In all it's Glory! [Aurelio]

[Aurelio Murtix]

The baron could hear the caring in Aerin's voice as she spoke and poured him some wine, and it made him feel a twinge of guilt once again for not being more concerned with returning that care in kind when she kissed him. It was a wonderful feast full of cheer with good food and drink, reminding the Tapani noble of the more restrictive and political dinners and celebrations of his own kind. The people here were obviously enjoying themselves as they consuming whatever they wanted no matter how sloppily or not they did it, and for a few moments Aurelio considered enjoying a similar lifestyle and simply staying with Aerin. Would it truly be so bad to live among them even with their lack of proper advancements?

As he fantasized about living a simpler life, a loud crash interrupted him and echoed throughout the grand hall. Aurelio looked towards the source to see who caused it, but couldn't get a good look at the man's face and so decided to simply wait it out. The reason for the sudden fight was unknown to him, but it reminded the arrogant baron why he considered these people uncivilized and almost backwards. Drunken brawls were not unheard of in the rest of the galaxy, but to have them at what was supposed to be a festival was something he decided only brutes were capable of.

"It seems one of your people has decided now would be a good time to show off his strength." Aurelio muttered with a blank stare looking towards the commotion while moving his one hand on top of Aerin's and the other on the hilt of his foil, "I hope this isn't as common as your previous statement made it sound, but I hope they're prepared to see some blood if it becomes our problem."

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

[SIZE=12pt]Everything seemed to happen at once. Although she showed an air of grace, as she sat at the main table, internally she struggled to maintain control. A cacophony of emotions writhed within which only served to increase tension. Her mind switched between many thoughts, the eve’s events, beginning with Aurelio’s arrival, the intrusion of the stranger, her kiss and now the mention of her father’s name. In all places, this Grand Hall! [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She took in a deep breath in order to clear her mind, Aerin’s force senses telling her danger was near. A warning from a soft whisper. Underpinning this, Aurelio. Whether it was because of the events or that she was beginning to know him more, a connection was made and she began to sense a subtle change in his emotions, which she had not previously. Her head turned to look at him, sitting there in all his glory, a noble brow and strong countenance radiated from him with natural grace. She remained looking at him, wondering why she felt the way she did, how he had affected her so. Aerin began to question, what is this man when he is not with her? What does he do? Where does he go and with whom does he provide company?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Aerin understood very well the machinations of nobility, and wonder if Aurelio was a man of conviction, held true to his values, whatever they are. Nobility, a double edged sword, steeped in superiority, demands respect by virtue of the deeds one does and achieves, demands this of others .. .. .. or deceitful, cunning, self-serving and destructive. Which one is he? And yet.. .. she cannot help but hold him close to her heart. She released yet another breath. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Then he held her hand. And all doubts vanished. You foolish girl, she thought at her weakening strength, You don’t really know him. But more then ever, she wanted too, she wanted time to see the real Aurelio away from all trappings of life.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]However, she felt something more, a longing within him she could not grasp, the connection to him not strong enough for clarity. What surprised Aerin, was her reaction to his touch. She turned her hand under his and laced her fingers through his, holding his hand gently. She felt the warmth of his skin which for a moment, she allowed herself the indulgence of his touch. She noticed his other hand moved to the hilt of the foil. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]“The behaviour of such men of Midvinter, is due to encouragement of Mead, it should pass quick- ..”. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10.5pt]"Radford Strongarm! That one sure knew how to bleed, let me tell ya!"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Her head turned abruptly. Her hand gripped tight that of Aurelio’s and she stood up … slowly. Her face immediately dropping to darkness, her eyes set squarely on the man that spoke. She only saw the flash of moved from the corner of her eyes, the stranger that entered her house appeared and attacked the man that dared speak of her father in such a way. She released Aurelio’s hand, and moved it to her scabbard, her left moving across her body and wrapped her long fingers around the hilt and she began to draw her blade. The long sword, as it unsheathed, sang it song of metal. A noble blade, crafted by the finest of Midvinter, given to her by the Smith and encrusted with a focusing crystal only she can connect to. The blade vibrated within her grasp, a connection firmly establish with her through the force and it sang to her of victory. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]“Aurelio there is much I need to speak to you, much I need your advice on, but this problem has just become greater, more than you might wish to be involved with .. .. .. however, I would be honoured if you would stand by my side. I think I have just found the means by which to seek an answer to a question”.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Aerin, pushed back her seat and began to move toward the man.[/SIZE]

