Private Light and Darkness

[Arden Durane]

Midvinter
Lord Commander Quarters

Dreams had their own meanings, and they varied in many different ways. Arden never put much stock into his dreams for he had little. Despite the great responsibility thrust upon him, his mood and his demeanor were the same as ever. Nothing seemed to phase the Commander, the Jedi Master in his thirties. Given his birthright and heritage, should he be granted such a thing he would live an incredibly long life. Too long he thought, perhaps that would just give him more time to protect those he cared about the most. So for the longest time the Commander kept watch, never faltering in his duty since he was given the elevation to his status as Commander to the Lion Guard.

Something was happening though that would bring many troubled nights to the Commanders mind and heart. It seemed a darkness had crept back into the corners of the planet. It came to him several nights past for over a few weeks already. Fire, that spread long across the landscape and blood had filled the streets of the capital. Visions of the future by chance, but even word from her mother and father that strange individuals have been seen lurking in the deeper parts of the forest.
Westgate and the mountains North of Velmaerr.

Arden had sent a detachment of soldiers to investigate these claims, as he awaited their return. His thoughts drifted towards Nina Heavenshield

He hoped to see her again soon, the Jedi had grown an incredible fondness of the young woman. It was perhaps even love, but Arden had his reserves, as she was indeed a princess. His stubborness perhaps thinking it wouldn't be proper. Then again, the question had to be asked and it was her choice would she accept him as he was. However thinking to far into things and further ahead. The Commanders dreams were interrupted once more by the presence of a dark figure that invading his mind. For what reasons were unclear to him, but the dark presence giving a image of Nina on her deathbed was enough to wake the Commander from his sleep.

"Nina!" Arden called out as he awoke with a start. He sat up in his bed rather quickly as he glanced around. Nothing out of the ordinary, however he knew he was now awake. And after that there was no going back to sleep.

Arden got dressed and sat in the chair in his room, that was in front of the fireplace as the fire burned steadily. The Jedi Master closed his eyes and reached out with the force, as strong as it ever was.

Nina.....

Are you okay....?

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

It was late, and the College of Enlightenment had closed up shop for the night. Classes ended hours ago, and visitors were escorted from the public library to the guest rooms. Staff turned in for the night, and the College guard commenced its routine security sweep to check for any irregularities before the night shift took over.

After a day of her usual scholarly pursuits, putting quill to parchment the countless deeds and tales both personal and culturally significant, High Loremaster Nina Heavenshield rubbed her tired eyes in the dim light of a withering candle. "Time for bed, Bubbles," she told her small rodent companion too busy snacking on a piece of cheese to notice her picking him up and placing him in the drawer of her desk turned into his own personal abode, complete with a little bed of made from a tattered old table cloth.

Before she tucked herself in, Nina lit a pair of incense sticks and knelt by her bedside, reciting to herself an ancient prayer her dearest friend Arnor had taught her during their many travels. It was a prayer not for wealth, nor power, nor good fortune; nor was it intended for any god or higher being in particular. She merely prayed for her family; for her dear Papa, her mother, her brothers and sisters.

As her bright eyes opened, they lingered on the sheathed sword hanging over her bed. They traced the slight curve of its blade, as well as the floral motif upon its wooden scabbard. She'd not had to wield Spring Blossom since the Great War, and Force willing she never had to ever again.

"Goodnight, Grandpapa," she finished by kissing a portrait she'd painted in memory of her beloved grandfather Thrand. Once in bed, she extinguished the candle sitting on her nightstand, ridding the room of any light whatsoever. Her eyes closed, and she slowly started drifting off to sleep. Her breathing settled for a slow and steady pace, her body relaxed, and her head found the perfect position against the pillow.

Fatigue took hold of her as conscious thought began to depart her busy mind. Soon, she would be soundly asleep.

Nina.....

Are you okay....?

"Arden," her eyes snapped open.

A loud crash roused her from her rest as her bedroom door flew open, revealing several dark figures crossing her threshold. "There," one of them spoke and pointed his axe. "Grab her, quickly!"

In one swift motion, Nina sprang from her bed with Spring Blossom in hand, having seized it from its resting place without skipping a beat. Its flawless Beorni-made blade sang as it was released from its sheath, severing the hand of the first intruder to approach her. The man howled in pain before receiving a blast of telekinetic force to the face, sending him crashing through his many co-conspirators and leaving them a disarrayed mess on the floor.

Even more entered the room, informing Nina this was no minor band of outlaws. They were organised.

Two of them carried bows. Arrows cut through the nighttime air, but Nina was already long gone, taking advantage of her superior agility and gifts in the Force to jump up and run across the ceiling faster than any of the brutes could comprehend. With two quick downward slashes, one of the archer's arms was severed as he went for another arrow while the other's throat was sliced open, leaving a thin red cut through which blood began to pour ceaselessly.

She landed behind the two defeated archers, right on her doorstep, but was taken aback as even more men made ready to barge in. Her bare feet kicked one of them in the groin as he entered, followed up by more slashing from Spring Blossom. Two more lay on the ground dead. The single bedroom was already crowded, leaving little room to manoeuvre.

Another Force Push through the entrance managed to knock the remaining intruders down like dominoes, and she attempted her escape. As she ran out the door, one last ruffian anticipated her move by waiting just outside her bedroom, extending his arm for her to run into, knocking her to the floor with a bloody nose.

