Faction Midvinter In Summer (NJO)

[Brander]

Zaiya Ceti Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos
Brander gave a tight, sheepish grin, trying to play it off even as another shiver ran through him.

"I—" he started, but his breath came out in a puff of white mist. He gave a short laugh under it. "I'm fine. Just... not exactly built for this." He tugged his coat a little tighter around himself, cheeks burning more from embarrassment than the cold now. He hadn't wanted to look weak, and yet there was pretty girl checking on him.

His gaze shifted up to Zaiya, her warm glow and gentle concern so much more welcoming against the freezing landscape it made something ease a little inside him. The way she shimmered, and even the little droid's bright concern, made it harder to hold onto pride.

"...Might not say no to a little help, though," he admitted with a crooked smile, "Thanks, Zaiya. And... hi, Domxite." His voice softened as he acknowledged the droid, " I'm uh... " His haze shifted and he adjusted his posture covering one gloved wrist with another before an awkward forced smile replaced the briefest looks of concern and thought like he was deciding what to say . " Brander. " he added quickly, almost stumbling over it like he'd forgotten the part where he was supposed to introduce himself too. "Sorry, not exactly making the best first impression, huh?"

 

[Arnor Oathkeeper]

M I D V I N T E R
B E O R N S T E A D​

"Do you think we're close, Master?"

"Just over this ridge"

"Friend is right," spoke the deepest of primordial voices as a hunting party of Beorni appeared seemingly out of nowhere, effortlessly blending into the ice and snow. They carried spears the size of three men, with each member towering high above the little humanoids. The greatest of the bunch bearing many deep scars leaned down to sniff one of the outsiders, his black nose twitching gently.

"Am Arnor," the monstrous bear-man pointed a fluffy digit at himself, still struggling with the common tongue like most of his kind. "I guard. I protect." Black eyes took stock of the party of adventurers, each as strange-looking as the last one, then turned to his comrades and let out a series of animalistic huffs and grunts, prompting them to resume their hunt without him.

"I take little ones to home. I guide." The gentle giant got down on all fours, placing himself more on their eye level. He was no stranger to off-worlders, after all. "You follow. Warm hands on fur," he offered before setting out, in case they felt cold.

The Temple-City of Beornstead, built on the bones of the old capital of Tháinbroek, possessed no walls or gates barring entrance. This was a place of worship and quiet contemplation, not too different from what Jedi would be used to. Its citizens were pacifist in nature, spending their days meditating, crafting, and engaging in elaborate, highly choreographed tea ceremonies. Distant throat-singing quaked the very ground as they communicated with the spirits of the land itself, all in a bid to deepen their connection to Mother Midvinter.

They were Her first children, and their understanding and knowledge ran deeper than any other sentient beings, save one.

"This Beornstead," he informed the group. "Home of Beorni."

Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos Brander Zaiya Ceti Reina Daival Mykel Dawson ​

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Midvinter
Objective: 2 - Learn Iceshaping!
Tags: Mykel Dawson
Outfit

"...Are you following me?"

Like usual, Reina was blunt. Though there wasn't as much annoyance in her tone as she kept her focus ahead of herself, trudging her way through the snow. She wasn't surprised that someone was coming along to see the Beorni. It just meant that she couldn't enjoy the snow as much as she wanted to. For now, she shoved her hands into her pockets to stop them from freezing as she debated over how to answer Mykel.

"Sure. Company works. Don't expect me to hop onto that junk though."

For a quick moment, she pulled her hand out of her pocket to jab a thumb at Mykel's speeder. Sure, he might have wanted to get there fast, but she was happy to take her time in the cold. Plus she wanted to keep her prosthesis moving at all time. She doubt it would freeze in the cold but there was a chance it could get stiff if she didn't keep moving.

"Also, you weren't interuptting anything. It's not like I was doing anything important out here. Just enjoying the weather on my way over to the Beorni. You should enjoy it whilst it lasts. At least if you enjoy the cold. I've rarely been to any planets like this whilst being part of the Order."

It was a shame. Reina preferred the cold and wet much more to being dry. Maybe she'd visit Midvinter more in the future now that she thought about it...It was something to bring up to Colette or Issar in the future.