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

The man groaned and shrieked in pain at his broken nose while the others were attempting to avenge their assaulted friend. They dropped whatever was in their hands and went for their swords and axes. "Hey! Who are you to interrupt and beat down on our friend, old man?" They had him backed into a corner. "Well? Speak up, maggot!" the drunk spoke. A well-known fact about fighting drunks: while they sometimes are much more prone to fall over, they can often take a lot more beating before doing so. These three were somewhere in the middle, meaning they were actually dangerous to deal with. At first his hand went for his sword at his back, but this was a sacred festival; no killings may occur. He gripped the hilt nonetheless, but rather than unsheath his blade he removed it from his person and put it down on the wooden floor to lean against the wall.

A Valkyri fistfight is not one of fancy spins and kicks, but one of brute strength and show of endurance. Thrand proved this by proceeding to throw a hard-hitting punch straight into the face of the closest one. Knuckles shaped the cheek like a tiny child would when constructing their first snowman: crudely and with no apologies. The fist against his face made him shut up and instead groan and fall to the floor, hands covering his face hiding his pained expression. "Don't just stand there, get him!" he managed to cry out through the palms of his hands. With evil in their eyes they closed in on Thrand, who assumed a defensive stance. The two remaining brutes began raining blows upon him, some of which made contact despite Thrand's best attempts at blocking them. A quick glance to his left he found an emptied jug of mead. He picked it up and crashed it into the skull of one of his assailants, who buckled under the impact. His move had opened him up for the last of his opponents, however, and he was now receiving several blows to his torso with little means to block or counter.

In the corner of his eye he saw the approaching figure of one he'd met prior to coming here, if only briefly.

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

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Aurelio couldn't help but chuckle at it all. He had come here to be with Aerin, but to be honest had a sneaking desire to find and possibly fight the man that came and made him feel weak. Now it seemed they might be helping him in his time of need, as the mighty beast that was the shieldmaiden's sword was released from its cage and set to do what had to be done. The baron had seen the look on her face before drawing her weapon, and the darkness that was buried in it would have made all of them stop their fighting if they saw it initially, but now it might be too late for all of them. An angered force-user was something to truly fear, and Aerin was always a sight to behold in a fight.

He drew his own noble weapon as well with a smirk on his face, the blue light of his foil illuminating his position as the nobleman moved beside her. It had not been so long ago since they fought together last, but it would be a welcome change to fight someone a bit more honorable than a common criminal and Aurelio was more than glad to engage them. He flourished his weapon before glancing to look at Aerin once again, to see the beauty of it mixed with the strength and conviction that her anger brought reminded him of how gentle and nervous she had seemed before and the stark difference between her on and off the battlefield.

"I would be more than honored to stand by your side and help you find the answer to your question Aerin." His smile was more radiant now, and full of wicked intent as the seriousness of the conflict eluded him, "Any excuse to see that body in action again is good enough for me."

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

Only the briefest of pauses in her step as Aurelio spoke, his words causing a momentary spike of warmth through her body. However, she regain her composure and remained on course toward the bleeding man. Her finger uncurled slightly from the hilt only to secure a firmer grip. Recently Aerin had sort the aid of a Mercenary to find out the name of the man that had killed her father, she had suspected the leader of Clan Fir as he is a supporter of the King. It had come to pass, that any clans that did not rally behind the King where killed as punishment and so Aerin set out to discover if that was what truly occurred with her father's dead. And she was right. However, what she needed to know was did the order come from the King, her biological father. This man in the Grand Hall could answer that question. She needed him alive, for now.

The Situation needed to be quelled, if they are to stop the entire hall breaking out into a fight. The Shieldmaiden moved quickly now, only to find her path hampered by her dress, not the ideal attire to confront such situations. The force gathered around her body, every fiber of her muscles strengthened, her legs and arms pulsing with the energy and her awareness peaked.

The elder that had entered her home is here, fighting the men that had insulted her father, she is curious at this but that will have to wait.

"As Shieldmaiden of Midvinter I demand you stop!", she said in a loud authoritarian voice, as in one fluid motion her sword raised into strike position if they did not yield. "No life is to be taken on Spring Eve". No life? she would adhere to that, however, blood letting ... a different story.