Within seconds she spun around on the floor, legs spread wide to kick aside even more intruders. Now angered by their incessant pursuit, she shouted as she sent her blade down on one of her assailants, cutting so deep into his torso that her curved sword got stuck in one of his ribs and was ripped from her hands as he fell to the ground dead as can be.

"Get her, you oafs!"

A pair of trunk-like arms grabbed her from behind, much too strong for her to break free from. She placed her feet upon the corpse before her and pushed off, smashing her head into his nose, breaking it. Still, his strong grip remained and she lacked the physical strength to break free.

Another burly man grabbed her legs, leaving her at their mercy no matter how much she tried to kick and scream. One of them, he who had shouted orders and was responsible for her bloody nose, stepped into view.

"Unhand me, scum," she spat at their leader without getting a good look at him in the dark. "What's the matter, too scared to face a woman in a straight-up fight?"

The leader simply scoffed and snatched the device from her neck, rendering her unable to speak.

"You will be coming with us, Princess. You're our bargaining chip, you see."

Nina did not flinch or falter, staring her captor down.

"They'll come for me. They'll find you - you and your rabble. And when they do, the Lion shall feast on your flesh," she projected into all their minds. A few nervous glances were shared amongst the men.

"Get this highborn b*tch out of my sight," the leader ordered his men to move out, their mission a success. As she was hauled off, the man turned to his fallen comrade not to mourn, but to retrieve the strange blade lodged in his torso. "Ain't you a special one," he marvelled at its unique craftsmanship.

Upon being carried off, Nina noted several of her own guardsmen either lying in pools of their own blood or rounded up and held at spear-point by even more brigands. How was the alarm not sounded, she thought to herself. She also noted they seemingly did not come for any of the artefacts housed within the College, as there were no obvious signs of destruction.

Then, her world went dark after receiving a blow to the head, knocking her unconscious.

Arden Durane

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As news reached him of the attack on the College and capture of his daughter - his eldest child - the Lion King made swift haste for the Heartlands, the central province of the realm. A furious Thurion threw the College doors open with his Lion Guard at his back and his sword at his side, itching for a fight. Of all the sins in existence, harming the devoted father's own children was the gravest.

"Where is she," he demanded to know, his voice reverberating throughout the immense structure. "Where is my daughter?!"

The College staff was in disarray. The wounded lay lined up in rows along the wall on stretchers while undergoing treatment by the skilled healers. Scrolls and books lay scattered all around the floor and were being meticulously piled up and stacked for later archival. For those who fell in defence of the College, Aelvar and Beorni delegations were already present to assist in the proper final rites according to their beliefs. Among the Beorni was none other than mighty Arnor Oathkeeper , and the two shared a nod from afar. Now wasn't the time for cheerful reunions.

All present bowed in the sudden presence of the High King himself.

"Your Grace," a high-ranking member of staff appeared, staff in hand. "We have yet to learn the identity of this foul band of brigands. They attacked during the change of the guard at midnight; it would seem they had intimate knowledge of our daily routines." Thurion recognised the Elf as Talerion, Nina's second-in-command.

"It would appear you have a traitor in your midst, Loremaster," he eyed some of the guards over the shorter man's shoulder. He nodded, sharing the King's suspicions. "Indeed..."

Talerion stepped closer to limit the number of ears involved. "The alarm was not sounded. No warning beacons were lit on their approach. The tower guards on duty at the time all swear the Ten Thousand Steps were not disturbed; either they all lie, or they entered through some other means. This is all we've gathered so far."

Thurion turned to Arden Durane at his side. The rage in the King's eyes had by now been replaced with a father's worry.

"The Lord Commander and I will investigate her quarters. Perhaps we'll find some clue there as to her captor, or her whereabouts."

Climbing the steps to the top floor, he was taken aback at the number of blood stains littering the entrance to her private chambers. The bodies had already been carried downstairs, making it difficult to discern whose blood it was. One couldn't help but fear the worst.

The room itself was in shambles, with virtually every piece of furniture knocked aside or otherwise visibly disturbed. An axe from one of the intruders still embedded in her desk gave him some small measure of hope. "She did not go quietly," he caressed the axe handle before dislodging it, then tossed it to the ground with a clatter.

As he did, a squeaking sound gained his attention. Through the hole left by the axe, a tiny brown field mouse appeared on the desk.

"This must be the gallant Bubbles," Thurion offered the palm of his hand, prompting the friendly rodent to climb aboard. "If only our first meeting wasn't marked with such dire circumstances. I'm sure you did what you could to defend her..."

He sighed, feeling defeated by it all. Nina was the best of them; the kindest, the gentlest, the sweetest. She deserved none of this.

 

[Arden Durane]

It didn't take for a fraction of a second after sending the message that he realized that something was indeed wrong. It didn't take but a few minutes later that he and the High King were entering the college. It didn't take an all seer to note that the King was indeed angry, rightfully so. And Arden, while his emotions were like the King's he couldn't help but feel responsible.

"How could this happen?" Arden inquired angrily, as he glanced around, not more so demanding answers. Just shocked that this happened at all. "We will find her my king." Arden took a deep breath as he closed his eyes for a brief second and his senses heightened with that of his kin, the well trained ear of his mothers side as well as with aide of the force. Arden followed the High King eyes still closed, his higher senses giving him an almost play through of sorts of what could have happened.

The Commander knelt down his palm gently laying down against the bloodied floor that was Nina's room.

