Kiss from a Rose [Mrs Heavenshield]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riTRKDELLQk​

After the wedding ceremony had finished and while the feasting was still in full swing, the newly-weds Thurion and [member="Coci Heavenshield"] made their "escape" in a horse-drawn carriage set to take them atop the Clenched Fist - largest and highest of all mountains. There they would spend the next few days in each other's company. It was an undertaking not without its perils, but the danger would only further enhance the excitement for husband and wife.

It was already dark outside when they had climbed aboard the carriage, and the journey there would take them a few hours. During this time the two found rest in each other's arms and did not wake up until interrupted by the knocking at the carriage door by their driver: a seemingly frail old man, yet with imposing size and enough wisdom to know the mountainside by heart. Given only a tent, a multitude of Älk furs, and enough firewood to last them the time they would spend there, the old man took his horse and carriage and descended the mountain like it was but an evening stroll.

The tent was up in but a few minutes, its simple yet sturdy design allowing for easy pitching and tearing down. Tents like these were used during wartime by an army on the move where speed was the key when setting up camp for the night or when besieging a settlement. Once pitched and ready for use, Thurion made sure Coci would do as little work as possible by building the fire and strewing the furs about the tent floor himself. The crisp and dry air made it easy to get a fire going despite the cold, and soon enough the tent was filled with its warmth.

"There we are," he spoke while pouring his lady a glass of water. "All snug and cosy." He laid down beside her amongst the furs and simply held here as they both gazed into the fire. To this day living flames frightened Thurion, the way they danced and licked the air around them. At times he thought he saw his brother's face melt before his eyes, turning into ashes. But with Coci in his arms, he managed. Taking her hand in his, he compared their two matching rings with a smile. "I love you."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

No grand halls, or palaces or estates could ever match this treasured tent. Blessed it was with all they could want for their stay, Älk furs to protect them from the biting cold, small rustic furniture for conveniences and as she had requested a large chest of food to see them through. The white fabric of the tent moved with a wind swirling around the mountain top, the wind whistling through the top of the tent through the hole for the smoke to escape. Yet no cold would enter, the fire crackled issuing it's life giving warmth and yet she watch Thurion's face as he stared into the dancing flames. So much pain still, and would always remain and it broke her heart she could do nothing to ease him. Except to be there for him.

Coci lay among the furs, still in her wedding dress, her hair still in it's long plait adorned with the white flower of her dream in which she witness the man that would one day be their son, she will wear her hair this way whenever she would return to Midvinter, now her home equal to Tabaqui. She sat up to take some water, icy cold and without any impurities, and as she drank the purity filled her body and gave her a strength of energy she had never experienced. Coci placed the wooden cup to the side and moved to be closer to Thurion.

Resting her hand in his, she looked down as he gazed on their rings, entwined silver bands, simplistic in design yet captured their essence both individually and as two as one. Her face raised to look into his, as he spoke the words she will never tire of hearing. Her fingers caressed his and they remain together, turning his hand over to explore all the lines and roughness, but hands that hold gentleness with touch and strength with fire of will.

"I love you, now and beyond this life". She repeated her vow, as she raised his hand to her face and nuzzled against his skin.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]