Faction We Are All Bound by Purpose [Open to Dawnguard, PM to join]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Watching the interaction between his son and granddaughter play out without much interference from himself, it would seem Thora could not be dissuaded from her course of action. Théo may not realise it at this time, but it was a trait they very much had in common. She was her father's daughter.

Considering the matter settled, Thurion had the word once more. "Thora, help this brave man to his feet, won't you." He looked on as Bors let out a grunt like the boar he was as he supported himself on the young lady.

"Everyone, the hour is already late. I urge all of you to get as much rest as you can before first light. As the sun rises tomorrow, we shall rise with it." He looked to his two sons, Théodred on the holo-display and Thirdas ever close to his precious Nida, and her fellow padawan Eyna. His nephew Thrand and his wife Ióunn, and of course his daughter Nina and granddaughter Thora.

They represented the new generation. He knew now, that in the event that he should perish, the world was in good hands.

"Théo, I will see you on the battlefield. Please, be careful," he offered his firstborn a nod, before the hologram switched off. "Go with the Gods, my friends! May the Force be with you!" And with that, the war council was concluded and a steady stream of lords and generals exited the tent, leaving only the members of House Heavenshield and their loved ones.

He first approached his youngest.

"Fight well tomorrow, my son," he embraced Thirdas and kissed his forehead. "You kids enjoy these hours we have left, before all our fates are decided," he added with a smirk and a wink, the implication of which had Thirdas rub the back of his neck as he blushed.

Next was someone he had not seen for a long, long time.

"Jericho, my brother," he greeted his fellow student of Asha's with a heartfelt clasp of the forearm. "Thank the Force you made it out of there alive! Whatever aid you can render in the upcoming battle, know that it is greatly appreciated by all of Midvinter. You and your family shall rest here at our camp tonight as honoured guests!"

Finally, there was the matter of the old man standing in the corner with Thora by his side.

"I suppose I should not be surprised to find you here, of all places," he raised an eyebrow at his granddaughter before throwing his arms around her, sweeping her off her feet as he held her tight. Ever on the lookout for trouble, this one. "Nobody here is angry with you, little one. We're just glad you're safe," he whispered past her ear. As their embrace came to an end he held her by the hand while addressing her aged guardian.

"Honoured elder, might I know your name?" The old man bowed his head as his hands fumbled for something to occupy themselves with. "You do me too great an honour, my lord. I go by Bors, once known as Grey-Boar. I swore fealty to your son a few years back, hoping to offer what little knowledge and wisdom I possess until my time comes." Thurion leaned in and studied the man's face closer. "I can't help but feel like I know you from somewhere, but I cannot name the time nor place."

Bors finally met his gaze, and his lips trembled as he spoke. "I have been here before, what seems like a lifetime ago. When the Rebellion came to a head, ending with my oathsworn brother reclaiming his father's throne. I watched you step inside this very tent, you and the future Lady Heavenshield, and witnessed as Grey-Wolf presented us with his long-lost son. And as I entered the throne room of the Great Hall, I found the three of you resting in eachother's arms after a hard-won victory."

As he realised who this man was, Thurion unexpectedly got down on his knees before him. Even more unexpected were the tears in his eyes. "I pay homage to you this night, not as a lord of Midvinter... but as a simple nephew, who wishes to honour his uncle."

Bors knew not what to say as even he struggled to keep tears from being shed, and he settled his hand upon Thurion's golden head in acceptance of his newly-given role. The 150-year-old smiled brighter than he had in a great many years.

Coci Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Alva Heavenshield | Jericho | Eyna ​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Before the blue holoimage of Théo and Kära flicked out, he had told Thora to stay with Bors, listen and do everything he told her. Made her promise. His initial temper had quelled, and he looked at Bors with a softer tone. Théo realised that he had done nothing wrong or would place Thora in danger, that he had kept his daughter at his side in order to fulfil his duty to them. He nodded to Bors by way of understanding, unspoken between them.

Théo was lucky enough to just witness the scene between him and father, how reverend the old boar was to him. There was a smirk on his father as he watches Bors’ reaction. Wondered what he thought of Thurion now? Remembering their fight, they had over the subject when they first met.

Once he was alone with his thoughts, Théo walked back to his mount in silence, his mind still on his daughter, still worried for her regardless and shook his head in resignation. He couldn’t blame her for wanting this, Papa was right, the apple did not fall far from the tree after all.

He threw his leg over the back of the horse, and gathered the reins between his gloved fingers and turned the horses head back toward the column of men and women marching south. They would ride through the night, as no one wanted for sleep.

Théo flashed a glance toward his aunt, she had not said a word but remained stoic. Quite frankly, Théo did not know what to say to her, in her hour of need for comfort, there just wasn’t the words enough to prove it. So rather then dwell of hardships to come, he decided to turn her mind to the past, maybe happier times?