Her spare arm raised, and her palm extended toward one of the men attacking the Elder. The force summon to her hand she gripped the man, wrapping the invisible force hand around his body and lifted him off the ground. The man drifted above the heads of the patrons in the Hall and then with a powerful force push, Aerin sent the man flying toward the wooden double doors of the Hall. His body hit the hard surface in a crash and he fell to the ground, and everything went black.

This action did little to quell the situation, and voices around the Hall began to protest. A stern looked around from Aerin soon had them, sitting down and quietening. Force users are not common on Midvinter and viewed with suspicion. "Aurelio, we need to aid the Elder, and I must get that man outside to question", she said turning to him quickly. A flash of a smile crossed her face, her eyes on fire with the scent of the fight and a heightened awareness of emotion for the man beside her.

"Will it always be this way when I am in your company?", she asked him, a question with several answers. Although she is referring to Hoth .. she wondered if she wanted a different answer, one that referred to her feelings in his company.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

The century-old Valkyr watched his assailant helplessly float through the air until he was thrown outside like a pebble. He marvelled for a moment at the wizardry, but not for too long; after all, he'd seen it before. That said, he'll never fully understand how some are capable of such great feats when others are not. Should such powers not be made available to all? Then again, he knew many on top of his head who he would never wish such a gift be bestowed upon. He'd heard tales about some of the High Kings of old possessing abilities that could only be explained as blessings from the gods. Truly, they were meant to sit upon the throne. At least, that's how he felt back then.

"I'm fine, young ones", he grunted. Collecting himself from the fight, he made sure that the rest of his attackers would not wake up anytime soon before following the redheaded shieldmaiden outside. The outsider was with her, as usual. Were their ankles tied together, perhaps? Or did he actually think a Valkyri woman could not handle herself in a fight, and a Force-user at that? It seemed silly that he followed her about like a puppy without a master. No matter.

Thrand walked up to meet them as they were about to start interrogating the poor sod, staring him down with steely determination.

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

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Before Aurelio even had a chance to stretch his arms the conflict was already crushed, with [member="Ærin Firebrand"] using her force ability to toss the fools about while [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] kept them from fighting anymore before moving to join the two of them. With a slight frown the disappointed baron turned off and holstered his foil, casting a glance of his own at the older gentleman who had entered their lives for a second time. The man had proven his fortitude at least, but Aurelio was more interested to see how he handled that great sword of his.

The thought of that weapon and its owner in action made him feel a strange mixture of envy and respect, and the young man began to wonder if he could have ever been strong enough to use such a sword. Maybe if his father had not died and was actually a strong man, but discussion with his mother made it evident that his father was a bureaucrat and nothing more no matter how she tried to glorify the man's life and personality. After a moment of indulging the fantasy Aurelio cast it aside, smirking at the fallen drunk who was going to become their new talking companion whether they liked it or not.

"So Aerin, now that we have saved the old fool here I assume you would like to have a possible conversation with your new friend here? Maybe figure out why he decided a drunken brawl was going to be a good idea?"

It seemed almost as if things would always be this way when they shared each other's company, but to be honest Aurelio was more than fine with it. A life of boredom and simplicity sounded like something his pathetic father would have enjoyed, but for the baron adventure, excitement, and the promises of power called out to him, and with Aerin by his side there was no doubt that things would always be at the very least entertaining. She was as beautiful as she was deadly, something that Aurelio could appreciate whether she was fighting his foes like on Hoth or pleasing his eyes as she did at all times. Right now he really didn't even mind the old man's presence!

Right now it was about the thrill.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

Aerin's sword tip lifted the chin of the man on the ground. He is unconscious for now and no threat. Her head lifted in defiance and disgust as she looked down on him. Yes he bares the markings of Clan Firu, and no doubt one of the man sent out to find the remain members of the Strongarm family.

"I shall not sully my blade with the corrupt blood of this cur", she almost spat the words. The dark side of the force biting at her and inviting her to take the power and end his life. What surprised her was she wanted to. At this moment, she understood the need to kept that side of her in check, or suffer the corruption herself and end her life consumed by the evil.

Her eyes turned toward Aurelio and the Elder. Her face held no expression but her blue eyes did. A flicker of fire burned with in them, a fleeting passing hint of yellow. Then vanished.

