Underneath the Wroshyr Tree [solo thread]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Kashyyyk​

​

​

It is a very pleasant morning, a cool breeze came down through the mountains, guided by a river of blue. Life in the river abundant, with all manner of aquatic creatures, the sands along the shore line soft under foot almost like powder, not harsh like that one would find on a beach, not that Théo minded beach sand, in fact he missed it. He had swam across the river to the far bank and walked along the shore toward the dense forest and high up the slopes, there is no set destination, at least not one of purpose, so he let his feet dictate the terms of path. A thin mist clung to the trees, Wroshyr trees he had been told and very important to the Wookiees.

He carried with him only a bag full of food and some tools, he had left his saber back in his room in a small place they allowed to boy to stay. The Wookiee did not seem to mind his visit, they did not seem to mind that he is Jedi, some of them had noted it, not that Théo was hiding anymore. Those days are numbered now and he is on his way home.

Much had changed in Théo, much had changed him, no longer the young boy of innocence but still with much to learn. No doubt the Silver Jedi will remind him of that, he hoped they would, he hoped they had not changed. A promise made to his father, [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] had been broken once again, but Théo believe that his Papa would not mind so much, the change in Théo had been for the better. A better understand of life in the galaxy, a reconciliation on things that had plagued him after his grandfathers death. He knew now, it was not his fault, Grandpapa was right. As for his uncle? that was the only issue still remaining unresolved and would not be until he faced the man once more.

Théo found a nice spot on the edge of the forest, soft grasses on which to sit and the sun sent it's rays dappled through the tree tops. He sits underneath the Wroshyr tree for the moment just taking in the view.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

​

​

He had peeled off his wet clothes and left them to dry over a branch near by, the sand was warm as was the sun as it bathed his body with it's heat, it felt nice. Théo watched the running water of the river, watching the water gently rise and fall with the current, it reminded him of the force .. that ever changing ripple of power in constant motion through everything. It is strong here, on Kashyyyr, the living force pulsing with a calling to those that can hear it, feel it and use it, Théo allowed the force to enter his body strengthening him further not just physically so, but more and more with the application of it. He has grown much in his time away, not just with a stronger understanding of life and death but in his ability as Jedi and warrior of the force.

Théo leaned back propping his body up with his hands on the sand, which touched something buried there, he turned his head as he dug for it and found a piece of wood that had fallen or maybe washed up on the shore from other parts of the forest. It was a piece of Wroshyr wood smooth from its journey through time, he sat up straight to inspect it while digging it out, however, it was large. He gripped hold of it, and pulled until it was released from its sandy grave. Standing now, Théo looked it over it was beautiful and thick and running down the center was a 'black heart' seam. He placed his hand on it, and ran it over the surface feeling the smooth texture and feeling for any knots or impediment that would stop the chisel. There was none.

His mind focused on this now, he went to his bag and retrieved his tools, but before he closed his bag a glimpse of Éar caught his eye and he lifted the small carving out. [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]'s little Éar and he smiled. For a moment, he studied Grandpapa's technique, so perfect and well crafted, just like his father's technique but Théo has his own style and as he turned his gaze back to the large thick sheet of wood, he knew what he would make. "If Mysa is going to go around with weird hair styles acting for all the world like a shield maiden, then she had better have a good shield", he told Éar and placed the small Vhaanir down next to him while he would begin his work. He sat cross legged on the sand and pulled the wood toward him, "Crafted by the hand of a Heaven-shield of course". Could there possibly be any other way?

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A small sharpening stone sat nestled in the palm of Théo’s hand, he gently applied it to the edge of his chisel, pushing it one way to make the edge keen. He would lift it off before starting the same method again and again until he was satisfied the chisel would bite the wood cleanly. He placed the sharpening stone next to Éar to watch over while he worked.

But before he started, he considered the design of it compared to those shields he had seen on Midvinter. They had had panelling to form the circle of the shield, secure together with bolts and metal that circumnavigated the edge of the shield. The reason for it was if the shield had been breached or shattered in one point, it would not destroy it entirely, there would be some left still to protect the carrier. But this one would be different, it would remain one solid piece of wood.

Midvinter shields are also flat, this one would be concaved back toward the body of the wearer, so that when hit by a sword it would slide away from the impact and not bite into it. This shield would also be infused of the light side of the force.