“When.. when did you meet my uncle?”, he asked suddenly, and the truth was he actually wanted to know, to know more about the man that was lost to them for far too long.

Thurion Heavenshield | Eyna | Nida Perl | Jericho ​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The revelation of Thora’s presence took Coci’s attention as she moved toward her granddaughter and pulling her aside for moment. While finding a seat for her to sit on, Coci pulled Thora into her arms, kissed her cheek before cupping her face and looking deeply into Thora’s eyes. “You are as stubborn as your father, and your grandfather”, he eyes flashed to Thurion. “Tomorrow we all fight for what we love, who we love, and we all hope that will be enough”, she was not going to sugar coat the situation, regardless of Thora’s age, she had the right to fight too. Bors will see to it that Thora is fitted as best he could with protection in armour, and she will not be alone out there, none of them will be.

The girls gaze saddened, as she looked down at her feet but Coci lifted her face by the chin knowing what was running through her mind. “You will see your papa again, there is nothing more certain”. It was not a promise, there was no need for that. She knew her son well enough to know he would turn Midvinter upside down to find her. “Now you must go to your tent and find some rest”, she kissed her granddaughter good night before handing her over into the care of Bors once more.

It was time they all tried their best to rest. Each one of them would spend the hours of the night the best way they could, in their own way. Some will walk the night among the people that will join them of the field tomorrow. Others will eat, or drink like it is their last. There will be stories told over fires, time and again and each time the tale would grow larger and bolder. And she? Well once they all say their good morrow, would retire to her tent with her beloved Thurion.

There was no time to waste, not tonight.

“Come”, she reached for her husband’s hand, “Leave your war council and all the titles behind in this tent”, and whispered in his ear. She led him back to their private quarters and entered. Coci was filled with fatigue of war, had been for years but one last time to end it all and tomorrow would be the day in which a part of her would return that had been quilled and now it ached to resurface.

But that was for later.

She looked around, it was like time had turned the clock back to that day in which they fought against the Usurper, everything was the same. Except for them. But a smile broke on her face, remembering that night filled with passion and love, and they had loved like it was the end of the world.

Tonight, would be no different.

Coci approached Thurion, unbuckled his belt which held his sword and placed it on the table, the light from the candles flicking danced along the entire length making it shimmer. There had been so much invested into it, and for a moment, she could have sworn she had felt the presences of her son, Théo. But that was swept all away when their lips met in a deep kiss. Now and beyond this life, were words that entered her mind in this moment.

Thurion Heavenshield | Eyna | Nida Perl | Jericho ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

​

His wife had taken his hand and led him to their quarters with nary a single word from Thurion, who followed her like in a daze. Only now, as they were left alone since before this whole nightmare scenario began, did he realise just how tired he was, and was amazed that his legs were able to carry him just the short distance to their tent.

He remained still as Coci disarmed him, feeling the weight being removed from his hip despite the delicate, elven craftmanship reducing it to a fraction of what a sword its size should weigh.

His eyes were glazed over, his gaze unfocused. Until she appeared before him with naught but love in her eyes, and came into focus. Right now, she was his sole focus.

When their lips met, it was as if no time had passed since their first eve before a battle on this world; in service of another king, against another adversary. Back when their family had just been formed, and Théo had yet to bless their lives. How young they both were then, not yet burdened with titles and honours. Just two people in love.

This night was no different, for it may well be their last.

Now and beyond this life.

The candles were allowed to burn down and fizzle out on their own accord, and still husband and wife embraced one another in the heat of love and lust.

Coci Heavenshield ​

 

[Thirdas Heavenshield]

Once the war council had come to a close and all their strategies had been laid out, Thirdas embraced his mother and father before following the stream of lords and chieftains outside, holding Nida by the hand as if he feared losing her in the crowd. It still amazed him that he'd yet to hear about some poor offworlder meeting their unfortunate end due to the slight stumble of one of his own kind.

Even more so when one considers how absolutely poodoo-faced they would so often get.

His sister Nina followed the two outside, along with her Beorni guardian. "Hey, Thiri," she appeared before her littlest brother. "Hey, Nee-Nee," he replied with a fond smile, remembering their nicknames for one another when he had only just learned to speak.

He may have vastly outgrown the small-statured Umbaran years ago, but she was still his big sister, and she let him know this by hooking her hand around his neck and pull him down to rest his head against her shoulder. "Please, take care tomorrow. I'm not ready to lose a brother," Nina whispered. "Nor I a sister," he whispered back.

After their embrace Arnor's massive hand engulfed the top of his head, ruffling his tuft of golden hair. Thirdas snickered and gave the enormous bear-man a playful punch in the side which was barely registered by the latter.