Firstly she turned to the Elder, "I thank you good Sir for defending my Father's good name, although I do not know your reasoning", she bowed her head to him. Then she moved toward Aurelio.

Her face softened at the sight of him, as she pulled him closer, by encouraging his arm. "Now we speak .. ", she began, "This man spoke of my father's death, I have since learned that my father was executed, murdered, by the leader, the Chieftain, of this man's Clan, a support of the current King. A usurper and one that allows no progress for Midvinter, but rather keep Midvinter isolated .. ", she remembered Aurelio's comments on the savagery of the culture. And in part Aurelio is correct. She looked him hard in the eyes as she continued, a coupling of emotions playing at odds, the want of the fight, the hunt, sat alongside her wanting of him, and set her soul on fire. A flicker of something more, a longing within her eyes and she held his gaze. Then she pushed it away, to regain control.

"Once High King Beorlund, had taken over the throne he set about punishing those that supported Prince Thrand Dawnbringer and his father, my father never hid his support and love for the Prince and his father, and when he was found dead I immediately suspected fowl play, and I was right", she would not go into how she discovered this, "What I need from this man .. is confirmation. I believe the order for my father's murder came from Beorlund". She will also fail to mention Beorlund is her biological father, however what Aerin had failed to remember was what she told Aurelio on Hoth. In her temper, when she railed at him for his comments, she had revealed this truth.

"Then I will seek means for my revenge". She turned away and looked down at the stirring man. However, at that moment, the double doors burst open and through them charged the man's companions, swords raised and wanting blood.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

At the mention of his name Thrand remained collected, yet allowed himself to bow his head in remembrance of his father. His thoughts of taking back what was his by right had abandonded him many years ago, thinking it an impossibility to do alone. As it now happens, he is not alone in opposing Beorlund the Usurper; this fierce maiden had shown him such. It brought hope to the elder's heart. Hope that with people like her by his side they could do what has to be done - not for himself, but for his people. For Midvinter cannot stand on her own against the approaching slaughter.

With a loud slam the doors behind the three swung open, with more of their captive's friends showing up. He turned around to face them, hand gripping the hilt on his back. Out came the sword, eager to taste battle again since last he fought beside his son against the Vinterbound. "You ready to prove yourself with that toothpick of yours, outsider? 'Cause you're about to!" he egged Aurelio, holding his greatsword high.

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

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

Aerin's story was not unlike many of the sad tales of men and women with noble blood, the victims of betrayal by lesser people who sought power they couldn't handle like a proper family could. The fiery shieldmaiden was obviously haunted by what happened and the thought of that was enough for these fools to earn his wrath, even if Aurelio didn't know the truth behind her origins. The baron said nothing of it as of yet, until the allies of their little prisoner burst in on their conversation...another strike against them. [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] drew his mighty blade after taunting him about his own weapon, encouraging Aurelio to ignite his foil and touch the shadows with its blue light.

"I am more then ready to prove my prowess old man." He did a little flourish with his weapon to dazzle them with its light, "Let's see who can take out the most of these sad little fools between the three of us! The winner may choose their prize!"

With that the young man gave a hearty laugh before charging into battle with a wicked smile on his face, but right before he met the enemy with his foil he realized that [member="Ærin Firebrand"] might not be glad with him slaughtering her people, regardless of their allegiance and foolish choices. It would be difficult to keep his bloodlust in check, but as the first approached with a war cry Aurelio swung his weapon to cut the opponent's own sword in half before punching the man to the ground and finishing him off with a kick to the face while wringing out the pain in his hand. If the princess used lethal force he would change his strategy, but for now he would restrain himself and use non-lethal force.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

Her mind and heart no longer set on protocols, if life needed to be taken in order to win the day ... so be it. And she needed her answer. Only a small turn of her head to see the fight begin and to know that both men would be more then capable to handle the situation. Aerin turned her attention of the one on the ground.

The man had already began to stir and she looked down into his face and waited. His eyes opened to find her standing over him, her sword still pointed under his chin, a small snick had penetrated the skin on his neck and blood flowed from the mark. She took in a deep breath as she heard Aurelio's cry for battle, this only encouraged her blood for the fight and the hunt. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed down and in a sudden movement she sheathed her sword. She stood to the man's side, his face seemed surprised by her actions and a sense of relief ran through him, she could sense it.