"You are correct your grace." Arden whispered. "Fifty, maybe more stormed this college. This was indeed planned for some time." Arden was not being proud, but he knew there was no way they could've stormed this place and it be in this state without a long drawn out plan. The Jedi Master opened his eyes as he took several more deep breaths glancing around at Bubbles to which he couldn't help but smile. "I"m glad you are okay little one." Arden looked up above him, not to the ceiling, but to the direction of the watchtower.

Arden left the room as he approached the Lion Guard. "Every single guard in this College will be questioned immediately. If there is a traitor here, they are either dead to keep their silence or are still alive here. Find them, now!"

Arden sprinted through the college and he made his way towards the watch tower atop the complex, one of the many that were erected among and along the college to guide travelers on their way. "They did not come here by way of vessel, they traveled on foot. A very odd move...." Arden muttered to himself, giving the nature of the coldness of the night. The Jedi climbed to the top of the spiral standing now outside, as the snow fell on his armor.

The cold not affecting him in the slightest. He closed his eyes once more, the strength with the force allowing his senses to become amplified, utilizing the gift of far-sight, one of the gifts that was strongest besides his force light. Now he knew what that dark presence was, that was clouding his mind purposely. It was distracting him, and it was then he realized why he was getting so many nights of restless sleep.

He could hear the sounds of grunts, war cries and the sense of the most serene spirit and aura that he knew was Nina Heavenshield The image and scenery around her becoming ever apparent.

Nina we will find you, I swear it by all the gods......

"They are using the mountains...." Arden whispered as he stood up quickly making his way with all hasted back to the High King Thurion Heavenshield

"They are using the mountains for cover your grace. Moving west along the mountains. They are seeking cover of the deep woods."

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

In the time that Arden had left the room and come back, the High King had gone through Nina's chambers to see what else could be learnt about her attackers. He noted the empty shelf above her bed where he knew she kept her sword, now missing. Above it hung a framed portrait of his father, painted in loving detail. The crunch of glass breaking under his boot drew his gaze to his feet. More framed paintings littered the wooden floor, having seemingly adorned her desk before it was knocked over.

He bent over to pick them all, one after another, before slumping down in her office chair with Bubbles sitting on his shoulder. Flipping through the broken frames, he realised they were all scenes from her life, taken from memory. The first was a portrait of himself, followed by one of Coci. A third was a painting of a lion standing atop a protruding rock, eyes towards the horizon.

The one piece that affected him the most was the chubby hand of a toddler being lovingly held by what he recognised as his own. Thurion felt tears trail down both cheeks as he plucked the painting from its broken frame to caress the little hand put to canvas.

Nina was not of his blood. She was of Umbara; a foundling he'd run into in his early days of exploring the galaxy. Such a little thing, frightened of everyone and everything. Everyone but him. He took her away from the plight of roaming the dangerous streets of her homeworld, and later they would become inseparable as father and daughter. Neither had known a proper family before, so they found it in each other.

She was a Heavenshield, no less legitimate than the rest of them. She was his baby girl.

By the time Arden Durane returned to the private quarters, a defeated Thurion wiped his tears and rose from his seat, prompting Bubbles to run down his sleeve to leap on top of the desk he knew as home. For a time he just stood there, clutching the small painting to his chest.

"Then go, Lord Commander," he pulled himself together enough to give this one command. "You and Arnor."

The thuds of lumbering footsteps foretold the Beorni's arrival, appearing behind Arden in the doorway to place a large, furry hand upon the young man's shoulder. Thurion nodded approvingly, then approached Arden.

"Find my baby girl, and bring her home safely. Let none stand in your way. Should they do just that," his gaze turned to Arnor too big to fit in the doorway, "deliver unto them the King's justice."

There was frailty in the High King's eyes as they found those of the Lord Commander once more, and he placed a hand upon his chiselled cheek.

"Walk with the Gods, my son. May the Force be with you."

 

[Arden Durane]

"I will do all you command your grace and more." Arden spoke with an almost silent fury and once the command had been given to deliver them unto the King's justice. There would be nothing that would stand in his way. And he knew Thurion's pain, this was his daughter, not just someone that was adopted, but blood regardless of what was said otherwise. He like Thurion didn't understand why it was Nina, Arden would have gladly given his life and taken her place.

"These brigands have broken all sorts of oaths and faith's on this day." The commander spoke as he looked to Arnor and to the rest of the Lion Guard. "They have chosen to break peace in the cover of darkness like cowards." Arden voiced boomed throughout the hall. "Move forward, surround the furthest of mountains, we will catch them before they reach the forest. They will not live to see the daybreak. They will die in the dark of the mountains."


Arden looked to Arnor Oathkeeper with a small smirk.

"Let's hunt my friend." Arden spoke with wide determination. The strength of his family, his ancestors, his own kin as well as the gods would go with them. They would move with a sudden quickness that would these brigands would be caught unaware. For it was in this moment, that he had realize that he did indeed love Nina Heavenshield

Whether she reciprocated it or not, that didn't matter. He would always give his life to protect her, she was his closest and truest friend.

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Arnor Oathkeeper]

The white mountain of a bear was a creature of few words, so when the call for a hunt came from the naked-faced blonde, Arnor nodded in the affirmatory. Still, he felt compelled to leave the High King with a few choice words spoken in broken Basic.

"Snowflake come home, or I no come home," he vowed there and then, pledging not to return without his dearest friend; the girl who'd practically grown up before his very eyes in their many years adventuring across Midvinter. He grabbed his mighty war hammer over his shoulder and joined the young Valkyri and his elite Lion Guard.

