Private Once & Future King

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Norvegr-fen, Northmark​

It was a crisp winter morning on the final road to Norvegr-fen, capital of the Northmark and seat of the Warden of the North. His firstborn. His oldest son, and his family. It had now been several weeks since Thurion's ascension to Midvinter's throne, and still the once-orphan was only just coming to grasp with his newly-received rank and station. All his life he'd dedicated himself to serving others, from the moment he was inducted into the Jedi Order; even when granted his own lordship over the city of Heavenheim, he'd still considered himself a servant of his brother's. His liege.

Hence his pledge on the hour of his coronation that he would now be a servant to his entire people, and that through the powers invested in him he would strive to make life better for all. Such was his personal justification for assuming his late brother's throne, so that this newfound position of power would not outweigh his devotion to the Jedi teachings of his youth.

While riding for Norvegr-fen at the head of the insisted-upon escort comprised of his ever-loyal Lionguard, now turned royal bodyguard, Thurion was able to on his own take in the scenery of his homeland properly once more. So much in his life recently was constantly overshadowed by the terrible acts of the Crone; appreciation of nature being one of them. Such horrid images of death and destruction lingered on his mind, and yet as he now took the time to look out over the snowy hills and mountains, the frozen lakes and deep forests, he was able to fall in love with this world once more.

His thoughts turned to his beloved wife, and how they in their youth would go on long rides exploring his father's homeworld with fresh curiosity. How easy life had seemed by today's standards.

"There she is," he remarked under his breath upon cresting the next hill, gazing upon the city at last. He couldn't remember the last time he visited; could it have been as far back as the birth of his granddaughter? Years ago, now.

Thurion urged his steed onwards, making their way down the slope to fall in with the well-trafficked highway leading right up to the front entrance. There was no fanfare signalling his arrival - for he had made sure to hide the horn from its incessant blower on the way there - save for two within his retinue bearing the royal banner of House Heavenshield. Even without these insignias however, the workers and traders coming and going stopped along the wayside to offer their respects. They were all met with a kind smile from their new king, regardless of how uneasy these public displays made him feel.

Once through the gates and inside the city, Thurion was glad to find he was not being surrounded by another massive throng. Instead he calmly got off his horse and stood still for a while as he took in the sight of ordinary folk going about their day, be it the chopping of wood for tonight's fire or the skinning or plucking of today's hunt. Simple things he so loved to observe from the comfort of his porch back home.

For the time being, the Lion King enjoyed his relative anonymity.

Théodred Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The weeks after the coronation, the Heavenshield family that resided in the Northmark had spent that time with each other, just as the families that called the north their home had done. The mundane things that seem to take great importance in one’s life had been forgotten so a while and in stead was a renewed sense of what was truly important, to themselves and to the Mark. It would the same across Midvinter, after the great war, there was much to be done, but they had time for that now. Families, however, did not, it was time to take stock. It would be all to soon for normality to return.

Today would be different.

There was a buzz in the air of Norvegr-fen, people up early and busy with chores to make the city look as best it came. The word had got about that the King would be visiting and today was the day of his arrival. There were scouts on the road, in the fens and children climbing to great heights to gain a vantage point to be the first to spot the banners. Thora was one of them.

The whole city was abuzz with excitement.

The King’s visit was not secret by any means, Théo made sure of that, making the announcement himself at that last meeting with the clans of the mark. He made sure they understood that his father would be expecting them there, dressed in their finest clothing and sporting all the banners for if they didn’t, they might draw his wrath. He even went as far as telling childhood stories, Théo the Red was called due to the constant beatings from his father’s iron fisted rule over them all.

When the clansmen left the meeting, Théo chuckled and had turned to his Thora, “That was overkill wasn’t it”, she nodded agreeing but laughed along with him.

~oOo~​

The horns of Norvegr-fen sounded, three long trumpets to signal the arrival of the King, the second time they had sounded since the city had been built. Firstly, for The Phoenix King and now his father. “Anyone seen Thora?”, Théo bellowed through the grandhall, “Ylva are you ready?, he is here”. His big black fur cloak whirled in a circle as he threw it around his shoulders.