None of that mattered however as she caught sight of the group with the Beorni and decided to break out into a small jog so that they wouldn't be left behind. Huffing ever so slightly as she watched her breath in the cold air, a small smile creeping its way onto her face no matter how hard she tried to keep it down. This was going to be fun.

​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x | Companion: Domxite
Interacting with: Brander Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos

Zaiya's lips curled into a friendly, teasing smile as she noticed the way Brander fumbled with his words. His cheeks tinted to a deeper shade of red, and she couldn't help but laugh lightly. The cold was making him uncomfortable, but his flustered response made her heart warm with a fondness.

"No need to apologize," she said, her voice light and comforting, a soft ripple of friendly blue tones glowing across her skin, matching the warmth in her tone.

"You're not the only one who's not quite built for the cold." She glanced around at the snow and ice, a little laugh escaping her. "Though, I'll admit, I do have a bit of an advantage with the whole 'Lovalla' thing. Comes with the territory."

Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she let the Force flicker around him, extending her warmth to help with the chill that clung to him. Her skin shimmered with a happy subtle teall. Domxite, perched at her shoulder, clicked in acknowledgment when Brander spoke to him, a series of cheerful beeps and whirs.

"WEll nice to meet you, Brander, " Zaiya replied, her smile still gentle. "And it's okay, I think you made a good one trying your best out here." she told him, continuing her walk along side him as they caught up to Aadhir and Aris.

"So, how long have you been in the Jedi Order? I haven't seen you before, so are you a part of one of the other temples?" She asked, at least until a tickle in her senses felt the approach of another.

Zaiya's eyes widened as the massive figures of the Beorni appeared from the snow, their hulking forms seeming to materialize from the very landscape itself. She had heard whispers of their kind, but nothing had prepared her for the sheer presence of them. She felt a warm ripple of turquoise glow across her skin as Arnor knelt down, offering his guidance with a deep, soothing voice.

"I take little ones to home. I guide."

Zaiya's gaze softened as she took a step forward, the glow of her skin shifting to a calmer hue. She could sense the reverence for Mother Midvinter in the air.

"This is so-o cool..." Zaiya murmured in excitement to Aris, Brander and Aadhir.

 

[Mykel Dawson]

Location: Just outside Beornstead
Objective (II): Learn Crafts and Spirits, Making Friends, Becoming Bearable to Reina
With: Reina Daival , OPEN

Reina replied in her typical brusque manner, as if it pained her to even speak to him. However, just like on Endor, Mykel wasn't easily put off by her attitude. Certain onions like her just required a little more patience.

"I suppose I was," he thought aloud, rubbing his chin with gloved fingers, slowly nudging along his speeder bike with his legs all the while, keeping perfect pace with her. Even though he was riding a speeder bike, he certainly didn't mind taking the scenic route to enjoy all the breathtaking views around them. "Though now I'm right next to you."

"It's all just a happy little accident," he answered more seriously. "I started my trip hanging out with some old Antarian Rangers that knew my dad in the Silver Jedi Order. Ashla, can they party! Now I'm headed to Beornstead to commune with their Shamen if they'll allow me. Hopefully I'll get in their good graces with a few treats that I brought along." He chuckled, only half serious. "I'm just trying to make the best of my time here before I have to link up with my master again for another assignment."

He nodded as she mentioned her lack of experience with cold planets. "I was born on Kashyyyk, just about the polar opposite of Midvinter. I do remember on Lifedays as a youngling, though, where the adults would freeze one of the lakes next to our temple for an ice rink, and generate artificial snow with force fields. We even had a Wookie fly around dropping off presents on a special snowspeeder. Good times."

As Reina suddenly picked up her gait through the snow, he shifted his gaze forward to see another group ahead of them, which included a Beorni. Excellent! From his slightly elevated position, off in the distance, he could begin to catch sight of the towers upon the highest most peaks that formed the great mountain city of Beornstead. They were so close now!

Yet he held back with Reina instead of immediately zooming off for the larger group ahead, even if she found his speeder (and perhaps him directly) annoying.