From atop Nina's balcony, Thurion of House Heavenshield, First of His Name, watched the brave rescue party depart the College of Enlightenment and journey towards the mountains on the heels of his daughter's captors until they were little more than little specks against the white outdoors.

"A chance for Arden, Son of Astor, to truly show his quality," he thought aloud, mustering a fond smile in admiration of the young man's zeal for Nina's safety. "Yes, very good."

~oOo~​

There was no time to waste. The mountain range was vast, as was customary for Midvinter geography, and covering its grounds was a massive undertaking. Still, they travelled lightly with little to hinder their advance, carrying only what they needed for the mission at hand. As Arden issued orders for his men, Arnor strode ahead on all fours searching for clues on the kidnappers' whereabouts.

Whereas Arden possessed the elven sight and hearing of his forebears, Arnor had a nose the rest simply could not compete with. The assailants had been clever enough to cover their tracks, as trudging through the snow tended to leave quite noticeable footsteps for others to follow, but they hadn't thought of covering their scent.

Nearing the foot of the mountain, the Beorni peered towards its peak, recognising its distinct shape.

"This Thunder's Roar," he pointed and informed the others, for he had travelled the lands since before they were born and knew their many peaks and valleys by heart. It was a rough translation of its name in his native tongue, given aeons prior to the first Men stepping out of their caves.

"They go there," his black nose sniffed to confirm his statement.

It was already getting dark, and with it came the falling of fresh snow coupled with an increase in winds. One way or the other, they would need to find shelter soon or get caught in the midst of a snowstorm.

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

"A chance for Arden, Son of Astor, to truly show his quality,"

"Yes, it is. We will not fail in this endeavor." Arden led the way as they made their way across the landscape, moving at quickening pace. While it was the farthest thing from his mind, because they would find her alive and they would ensure that those responsible were put to the Kings Justice. The fact that something could happen to Nina had made him move even quicker than before. The two companion crossing threshold after threshold until they came to a standstill and his companion Arnor Oathkeeper was using his abilities to find the next path of crossing.

While the cold was not affecting him, mostly driven by adrenaline filled rage. He knew that Arnor was correct and they would need to find shelter soon. The caves further ahead would provide some solace from the desolate cold winds.

"Could we cut through the caverns? Less than an hour ahead of us." Arden whispered. "We will catch up to them soon. What do you recommend Arnor?" Arden inquired looking towards his companion.

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

She was starting to come to, finding herself being slung over the shoulder of one of her attackers. Keeping her eyes closed to give the impression she was still knocked out, she didn't need them to tell her they were on the run given the bounce of her captor. There was no point in trying to wriggle out of the man's grasp; his thick arm was wrapped around her waist with the strength of a tree trunk. No, her escape would need to be calculated and born from patience. Instead, she looked inwards, seeking guidance from the Force.

"Arden," she thought to herself, sensing his presence far in the distance. Father must have sent him to her rescue. She was further encouraged by the apparent company of Arnor, her longest and dearest friend. Whatever fears she held for her safety were immediately expelled from her mind, replaced with the coming up with ways to lead them to her.

In the meantime, the sound of hooves betrayed the arrival of a rider approaching.

"Lookouts are reporting we're being followed," the rider informed their leader. "Lion-cloaks, from the looks of it, and one of them walking carpets. They've reached the foot of the mountain."

Nina was grateful for the pause as the raiding party stopped to assess the situation.

"No sign of the King, then?"

Silence followed, indicating that the rider simply shook his head in reply.

"Very well. They'll be slowed down by the weather, same as us. By now they're likely discussing whether to maintain pursuit or wait for it to blow over. All the same, I believe now is the time to cover our tracks. Go, inform the others!" The leader passed around further muffled orders as the sound of disappearing hooves let her know the rider had gone to do as commanded.

"The rest of you, keep those legs moving! We're nearly at the hideout!"

Nina overheard more than a few disapproving grunts, likely from exhausted goons wishing they were anywhere else right now. Though uncomfortable, at least she didn't have to plough through thick snow in the middle of a storm. As the party got moving again, she peeked one eye open to spot a number of lit torches high in the mountains on either side of the valley they journeyed through. There was also the dark silhouette of what must've been the rider from earlier heading towards said torches.

They were setting up an ambush.

Arden Durane

 

[Arnor Oathkeeper]

"Could we cut through the caverns? Less than an hour ahead of us. We will catch up to them soon. What do you recommend Arnor?"

His black, animalistic eyes met those of the young commander.

"Dark place slow. Easy lose tracks. Dark place become many dark places, get lost," he tried his best to explain using his limited vocabulary. To go through the caves meant risking losing track of their prey and instead getting themselves lost in the dark tunnels.

Arnor shook his head, then pointed to where the tracks led.

"Follow into valley," he explained. "Mountains block bad wind, only snow then."

Staying on course, the rescue party braved the blizzard in hopes that the worst would pass upon entering the valley. Bringing up the rear to make sure the humans did not stray or stumble, Arnor caught a foul scent carried by the wind. Alerted, his gaze turned to the mountainside. The echo of sledges knocking away supports filled the valley.

"TRAP," the towering bear-man roared, picking up any stragglers to outrun several massive boulders thundering down the mountainside. He dropped down on all fours, sprinting into the valley to avoid being cut off from the rest, or worse, getting crushed. With a lot of effort, the party managed to beat the rolling boulders to the finish line, all hands accounted for.