“Lady Thora up early this morning Mi’lord, hasn’t seen her since”. One of the hall staff informed him as she passed him.



Thurion Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"I sent her off with her friends, Théodred..." Ylva's voice came from the adjoining room, calling out with a hint of amusement buried behind the call to her beloved. Her Husband was full of energy with his Father's arrival, though he had apparently forgotten their familial ties where he instead had spent the passed few days organizing for a King's bounty.

Thora Heavenshield had indeed woken up early this morn', though it was by her Mothers hand that she'd been dragged from the comfort and warmth of her bed. Ylva had lost count in how many moons had passed overhead since the last time she had spent any true time with her Daughter.

The young Pup had grown far too quickly in all that she had experienced during the war beside her Father, and Ylva had not been with them during that time but instead ensuring that Clan Harvardr kept watch over the Westgate Pass and Warsung Village while also ensuring their maintained their own lands during the dark times.

"I took her out on a hunt at first light this morn'..." Ylva continued as she found her way to the entrance to the great hall and looked upon her beloved with an almost patronizing glare accompanied by a wry smirk that would speak loudly of her amusement in him; "Pace yourself, my Love. He is still your Father, after all...". King or not, Ylva would always look upon Thurion with great fondness as her one and true Fatherly-figure, he of her Husband's blood and a most doting Grandfather to their young Thora whom had a rather sly way of getting all that she wished out of the older man.

"She and her friends are probably off chasing the boys..." Ylva added specifically to wind him up further, laughing quietly under her breath as she approached. "There's little else to do, you've taken care of everything" she reached up to brush his cheek, "Relax" she added with a sense of finality, almost as if giving him an order".

Thurion Heavenshield | Théodred Heavenshield​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He did not stay put for long, however. After taking in the sights, Thurion took to wandering the streets of Norvegr-fen at his own leisure. Each passing minute more and more people took to lining the path he strode down, followed by his retinue of armed guards. Their king would soon stop and turn to their captain, asking that they stand down and return to tend to the horses. If he could not walk safely amongst his people, then what was the point?

Thurion made sure to stop and greet each and everyone he came across, inquiring about their day and the state of their families. Most of whom he asked had lost at least one relative in the Great War, as it had become known. Far as Thurion was concerned, it was great in scope only. There were many wounds that needed healing, in every corner of the world.

It was then that he spotted one particular girl among the highest branches of a nearby tree, along with several more children her age. He sauntered over to them with his hands at his back, looking up at his granddaughter. "I thought that was you, Pup," he called her by her nickname given to her by her mother, smiling as he did.

Thurion then held out his arms, bidding her to come down. She slipped off the lowest branch into his embrace. "Oof, you're starting to get heavy! What have they been feeding you?" He placed a kiss upon her forehead before then offering to give her a piggy-back ride as they resumed the journey further into the city together.

King or no, a grandfather always had time to make his grandchild happy. He relished the role of grandparent, be it for his blood-related kin or no; in a sense, it was like being a parent again only without the constant concern to raise the little ones. Thus allowing him to focus on the fun aspects, like playing or eating candies!

"Hey, Thora?" Thurion turned his head to look straight into Thora's eyes as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "This, right here? It will never change, no matter what. I promise." Titles be damned, they would not come between him and his own family. It was a rare moment of solemnity between the two, until laughter found their lips once more.

Théodred Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Riding high on the shoulders of her grandpapa, Thora smiled and waved to the crowd as they passed them all. She was enjoying herself even if her grandpapa wasn't. "I love you grandpapa", she said and leaned down to kiss the top of his head. "Can I still come visit you?", not sure if he would have the time these days with all his royal duties and all. He reassured her that nothing would change, well everything had changed! but deep down she knew what he meant and it was enough to satisfy her. "You got a big grand hall now to live in?". Surely grandmama and grandpapa would not remain in the lake house! Beside them both, her friends ran giggling and playing along the way to the steps of her home, although some of the adults tried their best to shoo them away and let the King be at peace, nothing worked when it came to children and besides the King did not seem to mind on little bit.