Arnor Oathkeeper Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos Brander Zaiya Ceti

 

[Audren Sykes]

Location: A hill peak in the forest
Objective: BYOO

Midvinter was not a tamed planet. If one happened to be caught in the wilderness unprepared the cold might freeze various sensitive bits rather uncomfortably. Animals roamed the wild, as animals do in the wilderness. These were Midvinter's animals though, sized in ratio to the Beorni. Only among the villages and those few places large enough to truly be called city was there sure to be shelter from the elements. That being said, there had been significant process in just the years Audren had been aware of the planet. Technology was not so frowned upon, visitors not quite so distrusted. Thurion and his extended family had much to do with that.

Some years back, Audren had been given permission to build a small retreat on the planet. It wasn't much larger than a cottage and anyone who wasn't specifically looking for it would probably never notice the place. The interior was fairly rustic, borrowing heavily from the native designs at time of construction, but had modern amenities. Instead of torches or lanterns there were glowlamps crafted to look and behave like the archaic items, and to cast visible light across the same general spectrum. Instead of an outhouse there was a fully-modern refresher unit hidden from view. A small fusion generator provided energy where needed, typically for heat and cooking. Not far away was a gully large enough to contain his starship, and the forest there was thick enough to hide it from the unsuspecting. It wasn't home, it was a place to come and think, or to simply get away from the day-to-day when necessary.

Due to some oddity of the local terrain, the acoustics of most ship arriving to Heavenheim carried to the area around the small abode, at least when using the typical flight paths. One, occasional ship attracted little attention, but the arrival of multiple was a curiosity. Audren happened to be out among the forest when the sound carried to him and he altered his path somewhat to take him to the top of a nearby hill where he had a distant view of the capital city. His movements made barely a sound as he moved through the foliage and no footprints were left behind in the wild snow. The light-footed not-Aelvar knew this section of the forest, and it knew him.

In the distance he could see a small troop of people dispersing into the city, and some headed down the highway towards the Beornstead. He couldn't be sure but thought there were multiple species involved, and some of them moved in the packs typical of family units. As it happened, the city appeared busier than normal and he seemed to remember there was some sort of festival or holiday going on. Or something. Even from this far out he could sense the eddies in the Force that came from trained users; at least some were Jedi then. He didn't worry about them sensing him: he'd never been a shining beacon of power to begin with, and with such a distance of forest between him and the city the chances of them even knowing he was there was slim.

He had nothing better to do for the time being, so he took in the festivities and idly prodded his memory for what was being celebrated.

 

[Nida Heavenshield]

Summer on Midvinter was not summer on Zeltros. Still, it invited travelers from beyond the stars.

The youngest of the Heavenshield children had only ever known the ice and snow of their home. In a way, Nida was a little reluctant to break the peace and tranquility of their lives by introducing them to the outside galaxy. A galaxy that had nearly torn her and Thirdas apart.

That did not mean that visitors were unwelcome - quite the opposite, actually.

At the sight of Buster, little Theya squirmed in her mother's arms.

"Puppy!" She squealed. "Pup-pyyy!"

Tulan was off with Papa, meaning that the toddler was bored. All of that vanished as they came upon Heavenheim and the sight of a dog bounding in the snow with another creature.

As soon as her boots touched the ground, she was off. Fortunately, her mother caught up with her and grabbed her hand before she could leap at the fluffy Aak dog.

"Easy now," Nida said as her daughter whined. She glanced up to Connel with a knowing smile. "Ask if you can pet him, first."

Theya's large, dark eyes blinked as she processed this information.

"Pet you?" Came her little voice, directed at Busted rather than Connel.

Connel Vanagor Kaelos Vryn OPEN

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil nodded slowly as he crouched down to listen to Aurra. A faint smile spread across his face as he did. His hunch was right. He nodded again, glancing up to Valery with a little smirk before turning to similarly whisper in Aurra's ear. "Why don't you look around and find something to get her real quick. I've got an idea on what I can get her. You signal me when you've found it, mm?"

He gave her a wink before he stood up and glanced over. Just in time to see the twin's assassination attempt. He did his best not to laugh, but the reality was he couldn't stifle it completely. It was reminiscent of Vera Noble 's assassination attempt of the previous chancellor. Perhaps the Noble blood was more suited for assassins than he'd thought before.