He took up the chisel with both hands and began, the first stoke gently biting into the wood curling over his hand, before it fell away to the sand. Théo focused on his meditation, this learned and practiced from a young age, taught to him by his father. And as always he could see his father’s hand working the wood, calming his mind, he has his father’s hands as well. It would be a long process, to carve out the initial shape of the shield, but he had time on his hands.

​

He pulled the lightside of the force to him and through him deep into the wood, the tendrils caressing the surface, before seeping deeper and deeper infusing the fibres with strength adding to its natural hardness. Théo worked the wood, allowing his hands to dictate the design as he meditated, deeply.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

With each deliberate stroke of the carving tool, the shield was beginning to take shape. The continual application of the light side of the force further strengthened the wood fibres and secure the molecular structure deep within it. The chemical compound of the Wroshyr wood is complex and varies from piece to piece let along from various types of wood, they all have variants of individuality that would make it impossible to completely infuse it. And at this point in Théo's ability, he is not strong enough in the force to provide such strength. However, it would do well against a sword of metal, a sword wielded by Valkyri or worse Vinterbound. [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] would be given a shield that would protect her against the likes of them.

​

​

​

Happy with the size and shape of the shield, Théo placed down his carving tool and picked up a smoothing stone which was flat on one side and abrasive. He began to gently sand the wood to removed the rough edges and splinters. His arms pushing forward with each stroke, in one direction, lifting the stone off when it reached its furthest point and repeating until the wood would be entirely smooth, on all sides.

His eyes watched, as the colour of the wood began to appear, the swirling pattern becoming clearer and unique and he hoped she would like it come the time to gift it to her. But he would give it to her incomplete, saving the metal work for her, and allowing her to add her essences to it. Already, Théo had been on the bank of the calming river for hours, he realised this as he paused and looked to the sun. It was behind him now and the afternoon had arrived. "Time for a break Éar, time to eat".

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Propping the shield up against the trunk of a near by tree, Théo sat nibbling on his food ration looking over his handy work. He could see the soft shimmer of the light side on the surface of the wood, he senses it also, it is deep but just how deep? His skill in Alkahest is growing but his level is not that of his master and so he decided another application of the light side would help bolster it's strength. Just to be sure and make if permanent.

While he sat, his mind traveled back to Midvinter, to the day of his grandpapa's funeral, he misses him so much and would always, so much sadness that day not just for the family but all of Midvinter, the whole continent had suffered and it was time he returned to help rebuild it as best he could. Théo had, while away, gone over the events with his uncle in the sword training room, the conversation they had had been heated, well mostly on Théo's part, but several times he had recalled the words as if only spoken yesterday and they still burned in his heart. Théo had suffered a great shock with grandpapa's death, and did not have the life experience to deal with it, and had let his emotions carry him way. He suspected his uncles had done so too.

Although he had lost his temper, the words he had spoken to his uncle [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"], held truth. Yes, his uncle had known his father as a child, and had had a terrible beginning in life, but they had grown up separate and different from that time to this and Thyrian could not, possibly know his father as he was as a child. In Théo's mind his uncle had been arrogant to think such, that he was the sole person that need father above all others. And in his words he had insulted Théo's family, indirectly and most like without motive to do so, but it still burned hot in his soul. Whether his uncle would be the better King, was yet to be seen and proven in Théo's heart and mind, silently Théo vowed to keep an eye on him, Midvinter comes first not who sits on the throne.

After finishing his lunch, he stood up now ready to test the shield for strength at this point, and continue to work on it until it is finished.

It is not finished until you say its finished. The words of his father coming to his mind.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He brushed his hand together to rid them of the crumbs, further wiping them on his shorts before walking to the waiting shield. His hand touched the surface of the wood, the light side of the force still present he could feel it. His eyes caught the sight of a rock near by and he picked it up. He would use this as the first test, and so Théo walked away from the shield a good few meters near the water's edge. Already, he has grown into the body of a man, although still young in age, the Valkyri blood and physical development has played a large part on his growth, he now stands much taller, boarder in the shoulders and possess the strength of a warrior of his bloodline. The sprouting of his beard, more evident on his chin and cheeks.

