserve it. Gives freely her wraith to those that betray. This woman now sits at the table unsettled by a man that has entered her life, a nobleman true and something she has been running from most of her life.

She is the same as any woman, red blood pumps through her veins full of passion and desires, but what is written on her soul is pride and the value of self respect. She was raised by a man, fair but firm, who taught Aerin that the true meaning of nobility is not in titles but deeds, he taught her to remain true to her purpose and never surrender her values to others. Her failing, if one could so call it that, is her strong capacity to love. Yes, she is fragile .. just like any woman.

Someone once told her, described her as a woman walking alone fighting against the raging blizzard in search of adventure, in search of life. She felt like that woman now, sitting here in the Grand Hall. Aerin never really experienced self doubt, until now, but she never really experienced strong emotions for a man .. until now.

You can never make someone love you, but you can love them. And true love allows them to be free, longs only for their happiness and demands nothing in return. She felt his closeness, a hand touching gently and she did not dare to hope that that touch held meaning, even though she would give anything for it.

She turned to look into his eyes and smiled at this words. "A Warning Aurelio, Celebrations on Midvinter more then oft will turn to a fight", she said with a softer face. As he broke the stare.. "I am pleased you are here".

Now the food adorned the table, the roasted meats on large platters arrived, deep silver bowls of vegetables, fruits and bread and cheeses, wine and plenty of mead. And a local speciality - stuffed quarry fowl glaced with wild honey.

Aerin placed some food on the silver plate before her and poured the rich red wine into her goblet. "Would you care for some valley wine?", she asked Aurelio, but she did not wait for a response and so filled his goblet. However, through the cherry noise of the Grand Hall, the clinking of cutlery and the drinking of mead, Aerin heard words of a conversation on one of the table set on the lower level to the main table. She had thought she heard the mention of her Father's name.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

He wasn't pleased with the way he'd responded to the harmless threats of the outsider, nor with his short temper towards the young maiden; he'd intruded upon her property, after all, albeit with the purest of intentions. Too long had he spent away from his Valkyri brethren, hiding in the mountains and living on his own in the harsh wilderness. His social skills were severely lacking, even when taking in consideration his meeting with his long lost son. Thurion was the first sentient being he'd come into contact with ever since his return to Midvinter. Because of his banishment by Beorlund the Usurper he'd kept to himself all these years; for fear of his enemies learning of his return, he'd made sure not to utter his name to anyone during this festival. His thoughts were many and his heart weighed heavy as he solemnly wandered the street ending at the grand mead hall. Perhaps all he needed was to drown his troubled mind with the local brew.

He'd already taken a seat in the corner, facing the entrance and keeping his privacy towards the many others inside. When he saw the couple from before enter he made no effort to shy away or make eye-contact; best to avoid those two as best he could. He gazed down into the large jug of mead in his possession, watching its contents swirl around until he saw what looked like his father's face in it. The vivid memory of his father's passing still made him feel as he did back when he was just a young man mourning him by the bedside. Eyes closed, and before long he was sat deep in thoughts, almost as if meditating. To others it would seem as if he was asleep, until he was interrupted by the words of some loud-mouthed drunk sitting with his mates at the end of the main table in the middle of the room. At first he paid the man no mind, but then his ears perked at the mention of a name he knew.

"Radford Strongarm! That one sure knew how to bleed, let me tell ya!" came the loud noise of a voice again, confirming his suspicions: Most likely one of Beorlund's lackeys present at the scene when Radford was killed - murdered by the usurper's cronies, he'd heard. Figures that someone like he would stoop to daggers in the night to remove any opposition. One more reason to stay hidden. Radford Strongarm had been one of his father's chief advisors and close friend throughout Thrand's upbringing, and he had often thought of him as an uncle of sorts. One quick look into his drink assured him of what to do. He rose from his seat and walked over to where the drunk was seated telling tall tales of how he watched the poor man drown in a pool of his own blood upon the ground. Coming up from behind him Thrand proceeded to grab the back of the man's head and slam his face into the table with a loud crash, more than likely to have broken his nose. His companions snapped out of their drunken state and jumped out of their seats, moving to challenge the oh so rude interruption of their friend's story.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Aurelio Murtix"]