We Are All Guests Upon the Land [Coci/Théo & Kära/Mysa]

[Nina Heavenshield]

Location: Western Gatehouse

Nina had just killed another Vinterbound when the main gate came crashing down, causing the entire wall to tremble. This made her lose her footing and fall backwards, bringing the deceased corpse to fall on top of her. She panicked, kicking and pushing the limp creature off her only to find herself covered in muck and blood. The filth and stench caused a sickening feeling in her stomach and she found herself on the verge of throwing up. Just managing to stave off her initial reaction, Nina struggled to get back on her feet, having to use the nearby rampart as support. Off in the distance she saw the shape of her father leaping into battle, inspiring her to regain her courage.

She wanted to go with him, but as she put one foot in front of the other, she suddenly found herself in Coci's presence. "Mother," she gasped, finding comfort in her touch. Coci's words did little to soothe her spirit, but Nina knew she was right. "Yes, mother. I understand," she nodded just as more undead scaled the wall. Nina positioned herself in front of her mother before igniting both lightsabers, effectively creating a wall of death for anyone approaching while keeping Coci safe, enabling her to summon the Force to her aid unhindered.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She cupped Nina's face and smiled sadly, What a thing to ask of a child. Coci leaned in a kissed her soft white cheek before she stood up and turned to face the Vinterbound once more scaling the wall and approaching the top of the rampart on the west. A sense of concern fill her for the moment, as she could sense Thurion and his fear filling up his heart. But his strength of purpose pulled forward and his need to protect the ones he loves empowered him. She could only hope that he and Thyrian would find Thrand soon.

But now was not the time to worry, Coci had to clear all thoughts of them out of her mind and focus. She closed her eyes, and began to concentrate on her breathing until shallow, pulling the lightside of the force to her in it's purity allowing it to center within the core of her body. It twisted and churned and radiated through her body until the power was hard for even her to contain. Her arms raised up and forward her palms facing downward over the wall and the power of the lightside flowed through her in a burst of white pure light. Her eyes flashed open, her black eyes larger then normal, as she funneled the energy directly to the Vinterbound below. As the Wall of Light hit them, they fell to the ground .. and she watched them.

It was strange yet beautiful to behold, the Vinterbound lay on the ground motionless, their once decaying bodies had changed back into what they should have been .. only for a moment .. they returned to the great warriors of this fare land, before returning to dust. Coci sucked in a gasp, she could sense the souls of those that have walked between this world and the next, trapped unable to be released from their servitude to this darkness. And it was overwhelming.

Although she is not as powerful in this skill as Thurion, and she is attempting this alone, it had the desired effect but she could feel her energy draining quickly. More and more Vinterbound finally found peace and walked the among the Gods ..

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

Death was not an aspect of life Mysa was very comfortable with, nor was violence. Her first experience with the latter had been in her youth, before she had ever lain eyes upon Midvinter, and parts of it still haunted her to this day. The former, however, had happened in a situation not too dissimilar to what they faced now.

Vinterbound.

It was not a love of destruction which pushed her on, it was not the thrill of battle, but a fierce urge to survive. Sure she could flee, run and hide away until the battle was gone and bodies lay frozen on the ground... But she wouldn't. She wouldn't ever leave her family to stand alone. Especially not her little brother.

A mighty roar escaped the girl, who didn't look suited to such a bellow, lips pulled into a snarl as her blade sang through the air and down into her foe. There was a sickening crunch as Valkyri-forged steel met bone... But her aim had fallen just short of the target. Instead of rendering head from neck, it was arm from shoulder.

The noise the thing made was horrific, giving the girl pause for just a moment before she stepped back and braced herself for round two. It was enough that she had to kill the fiend, but hack it up too?

No, her next swing would strike true. It had to.

With a soft thud first head then remaining body sank to the ground, and while she ought to have busied herself with the next target who was already stepping over the icy corpse Mysa could not help but become distracted by her brother.

He'd been hit. Or, more appropriately, bitten.

"Théodred!"

All rational thought escaped her then. With a blast of potent energy she flung her next target back through the forest, before stepping toward her brother with a fury in her stride. He had taken down the monster, she could only hope he felt strong enough to carry on.

There was a lot of blood covering him. The question was, how much of it was his own?