He threw the rock up in the air to test its weight, summon the force to his arms and threw the rock at the shield. It was almost a blur when it hit the wood, and immediately it bounced off the surface and flew back to it origin, Théo had to move quickly throwing up his arms to protect his head while ducking down as the rock flew over his head. He ran to the shield and fell to the ground in front of it. There was not even a dint, he could feel that as his hand ran over the surface and he smiled. This was a good start, but how would it hold up against a sharp swords edge. That would have to be tested later as he did not have a sword handy.

Théo positioned the shield once more this time he would try the force on it, so back into position he raised his arm palm facing the shield he sent a powerful spear of telekinesis directed to the center of it. When the spear hit, the shield flew off in the air, flying high and landed deep within the forest with a clatter. Eager to see the results, Théo bounded through the forest and picked it up inspecting it. No crack nor scratch, no damage. Which made him very pleased indeed.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He sat back on his haunches and looked about this part of the forest, it is thicker here and more lush. In the distance he could see the steep rise of the mountains old in formation and worn by time, he suspected they would have been much grander many millennia ago. There are nothing like the mountains of Midvinter, but this did not detract from their beauty, and there was a strange sensation in the area, like a pull to the place of old that required his attention. It was strange this feeling, so many times he had had it before but never this strong.

Putting the shield back with his bag, and placing them safety behind a bush, he decided to go and investigate and explore a little more, there would be no harm in that would there? There was no humidity like the jungles of Tabaqui, but it was warmer in the interior of the forest and with the heat come insects and soon Théo found himself swatting away the pesky curious creatures.

The environment had change dramatically, the forest trees grew taller here and wide, the base of the tallest as large as any house he had seen and the root system stretching out above the ground and as Théo walked he marvelled at them and half expected to see houses in the tree tops, but what he did find made him stop in his tracks. Before him was the opening to what appeared to be an old ruin. Strange columns lined what used to be a courtyard, and beyond that a door now over grown with the roots of one of the giant trees. He had to wonder how old this ruin was, the tree growing on top of it was huge and had been there for years.

​

As Théo walked onto the old courtyard, he looked around and saw the odd faces carved on the stone, he could not recognise them as anything he had seen. There was an ancient script carved in the rock but faded with time, and impossible to decipher. But now his attention turned to the door way, dark and narrow. He doubted there would be any light shed inside, and he did not have his lightsabre with him to light the way, in fact he realised he did not have a weapon if he found trouble. He was about to turn and go back to the river, but that strange pull tugged at him once more.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

There was no sense of evil in this place, he doubt that the Wookiee he was staying with would have decided to establish a village so close to ruins of darkness, but none the less, the feeling he received was strange. Something was calling him, down into the bowels of this place, naturally Théo was hesitant but he allowed his feet to continue on until he passed over the threshold of the main entrance entering into darkness. He pulled the force to him, wrapping it around his body for security and to create a barrier should anything try and invade his mind or body, but doing so also alerted anything that would sense the force to sense his presence.

He could 'feel' his surroundings, every stone, rock and vine that had found its way deep into the ruins. On occasion, there was a thread of light streaming through cracks in the stone work, braking from seams that had formed over time and the intrusion of the tree's roots. There was the sound of small creature scuttling about trying to escape his sudden appearance, but Théo would pay them little attention. His focus was now honed in on the 'calling'.

The sound of dripping water echoed up through a narrow tunnel, he pushed his way along the narrow path at times he needed to turn sideways to continue on, but soon he found the reason why. A small cavern opened up before him, above a hole in the ground above allowed light through and below the hole on the ground was old bones of creatures that had had the misfortune of falling to their deaths in the process. He passed the grave of them, and soon found a small pool of crystalline water which had been dripping for years and created a swallow cause way which ran into the cracks in the floor, only to vanish, probably into a far larger cavern below. The ruins are no longer here but what replaced them was a cave.

Théo found a narrow hole in the wall, he squatted down to see through to the end but found it almost impossible unless he lay on the surface of the cave, but he could see nothing .. but whatever called to him was in there and now he faced a 'leap of faith'. Inch by inch he crawled through the narrow corridor, the skin on his back received cuts and abrasions as he pushed through, but eventually he made it even though it was hard to keep from panic in such a tight space. Once again, he finds himself in darkness, as black as mother's eyes, but that once faint pull to this place, now strong and pulsing making him move toward the right. He is blind of physical sight, and now only had the force to rely on for 'vision', which Théo placed his entire trust in. For the first time in his life, he had total trust in the force.