Meanwhile...

"Boys!", Théo turned on his wife with a serious look, before he realised she was teasing him. "Damn it Ylva, that time will come too soon for my liking". He let out a long sigh, children on Midvinter grow up way too fast, it is in their genes. He had been no different. Her soft beautiful face looked up at him and Théo couldn't help himself. His lips pressed to her's firmly as his arms wrapped around her waist pulling her closer. "I am relaxed", he spoke as their lips parted and a smirk formed. "The only thing I am worried about is getting a smack over the head for telling the lords to bow and crap to him", he had to chuckle. There was always that element of the young mischievous boy he had once been. This was a part of him, that had never been dulled by war or any misfortune in life.

"We need to hunt, I have not done so in such a long time", he did like the thrill of it but duty had always called him to order. Ylva was far better at it than he was.

It was time to meet his father, the sounds outside the grand hall told of his approach. "For the love of the gods Ylva you can't greet the King in your hunting clothes!", he turned her and pushed at her toward the step, teasing her, but the real excuse was so he could man handle her rump.


Ylva Heavenshield | Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

The look of alarm from her beloved Husband was exactly the reaction she'd been phishing for, and the moment his startled expression softened and he visibly recognized the ploy behind her remark, Ylva couldn't help but abruptly laugh at him. "If she's anything like how we were when we first met, my love, we'll be fortunate if she avoids killing the poor Lad" she reminded Théodred Heavenshield of that fateful day back on Nirauan. Ylva had been far more wild and careless back then, only out for herself and having been taught that way by a firm hand and poor excuse for a Father that ever did draw breath.

The red haired woman however was quickly swept up within his arms, and grinning against his lips before leaning into him with a heated passionate moment. It was a deep and loving kiss, filled with great desire for her man whom she so enjoyed taking the initiative. Ever still, they did not have the day to spend it beneath the furs of their bedchambers, and Théodred parted from her, instead to make a chastising remark about her attire. It was all in good humor, but far be it for Ylva to not respond as though he had hurt her pride, equal in humor the tone that barked back at him, "Gods pray for the fool who talks foul about a woman's attire, you old goat" she smirked, darting away from him as he tried to give her a cheeky slap of the hind quarters.

"If it weren't for you and that damned cheeky smile of yours, I'd still be happily out hunting in the wilds of Nirauan" she retorted, though they both knew that in truth that was the last thing she ever wanted to go back to. Théodred had given her a Daughter, a loving and honorable family and what's more, their family only seemed to be growing larger...

"Shouldn't you be off welcoming the old man?" Ylva goaded him as he stood there gawking as she dressed, "You can play with yourself later" she added for that extra bite. Truth be told it wouldn't take her long to change into a slimming green dress with golden embroidery down the right side depicting the Midvinter tree of life, a folktale from days long since gone. Ylva was at home out in the wilds, and she had no hesitation or fear of showing it in the way she dressed. Nature was the truest beauty most innocent.

Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion came to a stop and raised Thora over his head again, placing her down on the ground before kneeling to her level. He cupped her small hands inside his much larger ones, hands that had been through a lot over their lifetime.

"Hey, I'm serious. People may call me 'king' from now on, but to you I'll always be 'grandpapa'. And as your grandpapa nothing would make me happier than to see my little girl whenever she decides to visit."

He offered her another kind smile before placing a kiss upon her hands in his, only to lick his thumb and rub some dirt off her cheek. She then stepped forward to wrap her slender arms around his neck and he put his around her small frame, holding her tightly. Even when I'm no longer here, I'll still always be your grandpapa.

It was during their embrace that a man came forth to address him. One of Théo's men, from the looks of it. "Your Grace--" Thurion raised his hand briefly behind Thora's back. "Young man, I am hugging my grandchild." There was no malice in his tone, letting the look on his face speak for him. It was enough to silence the lad, although his presence alone was enough to cause distraction. The King sighed as the embrace came to an end.

"Fire away, son."