The way back had been cut off by the huge chunks of rocks creating a wall too treacherous to scale. They were now trapped without the valley, firmly dedicated to their task. There was no turning back now.

That was not the end of it, however.

As they were catching their breath, the thwack of crossbows unleashing a hail of bolts from hidden positions presented their next trial. One such bolt struck the Beorni in the back of his shoulder, prompting a roar of pain from the white giant. The volley was followed by their attackers charging out of the woods, dozens of them.

With bolts being shorter than arrows, Arnor could not reach far enough to dislodge it from his shoulder. Instead, he took out his frustration on the first poor bandit he came across, stopping the descending blow in its tracks and easily pulling his opponent's arm clean from its socket. He followed it up by brandishing his large teeth and ripping the man's throat out, ending his suffering.

Beorni may be pacifist by nature, but when push comes to shove their fury is terrible to behold.

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

"Good idea my friend." Arden said with a smile while his friend had limited vocabulary, the words were always strong and wise. It wasn't to long until they were set on by a trap, they moved quickly past the boulders, as it seemed they were getting desperate. If they were this dead set on stopping them, then they were indeed catching up to them. The pass behind them now blocked by the boulders as he looked to Arnor and just shook his head slightly.

"They are indeed desperate, and I sense fear as well...." Arden spoke calmly as he glanced around and just then a warning triggered in his mind as heard the sounds of bolts zipping through the air. His companion had been struck and he heard the roar of pain.

The Jedi raise his hands in the air as an invisible shield erupted around them. Anything that was coming towards them, would be stopped right when it contact of the barrier. Arden heightened sense hearing the chatter coming from the bandits around them. He focused his energies upon their crossbows and within an instant they were crushed before them.

"Cowards, Stand and fight. You come as thieves in the night. Face the fury of the Beorni and the Valkryi, and the grace of the Aelvar." Arden brandished his two swords and charged forward. They would reclaim the family taken from them. And would show them the fury of the Heavenshields name.

Hold on Nina, we are coming.....

Arnor Oathkeeper Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Arnor Oathkeeper]

Their ranged weaponry reduced to wooden splinters and metal springs in their hands, the gang of ruffians went for axe, sword, or spear to continue waylaying the party of elite warriors. At the very least buy their leader enough time to abscond with the princess; they feared not the wrath of these knights in shining armour nor the primal fury of their bear-kin guide, for indeed they would all be granted a seat in the All-Father's hall.

There appeared to be several dozen ambushers, all shouting obscenities and barking warcries in equal measure as they thundered down the mountainside, weapons drawn. More vexed than anything at the crossbow bolt lodged in the back of his shoulder, Arnor hefted his mighty hammer and chanted in the ancient tongue before slamming it into the frozen ground, causing the thick blanket of snow to spring to life, creating a small vortex of snowflakes around their attackers to confuse and disorient them.

While some were less affected than others, the distraction was there.

The Beorni swung his hammer at the first attacker to appear before him, shattering ribs and sending a limp body flying. A second body soon followed on the back-swing, crushing skulls and breaking bones. Their grisly end left no impact on the white giant; they chose their fate when believing it wise to abduct the one person he held higher than members of his own people. If they sought to meet their so-called father, he would oblige them.

Arnor glanced over at the Lord Commander expertly holding his own, and while doing so he caught a spear being thrown at his large frame without even bothering to look from where it came. Instead, he took aim to launch it at Arden's attackers, skewering both men through the side and leaving Arden without an opponent.

"GO, FIND SNOWFLAKE," he shouted while busy bashing the brains of another assailant. "LEAVE PUNY MEN TO ME!"

They couldn't risk letting the leader get away with Nina by getting bogged down by ambushes. Arden had to keep going, with or without his Lionguard. Arnor, meanwhile, was about to demonstrate to these fools the might of the Ancients.

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

If there was one individual to take to battle with, it would be Arnor Oathkeeper

He was a strong willed and incredibly battled hardened individual. It was an honor to be fighting beside him. However as he gave the shout to go forward he nodded his head and spoke.

"Be safe my friend." It was as soon as he spoke this the Lionguard came at their heels, they would stay and assist Arnor and the young Jedi Master would push forward alone, giving orders to secure this area. The commanded pressed forward, one could tell that he was getting extremely close as their numbers were fading and he could sense the hesitation and the fear coming from them.

Hold on Nina

Arden spoke gently through the force, as he neared their location. He came to another tunnel which broke into an larger area ahead. He could hear hushed voices and they more clearer they got, it came to be that they were arguing with each other. Arden entered the larger portion of the cavern when he could see that there was only seven of them left. Torches lit the way and he could see Nina Heavenshield laying down against a stone tablet, most likely this was their base of operations. They turned to face him as they brandished their weapons.

The gentle face that was Arden Durane had now turned to a fierce light willed individual.

"In the name of Thurion Heavenshield, High King of Midvinter. The Kings Justice will descend upon you." The Jedi Master unsheated his two swords as he walked towards them and they in turn began to charge him. Gracefully, quickly and decisively the Jedi Master dispatched them. Each move and strike that was given to them was enough to send them to hell. For they deserved far worse. Arden took a deep breath before sheathing his weapons and running over to the stone tablet that Nina laid upon.