He did not have to go far, only walking a few meters until stopped before a wall, but he did not see it. Instead Théo reached before him, his hands open before he bent down and touch a stone, cold and damp and heavy. It is not a large piece of stone, but the energy infused in it and radiating from it was giving it's energy to him. This is what called to him? and why?

Answers to those question would have to wait for now he had to get back to the light of day. Retracing his steps, and through the tunnel, he finally made it back to the main part of the ruins where the stream of light caused his eyes to pain with the sudden change but that only lasted a moment or two until his eyes adjusted.

​

Once able to see, he looked at the stone. In his hands lay a beautiful blue chunk of crystal, sparkling with the only light afforded to him through the crack in the stone. Already he could see the beauty of it and could not wait until he could see it in the full light of day.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

It was not a very large piece of crystal, size enough to rest heavy in the palm of his hand, but it was one of the most extraordinary he had ever seen save for the crystal now housed in his lightsaber. Many different shades of blue, blacks and gold but the inner part of it radiated with a glow that drew the eye to it and sparkled with little light. He turned the piece of crystal over again, examining it thoroughly wondering what it was, but in a way that did not matter so much. He could still sense the energy pulse from it, it is not a focusing crystal or imbued with the force, but their is a strong property to it he could not place. Maybe someone that had knowledge of it could tell him, but it felt good, calming and serene.

Theo walked to the doorway, not even looking where he was going but still studied the stone, and once outside the crystal took on a completely new aspect. The blue within it, shot white light from it in all directions from the facets which almost made Theo drop it. There was something about it that reminded him of someone special to him, someone he loves beyond anything in this galaxy and he smiled, now know exactly what he was to do with this. He ran back to where he had been working on the shield, and dropped down into the sand cradling the rock in his hands. He needed to do one last thing before he would return home, but for now it would have to wait he had a shield to finish off.

He placed the crystal carefully in his bad making sure it was secure, before he would turn his attention back to the completion of the shield. But try as he might, be could not summon the concentration, his mind now focused on thoughts of his family and getting back to them and especially to that one person. A pair of blue eyes entered his mind, he closed his eyes to keep the image there for as long as possible before it would fade along with the light of day. It was no use, and Theo decided it was best to go back to the village, he could complete the work there in his room.

Placing his bag over his shoulders, he grabbed the shield and went to the waters edge, he would use the shield like a surf board and paddled his way across the current until he could stand once more in the soft powdery sand.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Jumping up on the lower platform, Theo grabbed hold of the rope and pulled. The wooden lift began to move, by means of a pulley secured at the top of the tree, it was easy to do, the Wookiees had designed this method of climbing into the trees for those that did not have the skill of the climb up. Not with safety anyway. Grasp over grasp, the wooden lift soon reached the upper levels on which he could find this way to the small house in which he started for this leg of the journey home.

​

Theo loved the suspension bridges, any by now he was used to the sway of them as he walked now quicker then when he first tried it. The height of the homes from the ground is heady to say the least, and looking down one could suffer vertigo but he did not have time for that. Nor did he have time to stop and look at the carving on the wood and the tree trunk itself, a long history is depicted there in the stories of the Wookiees, of battle won and lost, victories fighting alongside Jedi against the Sith of old, Jedi of old as well and new. It was akin to the carvings of Midvinter, the story telling told to their children, just in the same way of the Valkyri. They are much alike, with clans and chieftains, a strong sense of nobility and warriors beyond a doubt, they are even as tall as the men and women of the icy planet. And Theo felt a kinship with them.

The house mother had greeted him as he entered, in the usual way just about crushing his bones in a hug before insisting on he come eat. Theo had been so lucky in some respects on his journey, although he had experiences bad events and situations in which he had to take a life, for the first time in his. Not the Undead, they are not living, but to extinguish someone.. which stained his heart forever more. Life in the galaxy had come to him, through means of despair, poverty, crime and he had faced well or rather, as best he could. He had seen the opposite side of life again, lucky to have found his friends on Ceto and stayed with them, in reality safety. So much variances in the way of life in the broader scheme of things, it is beautiful in a way, yet so very sad.

He had to tell the house mother we was leaving, and this would take days to complete as she would not be hasty to let him go, just like that. But Theo began to pack his bag, making sure he had everything to take back home. His heart now set on return to his family and friends and it would only be days now until he would see them again.

The end.​