[member='Théodred Heavenshield']

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He pulled his neck to the side, the teeth of the Vinterbound had not broken skin or drawn blood, lucky for him, yes that had been close. Theo heard his named called out, it was as if in a dream, faint but familiar but the thud of a body hitting the ground snapped him back to reality and he turned quickly hoping to see that it had not been Mysa taken down. She reached him in this moment, her face strong with determination and he could see the grim of the fight on her face. No doubt he did not look much better, “I am fine”, he assured her although he had a cut across his arm but it was not deep or severe enough to prevent him from fighting on.

Taking his sword to arms once more, Theo turned to face the never ending wave of these foul creatures, they are surrounded and the circle closing in on them, it was like they relished the situation, cat and mouse, with two lovely morsels to feast upon.

​

The skies above them opened up once more, a thick rolling cloud swift with the wind unnatural, moved above the clearing. The hellish sickly green had gone, it was as black as his mother’s eyes and the lightning reminded him of her temper when she has her gander up. He saw the lightning crackling within the cloud and thunder that would deafen anything.

Suddenly, the clouds erupted, sending down sharp strikes of lightning to the trees on the edge of the clearing splitting them in two along their entire length. The boom of it caused Theo to cover his ears and shield his eyes from the sudden blast of light, he could feel the electricity in the air and through his feet, and the trees began to fall to the ground aflame. They fell on the Vinterbound, as tree after tree split asunder as if by design. And within moments all the Vinterbound in the clearing had been destroyed and burning on the snow fields. The crash of the trees within the snow bed sent up a wall of spray which fell over Mysa and Theo obscuring their vision momentarily.

Theo turned to find Mysa not worrying about the snow falling down his back on his skin, he quickly found her side, “Are you alright?”, he asked anxiously looking over her to see if she had any injuries. He whipped away the snow that covered his face and eyes with the back of his sleeve, in this moment he sensed a familiar presence and turned to see Belawir standing in the center of the clearing .. and he is not alone. Behind him stood hundreds of radiant white Vhaanir, of stag and doe all strong as tall as horses, and power in body and light, there was that many it was difficult to make out the actually numbers, he could see more through the forest their bodies shimmering as if not solid flesh.

You have your answer, Lord Heavenshield, Lady Snowstrider. We, fight for Midvinter and all its glory. Belawir lowered his head and bend a knee, We ride into battle together. This was a sign for Theo to mount Belawir, and another lowered for Mysa to do them the honour to fighting atop their back.

Theo turned to Mysa, a look of sheer bewilderment on his face, only the chosen few are allowed this honour, in fact he knew of no one that had been given the good grace to ride them, and now he and Mysa have been afforded the most highest of honours. Theo went into a low bow at the waist before going onto one knee humbled by the permission placed upon them both. “I humbly thank you and accept this great honour”. He could barely believe this, let alone speak, his voice cracked under the weight of the moment.

He took Mysa’s hand once more, more for support for his legs and mind as much as for her. He led her to her mount before he sat astride Belawir. As soon as they were settled, the herd moved out through the forest to the edge and before them Thainbroek and the horror that besieged it, he saw for the first time.

The scale of numbers was overwhelming, the amount of death laying on the field, the hole ripped in the wall and the hulk of a creature entering the city and he could not see his family anywhere. Once more his heart raged at the sight, blood boiled in the heart and he drew his sword once more. There was no need for a battle cry, that dwelled within their hearts already and without any word the herd of Vhaanir began their charge across the field.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Location: The Breach

Together they fought, brothers in arms just as they are in life, both working flawlessly in tandem and utilising each other's strengths while protecting their weaknesses. Darkness and Light unified as one perfect entity. Around them the Valkyri fought the Vinterbound, keeping them at bay with every last breath. Swords clashed, axes splintered shields, and spears pierced the absence of hearts. They fought like men possessed, with no fear of death. This is what it meant to be Valkyri, a child of Midvinter. It all became so clear to him now, as Thyrian landed another strike upon the Behemoth.

For all their efforts, however, the hulking brute appeared unstoppable, its endurance undepletable thanks to the amulet around its neck. They knew they had to get to it somehow, yet no matter how they tried the beast wouldn't allow it. Its freakish strength was made known with every attack, shaking the earth each time. Where the Vinterbound's powers appeared limitless, theirs weren't. Time was not their ally. It never is.