Kahlil gave a pretty simple nod to Nina. Thurion was a wonderful grandfather, that much was clear.

He stepped over beside Valery, shifting to hold one of her hands despite the glare from little Eryx. "I hope you've been well, Nina?"

Valery Noble | Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Wedding Ring

Valery's eyes followed Aurra as the little blonde practically beamed up at her father, thrilled to be trusted with her secret mission. "Mmhm!" she nodded with a serious little face, then turned and started walking off ahead, her steps light and determined. For once, she didn't reach back for her parents' hands — not because she didn't want to, but because for the first time in this trip, she didn't feel the need. She was brave. On a mission.

Valery watched her go with a soft, adoring smile.

"She's so gentle," she murmured, sliding her gloved fingers between Kahlil's as he stepped beside her. She leaned into him slightly, warm despite the chill in the air. "Even with all that Noble fire in her, she's still… soft. I hope she never loses that."

Her free hand gently shifted Eryx's weight, nestled snugly in her arms — and immediately, she felt the heat of his little glare. His green eyes narrowed at Kahlil. He wriggled slightly, making a point to turn away from his father and cling harder to Valery's coat, possessive in the way only a youngest son could be.

"And you," Valery said with a small laugh, brushing her nose against his temple, "Are ridiculous." Meanwhile, Yvaine, tucked into the bundle in her father's arms, squinted one eye up at her mother with similar suspicion.

A chorus of squeals suddenly rang out to their left.

Aeryn and Adam were struck by their own snowballs mid-charge, flailing with exaggerated yelps as Thurion's playful counterattack found its mark. "Wha—hey!" Aeryn cried, giggling as she stumbled into her brother, snow in her hair. "No fair!"

"Get him!" Adam gasped, pointing dramatically.

"GRANDPA!" they both yelled, before launching back into the fray, scooping up more snow and charging the King of Winter with glee.

Valery turned just as a blur of motion zipped back toward them. Aurra came running through the crowd, boots crunching in the snow, her cheeks pink with excitement. She slid to a stop in front of Kahlil, breath puffing little clouds into the air, and reached up to take his hand again with both of hers.

"I found something, Daddy!" she said fiercely, tugging him just a little. She was bouncing on the balls of her feet, eyes wide and secretive. Clearly, this was very serious business.

Valery tilted her head, amused. "Should I be worried?" she teased under her breath, already knowing the answer. These little moments — the laughter, the schemes, the joy — were the best thing in the Galaxy.

Kahlil Noble Thurion Heavenshield ​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Clothes, Earring, Bangle
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

"Do you know the Beorni? I haven't heard much of them myself, but apparently there were a couple Jedi in the past."

"I can't say that I've heard of them before today" Aadihr responded, leading the group to approach the guard that greeted them. "I also don't believe I've met this fiery fellow," he said, acknowledged the perched creature on Aris's shoulder.

Brander's struggle concerned Aadihr, but Zaiya was quick to help. If Aadihr coddled the boy it might make him self conscious, especially with how his aura fluctuated when he observed Aris and Aadihr.

Aadihr continued as if he didn't notice, save but for a small smile. He was relieved that Zaiya was helping the boy, and thankful he didn't have to intervene and spoil Brander's attempts at keeping up.

"Am Arnor," . "I guard. I protect."
"This Beornstead,". "Home of Beorni."

"Greetings, and thank you for your hospitality. I am Knight Lidos, and bring with me Padawans Aris Noble , Zaiya Ceti , and also Brander ."

Aadihr intentionally left the verbiage loose for Brander, but the minutia of his padawanship status was beyond the scope of what the Beorni likely cared about, Aadihr assumed.

Aadihr stood to the side to let the younger pupils approach the Bear-man themselves. Perhaps the appearance was more spectacular to one who was sighted, but the aura of most sentient species through the force sight was much like any other, instead identifying one by their emotions, alignment, and intentions how one might identify someone by eye and hair color, or height and build.