"Your Grace, his lordship sends his greetings and wishes to inform you to meet him at the Warden's hall. Your Grace." It was a stilted delivery, from a stiff posture. Rising to his feet with Thora clutching his hand at his side, Thurion's head tilted to the side. "How old are you, son?" The young man fidgeted a bit, afraid to meet his gaze.

"I'm s-sixteen, Your Grace."

A nod from the King. "And, what should I call you?" There was a pause, mostly due to nerves from the lad. "My name is Jory, Sire. I-I run messages for Lord Greythorne, he's the--" Thurion placed his hand upon the boy's shoulder. "It's alright, Jory. I know who Bors is. Run along now, you performed your duty with distinction."

A nervous smile from Jory before he took off to report back to Bors. "I guess we'd best not leave them hanging," he turned to Thora and winked.

~oOo~
​

They finally found themselves standing before the grand hall of the Warden of the North. Long, black banners hung on either side of the entrace, carrying the sigil of his son's house in the form of the White Stag. Though they may bear different coat of arms, House Heavenshield was one house. The same was true for many large clans across Midvinter, where younger generations establish their own personal banners.

There once existed a record of every Valkyri clan throughout their long history, but it was lost when Tháinbroek fell.

Before the grand hall stood a retinue of Northern honour guard, and a horn announced the High King's arrival. "Hail, Thurion King," the announcer then cried aloud, prompting the honour guard to stand at attention in unison.

"This is the part I'll never get used to," Thurion leaned over to whisper to his granddaughter.

Théodred Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He was about to grab for his wife once more, for her cheek but the doors to the grand hall flung open, and that put an end to it. “Hail, Thurion King”, bellowed the herald. Théo rolled his eyes in disappointment, the herald was supposed to be grander than that! Valkyri just don’t have any sense of play sometimes. At least the honour guard was in place and looking stiff and forthright.

Théo strode down the length of the grand hall, not as big as Thainbroek had been but it was grand enough for the likes of entertaining royalty. As he approached his father, Théo swept into a low position, bending one knee and dramatically swirling his black cloak behind him. “My liege, welcome to the Northmark. Please accept my humble apologies in the lack of grandeur of my hearth, and the fare of my food, and the grubby face of my daughter”. He looked up now, and grinned with cheek at his father, before winking at Thora still atop his shoulders.

Behind him, Théo could hear the mutterings of the hall staff all excited to be here on the day the King came to visit. And they would attend him which was even more exciting and nerve racking. Slowly Théo rose to his feet, and all pretence fell away, and he smiled before taking both his father and daughter into an embrace. Foreheads pressed together as they greeted each other as the Heavenshield’s do.

“Your bones must be cold from the journey, come to the fire father”. Helping Thora down, she scurried away to find some food, as she had skipped breakfast before the hunt. Théo removed his own cloak and threw it over the nearest bench, and took the fire making sure it was stoked.

He looked into his father’s face, it was amazing to see the change in him since the war had ended and the crone dead. He was the man he knew and admired all these years, now standing again in front of him. Thirdas, Nina and himself had been so worried but now their father had returned to them.


Thurion Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

"Hail, Thurion King".

Did Ylva really just hear one of their men greet her Father-in-Law like that? No 'My Liege' but to call him by his first name...-Gods, Théodred would no doubt be fuming over it. Between she and her Husband, they were allowed to look upon the King with the affection and humility that came with their being family; But for one of their kinsman to do so was inappropriate. Their intentions were good, yet it would likely not stop her beloved from giving them an earful once the initial welcome was done and out of the way.

Draping a fur cloak atop her shoulders, Ylva Heavenshield would soon enter out into the hall where Théodred was already fussing about his Father's health; "Your Father's fine, my love." Ylva spoke up with a reassuring tongue, soon looking to Thurion himself and smiling fondly to him. "Your Grace..." she greeted him with a hint of jest in her tone, however went the distance to bow before him as was only fit for the respect of such a great man. As the Lady of the House, those others of Théodred's men would follow in bow, taking her queue and apparently not wishing to show any lack of regard towards their King, themselves.