After a botched attempt at striking its leg to throw it off balance, the massive undead grabbed hold of Thyrian by the neck and raised him into the air, holding him up like a ragdoll while he struggled to breathe, trying in vain to break free. "Thyrian," his brother cried out as he charged the beast, leaping into the air to plant his sword into its chest. The creature roared in pain, and as Thurion hung onto it he found himself mere feet away from the amulet around its neck. Before he could reach for it, however, the Vinterbound grabbed hold of him too and tossed him aside like he were nothing but a slight inconvenience. Thurion crashed into the remains of the wall, knocking the air out of him as he fell to his knees, his mind dazed and several cracked ribs.

Thyrian grabbed hold of the creature's fingers around his neck, using all his strength in an attempt to undo its hold on him. It was then that words began snaking their way into his mind, helpless as he was to stop it. "Yes... I can sense the darkness in you," the ghoulish voice spoke. "There is great rage inside you, Child of Ash. Unleash it. Give in to it. It is the only way..."

Despite his inability to breathe, Thyrian replied through gritted teeth. "No... Never! Never again will it... control me..."

The Behemoth tilted its head to the side slightly, as if disappointed in his answer. "Then die."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVVXNDv8rY0​

As it raised its mighty sword to strike him down once and for all, the ground shook and shifted beneath its feet. A mighty roar was unleashed from beneath the rubble as the High King emerged, greatsword in hand and his armour broken and battered. He plunged his sword, the Dawnstar, into its abdomen and stared the creature down. "Get your hands off my boy, you son of a queen!" As he pulled his sword back out, its blade was soon followed by rotten entrails and huge chunks of blood as the massive Vinterbound recoiled, howling and screeching. "Let him go!"

The Behemoth did as told, much to everyone's surpise, releasing its grip around Thyrian's throat. As he fell to the ground, gasping for air, the undead creature suddenly summoned a large spear into the palm of its hand as one would with the aid of the Force and thrust it downwards straight through Thyrian's shoulder, pinning him to the ground. He let out a cry of agony, causing Thrand to drop his guard for but a moment. "No...!" The painful cries of his firstborn rang through his head, and with unparalleled fury he charged the large Vinterbound, suddenly matching it in sheer brutality.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

Location: The Western Gatehouse

The surge of lightside energy within Coci could be felt by her daughter, whose stamina was depleted quickly as she fended off the Vinterbound single-handedly. The undead corpses had started to pile up at their feet, and just as she found she could not keep her guard up due to exhaustion, Coci unleashed a wall of light upon the Vinterbound. It enveloped the entire western gatehouse, cleansing it of the undead before dissipating, and they were finally given a moment of respite.

Nina panted heavily as the two lightsabers deactivated and she dropped to her knees. She crawled over to Coci to wrap her arms around her as best she could. "Mommy," she whimpered, nuzzling her face to her mother's chest. Her head turned to look over the battle going on around them, and was somewhat relieved to see that the Vinterbound had ceased to scale the wall, instead pooling all their resources towards entering the breach in the wall where her father and uncle led the defenses. It made her feel selfish, how relieved she was that she was safe while others still fought and died - her own family included.

She wouldn't have it.

"Come on, mother," she told Coci as she helped her up on her feet. They were both equally beat up and drained of their strength, so the normally short walk towards the crumbled main gate felt rather like walking down an endless hallway. They passed hundreds of bodies, Valkyri and Vinterbound alike, and Nina couldn't help but shed tears for all the pain and misery going on around them. Yet, she wouldn't stop until she and Coci reached the others. "Daddy needs us."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

It was a constant mental battle she was fighting, upholding, in the fight against the Vinterbound. For now none had broken through the defense which encircled her as she focused on keeping morale among their ranks high. But she could not last forever. It had been a long time since she had stood upon a battlefield, and the life growing within her was just another energy sink.

One that was well worth it.

She would not risk harming her unborn child, however, by pushing herself too far. Instead she slowly eased back and opened her eyes with a gasp. She may have been a strong mentalist, but she was exhausted all the same.