However .. it would be short lived.

She did not use the force to lift him up off the ground through telekinesis, but her sheer strength and anger, Valkyri women are not as strong as their male counterparts, but compared to the rest of the Galaxy they have no equal, stronger then four to five average males. Her hand taking him up by the collar, she lifted him and dragged him behind her. She moved fast so he could not get his footing and no matter if he did, she would soon have him dispatched.

She dragged him to the horse trough .. and plunged his head into the frozen ice, which made a loud crack as his face hit the solid surface. Ice water funneled up around his head as she held it firmly below the surface for a minute. His body began to shake and struggle to break free. Now she used the force to maintain her grip and strength, and with this, she bettered the strength of Valkyri men.

Finally, she pulled him up to breath, "I am Aerin Firebrand-Strongarm, name sound familiar?", she asked with a soft voice near his ear. The man spluttered trying to regain breath to his lungs. "Who gave the order for my father's execution?", she asked even softer, which is never a good sign when she speak so calm when angry.

The man spat words not to her liking, so Aerin once more returned his foul head to the ice water.

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

The brawl was still underway as [member="Ærin Firebrand"] began her magnificently brutal interrogation, with Aurelio doing what he could to dodge their attacks while at the same time not taking any of their lives. It was much harder than he originally anticipated, the brutes being much faster than he gave them credit for, and it was not too long before the baron found himself quickly getting tired from all the dancing around and receiving a good glancing blow to his shoulder. The strike caused him to grunt loudly in a mixture of pain and frustration, almost making him drop his foil, and the feeling in his body made him wonder if it was dislocated. Their strength was no laughing matter, and Aurelio wondered what it would be like to take a hit directly to the face.

In anger he activated his light-foil once more, but instead of going for the weapon of his attacker the young man yelled, rushed in, and went straight for the kill, deactivating the foil as the man's sword harmlessly went by before re-activating it as it passed by his chest. The blue blade cut clear through, leaving a lethal cut in the man's torso that soon left him lifeless as Aurelio stood over his corpse. Whether or not killing the man was a mistake didn't matter at the moment due to the baron's anger, and with the adrenaline of another kill pumping through his veins he turned to each of them with his blade at the ready.

"And which of you will be next?!" He held the weapon in his left hand, with his damaged right arm hanging at his side, "Whomever it is, pray to your savage gods first because you'll be meeting them soon enough!"

Aurelio then glanced at [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"], wondering what the older man would do. Fight him as well for the kill? Or join him in using whatever means necessary to win?

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

The man's head snapped out of the icy water once more, Aerin's hands holding his head by the hair as she bent down to speak by his ear. "Once more .. I ask you ... who gave the order for execution?".

The man could hardly breath, his lungs making a rasping sound to try and draw breath back to his lungs. Aerin is a patient person and would wait for his ability to speak to return. She could sense his body gathering a more steady rhythm and finally he spoke. "It was a direct .. .. command from High King Beorlund, he wanted your dog of a father to be punished for supporting the Prince". The man splattered more water from his lungs, his eyes shifted toward the fight of his comrades and his body stiffened with encouragement that he would soon be avenged for this outrage.

This information was no surprise to Aerin, she had already suspected as much, but she needed to hear it and now she had the proof. Gudvaer Njal would pay the ultimate price for this, and soon Aerin would set out to the southwest to Clan Firu and kill him. She had already started in her mind to form a plan to do so, but was interrupted by the cur once more.

"I was there, I watched as your father bleed, I watched as your father screamed like a little girl when the blade ended his life".

Aerin went deadly silent.

The force wrapped around this body, and held him tight. Once more she dragged him by the collar away from the continuing fight and toward the roaring sound of the Crystal Falls. To the observation platform that overlooked the drop and plummeted deep into the valley below. She could sense the growing fear in the man, and relished it, her blues eyes had turned yellow with a flicker of fire dancing among them. The platform constructed of wood, perched directly over the falls and as she dragged him closer to the edge, she turned to look down into his face. She wanted the last thing the man saw was her eyes filled with death.

The force pumped through her veins strengthening her entire body, more then ever she had felt before and it felt good. The dark side of the force giving her the power as she lifted his body up with both hands and threw him over the platform. She did not watch him plummet but stood there listening to the scream as he fell to his death.