Looking to their daughter Thora Heavenshield, Ylva silently called to her with her left hand, bringing her into a tight embrace before placing a kiss to her forehead and letting her go free to her own once more. Walking alongside Théo, she joined her Husband and Father-in-Law by the Hearth, finding the warmth to be comforting despite her giving Théodred some grief over his fussing.

"I do hope your ride was comfortable, Father" she looked back upon Thurion once more, drawing a chair for him so that he might make take the weight off of his feet after such a journey. Horseback or no, such a distance was arduous across Midvinter.

Théodred Heavenshield | Thurion Heavenshield​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Witnessing his son's overly dramatic display in greeting his father, Thurion rolled his eyes and shook his head. Once Théo had finished his spiel, he simply stepped towards him and gave him a playful slap on the shoulder. "Shut up, boy," he said and pulled Théo to his feet before embracing him like only a father could.

By the time Ylva appeared the honour guard was dismissed, marching out the door to resume their regular duties, leaving the family in peace. "My lady," he returned his daughter-in-law's fine greeting with mirth, knowing how she too loathed to be called such.

He was then practically being led by the arm to the nearest hearth by both husband and wife, and the elder could not refrain from voicing his objections. "Hey now, I may only be getting older but I'm no frail bit of glass! Gods, where is Bors when I need him..." Old Grey-Boar would have set them all straight!

Despite his objections he was taken by the pair to a comfy chair to sit by the fire. "Well actually, now that you mention it... I wouldn't mind putting my feet up, just a little bit." The heat radiating from the fire proved incredibly soothing to his weary bones, chilled by the long journey.

"Ah, but bless you, my sweet children," he spoke next, looking up at them with fatherly adoration. But then the hearth's flames got his attention, and for a while he did nothing but stare into them, causing his smile to slowly deteriorate. At that moment he thought of his beloved brother. He sighed deeply.

"I, uh..." he broke his own silence, figuring there was little reason beating around the bush. "I admit, did not come all this way just to see how you are holding up after that... that terrible battle." He found himself fidgeting, which in turn prompted him to stop. Instead he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees with intent in his eyes.

"I have been made the High King of Midvinter. The rebuilding of what was lost at the hands of the Crone falls to me, as well as preparing for whatever the future might bring to this world of ours. Maintaining the alliance Thyrian built from the ground up, providing for the many refugees who still roam in search of a new place to call home, coordinating with the other marks about various matters of import," he listed but a few concerns weighing on his mind.

"My work is laid out before me. This will be my focus for the forseeable future, perhaps until the day I am no more." His gaze turned to Théo in particular. "I know these are not words either of you wish to hear, but they must be said; when I am gone, there must be another ready to assume the leadership of Midvinter. To lead our people into the future."

He reached out to place his hand upon his firstborn's.

"I want that person to be you, Théodred."

Théodred Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Bless you my sweet children? Now Théo really did know his father was in his dotage. He looked toward Ylva with a grin he was trying to hide.

He pulled up a seat for Ylva by the fire, as well as one for himself. Very quickly, the Hall staff had something warm to eat and drink before them all, just a snack until the main meal of the day. And of course, a jug of blue milk. Théo has never touched the stuff since the day he learns what creature, and where it come from. His father has been a Skywalker fanboy for as long as he remembers, quite frankly Obi-wan was more Théo’s cup of tea, and if he had to follow his idol as his father did, tea was much more palatable.

However, when his father began to speak about his reason for venturing all the way to the Northmark, “Well, the city did not suffer but the people did quiet considerably. We lost so many men and women, families have been destroyed”, there was a pause.

“Some of the refugees have filtered north and have been placed in homes and given provisions to help them through the coming winter. We will be stretched thin, but we will all make it, I will make sure of that”.

He sipped on his brew of caf and leaned closer to the fire as if the coming winter was already here. He rolled his eyes as the mention of his father not being around, how many times had he heard that! From all members of his family at some point. But he did not let his father see it. There were still many years left in the old man, as long as Midvinter did not become under siege again.