Now that they were alone, he turned to Nida and was immediately brought back to the harsh and brutal possibility that he may lose her in a matter of hours from now. He inched closer to her until they stood with their foreheads touching. "We should get some rest," he finally said with hoarse voice, prompting him to clear his throat.

Located alongside all the other Heavenshield tents dressed in blue and gold, Thirdas escorted Nida inside where bedrolls had been prepared for them amongst the furs covering the cold ground, creating an effective isolation against the untamed nature.

"I, uh... I could sleep over in the corner," he offered as he kicked his boots off one by one, then began to disrobe with his back towards Nida. "I won't peek," he promised before pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it onto the pile.

Nida Perl ​

 

[Kära Hearthfire]

"May the Force be with you, dear brother," the woman uttered as the transmission flickered out before their eyes, leaving aunt and nephew to their task of making for the capital in the wee hours of the morning. How odd it was, that for the two of them it was already morning, while the others had yet to go to bed. Timezones are a thing, and Midvinter was a vast world hosting a vast landmass across many such timezones.

For the northern forces under Lord Heavenshield's command, they would ride through dawn until they reached Tháinbroek, or what remained of it. By the time they arrive, the battle should already be under way, allowing them to strike from the shadows.

A concept very familiar to the once-Sith Lady.

Once back on the road, Kära was surprised by Théodred's sudden interest, and turned her head with wide eyes. "Well..." She had to think, she was so taken aback. "I was just a little girl. I had recently returned to Sith space after spending some time as a... 'guest' of the Jedi Order on Coruscant. I was very young, not yet corrupted by the dark side, so the Council felt it safe to let me wander their premises while under careful watch."

She leaned down to pat the side of her steed's neck. "It's where I first met your father," she smiled at the cherished memory. "Just a sweet boy around the same age, having just earned his padawan braid. He became my first friend, made me feel... like I was just another person. Not some tool or weapon." Her smile vanished. "But, it was not enough to turn me towards the light. After a year or so on Coruscant, I left. Returned to Korriban."

"It was there I stumbled onto that which would become my destiny. A caged beast of fire and ash; a terrible experiment too gruesome in nature to comprehend." Her brows furrowed and her nostrils flared with contempt for what the Sith scientists had done. "I was a girl of ten, yet the poor creature was more afraid of me than I was of it."

Her gaze found that of Théo's. "I freed him from his shackles and bound his broken will to mine, promising him the vengeance he craved on the people who were responsible for his creation. The rest, you already know."

Next her gaze turned skywards. "For decades I kept telling myself I did what I did out of pity. Now, I believe it was the will of the Force that brought the two of us together. Or perhaps, the will of the Gods."

Théodred Heavenshield ​

 

[Nida Perl]

After the initial battle, Nida had retreated to Eyna’s side and observed the preparations and planning for the final fight ahead. Now, there was nothing to distract her from the fact that they’d all be soon heading into the battle for Midvinter against an otherworldly enemy. Though quite a few Valkyri and Aelvar appeared to have dealt with the creatures before, they were new to Nida. They were not Sith or pirates, not the foes she was used to facing.

The anticipation was almost nauseating, but Thirdas was right—they’d need to rest if they were to have a fighting chance come the next day. Once they’d made it to the tents, Nida knelt down beside the bedding, averting her gaze with a blush as Thirdas began to disrobe. Her gaze went from his shirt pooled in a heap, then back to him as her fingers absently wove into the texture of the bedding furs.

Her eyes lingered on him, perhaps just a little less shy now that they were alone. Or maybe it had hit her that they could very well only have a few hours left together. “You should sleep here.” She patted the blanket with an anxious smile. “I’d like for you to.” Her face flushed with that addendum, but Nida didn’t take it back, not when it was true.

Her hand left the furs and tugged at the opposite sleeve of her robe, tentatively, cautiously. “I, um…I don’t mind if you peek.”

Thirdas Heavenshield

 

[Eyna]

It was a rousing speech, and as it was over it seemed everyone went their separate ways. The camp had the morale up from what Eyna could tell. Admittedly in her current state there were not a whole lot of things Eyna felt like she could tell. The whirlwind inside of her mind continued and the urge to be alone grew stronger for each passing moment. Soldiers of families and clans passed her by until Eyna could find herself a secluded sleeping spot far away in a corner, away from those that she knew.

There she sat at the side of her cot with her hands through her hair as her fingers dug into her head with a claw-like grip. Her eyes focused on the dirt beneath her boot while Eyna stared herself blind at the ground with an uncertain jitter. There was no tears, but she felt close. Not out of fear, not out of any particular devastation or sadness either. It was hard to describe, hard to understand what it even was.

There was a knot in her chest, but it didn’t ache or really provoke much of any sensation at all. It simply existed there, somewhere close to where her heart was like a bruise that she couldn’t reach for and touch. It made her uneasy, made her nerves wind up with a thousand questions.