"Nina...." Arden said as he reached out with the force, sending waves upon waves of comfort towards her. He knelt next to her and held her in his arms, close to him. "You are safe now." Arden couldn't help as a small tear escaped him and rolled down his cheek. His hand rested on her forehead briefly once again reaching out with the force. Then his hand moved towards the side of her cheek.

"I'm here......" He held her close, he kissed her forehead gently as he rose and carried her in his arms.

Everything was going to be okay.

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Moments earlier...

Though her face was covered and she could not see, Nina felt the cold of the outdoors turn into the damp insides of a cave. The sound of her captors' footsteps became hard and echoing, giving her all the clues she needed they'd entered what was likely their hideout. She was finally thrown from the shoulder of the burly man that had carried her all this way, though she had no way to break her fall and struck the hard, cold floor with enough force to cause a gash upon her forehead, dampening the hood covering her face with her own blood.

"Lars, you big oaf," she overheard the leader berate and strike his subordinate, followed by a loud crash as the man likely fell to the ground. Next, she felt a hard tug on her arm, violently pulling her to her feet with little effort. "Now, will you be a good girl and come along quietly, or will we be forced to bash your brains in again?"

Their way of saying "no Force powers". Nina nodded; she'd play along for the time being. She wanted to learn the reason for her kidnapping in the first place.

"Good."

The hood was ripped from her head, her otherwise perfectly neat braid now an unkempt mess of hair. Droplets of blood from her recent wound had coloured some of it pink. She'd been through worse, however, and her defiant gaze never left the bandit leader's face once.

"There are those gorgeous blues of yours. I've missed them," he stroked her cheek. It took Nina all the restraint she could muster not to lash out and bite his finger off. "Come along, then. Time's a-wasting."

She was taken through a network of tunnels to what appeared to be the nexus of said network; a wide-open space to which more tunnels connected and spread in different directions. But what truly caught her interest were the primitive markings covering most of the walls and even the ceiling, depicting crude drawings of men seemingly hunting great beasts ranging from herbivores to carnivores, even mammoths. Were she not in such dire straits she would have very much liked to record this site for historical purposes.

They brought her to a visibly old and rather ominous stone table at the centre of the room, the rockface stained black and burgundy with what she could only assume to be dried blood. Another man dressed in ceremonial robes awaited them.

"Do you know where we are," he asked, to which Nina made no response. "This... is the birthplace of our people. Our people," he made sure to emphasise, "the people chosen by the All-Father to be the masters of this realm. Not the slow-minded Beorni or the tree-loving knife-ears." He grimaced before continuing his spiel.

"And this right here? A relic of the past; a long forgotten past as we became civilised, forced to co-exist with those lowly creatures. People like your blessed father think we should stand shoulder to shoulder with their ilk, and think of them as our equals. Our brothers! Even our very gods have lost their purpose! They do not exist for our protection or enjoyment, no; they are supreme beings, and we are but insects when compared to their vast majesty. Our ancestors knew as much and sought to gain their favour through sacrifice..."

Nina's eyes widened as the leader was handed a ceremonial knife, now struggling against her captors as they proceeded to pick her up and place her on the table, untying her arms only to shackle her to the sacrificial altar. In her desperation, she tried to call out despite her inability to speak, resulting in weak gasps and whimpers.

"Let it be known, that on this day begins our work to topple the new with the old; that the way of progress and compromise be halted, replaced with tradition and honour." As he spoke, the room was filled with the chanting of masked men surrounding the altar. "Death to the Lion Tyrant, and all his kin! With this sacrifice, we begin our great crusade to reinstate the Primordial Order!"

But the ceremony was interrupted as one man presented himself.

"In the name of Thurion Heavenshield, High King of Midvinter. The Kings Justice will descend upon you."

"Foul heretic! Kill him, now!"

The bandit leader brought his men to bear against the lone warrior, only for each one to be dispatched in quick succession. Witnessing this, the masked cultists scattered, fleeing down the many tunnels connected to this central hub area. "Craven!" The robed man raised his dagger to plunge it into her chest, only to be cut in half by Nina's curved blade. In all the confusion, the oversized shackles had allowed her to squeeze her hand through and free it just in time to summon her sword into the palm of her hand and use it against her captor.

Blood spurted from the severed torso of the cult leader down onto Nina, staining her even further. By the time Arden was at her side and freed her, she collapsed into his arms and wept from sheer relief. She was exhausted, beaten up, and traumatised.

"Wait," she projected into his mind, for she still lacked the ability to speak. Seeking to remedy this, she bid that he stop and put her down so she may search her captors for her belongings. Sure enough, she retrieved Summer Blossom's scabbard along with the necklace allowing her to voice her thoughts aloud.

She also made sure to give the bandit leader a bare-footed kick in the head where he lay dead on the cold floor in a pool of his own blood. She then looked to her saviour.

"Arden, I..." She felt her legs give way underneath her, forcing her to seek strength in the Lord Commander's arms. "Thank you," she looked up at him with such gratitude and fatigue that, in her eyes, he appeared like an angel. In her weakened state she stood up on her tippy-toes and pressed her lips to his, hoping her feelings for him were returned.

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

Arden was concerned when she asked him to wait and the words went through his mind. And it was then that he understood why she gathered her things and he couldn't help but smirk as she kicked the bandit leader in the head. He was still shocked that they came this far to attempt to harm the daughter and princess of the High King.

Nevertheless, he was going to make sure something like this never happened again. He would investigate and interrogate anyone and everyone that he could to route out the remainder of this cult.

"Arden, I..."