But all his mirth fell away at his last statement, and Théo turned his head to face his father once more, slowly sitting back up. “I.. err. I understand father”, it was a serious matter to consider and quite frankly, Théo did not know what to say. He had lead man before, still doing it in fact, so he knew he had the capacity. But running an army is not the same as an entire planet of people that completely rely on you for guidance and direction and above all, protection.

Was Théo frightened by the idea of one day becoming King? Oh yes.

He got up and kneed before his father, this time not in jest, took his hand and kissed it, as a subject would to their king. “You honour me beyond words my lord. When the day comes, I will accept”.


Thurion Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Ylva sat there staring back at Thurion Heavenshield blankly. Her Husband seemed to be taking it rather well all things considered, Théodred Heavenshield responded with great poise given the weight of his Father's offer. The first year they'd spent together, her Husband had been involved with the Iron Empire, leading troops into battle against dissidents of the Chiss.

Midvinter was entirely different of course, they weren't part of some Galactic Government, this was their home. The Heavenshields were a part of Midvinter as much so as the Mountains were connected to the World, the rivers and streams the veins and lifeblood of the ecosystem. For Ylva, her history was very detached from Midvinter, however the Force had brought them together and in doing so somehow worked to reconnect her to Clan Havardr from which her Mother was born.

"Clan Havardr took in many of the Refugee's on their way through the Westgate Pass" Ylva added, following up on what Théodred had explained; "Their numbers have almost doubled, which should add to the stability of the region" she was rather pleased with it, Clan Havardr had been something of a dark-horse since the usurper had muddied their reputation, and the feud between them and Clan Solveig.

Théodred being named King however was change of a vastly different level, Ylva had barely accepted the fact that Thurion's appointed position made her a Princess, Théo a Prince. Their Children were royalty now, and that brought change in how the people looked to them, spoke and over-all regarded them. Of course the Heavenshields had always been adored for their efforts over Midvinter's safety and well-being.

"Gods be kind, that will be no day soon" she remarked with a hint of skepticism.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He knew that there would be some resistance to the idea. Gods know he himself would have preferred nothing more than to remain anonymous; lead a life away from public duty, as he had intended when he retired from the Silver Jedi a long time ago. It was duty that kept him in the spotlight, for when his own brother asked him to be named a lord of Midvinter and take on the newly created title of Warden of the Westmark, he could not refuse the call to serve his homeworld.

Family, Duty, Honour. It was in his chosen house motto. Ahead of one's personal honour, there comes duty to one's people. A virtue only ever surpassed by loving and protecting one's family.

The fact remained however, that the future of Midvinter rested on his shoulders. Should those shoulders slump and crumble, there was no-one better fit to pick up the burden than his oldest boy. As Théo kneeled before him, addressing him as his liege lord, Thurion cupped his son's face with both hands, staring him in those eyes mirroring his own.

"You are of my blood, Théodred. It is the highest hope of any good father that his children not only outlast him, but also surpass him. You are still a young man, with your whole life ahead of you. Your future deeds will outshine any triumph of mine, I know it."

He gave him a gentle pat on his cheek before placing a kiss on his forehead, only to then rise from his chair and warm his hands by the fire.

"It is not a burden I am eager to place upon you, my son. I have considered all options regarding the future leader of our people. As much as I believe your sister capable of the task, I fear that her lack of Valkyri blood will not have the respect of the other clans. For an offworlder to dictate the course of our people, proud as they are? Some of the great houses would not hear of it, and would seek leadership in another clan. The realm would be divided, and civil war would break out. We cannot risk it."

There was a pause, as if expecting the natural follow-up question from Théo.

"And as for your brother, well... Thirdas may have my blood, and he's a good fighter, which would entice the clans to follow him. But what our world needs is not some warrior-king like in ages past - they need someone level-headed, who can play the part of diplomat as well as wartime leader. Statesmanship."

He shook his head before turning to the pair.

"I am sorry for springing this on the two of you so suddenly. But for the time being, and Force willing for a long time to come, you may resume your lives here in Norvegr-fen as they are now. Until the time comes, when you will be called upon to pledge your life to Midvinter..."