Glancing around to reorientate herself, while reigniting her lightsaber, Kära was surprised at how big a change there was along the City and its surrounding areas since she had first immersed herself in her mind. Part of the wall had been crushed entirely, and in its place stood a behemoth far greater than any man she had ever seen. He towered over even the Valkyri, and...

Her breath caught in her chest as she caught sight of her beloved Phoenix and her dearest friend locked in battle against it. Without much thought for her own safety she began to move along the ramparts, mindlessly hacking at any Vinterbound who got in her way without checking if they had even been killed or simply bypassed.

"Nooo!"

She watched as Thyrian was lifted by his throat, while Thurion was knocked aside. Both looked like ragdolls, helpless in the giant's grip.

A sudden flash of light caused her to stagger back and shield her eyes, but thankfully those who had guarded her while she boosted morale continued to flank her now. She hoped they made it through this day, she would owe them a life debt if so.

Being on the other side of the City walls meant that Kära had no way of knowing exactly what the flash had been. Right now she didn't care as much as she ought to have.

She had to get to them.

Her body was full of blood, both her own and others. It was a grim feeling, and every few steps had her deftly avoiding bodies of both friend and foe.

Kära had been on battlefields before, warzones were no stranger to her... But this was something else. Perhaps it was because the battles she had fought had been with Lightsabers and blasters.

There were no blood and entrails involved there.

[member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She leaned against the wall of the city, and allowed her body to slide down until she sat among the dead. Coci's chest heaved with the effort to bring air to her lungs and force energy back into her body, but between the two, Nina and she had completed the job, for now. Nina came toward her, Coci could hardly recognise her all covered in the gore of the fight and her hand lifted toward her daughter for her to take, as Nina collapsed into her arms. With her last amount of energy Coci placed a kiss on the top of her head and held Nina close to her heart. We did it, she said to her mind, but knew the fight still raged elsewhere and this moment would only be a momentary pause. There was no joy in this small victory, how could there ever be?

As the moment ended, Nina pulled her to her feet, she could hear the sound of thunder once more, but it wasn't it was the sound of charging hooves but Nina drew her attention before she could turn to look. But now she sensed them, both Thurion and Theo and he is close by and alive, she thanked the Gods for that.

"Come on, mother. Daddy needs us".

So much emotion had come to her through their force bond, so much pull of the force as Thurion fought to drive back the darkness and stand against the towering sithspawn, that had entered their home to threaten everyone and everything they all hold dear to them. She could feel him ebbed of strength the same as she but still he fought on and so would she.

Pulling herself along the wall with Nina's help they came to the edge of the wall where the rampart had been destroyed. "Thurion?", she called out but it was nothing more then a whisper as she could hardly summon breath. Her calling to him did not only travel along the wind but through the threats of the force to his heart.

​

[member="Kära Vi'dreya"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MWxAAQoNiw​

While the Dawnbringer kept the hulking brute at bay, the younger of the two brother called out to his elder. "Thyrian," he uttered while still struggling to breathe through the pain of broken ribs. "D-don't move, Thurion," the older brother answered through gritted teeth before using his free hand to grab hold of the spear stuck in his shoulder. His breathing grew heavier as his hand was engulfed in flames, which proceeded to spread up his arm and to the rest of his body. Once even his head was set aflame the heat grew so intense that the spear actually melted, freeing him from being pinned to the ground. Tossing what remained of the spear aside, Thyrian got back on his feet.

"Thyrian, you..."

Rising to his full height once more, the older brother was completely engulfed in fire and flames, and Thurion couldn't help but look upon his brother with both great awe as well as a hint of fear. The moment did not last long, however, as they were interrupted by their father's voice. "Look out!" A massive chunk of debris came flying their way, causing Thyrian to stand between it and his brother before encapsulating them both within a protective sphere of fire hot enough to disintegrate the large projectile.

"BROTHER, ARE YOU ALRIGHT," he turned to ask Thurion, his voice booming and unnatural.

"Gah, let me go, you thrice-damned...!" Meanwhile, Thrand was picked up by his legs and now hung upside down, still defiantly swinging his greatsword as best he could but to little results. "This is the father?" the grotesque voice echoed within all their minds. "I shall break him!" Before either of the two brother could react, the large Vinterbound swung Thrand like a club against the nearby crumbled wall, not once or twice but thrice, before dropping him to the ground and planting its foot upon his chest. "Father!" Thurion cried out despite the pain it caused him, staring in disbelief at what had just happened. Thrand remained still, his breath faint.