Sleep wouldn’t come easy that night, but with time it would come as Eyna tossed and turned at the edge of getting the rest that she needed. It was like living in an unwaking nightmare, experiencing so many emotions in one go as if a switch had been flicked on and off repeatedly throughout the day.

With time the exhaustion became too much and Eyna found the rest she needed.

“I forgive you.” The unfamiliar voice of a woman echoed from the far reaches of Eyna’s mind, it’s meaning and importance lost like dust spread to the wind.

Coci Heavenshield Thurion Heavenshield Nida Perl Jericho Alva Heavenshield​

 

[Thirdas Heavenshield]

Nida's reply gave the young man pause, freezing in place in a plethora of emotions fighting for control. All at once there was surprise, eagerness, and no insignificant sense of fear of what was hinted at.

He peeked over his shoulder where she sat on the floor, amidst furs and bedrolls in flickering candlelight. "You sure?" If there was ever one thing he himself was not sure of, it was companionship with a woman. Ever since his last advance of similar nature ended in failure, he'd made certain to respect Nida's privacy.

Slowly he turned to face her, and watched as she too began to disrobe. He sat down with her on the bed, black eyes ever fixed on her face and figure. The dim light of candles only enhanced the increasingly tantalising tension that was steadily building between the two.

"You are so beautiful," he couldn't help but marvel aloud.

It was when she struggled to slip out of her Jedi robes that Thirdas reached out, carefully removing her layers of clothing for her and folding it into a neat pile on the floor. His fingertips danced along her cheek, following her jawline down to her exposed neck and shoulder.

Without even realising it, they soon found themselves lying amongst the warm furs, their bodies pressing up against each other. "We'll go slowly," he whispered softly even as his lips were busy exploring her body wherever they would roam. "I don't want to hurt you..."

Inside his chest his heart was going crazy, beating hard and fast against the outside.

Nida Perl ​

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

In the wee hours of the morn, life slowly returned to the vast encampment as its countless denizens stir from their slumber. One of the first to stir was Thrand in the company of his young wife resting her head in the crook of his neck. It was always difficult to guess whether she was asleep or awake, for as he'd come to know elvenkind had quite the ability to keep perfectly still, as well as being light sleepers.

He'd awakened before the sound of marching boots and hammers striking anvils would fill the air outside their tent, and one could be forgiven to not assume a battle was to take place in but a mere few hours; there were the singing of birds and distant neighing of horses, and the sheer warmth and comfort husband and wife currently enjoy reminded one of just another day at their home in Averlorn.

"You're already awake, are you not," he nuzzled the top of her head, waiting for her to confirm his suspicions.

He smiled, but then his emerald gaze fell upon the ancestral greatsword resting in its scabbard against the corner tent pole, and he was reminded of the severity of the situation. His childhood home had been turned to ruin overnight, and his own father kept prisoner and likely tormented by the one responsible. How could he smile at a moment like this?

Thrand sat up and pulled his knees to his chin, hugging his legs. "All our fates hang in the balance this day," he solemnly muttered, before turning to Ióunn to caress her cheek and trace the edges of her pointed ear. "I do not fear death, but... I pray and hope that this is not the end of our life together. I wish for us to have a child; a perfect blend of all that is good in our two races."

By now the ringing of steel on steel had also stirred to life, the last-ditch efforts before no further preparations could be made. Leaning in to place a kiss upon her delicate lips, he pushed off his knees to rise from their bed, stretching away the sleep from his limbs.

Stepping over to the sword of his namesake, Thrand rested a hand upon its pommel. "We should get ready for what is to come," he said next, only to turn to her once more. "No matter how dearly I wish to stay with you like this."

Ióunn Ar-Olwa ​

 

[Ióunn Ar-Olwa]

It was more a meditative rest, than sleep. A smile twitched at her lips as he turned in her arms, they had clung to each other the entire night. Ióunn had had mixed feelings over this entire battle, mostly because the last time she had come to war, her father’s life was taken from them. Right in front of her eyes, he had held ground for them, a weight of vast proportions to save both of them from death. Her father had sacrificed his own life for hers and she was not about to take risks with her own or Thrand, and make his sacrifice amount to nothing.

“I am”, she said turning her face to his and finding his lips for comforting kiss. There had been much passion through the night, that part of them was spent, but now love had filled them both and for the moment that was left to them, she would cherish no matter the final outcome.

His gaze moved over her shoulder, she turned to look upon the ancestral blade. “He is alive, I can sense him. He has feelings of both rage for the Crone, and concern for us all”. The fire was burning, simmering in his father, just waiting for the moment in which to unleash it. Ióunn knew that time would come soon enough. “His moment has yet to pass”, she added very cryptically. The song on the air only the Aelvar can hear, sang to her now of the future. She swallowed hard.