"Did it sound like that?", she finally spoke, he would never hear it however. Aerin remained there until the man fell silent.

A sudden loud grunt snapped her back to the present. Aurelio! she turned to see him struck by one of the thugs. She began to run back, watching the fight only to witness Aurelio dispatch the man with a deft maneuver with his foil, her eyes sparkled with a different light as the yellow had vanished. That was clever, she thought and would remember that move when using her lightsaber.

The culmination of the events of the evening had gathered within her, the fire in her soul and blood burning causing sense of thrill and she wanted more, to join the fight. As she came closer to were Aurelio stood over the body of the dead, her heart raced and once more in a surprising move .. she raised her hand and placed it behind his head, her fingers entwined within his dark hair and with one motion she moved against him and kissed him hard on the lips, her emotions poured out through the kiss as her lips parted to take more of his, coupled with the flame of passion. The kiss removed everything, all thoughts and fears, the Galaxy seemed to have vanished, the only thing in her mind is the warmth of his lips.

Reluctantly and slowly she pulled back, the clash of metal once more rang in her ear, she dropped her hand from his hair only to reached for her sword once more. Her eyes did not leave his, but the connect cut only by the passing of the blade of the long sword between them as she raised it once more.

"I want them dead", she whispered to him, she needed them to be so not to return to the Clan and warn the Chieftain she would be coming for him.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

The old warrior was too much in the thick of battle to notice any of the events surrounding it. He paid no attention to the maiden's dismissal of the one she'd interrogated, nor the interactions between her and the young man. His mind was at war, and he swung his sword like he would in his youth in the service of his father, the High King. He had traveled back in time, waging wars against his father's enemies, cleaving grown men in twain and become drenched in their blood. There was great finesse and technique in his fighting, but he did not pay notice, and only when the last of the assailants would lay on the ground in the reddened snow would he be brought back to reality and the horrors that lay within.

Once the fighting had ended, he snapped out of his warrior's daze, and around him lay numerous dead and wounded. Upon realising his work he dropped to his knees, supporting his weight upon his sword as he lowered his head as if in prayer, but in truth it was in shame. "Father, forgive me", he whispered into the pommel of his sword. He then looked over at the two youngsters and determination settled upon his face as he slowly rose to tower over them both. "My fair Shieldmaiden, forgive me; I have withheld information from you. But you have proven your loyalty..." His eyes wandered over to the outsider, and he sneered slightly before inclining his head. A token of his respect. "...both of you."

With sword in hand he stuck it into the ground as he spoke. "My name is Thrand Dawnbringer, son of Threign Hammerfall, the last High King of Midvinter."

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

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

As the pain of the fight raged through his body, Aurelio noted [member="Ærin Firebrand"] walking towards him as [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"] devastated their foes. He assumed that the shieldmaiden was coming to aid him, but the baron quickly found that her intentions were of a different nature, as she suddenly took his head and engaged him with another kiss, this one far more powerful than the last. She put everything she had into it, and the adrenaline still coursing in his veins heightened the sensation enough to block it all out. The baron was at her mercy for a few moments then returned her passion with his own, his weapon deactivated as he wrapped his good arm around the waist of the fiery warrior to pull her close as the battle continued around them.

Unfortunately it had to end, and as Aerin pulled away she gave her demand for their lives with her sword at the ready. Aurelio would have gladly done so now even with his battered shoulder if Thrand had not already skillfully dispatched them, but he would have to come back to the topic of the kiss later on. The older man was now on his knees as if he was exhausted or in deep prayer, maybe asking for the forgiveness of his savage gods, but Aurelio found himself wondering how a man like that could be vicious enough to bring down his foes so quickly while being so calm and collected about it afterwards. This was obviously a man of quality, and the young man knew that if they had fought it would have ended with his death most likely.

The swordsman in question confirmed his superiority in another way, approaching the two of them and revealing his true nature. This man was the son of the last high king, a prince most likely in exile because of usurpers and traitors, and the arrogant young man found himself feeling once again humbled by superior rank.

"And I am Aurelio Murtix, a lowly baron compared to your highness." He wanted to add 'for now', but decided against it, "Thank you for revealing your true colors, and I will try to show the proper respect in the future. A prince is still a prince, no matter the difference in culture."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

​

Her face did not reflex the emotions still in turmoil within her. As the fight had ended, and the blood cooled it was only then that her head turned to see the men laying slaughtered upon the snow covered ground. Aerin, still close by Aurelio, her hand had found it's way to his shoulder, she could find no words to speak in this moment. The words of the Prince had met her ears as did Aurelio's. But she could not believe them, or rather, for fear, she did not.