But before the undead could finish him off completely, Thyrian charged in once more, this time empowered by the element he'd so often try to shy away from. He would show no mercy.

He started by ridding the creature of its left arm, ripping it from its socket. He then launched a ball of fire into its chest, causing it to stumble backwards. While it did, he then targeted its legs, wrapping them in flames before melting them into black sludge. The creature wailed in agony, making even the smaller Vinterbound back off as Thyrian now straddled its chest, taking one last look at its grotesque features before grabbing it by the head and ripping if off with a mighty roar. As its head came off, the amulet lay upon the reddened snow, still looking as pristine as ever.

Thyrian plucked the amulet off the ground and held it up, examining it for a moment. "Yesss... You have proven yourself worthy, Child of Ash. Take the powers I grant--"

Without hesitation he incinerated it. As he release his grip of it, nothing but ashes remained. The flames covering his body started to die out until he regained his human appearance once more, and he fell to his knees, exhausted and out of breath. It was at that moment, that the gods themselves saw fit to intervene.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Lief]

He was fine.

Relief flooded through her body as she reached him, but it was short lived. From all around them more of the undead ilk were approaching, closing in as brother and sister were forced back to back in order to cover all angles. Mysa had never seen so many Vinterbound in one place, making her horrified at the thought of how many must have been at the Gates by now if these were just scouts. Or whatever they were. Did Vinterbound have ranks?

All at once lightning began to rain down upon the area. So bright were the flashes of light that Mysa became disorientated and even stumbled to the ground - tripping over the body of one of the decapitated Vinterbound in her struggle. At times it was easy to forget how sensitive her eyes were, especially on worlds where very little changed.

Her head swam with a certain nausea, a piercing migraine working its way through her mind. Ears rang profusely as each crack of lightning pierced the air.

As if by design, neither lightning bolt or tree fell upon her despite her currently helpless position in the snow. Silence seemed to fall, as Mysa laboured for breath. It was only when she finally heard Théo's voice that she began to feel her head ease up.

"I'm fi--"

Mysa howled in pain as something icy cold bit into her right arm. Reflex had her lash out at the twitching hand of one last Vinterbound who was trapped beneath a fallen tree at her side, cruel blade curled within its fingers.

Shuffling backward, the knife pulled from her arm, Mysa sucked in a sharp breath and watched as the twitching began to slow to a halt. They were alone now, Théo and she. At least for a moment.

Slowly finding her feet, one hand clutching her bad arm while her eyes scanned for her blade, Mysa was for a second unaware of Belawir's return. As she took up the sword which had fallen a few feet away she sheathed it at her back with the grim realization that she would have to rely on her lightsaber now instead. There was no way she was lifting such a heavy bastard sword.

Turning toward Théo, Wriggles gasped in surprise. Not only had the Hart returned, but alongside it a whole ocean of fur and antlers. She stepped forward, to stand alongside her brother, as her eyes fell upon as many individual Vhaanir as they could comprehend. At the front of this... army... stood Belawir, it was impossible not to know him by now. At his side was a doe, and to look upon her brought a certain tranquility which Mysa had never before experienced. She felt her pains and weariness melt away, and instinctively knew what was expected.

Following suit, Mysa too dropped to a kneel - too surprised to speak. Her body felt warm despite the frightfully cold weather, and with it she found the strength to then rise again alongside her brother. Hand in hand they walked to their Guardians, those that would watch over them this day, and despite the humility she was feeling young Snowstrider mounted the magnificent doe.

Together, with an innumerable amount of Vhaanir at their back, they ventured from the forest and into full view of the ensuing battle. Mysa's heart sank at the sight of it, rage took a hold of her... And in that moment she realized the full severity of what they were facing.

She would not stand down this day. Stand together, fall together. "I love you, my brother. No matter what, I'll be by your side... In this battle, and any which follow."