As he spoke of children, it filled her with a sense of hope for a future, and she hoped to cling to that feeling, to allow it to drive them both come the hours of war. “We must not allow ourselves to give in to the emotion of hate, or vengeance as hard as that will be soon, if we do. She will win”. And they will all become as twisted as the Crone’s beasts.

They stole one more moment, before they got up from the fur bedding and began to prepare, each helping with their armour. Before he sheathed his sword, Ióunn rested her hands on the blade infusing it with power from the Frostvatn, for a second it glowed red as fire danced in the light, the energy drawn from the Midvinter, which turns it’s natural power to whom ever sits the throne. For Thrand the Elder, it was the power of the Sun. For Thyrian the Greater, it is the power of fire which was drawn up from the belly of the planet. Where the source of power would in the future? That was in the lap of the Gods.

Once they were ready, she held back the flap of the tent and stepped out into the morning air, cold and crisp and soon the sun would rise and grace them with its presence. Before her stood her guard in formation, they had been prepared hours ago. She received her report, from her Rangers which had been vigilant throughout the night. The Crone’s armies where ready and already moving.

Ióunn waited for her husband and as he approached, she forcefully cupped his face and kissed him hard with passion and love for it might be their last.

Thrand Hearthfire | Nida Perl | Eyna | Jericho ​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

Once the war council had been concluded, Bors had been unsure what to do with himself. For one, he was overwhelmed by the honour bestowed upon him when the very son of his beloved oath-brother named him "Uncle" in front of everyone. Second, he was not quite sure which camp to spend the night in; though he served House Heavenshield, he was technically still a Greythorne.

Although, as if having read his mind and wishing to torment his older brother, Lord Brindal had remained within eyesight simply to shake his head and spit on the ground. A clear sign he was not welcome to stay at their camp.

Thora knew what to do, however. She took the old man by his wrinkled hand and led him to one of the nearby vacant tents, and that was that. "Please, my lady, you know how badly I snore," he'd said, not wishing to risk keeping her up all night. But the girl had insisted, for he had promised not to let her out of his sight.

Unbeknownst to Grey-Boar, it had been the first night he'd spent in blissful silence in a very long time.

​

By the time Thora would awake, she would find Bors kneeling outside their tent, leaning against his battle axe with head down in prayer.

"And, I hope you are not cross with me, Brother, but... It may take a while longer before I come join you in the Golden Hall. For so long I wished to die with honour so that we may walk the Allfather's grounds together, it was all that occupied my mind. It's just... it doesn't hurt so much anymore. Not after last night."

The old man's eyes filled with tears while begging the Dawnbringer's forgiveness. "Grant me some more time, Thrand. I shall remain here a while longer, to look after your family. Take care of my beloved Freida, for I know she is waiting for me in the comfort of the Great Mother."

And though the skies had become shrouded in darkness the moment Gríma Hagraven poured her armies unto Midvinter's soil and no sunlight had been seen since, at that moment the faintest hole punched through the thick blanket of black to send a brief ray of sunshine upon the kneeling warrior, caressing his cheek for but a moment until the unnatural shroud lashed out and resumed total control of the skies.

Bors then placed a kiss upon the blade of his axe, only to find the reflection of someone poking their head out the canvas opening behind him.

"Thora," he turned while still kneeling. "I was just... praying to the Gods for good fortune in today's battle. H-how did you sleep?"

Thora Heavenshield ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

He found himself clinging to his beloved even as the rest of the camp was rising from their slumber, listening intently to her heartbeat as it drowned out even the loudest of noises from outside their tent. While they rested here together, she was his world; not Midvinter, or any other planet. She provided him comfort when pushed too far, and she gave him courage when afraid. At this moment, he found himself in ample need of both.

"I find myself terrified of what will happen once we go out there," he confided in his wife of three decades while his head rested upon her chest, rising and falling to her steady breathing.

"Everything depends on this. Everything my father built and my brother maintained for so long. I fear I am not up to the task, Coci. I fear that I am leading us all into our doom."

He looked up at her, her dark eyes making him fall in love all over again. "More and more, I find myself longing for simpler times. Our old home on Tabaqui, so remote and tranquil. I would have been happy tilling the soil with these peasant hands of mine, living out the rest of my days as a farmer and carpenter. Watch our children grow up without such heavy responsibilities, to be around them always. Duty to neither Jedi nor Kingdom, but to our children, as a father, and to you, as a husband."

As the tip of his nose touched hers, he let them gently rub against one another.

"Forgive me for all my faults, Sweet Coci; all of my failings."

A horn was sounded from elsewhere inside the camp, serving as the official wake-up call. Troop movements were already in full effect, boots and hooves churning the morning snowfall into a filthy mud-scape in mere minutes.