Aris Noble Brander Zaiya Ceti Arnor Oathkeeper​

 

[Azurine Varek]

It's Been A While

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Companion: Cinnamon
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azzie couldn't help the chuckle that seemed to escape from her lips when Buster was so quick to jump right back at Cinnamon, taking the bait of her chittering and practically chasing each other into snowbanks. That chuckle, however, became straight-up laughter as soon as the young racyon had balled up enough snow to drop on the dog's head. It was a laughter that was difficult to maintain, turning slowly into coughs that she quickly turned her head to stifle. "Too bad I didn't take Sugar along. Actually, you know what, the world is not ready for that level of goofing."

"You heard me! You're becoming a little lazybutt."

Even Cinnamon looked offended by that, her honey-colored eyes aghast and letting out a chitter with arms crossed. Only briefly, before going back to what she was doing before, which was attempting to chase Buster's tail. Letting out an overdramatic gasp, Azzie moved over to the two, "What in the galaxy do you mean?!" She scratched behind both his ears and under his chin with both hands as she spoke, "He's just a little fluff ball, isn't that right, buddy? There's just more to love. Yeah? What a good boy!"

Her violet eyes scanned back to Connel, her joking smirk from before fading to something softer. She noticed the patterns in his aura, something akin to worry about something, but it was interwoven with the genuine joy that came from watching your pet have a good time, making note of it for later. "I don't know if I ever really got the chance to thank you for everything you did for Iridonia—" She started, but before she got the chance to say anything more, a young voice was loud and piercing through the air.

"Puppy!"

Cinnamon immediately stopped playing with Buster's tail, and copper- and dusty-colored fur fluffed up. She made a beeline towards Azzie, climbing up her leg and across her back to peek her head over one of the Iridonians' shoulders, suspiciously eyeing the source of the squeal. Brushing some of her black hair from her face, Azzie shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh before patting the racyon's head in comfort. "She just needs a minute to get her bearings." She spoke with a soft smile, hoping the girl wouldn't be too startled by the response of her companion.

Connel Vanagor | Nida Heavenshield​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

HOME AWAY FROM HOME
MIDVINTER
HEAVENHEIM (OBJ I)

The great city of Heavenheim lay sprawled beneath the crystalline Midvinter sky, its towering halls and silvered battlements gleaming like ancient memories reborn. The cold mountain air shimmered in the waning light, and the banners of the House of Heavenshield flapped proudly along the high terraces, their blue and white sigils dancing against the heavens.

High atop one of the garden overlooks, Jedi Shadow Connel Vanagor stood sentinel, even on a “family visit”, his silhouette broad and quiet against the vastness. His dark cloak, weathered by a hundred worlds, stirred at his boots. Here, amid the home of heroes, Connel found a rare peace — not in the clash of blades or the whisper of espionage, but in the simple, fleeting moments that even war could not touch, family.
At his feet, a smaller and far more animated battle unfolded. Buster — his ever-enthusiastic pup, a bundle of fur and fire — frolicked in delighted chaos with Cinnamon, the mischievous racyon belonging to Padawan Azurine Varek. The two raced and tumbled over the frost-kissed grass, darting between the marble pillars and ancient stone benches like living sparks of life.

Cinnamon folding her arms reminded him of Ryana's Racyon “Pip” sticking out his tongue. Then when Azurine was talking, Connel folded his arms, smirked and nodded.

Think nothing of it. It’s what we do.
Connel watched with a faint, knowing smile. He could feel the Force weaving between them — vibrant, full of movement, an echo of the Living Force’s endless joy.
Then he felt it — a rush of tiny footsteps.

He turned slightly, just in time to see Nida Heavenshield struggling to hold back her daughter, Tulan — a whirlwind of giggles, excitement practically radiating from her small form. The child pointed with both hands toward Buster, her golden hair catching the sun, her voice carrying clear across the terrace.

"Easy now," ... "Ask if you can pet him, first."

She gave Connel a knowing smile. Nida knew Buster, and how friendly he is, but he would not move without permission.

"Pet you?"

she cried, her entire being alight with innocent wonder.