Perhaps now, with the Gods on their side, they would have a chance at protecting this world they called home.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCQ53pWxDcE​

Leaving his brother to deal with the monstrosity, Thurion finally pushed himself up his feet just long enough to make it over to their father where he lay motionless among the rubble. He kneeled beside him and checked his vital signs as best he could. "Dad," he whispered, to which Thrand's eyes opened to gaze upon his youngest. "Thurion," he whispered back calmly. "Did we win?" Thurion carefully placed his father's head in his lap to make him more comfortable. "Hush, dad. Don't speak."

"Thurion, my sweet child..." he spoke nonetheless. "My body is broken. There is nothing you can do." To this Thurion shook his head in denial before Thrand raised a hand to place upon his son's cheek. "It's going to be alright, son. Everything is going to be alright." A tear crawled down Thurion's cheek, knowing in his heart that it was inevitable. His gaze lifted to watch his brother on his knees just as a bright, white light shined in the distance - a light not of this world.

The next moment the white light swept across the battlefield, striking down the Vinterbound with great ease. It wasn't until upon closer inspection he found that they were the Vhaanir, and upon two of these rode Théo and Mysa like they were born to it. "Look, dad," he pointed. "The gods walk among us." Turning his father's head for him so he could see, Thrand's eyes widened at the sight. "I knew they would not abandon us..." the old man smiled. Thurion leaned down to place a kiss upon his father's forehead while cradling him against his chest.

Meanwhile Thyrian rejoined the pair, kneeling beside their dying father while clutching his injured shoulder. "It's over, father. They're retreating," he said as he took Thrand's hand in his. "Good. This is good..."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Lief]

She arrived too late, though had come as quickly as she could. As she came upon the brothers, Kära slowed her movements to first a crawl and then a halt as the pair knelt over the body of their Father. He was still there, for the most part, but one look upon Thrand's face was all she needed to know about where this was going.

Rather than approach, rather than speak, she gave them this moment. Her head dipped slightly in humble respect. She may not have known Thrand the way any other member of this household did, but he had brought two of the greatest people in the Galaxy into life and for that he would have unparamounted respect and adoration from her.

Her fingers twitched with a longing to reach out and comfort her Phoenix, but the flash of light and the crumpling of the Vinterbound around them drew her attention to the horizon. She could not believe her eyes when she saw what lay there, atop the hill which overlooked the City.

A sight which did not go unnoticed by the others.

One protective hand lowered to her stomach when she realized that it was over. It was a mess, bodies lay everywhere, but it was over. Many had perished, but many more had survived. It was a small victory, though the world would still mourn greatly. Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters... Everyone had lost someone here this day.

For now, though, Kära was selfishly grateful for all that remained. For the daughter she could see astride a Vhaanir, for the fiance she would destroy the entire Galaxy to protect, the best friend who had made her so proud in his achievements, and his family.

She took a soft step forward, glancing over the trio of Valkyri. A soft smile settled upon her lips as she looked to Thrand, a quietly reserved thank you unspoken on her lips as they awaited the rest of their family.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Supported by Nina, Coci stood looking down at all the destruction at the main gate, she could them, Thurion, Thyrian and Kära .. and Thrand. Coci could sense the essence of his life slowly slipping away as he lay cradled in Thurion's arms. She swallowed hard, her throat dry and her heart broke as tears began to form in her eyes. She knew too. "Help me down Nina", her face pulled in a grimace with the pain in her heart know Nina would now understand what had happened here.

The two would clamber down the rubble of what was left of the gate and ramparts until they stood on Midvinter soil once more. Now, this soil fouled with the corruption of blood from men, and women and the undead. All that had gone before suddenly vanished in her mind, the war, the death of so many, all she could think about was the pain the family was about to endure. She let go of Nina's hand, giving her her freedom to grieve in this moment and Coci moved slowly toward her husband. "Thurion", she asked once more as she fell to the ground next to him. In her mind she gave thanks that he was alive, she looked into his face .. he knew too.

She leaned down, her hand moved to caresses her father's face as tears dropped, she tried to smile .. for him but it was near impossible. He has been her father, although not by blood, but a strength that has united a family, firstly with Thurion finding him so many years ago even before they had met but that had been the start of it. Coci's lips graced her father cheek, they trembled with the touch and softly she whispered, "I love you father". She would never say the words, she would never say goodbye.

Goodbye did not exist.