A kiss was shared between husband and wife before they finally got up off the floor, then proceeded to get dressed for battle. Thurion examined his armour upon its rack, still in such exquisite condition even after such heavy use over the years. His weathered fingertips caressed one of the lions depicted in gold upon the cuirass, looking so majestic and fierce as it reared up on its hind legs.

The first piece to be placed upon his body, it still fit perfectly around his sculpted torso, and with Coci's help the many straps were tightened. Next were pauldrons, vambraces, greaves and couters. Then she came up behind him with his blue cape, fastening it to the hooks on either shoulder and letting the remainder of the fabric fall towards the ground, stopped short of a couple inches.

Meanwhile, Thurion grasped his sword and fastened its belt around his waist. With a faint sigh he turned to his wife, all decked out for the coming battle. He took her hand and placed a kiss upon her wedding band, able to muster the gentlest of smiles just for her.

Upon exiting their tent, there stood the entire host gathered to greet them, their numbers reaching farther than the eye could see. Banners from every corner of Midvinter flew in the direction of the wind, creating the most wondrous combination of colours known to mortalkind.

"And I that so loathe being the center of attention," he whispered to Coci at his side, swallowing hard.

Coci Heavenshield | Nida Perl | Alva Heavenshield | Jericho | Eyna ​

 

[Thora Heavenshield]

Thora woke to find the tent empty, the fire had gone out long ago and neither her or Bors had bothered to keep the flames alive. She did not feel the cold however, in fact, it gave her a form of solace because it made her feel alive. She quickly dressed, and struggled into the armour Bors had found for her the night before. It was ill fitting but would do the job. Thora tried to keep herself busy, if she didn't her mind would wander to her mother and father so far away from her, it was now she missed them dearly, and regretting stealing away. She loves Bors but in this time of trouble, she wished to be with them. "I'am sorry father", she caught herself uttering, because now she realised her was alone too. Great Aunt Kära is family of course, but not like have your own blood beside you going into battle. But there was nothing for it now.

She grabbed her bow and quiver, a short sword swinging by her legs as she walked through the flap of the tent to find Bors. He, was kneeing praying to the Gods, he was not alone in that and would not be the last prayers uttered this day. Many would do so on the battle field, their last words that they would speak before their eyes closed eternally. For Thora, she did not know what to make of the Gods, they were not something that were visible much, oh she had heard the tales of their appearance, but she was not alive to see such a thing.

"Which one do you pray to?", she asked as she looked down pulling on her leather strap to keep her sword in place. "I suppose it doesn't really matter, we could use all the help we can get".

Once she was satisfied with herself, she looked around the encampment. So much going on, with warriors heading for the make shift forges to put the finishing touches on their equipment, young boys fetching water, and fire wood for the forge and some lined up to be given a weapon. She walked over to one of them, took up the sword that had been placed in his hand and tested it for him. "My papa would say that had nice balance", she cut it through the air a little as if to test it for him. "I would say, it will serve you well", and she handed it back with a smile. Something in the young boys eyes spoke of reassurance, and Thora hoped he would live the day out and they would see each other by the camp fire.

Bors was still kneeling when she returned to him, and without any indication or hesitation, she hugged him as hard as she could and kissed his cheek. "We will look after each other today, wont we".

The banners lifted in the breeze behind them, the biggest one of them all was House Heavenshield. That golden lion on blue background made her heart swell with pride, the Jedi would say pride was a bad thing and needed to be kept in check, but not today. It was pride of the house and all that lived on Midvinter, and the Pride of the Heavenshields, the lions of Midvinter.

I am a lion, so act like one.

Bors Greythorne ​

 

[Eyna]

For Eyna the night had been long and lonesome. Though the peace she had sought was brought upon her by the exhaustion, the slumber never lasted. Her recollection of the day before didn’t exist anymore. In a grim reminder of her time in her cell on Eliad it had become little more than the blank page of a memory that she knew there had been something etched onto. Something had happened that made her forget everything that she had seen again, except this time she had no idea what it was.

Eyna looked down at the cracks in her hands. A layer of blood poured with seemingly no end along her fingertips to pool within her bowled palms. The girl’s darkened eyelids lifted in horror as the vague yellow-red discoloration in her eyes began to burn against the light in the tent through a nearby mirror. The dark robes on her body were new, yet all too familiar as her shoulders began to rise and fall at an increasingly rapid pace.

For each blink that passed her by the sense of panic would grow as the line between imagination and reality grew increasingly blurred. She was stuck in a dream that she couldn’t wake up from again. Eyna pushed from her cot to approach the mirror and give herself a lookover. With one finger against her eyelid she slowly pulled it down as if expecting to find something stuck behind it, yet the reflection would show her nothing out of the ordinary. As long as she focused on her eye it would turn back into her ever familiar green hue, but the panic made that all too difficult to do.