"Hey....it's okay." He reached out and he held her in his arms, and for the longest time he just stared into her eyes. It seemed as if a lifetime had stretched across Midvinter, throughout everything. Seasons passed along and in the end she was still there. He was still looking into her eyes.

"Thank you,"

"Nina, you don't eve-" His sentence was cut short as he could see her move forward, up towards him and his eyes close just as her's did and their lips touched. Arden took a small shuddered breath, not out of fear but the kiss was a gift bestowed to him. From someone that he loved, deeply. He returned her kiss with a passionate embrace. While taking care that she had been through such an ordeal too.

"Nina....you are the light of my life. I love you, like no other."

Nina Heavenshield

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

She found sanctuary in Arden's embrace, resting her head against his breastplate. Already she felt her strength return; the sensation of feeling complete now that their feelings for each other were finally voiced and reciprocated. For a good minute, all they did was stand there pressed to one another amidst a room littered with the dead and dying. Nina could have whiled away the hours and not cared one bit, were it not for the sound of approaching footsteps.

Her head turned in the direction of the same tunnel Arden had appeared in, her hand squeezing the grip of her sheathed blade. What if they'd returned in greater numbers to finish the job?

But her fears were dispelled in an instant when the footsteps were revealed to belong to the Lionguard returning to their Lord Commander's side, each with newly-won battle scars earned in the line of duty. Her heart soared even more at the sight of the vast Beorni bringing up the rear.

"Arnie," she happily cried out and found a new spring in her step as she pounced on her oldest friend. Arnor returned the embrace as only a bear man could, for she was as dear as a daughter to him. "I knew you'd come..."

"Lord Commander Durane," Arden's second-in-command reported meanwhile, "we made short work of the brigands ambushing us in the valley. A few scrapes and bruises, but nothing worth mentioning." He said this as he clutched a blood-soaked cloth to the side of his neck. "Not long after you went after the leader a horn sounded in the distance, calling off the attack. We finished off those we could, though it must be assumed many took to the woods and mountains."

As the Lionguard rallied around their leader, Nina had taken notice of the crossbow bolt lodged in her friend's shoulder and had bidden him to lie down. It wasn't the first time she'd had to tend to her guardian's wounds, and her touch seemed to soothe the gentle giant. She rested his large head in her lap and stroked his blood-splattered matted fur, before unexpectedly removing the bolt from his shoulder. To one so mighty as he, it was little more than removing an annoyance, making it a largely painless procedure, resulting in a low growl escaping his lips.

"Thank you, Snowflake."

He looked up at her with the soft eyes of an animal, not unlike how a domesticated hound would their owner. Only with Nina did he allow to show such emotion, for they had been to hell and back countless times with no one but each other to lean on. He was her protector, she was his soothsayer.

"You're welcome," she smiled and placed a kiss on his furry head. "How many times have you stood between me and certain death, my sweet Snowman?" She affectionately rubbed her nose against his.

"Orders, sir?"

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

Their embrace broke as the Lionguard came forth and he could see Arnor and he let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you are all okay." Arden said with a big smile on his face and he gave a respectful bow towards Arnor as well as the rest of the lion guard.

"Arnor's endurance and guidance was most helpful, I couldn't have done it without him."

"Not long after you went after the leader a horn sounded in the distance, calling off the attack. We finished off those we could, though it must be assumed many took to the woods and mountains."

Morning was coming quick and the sun shined brightly. "They will not get far. I will find and rout the rest of them. An event like this will never happen again."

He glanced over to Nina who was having a tender moment with Arnor and he smiled.

"Captain, I ask you to escort the Princess back to the College, no doubt the King will be anxious to see his daughter and know she is safe. I will return as soon as I can."

This was something that couldn't wait.

Princess.....Nina, I will see you soon. I promise. The Jedi Master's message echoed through the force to where she could hear it. She needed rest, this ordeal would've taken it's toll. She was incredibly strong willed and amazing. But nonetheless she would need rest to recover.

Nina Heavenshield

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

"No," she shook her head at Arden's suggestion that she be escorted to safety. At her urging, Arnor sat back up and offered a hand to raise her to her somewhat unsteady feet. "I'm alright," she assured the Lord Commander, lovingly clutching his arm regardless of how his subordinates might interpret the gesture. Gratitude for her saviour, no doubt.

"If I know my father, the King will already be on his way. He already knows I am safe and sound, thanks to all of you." Nina bowed her head towards all of them as they offered the Lionguard salute. Pulling Arden aside, she looked him in the eye with newfound strength.

"I appreciate and respect your devotion, but," her voice entered his mind, "even you can't hope to catch them all by yourself. There's no telling where these tunnels might branch off into. It would be foolish of you to take on this task alone--" She caught herself, running a hair through her dishevelled hair as if it would fix anything. "...Lord Commander."

She pressed an open palm against his breastplate where his heart would be. "We will stop them, together. We've already got them on the run, they won't think to make another move this rash in quite some time. We have time." Her hands found his and held it to her chest, smiling. "We have all the time in the world."

"These runes old," said Arnor now back on his feet investigating the cave inscriptions. "Very old."

Nina sidled up to her companion and ran her fingers along one of the runes carved into the wall. "You're right. These look nothing like the writings we've encountered. I suppose thousands of years will evolve even as rigid a language as the Valkyri tongue. If that cultist priest was right," she cast a disgusted glance down at his bisected corpse on the floor, "if this is truly where the Valkyri began, then these are very likely some of the oldest words ever written down. And these drawings--"

Long strides coming from one of the tunnels, along with the aura they belonged to, disrupted her thoughts as she turned to find none other than the Lion King himself appear before her accompanied by a retinue of College personnel. "Papa," she ran into his arms. "Oh, little Snowflake," he held her tight. "Thank goodness you're alright!"