Thurion placed a hand upon his son's shoulder, then Ylva's. His gaze drifted away however as thoughts turned to past events which had led him here.

"...as I have."

Théodred Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He considered all his father’s words seriously, this was going to be a heavy burden to carry when the time comes, which he hoped would be a very long time to come yet. His father was right about Nina, although the Valkyri have come a long way since his father first stepped foot on the planet years ago, and the years to follow, when they began to know of the existence of others in the galaxy, and their differing ways of life. Not to mention that they can bring influence on Midvinter, for good or bad.

They still have a lot to learn, to develop as a people, and give equality to others. It is part of a culture that will be slow to change. But that will come, it will have to if they are to grow and live in a galaxy ever growing smaller.

“Father, taking on this .. burden .. is one I will not take lightly. I have seen the effects in the past within the family and what that can do. But I have also seen the benefits of it, the way in which Grandpapa ruled, Thyrian and now with you. Who in this galaxy could have been better to rule? From the three of you, I have learned much and will continue to do so as you rule. There are no better people to guide me in the future”.

He stood up and turned to Ylva, “But I will not make this decision without the support of my wife. After all this affects her just as much as it affects me. Life will change Ylva, and we must change with it. From this day until our last”. Already the people of Midvinter will view them differently, they already had in the Northmark, even Thora was noticing it. Suddenly her friends were acting strangely around her, and even growing distant from her but not out of malice but because of respect.


Thurion Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Truth be told, Ylva may have been in a bit of denial in regards to how drastic of a change this would bring. It was not outrageous to say that she was still very wild inside, and acting like some Noble Woman, let alone a Queen was not something she had ever suspected to be in her coming years. However, nor had she ever expected to be welcomed into a loving, honorable family as the Heavenshields had accepted her. Théodred Heavenshield was the man in her life that she had spent her younger years swearing never existed and was a farce and false hope to ever want for herself. To put it plainly, her life had already changed so drastically since coming to meet her now-Husband; And she had never been one to run from a fight.

Her right hand reached up to brush Théodred's cheek as he turned to her, she looking to him with a loving smile, appreciative of his consideration for her thoughts on the matter. It was kind of him to do so, most especially before his Father and the offer that lay before them. Thurion Heavenshield wasn't likely to be surprised of course, he too being one of honor and having raised his Son to become the man whom stood with her this day. Even so, this was not an offer to be refused.

"That's very sweet of you" Ylva answered Théodred, her words genuine and heartfelt where as most days the sentiment would likely be goading and playful; Today she meant it truly. "However Midvinter is my Home and you have all given me more than I could have ever expected, living back on Nirauan. Through your Family I've not only found love, but I've found my place in the Galaxy. There is no part of me who would deny you this honor, and I will stand with you as I have since our first hunt" she referred to the day where Théodred had of course taken down the buck that she had been hunting, absent in his awareness of the fact. The day he had retrieved her knife without her consent and nearly had his eyes blackened for it.

Turning to look upon Théodred's Father, she lowered her head out of respect and thanks. A gesture that wasn't at all something she did often. "On the day the Gods invite you to dine at their table, your Son will live up to your example. And may they have mercy on anyone who argues this, for I would not" she tilted her head sideways, grinning back to her Husband whom knew just how good she was with her Axe's.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion could not have been more proud of his son when he turned to his wife and asked of her thoughts on the very serious subject. The two had proven an immensely strong couple and an unbeatable duo, as a true pairing should be like. Not unlike the young man's mother and father. Watching them interact could only ever put a smile on his face.

As they informed him of their combined decision to accept, Thurion simply stepped in and put his arms around them both for a tight embrace. They were both his children, Ylva being as dear to him as any daughter. They had given him a grandchild to continue their bloodline, ensuring the future of House Heavenshield into the next generation.

"You give me such joy, my little ones. You have no idea."

But above all, he was just thankful none of them had had to suffer through the same awful childhood he once did. They were not orphan beggars living on the streets, cold and starving. To prevent this had been his entire focus ever since he became a father.