The girl’s eyes closed and she let out a small sigh, her shoulder hunching over in defeat. She had hoped to have come further than this by now. She knew the symptoms, knew the breathing exercises that she had to undergo in this very moment but there was no time. As the curtains of her soul rolled back once more the mirror was gone and Eyna twitched as she found herself face to face with a very confused soldier.

“You okay?” His words fell on deaf ears. The kid pushed herself towards the exit of her tent and began to look around and get an idea of where she was. People pushed past, some in formation while most others seeking out one person or the other for their superior. At the back of her mind she knew that there was something that she needed to do but she could not remember.

With a deep breath and a sharp exhale she let the confusion go and tried to focus. It was just her mind playing tricks on her. She could push past this, she already had so many times before. Now, where was Coci?

Nida Perl // Coci Heavenshield // Thurion Heavenshield // Alva Heavenshield // Jericho​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The want for more simpler times was not new to either of them. They had spent many years on Tabaqui, raised a family there and escaped from the riggers of duty with the Silvers. It was not only home, but a retreat when they needed one. Midvinter had become that for the in the later years, and for Coci there was no other place for her to find a home. Not only did they continue to raise family, but enjoy the wonders of extended family in their grandchildren. She was not about to throw all of that way without fight.

“You are not leading us to our doom, this is not your doing. We are all here because we want to be, not just the family but everyone”. She reassured him as best she could. As she helped place piece by piece of his armour around his body and he would do the same for her. They stood prepared for battle, but prepared for what was to come? That was something only as individuals can face. Even husband and wife must stand alone with their own thoughts.

“Your failings have been forgiven years ago”, it was a slight jest to ease him, “But I find I have many myself, and in no position to judge you for them”.

It was time to go, enter the arena with the rest of people that came her to defend their homes and families. “And yet you find yourself at the centre all the time”, she grinned. Not just here on Midvinter but in the past as grandmaster of the Order. Eyes of the galaxy had always found their way to him, in some form or other.

“Come my love, we have work to do”, it was time to go find the others and make sure they were ready, not just with equipment but in themselves as well. She pushed back the flap of the tent and stood among the people gathering around the take their command. Her command was already waiting and prepared, the Knights of the Dawnguard standing strong in the force, a beacon of light that began to spread over everyone. Coci could sense the calm they issued forth, it would enter into the minds and bodies of all that gathered.

Battle meditation had commenced.

Her shadows awaited her on the edge of the encampment, ready to move forward with her at the lead. But first she needed to find Eyna , to make sure the girl was ready. Coci issued an instruction to one of the Knights asking him to find the girl and bring her here.

Thurion Heavenshield | Eyna | Nida Perl ​

 

[Bors Greythorne]

The old boar was pounced upon by the little lady, and he carefully put his arms around her delicate form to return the gesture. Almost a hundred years of living in seclusion does not make one very sociable, especially in regards to such intimate gestures. All he knew was, he found himself enjoying each and every embrace from Thora.

"I pray only to the one who holds the most meaning to me," he told her with a fond smile as they hugged, and kept it at that.

While he had her close at hand however, he started to check her ill-fitting armour for any grievous mishaps that could cost the girl her life. Aside from tugging on a few straps to keep it tight to her body, Thora had done a good job putting it on herself.

"Looking after one another is everything in the middle of a battle," he proceeded to instruct her, finally getting himself up off the ground with a hand settled on her shoulder. "In the shieldwall, we all must fight as one. Fighting for yourself, to save your own skin, is a sure-fire way to get yourself isolated and picked off. Always stay close to another, watch each other's backs."

Sheathing his handaxe in his leather belt, he reached for his round shield leaning against their tent and placed it on his back. "I made a solemn vow to your father I'd keep you safe. I have no intention on breaking it. Until you are reunited with Lord Heavenshield, my duty is solely to you."

Once the two had made their final preparations Bors would take the lass by the hand and join the ranks of the army already assembled and ready to move out.

Thora Heavenshield ​

 

[Thirdas Heavenshield]

They were late.

The army had already been assembled and awaiting orders to move out, and they had yet to report for duty. The career soldier in him was deeply ashamed, for he had never been late to an operation before. However, the warm-blooded man in him could not help but not give a tosh. Not so long he had his Nida at his side.

An old proverb stated that 'love is the death of duty'. Perhaps, in some cases. Like his father had taught him and his siblings growing up, however, love was also the greatest motivator in times of turmoil, to pull through and emerge victorious against even the worst of odds. Having spent the night in the arms of his beloved made him realise just how right his father was.

He found himself unable to wipe the smile off his lips; he felt truly blissful, despite marching to an uncertain future. When they'd awoken later than most, no words had been uttered between them. It was like they both knew what the other meant to say, and so nothing was ever said. And yet everything was said.