Buster froze mid-play, Cinnamon tumbling past him without a care. The pup's bright eyes locked onto Connel's and back to Tulan, back and forth, back and forth rapidly, pleading, vibrating with restrained excitement. His body quivered with the desire to sprint forward — but he held, waiting, as if understanding there was something sacred in the moment.

Connel crouched low, one armored knee creaking against the stone, and set a steadying hand on Buster’s head. His voice, low and rich, carried a weight that was half instruction, half blessing.

Well, Buster, he said, speaking to the pup with the seriousness of a council decree, what do you think? Shall we make another new friend today?

Buster's tail thumped eagerly, and Connel gave a soft chuckle.

I thought so.

He leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur only Buster could hear.

But remember... she's little. Be gentle.

It was all the permission Buster needed.

With a joyful bark that seemed to split the air, the pup launched forward — yet stopped himself with almost supernatural restraint mere feet before Tulan. He planted his paws firmly, sat back on his haunches, and tilted his head, tail sweeping wide swaths across the ground.

For a long moment, the world held its breath.

The wind sang among the towers, and the light of the twin suns crowned the child and the pup in molten gold. Around them, the life of Heavenheim flowed onward — but here, in this small circle, the galaxy itself seemed to pause in quiet reverence.

Connel rose slowly to his full height, arms folding once more across his broad chest. His sharp, battle-hardened features softened, a small, proud smile tugging at his lips.

Good boy, he murmured, a deep warmth coloring the words.

And as the shadows lengthened and the stars of Midvinter began to kindle above, Connel Vanagor — Jedi Shadow, wanderer, and silent guardian — stood watch over the simplest kind of victory: the unbreakable bond of trust, innocence, and the Light that could never be extinguished.

Nida Heavenshield • Azurine Varek​

 

[Brander]

Aris Noble Brander Zaiya Ceti Arnor Oathkeeper Aadihr Lidos

"So, how long have you been in the Jedi Order? I haven't seen you before, so are you a part of one of the other temples?"

Wow... she’s really nice, Brander thought, blinking in surprise at the way her presence seemed to glow. There was something bright and unshakably kind about her, and it caught him off guard. He shuffled a little behind the others, trying to seem casual as he listened to her and her companion speak. But when she turned her attention to him, the question sent a spike of nervous energy through his chest. His mouth opened slightly before his mind caught up. “Oh… uh… I’m, uh…” he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"Friend is right,"

Brander blinked again, relieved by the interruption, thank the Force. The towering forms approaching stole his attention instantly. Wait; those weren’t just creatures… they talked? What were they called? Beorni? His breath hitched slightly as awe flickered across his face. Whatever he'd been trying to say to Zaiya melted into the wind.

"I take little ones to home. I guide." The gentle giant got down on all fours, placing himself more on their eye level. He was no stranger to off-worlders, after all. "You follow. Warm hands on fur," he offered before setting out, in case they felt cold.

Brander hesitated for only a second, then stepped forward, eyes wide and hands outstretched. The warmth of the fur met his palms like an invitation he hadn’t realized he needed. “Th-thank you, Mister Arnor,” he said softly, his voice catching in his throat from both the cold and the wonder of it all. He held on gently, as if afraid to disturb the large being.

"This is so-o cool..." Zaiya murmured in excitement to Aris, Brander and Aadhir.

Brander nodded a little, his breath clouding in the air as he smiled faintly. “Uh huh… I’ve never seen anything like this,” he murmured back, fingers threading carefully through the fur, more like a child dreaming than a 'Padawan' on assignment.

 

[Aris Noble]

"This is Cinder. Master Si and I found him on Cathar." Aris smiled softly. It was a good memory, if a little sad that Cinder didn't have a home to return to. But, at least they had each other now. The fire bird didn't stay long before it took off again, fluttering up into the sky in a glow of red. Just in time for Aris to stare off at the sight of movement.

Oh.

Aris blinked as he stared up at the Beorni. It was a rare thing for him to have to look up at someone, especially lately given how tall he was. And yet here he was, staring up at the Beorni. Then down towards Aadihr. These were the Berni. He smiled wild. grnned even, as he nodded in agreement to what Zaiya had said.

This really was awesome.

Aadihr Lidos | Brander | Arnor Oathkeeper | Zaiya Ceti