"My father and my family are loyal to your father, High King Hammerfall, a man of strength and nobility that was second to none", she finally spoke, her hand sliding off Aurelio's shoulder. "But what of the son?", she said moved close to the tower of a man and stood her ground tall and proud, the fire in her eyes had returned as it always does when she speaks of her beloved home.

"What kind of man are you My Lord?", she asked looking him in the eye. "Midvinter requires a King that holds her in his heart, put fist to chest in oath to serve her, and wants for nothing more then to see her prosper. Your father's usurper, my father's murderer, is not that man". She stood in front of him and her blue eyes searched his.

"If you prove to me that your will is only for Midvinter and not for selfish reasons, then you will have my sword .. speak and tell me your heart", she commanded. Her loyalty would not be given lightly simply because of circumstance or blood line, he needed to prove to her that he too is as noble as his father. She would wait for his words before she would bow to her King.

She walked back to Aurelio, and only then did she notice his injury. His arm hanging by his side. "I need to get you home", she smiled slightly "And tend to your injury", she looked him over to search to see if there were more. The three needed to get to safety, the bodies of the dead soon would be discovered and questions will be raised. "Come, let us return to my home and we can talk there, come Lord Dawnbringer".

Aerin placed her arm around Aurelio's waist to assist him if he required it, she smiled more thinking of Hoth once more. "I shall save you once more?", she said so in jest but added, however, her face turned to him and in gratitude, ".. And there is nothing lowly in you Baron, in fact once more .. I thank you".

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

His eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly at her words. As a son, his views on his father are extremely biased, but it appeared not even this brave young maiden could speak ill words of the greatest man he'd ever known and loved. What piqued his interest in her words were those about himself; could he ever hope to live up to his father's reign? Could he lead his people to honour and glory? Was it even possible to begin with, or just a fleeting dream? These were questions he did not have an answer for - questions he was not the one to answer, regardless; the people would have to decide for him, one day. The last thing he'd ever want would be to shame his name by going against the wishes of his peers.

Thinking on his words for her, he finally spoke. "Young maiden, I take it you've listened to the words spoken by your father as he regaled you of the time he served my father. He was one of his most trusted allies and advisors, and I mourn his loss." He bowed his head before continuing. "But you are far too young to have ever lived under his rule, and I do not tell you so to seem superior or to slander your good name - I am merely stating facts. I spent my entire youth since the day I was born to look up to and honour my father, and I loved every second in his presence. He was a good and noble man, and he was a wise and strong king - this is all recorded in our history. But what I remember most is love; the love for his family, to my mother and myself." He took a deep sigh, shame obvious across his face. "Unlike myself, he was a good father. He never abandoned his children..."

He paused, raising his head to look up at the stars decorating the night sky. "I watched him grow old. I sat by his bed as he spoke his last words to me. I held his hand as he took his last breath, and as life passed from his body to enter the golden gates of Beornskald, I've never felt more alone than I did back then. But I knew he had faith in me, and I knew he loved me right until the end." He lowered his gaze to meet her eyes once more. "I am sorry you never had the chance to say goodbye as I did. Now I hope to make it so that no more children will have to grow up without the chance to do so." Thus concluded his vow for her, and he reached for his sword still stuck in the ground. "First, we'll need to cut the head of a snake", he said as he sheathed his weapon over his shoulder.

The trio then made their way back to the home of the maiden, and this time he entered as an invited guest. Hopefully the man she was with wouldn't lunge at him again.

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

 

[Aurelio Murtix]

The baron was used to the idea of political bickering and the usurping of titles and power, but with the customs of these people still unknown to him Aurelio thought it best to simply sit and listen as they both spoke before thinking on their words on their way back to [member="Ærin Firebrand"]'s humble home, her arm around his waist making him feel less alien. The idea of participating in a coup to reclaim a throne for an exiled prince was an exciting one that held much appeal to him, and of course the prospect of potential reward was on his mind as well as he removed himself from Aerin's caring arms to gently sit down and do his best not to wince when his shoulder made contact with the furniture. He didn't want to look weak, but the people of this world were physically powerful indeed...