However, as he held Théo and Ylva in his arms, he could tell something was different. Something about Ylva, specifically.

He pulled away from the embrace, brows slightly furrowed as he looked her over. "Ylva, are you..." His features softened once he gently placed a hand upon her tummy, as eyes went wide with surprise. He recognised the condition even if she herself had not, for he had delivered many in his time.

The stirrings of another lifeform inside her was unmistakable.

"You are with child...!"

Théodred Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

With Ylva's consent, the weight of the final decision fell heavy on Théo's shoulders. It was all too soon for that, but it did press on his mind and what it would all mean for the immediate family. Thoughts drifted to Micah tol Powl , he had not heard a word from him in recent times and Théo was more than a little concerned for his son. He had been away far longer than himself when he went off to sort his mind out, and find his own way in the galaxy. Théo resolved there and then to go find him, or at least try .. the galaxy is a large place after all and knowing Boo, he could be anywhere.

Théo could only offer a smile to his father, he knew the sentiment was heart felt and spoken with love. He knew that having now done the same to his daughter and Boo. The embrace broken finally, only for his father to speak with Ylva, but Théo did not pay much attention at this point. Already he was starting to prepare for a journey he needed to do himself, he would find time soon enough to tell Ylva of his plan.

A few seconds went by before the words registered in Théo's mind. With child?!

He looked between the two of them, like a boy unable to comprehend a statement from adults .. "With .. child?", he finally voiced as he turned to his beloved wife questioningly and looked down at her belly. A smile parted his lips, "Is it true?". His hard pressed against her stomach, and he felt the stirring of life. "It is true!", he yelped loudly and his face broken into a wild smile and pulled his wife close for a gentle kiss.

Thurion Heavenshield | Ylva Heavenshield

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Oh, blast it all...

Ylva threw Thurion Heavenshield a stern and cautioning stare yet it was too late to keep the truth from unraveling now. Théodred Heavenshield already had his hands upon her stomach before she had a chance to try to smother the notion, instead resigning to closing her eyes in surrender to the moment. A moment that was quickly gone as her Husband kissed her. Ylva kissed him back, not having the heart to let him down in Théodred's moment of pride and pleasure of knowing.

She hadn't told her Husband as she herself had barely wrapped her head around the fact; Aye she was pregnant, which meant that soon she would no longer be able to go out on hunts with Thora, or wield her Axe's in case of another battle so soon after the last. So much had recently happened and Ylva barely understood her own path, let alone having to put things on hold to give birth to another child. The men-folk didn't know the pains of labor and while Ylva wasn't necessarily unhappy with the pregnancy, it hadn't been within her immediate plans for their future.

"Aye, it's true" She spoke up in confirmation, "I'm only a couple months along" she informed them. Looking back to her Father-in-Law, she felt the need to explain herself; "I went to visit the healers just yesterday. I wasn't certain myself...-It's still a bit of a surprise" she sugar coated it. Thora was their world, no doubt about that, and another one was always something she had thought about...-For all intents and purposes, she should've been more pleased.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Grandpapa was overjoyed at the surpised, but his smile soon faded when he noticed Ylva herself was not. She looked concerned more than anything, even as Théo hugged and kissed her at having learned he was to be a father-of-three.

There was no judgement from Thurion; it may not have been a planned pregnancy, and even someone of his experience could never know the labours of childbirth.

Instead he simply offered her another embrace, more tender than before, along with a peck on the cheek. "It's going to be alright," he assured her. "The child will be healthy and strong, just like Thora. You're a wonderful mother, Ylva; you have nothing to worry about. This child will bring such joy to all our lives."

It was as if he was blessing her and the new life she bore, speaking words of such prophecy. She did, in fact, have his blessing, for what grandparent would not wish another grandchild?

Whether his words would bring her any comfort however, was up to her.

"I take it you have not yet had time to think of a name?" He looked between the happy couple, subtly asking for suggestions.

Ylva Heavenshield | Théodred Heavenshield ​