Firmly he held her pink hand in his, declaring to all that they were one. Yet when his cousin Thrand noticed their unannounced appearance and grinned, Thirdas could not help but blush in response.

"Shut up," he whispered as they lined up with the rest of them, hoping his parents didn't notice their late arrival.

Nida Perl ​

 

[Eyna]

Coci Heavenshield​

White turned black, turned white and then turned black again. Faces, people, entire structures were a haze of intermingling memories. The facade had broken and with it reality had turned to fantasy, had turned into reality and then right back again. Imagery of One Sith tents swayed in the wind before her in one moment and then in the next the tents were back under the Heavenshields again. It had proven disorienting at first but easy to overcome for as long as Eyna focused on where she was going and not where she was.

The present held no weight and the past had no meaning. She focused on the future, on moving forward to where her conscience seemed to guide her. With that she would eventually find her way back to the main camp.

A masked man approached her, his sleek black robes sticking to his body as he extended a message for her. Coci, the Colonel, needed to see her with all due haste. It was an illusion and she knew this, yet her mind offered her no acceptance of the fact. Eyna’s head nodded once in acceptance of his direct order before she trailed behind him towards their shared master.

To the backdrop of the scorched fields set aflame by battle-hardened stormtroopers Eyna stepped up to her master, her form draped in a heavy cloak and meticulously cleaned Imperial armor. As she turned to look at Eyna, the girl froze. Her spine stretched until she stood at ready, her hand held balled into a fist before her chest as if to say she was giving her everything for this cause.

In many ways she already had once, a long time ago. With the distance in Eyna’s stare it was clear that she wasn’t all that present. She didn’t seem to look at Coci as much as right through her. A sense of defeat and hopelessness seemed to waft off of her through the force, giving away just exactly how far-gone she already was.

Not a single word parted Eyna’s lips. The struggle to remain in the presence was all too difficult for that.

 

[Velkar]

Silent steps led Velkar around the ruins of the Grandhall that once stood proud in Thainbroek. All that was left was a pile of smouldering rubble and destroyed walls. Banners of the house strewn across the floor in tatters or burned, tables overturned and smashed, seats the same state. Anything that was of use or value looted by the horde and turned against the people and probably used in the war to come. The throne stood untouched on the platform, on it sat Grima with a smile on her wretched face, and toying with some of her disciples. She did not pay any attention to Velkar, which was just fine with him he was sicken by the sight around him.

Velkar maybe many things, an agent of chaos on this world but he is not evil. The truth of it was, he loved Midvinter and all its sort comings and even the people that called it home. Without them, none of the Gods exist, so to destroy them was pure folly and the end of them all. He would not stand by and let that happen. But for now, he continued to play is part.

Yet, a glimmer of something laying in the dust and ash caught his eye. It was the hilt of a sword buried among the ruin. With his foot he turned over a piece of charred wood to reveal more of it and noticed the design. It was a royal sword, that which belonged to the King, Thyrian. A smirk crossed his lips, his hands made a subtle movement and in a trice the sword magically vanished in a swirl of green illusion.

He said not a word as he turned and left the main room, leaving Grima to her games. He headed for the dungeons where Thyrian was kept. The guards on duty stepped in front of him as he approached, but they were no match for his power. Their minds turned to nothing more than that of a babe and they trembled in his wake. He opened the door to the cell and entered to find Thyrian on the ground, ankles and hands shackled with chain, food and water placed in front of him just out of reach to torment him.

Velkar pushed the plate and water closer, so he could take it up if his will to live still prevailed. “Oh how the mighty have fallen. And so very far indeed, but then it isn’t the first time for you”. No doubt the reception he would receive would be colourful in language, the gods know he has heard the curses all before so it would water off a duck’s back to Velkar. Wasted energy, energy Thyrian can ill afford to use.

A wave of his hand made sure the room was proofed from intruders as they conversation would be no doubt one sided. Thyrian is not famous for overuse of words.

“But don’t despair my good man, there is light coming for you”, cryptic words be cryptic although if the man had any wit about him, he would realise Velkar spoke of Théodred of the North.

“And there are more things in heaven and earth dear Thyrian, than are dreamt off in your ..”, hands moved and reveal the sword of Thyrian visible before his eyes, “.. feeble mind”. Velkar placed the sword under some rags and rotten old clothes, no doubt ‘left behind’, by the last occupant. Once the man was free, he would at least be armed with his ancestral sword.

"Now now, don't look so sour", he would see the flames in the man's eyes glowing internally. "And really you are going to threaten me with fire?", Velkar laughed hearty, it was actually a delightful laugh, bewitching some might say.

Thyrian Hearthfire | Eyna | Nida Perl ​