"Before you said that we had to cut the head off of the snake [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"], but I certainly hope that you have allies out there besides the two of us. If not, then the snake might just simply swallow us whole." He wanted to be involved, but not if there wasn't a proper plan that wouldn't get Aerin and himself killed, "Quietly gathering your supporters and those who hate this current king is your top priority, unless we WANT our enemy to know that someone is gunning for him even more so after tonight's fight. I hope that there are some more...subtle people around here who can spread your message."

Aurelio crossed his legs, and used his good arm to place the other onto the armrest of the chair, "Proving your claim while both enhancing your image and degrading this king's will be important as well. If I were in your shoes I would begin a smear campaign of sorts to highlight this man's ill-rule then gather those who dislike him in a coalition to bring him down while possibly killing off any of his powerful supporters and any other rivals for the throne, but unfortunately I am not so the choice of action comes down to you."

He adjusted his arm and flinched a bit at the pain before looking at Aerin, "This will take time though, and all the while we have to stay low after what happened. The lovely shieldmaiden here might have some better ideas on the matter, since I am not even truly a man of this world."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

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

​

The words of men. That is what she listened to now. Oh she had hear it all before, the flower scented words designed to fill the sense and addle the mind. The words of the Prince, played in her head over again, such promises underline them, but can he deliver? He spoke of revenge, which was something she could understand, having that in her own heart, but still no oath to the future of Midvinter .. maybe that will take time for him, or maybe his mind only sort a life of yesteryear .. that of his father's rein, but what of his rein? Aerin however, had seen what the galaxy is capable of, the horrors just beyond their 'borders', that now threatened them, inch by inch, each day. Is he aware of this, has the Prince been away far to long to have that kind of knowledge?

Midvinter .. isolated no more.

Aerin paced around the main room, listening to them both. Aurelio's words showed exactly what he is capable of, even though he sits there in pain, his mind working to manipulate the situation, for them all and for himself. Her brow knitted. He is right of course, but she wondered on more as her force sense spoke to her of an underlying desire for gain. Her eyes flicked from Aurelio to the Prince, watching them. The two of them not having the knowledge that she had already set the wheels in motion, long before the revelation of the Dawnbringer. Can she trust them, either of them? that remained to be seen.

"My Lord, I have traveled into the wider galaxy and seen many things, some good but most .. bad, there is a shift out there, a political shift and, the philosophies of others .. offworlders are .. for the most part, less then honourable and they will come to us, and .. soon, have an impact on Midvinter. Removing the serpent will be but one step to securing Midvinter for the future".

She moved toward Aurelio with a large pillow in hand, she looked down into his face and smiled briefly, "Lean forward I will put his behind your back", she would go and collect bandages to bind his shoulder. As she looked through a cupboard for them she continued.

"I have .. 'employed', offworlders in the past to, gain information for me, I have learned that one of the clans to southwest, Clan Firu, is planning to move against the King and take the throne .. this Chieftain, stands as one of his supporters, I think it would be prudent to use this in our favour? ... Aurelio please take your shirt off .. ", she added as she sat beside him ready to heal as best she could and bind him. Of course the information Aerin had revealed was part of what she really had been up to out there in the galaxy, she could see the furture and they would need more the bows and arrows and longswords, to fight off the coming wave of horrors.

Aerin reached over to Aurelio's chest and began to unbutton his shirt, knowing he would struggle to do so himself.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

The old warrior considered their words, stroking his beard as he pondered his options. The Usurper vastly outnumbered what few supporters he knew remained loyal to him, but going by the redhead's words she would know where to find more to rally behind his cause - a cause that didn't really exist until now.

"My son spoke of an organisation he's part of. If we could send word to him, he will come to our aid - I'm sure of it. He's a good man; trustworthy and loyal. Maybe he'll even persuade some of his friends to join us." He looked to Aerin, knowing what she would say. "I know how you feel about outsider assistance - no offense, Lord Murtix - but this is my son we're talking about. Jedi do not break their words, and always act for the good of others, rather than themselves. A Jedi Master doubly so."

He watched her remove Aurelio's shirt and treat his wounds, knowing regretfully little about anatomy and the art of healing. He had not come out unscathed from the scrap, but he was a Valkyr; too proud and stubborn to admit being injured.

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