"I am," she said, then turned to Arden. "Thanks to the Lord Commander. He saved my life."

Thurion noticed the looks they shared and smiled knowingly as he clutched his shoulder. "As I knew he would. House Heavenshield owes you a great debt, son. You have my word that it will be repaid in full, one day."

Arden Durane

 

[Arden Durane]

Arden looked back to Nina Heavenshield as she spoke that she was alright. The look in Aiden's eyes was care and worry for her. While he knew she wasn't helpless, perhaps it was him being just overprotective with his duties. Then again their recent revelation was something else that had went through his mind too. She held on to his arm and he couldn't help but smile, showing her a rare smile that for all time she would only see. It was enough to convey how much respect, love and care he had for the woman that was holding on to him.

"Alright." Arden nodded as he bowed his head respectfully to the princess. He glanced over to his second in command. "We will secure this area for now, dispose of these bodies, properly."

The Jedi spoke as he was gently pulled away by the princess as he looked into her eyes, her words entering his mind. He closed his eyes for a few moments, allowing the words to flow through. Every single thing that was spoken through their connection held great merit and logic. They would stop them together, that was now obvious.

"We have all the time in the world."

The Lord Commander smiled as he leaned forward and his forehead rested against hers ever so gently and lovingly. "All the time, you are incredibly wise Nina."

"These runes old," said Arnor now back on his feet investigating the cave inscriptions. "Very old."

"You're right. These look nothing like the writings we've encountered. I suppose thousands of years will evolve even as rigid a language as the Valkyri tongue. If that cultist priest was right,"

"if this is truly where the Valkyri began, then these are very likely some of the oldest words ever written down. And these drawings--"

"It is something to be looked into as soon as possible." Arden voiced as he too glanced at the writing that were along the wall in almost perfect succession. "There is more to this than meets the eye."

He glanced down the pathway and it was none other than the High King Thurion Heavenshield

Arden and his royal guard saluted the King, and he was incredibly proud to witness the King's and the Princess's reunion. The Jedi Master smiled proudly, not for himself but for the fact that justice had prevailed again, and family were returned and most of all there was smiling faces all around.

"Thanks to the Lord Commander. He saved my life."

Arden placed his hand over his heart and gave a small bow. "It wasn't just me your grace. It hardly ever is. The Lionguard as well as Arnor Oathkeeper share this victory."

It was quite obvious that Arden was never want to want to bask in the glory or anything of that nature. If he knew in his heart that everything was done as it should be, and the aspects of truth, justice and love prevailed.

That was itself one of the greatest gifts.

"As I knew he would. House Heavenshield owes you a great debt, son. You have my word that it will be repaid in full, one day."

"Thank you, you grace." Arden smiled at the king as he felt his hand on his shoulder. It wasn't necessary though, this was his life's honor. He glanced over to Nina and smiled once more before looking away. He didn't want to make things too obvious.

The High King was no fool at all.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As the King was reunited with his daughter, rescued in daring fashion by his Lionguard, the scholars brought from the College wasted little time in inspecting the various writings and primitive drawings littered around the cave walls and ceiling. All of their wisdom combined did little in deciphering these ancient texts without thorough examination, however.

"These markings," spoke Loremaster Talerion, Nina's second and a highly respected Aelvar historian, as he pointed with his staff. "They are unlike any I have ever come across, and I know every old tome kept in the libraries of Averlorn by heart. This... this is something entirely unfamiliar."

Nina turned her attention to the sacrificial altar she'd been chained to, tentatively running her fingertips along its stone surface. "They appear to be a reoccurring symbol. The priest mentioned some kind of... 'Primordial Order'? Perhaps it acts as their sigil." She turned to Arden and her father, brows furrowed. "But if that is the case, and these markings are truly ancient, then..."

"Then this cult has been around since the beginning, operating behind the scenes. Who knows what strings they're capable of pulling without any of us being the wiser," the High King realised, mind suddenly heavy with thoughts as to who they could now trust. Was the Jarl's Council compromised? The Dawnguard? Was he responsible for unknowingly putting one of their members in a position of power from where they may do further harm?

While there were many questions still in need of answering, he couldn't help but fear the worst.

"Sire, look," Talerion continued to point with his staff up towards the ceiling. "The markings increase in number the higher they get, but torchlight only gets us so far."

His eyes scanned the ceiling, unable to see clearly. Determined to find out, Thurion stepped unto the stone table and reached for his sword. Unsheathing Anarion from its scabbard, the Lion King raised it high above his head as the blade began to shine bright as the sun, casting its warm light upon the cold stone and chasing the shadows away. Every crevice was lit up, allowing for closer study of the cave scrawlings.

Thurion heart sank as he bore witness to what the shadows now dispelled had hidden from them; more and more of the same markings appeared the higher one lifted their gaze until at the very centre of the ceiling the surface hundreds of them came together to form a swirling maelstrom ominous in appearance. The same gateway which had appeared above Tháinbroek, from which the Crone's dark minions had charged forth.

The image still clung to his nightmares to this day.

"I fear," the King spoke with a trembling voice, "that the Great War has only just begun."

Arden Durane