She pulled back and sat on the ground, with what little physical strength she had left her arm moved to find Thurion's waist and she rested her head against his shoulder, there was no words to say, nothing to do, save for be there in this moment.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kära Vi'dreya"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

With one hand gripping the white mane of Belawir, the other held the sword to the side ready for battle. Théo looked across to Mysa riding a doe close by him, she seemed alright atop the doe, her face just as bewildered as his at the sight of Tháinbroek laid waste under the constant assault for the Vinterbound. There is something wrong, he could feel it around the emotions of his family, his father is in pain, as is his mother and Nina ... and Grandpapa. His sapphire blue eyes found Mysa's, she would see the great concern there for what he was feeling and all he wanted to do was race to them all again.

The radiant light spilled over the battlefield, the Vhaanir's 'touch' instantly erasing all the threat of death from those of the Vinterbound still stand their ground. Small piles of ash lay where they once stood, as the white light of the Gods burned them, embracing them as they enter the realm of death, final death. The Vhaanir reached the city walls, which did nothing to stop them entering, they simply ran through it, no wood nor stone was barrier to their power and once inside the Vhaanir 'touched' their light to every inch of Tháinbroek, all the streets and house cleansed, until the corruption was destroyed.

Belawir turned toward the main gate and as he approached the family gathered around a body on the ground he slowed his pace until he stood but a few meters from them all. Théo stared in disbelief at his family more so that his Grandpapa lay on the ground, dying. He shook his head no, even softly mouthed the word and his fingers unfurled releasing his sword to clang on the ground. It was like a dream, his dream on the eve of battle as he lay asleep on the bench. Why are they not doing anything, why are they not saving him?

Théo dismounted Belawir, his legs just about crumbling under the weight of it all, he did not want to move or go to them, fearing the truth of it, but he did .. and he ran until reaching his Grandpapa's side. With desperation in his soul, Théo looked over his Grandpapa's body looking to see what could be done to save him, "Why are you not helping him?", he screamed out to all of them standing or sitting on the ground. He turned at looked at his mother and father, pleading with his eyes for them to help, but he knew, deep down in his heart, he knew they are too late. This realisation hit him hard, "Do something!", he yelled in anger. He could not bare the thought of this man in pain, his most beloved grandfather, the man that had taught him what it was to be Valkyri, to be a warrior .. to be noble. Théo's face crumbled into pain and tears ran down his cheek in streams, he care not that anyone would see it.

He moved closer to his Grandpapa and took his hand, "I am sorry .. I was too late to save you". His entire body trembled, "I love you Grandpapa", Théo eyes looked into those of his Grandpapa asking for forgiveness.

Over head, the sickly green sky began to break up, the black rolling cloud moved in in it's stead, before it vanished to reveal the first rays of the sun, upon which they graced the body of the King, it was like the coming of the Dawn.

​

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Lief]

The time it took for the Gods to make quick work of the remaining Vinterbound felt like the longest she had ever experienced before in her life. So much grief was wrapped up in not just the immediate people below but the family she had bonded with so intensely that Mysa felt overwhelmed. Something was most definitely wrong. Something had happened, but what?

One look upon Théo's face said that he felt it too. As if they had not already lost enough, if the sight of Thainbroek was anything to go by. She did not want to know what horrors awaited them beyond the gates.

The radiance of the Gods spread across the battlefield, and only when it was complete did they finally reach the City. The Doe she sat astride helped her to keep her cool, helped her to remain strong, as they worked their way through the wall in search of their family. So focused on remaining calm was she that she barely even realised that the Vhaanir had materalized through the wall.

Mysa could wait no longer. The Vhaanir were taking their time, there was no haste to their approach. She couldn't even see her family but she could feel them and right now she had to find her papa. Dismounting from the Doe, with a gentle pat against her flank, Mysa rushed ahead of the herd, jumping over bodies in her rush to reach them.

But the sight of Thrand lay there, surrounded by the family, made her halt and stand frozen. No, it couldn't be. Not him.

She heard Théo's sword clatter to the ground and knew that the Vhaanir had arrived, but she could not turn to him despite knowing the horrors he was experiencing. She couldn't step closer, or turn away. Mysa could only stare.

Like the little girl who had first come to Midvinter she felt overwhelmed. Like the child who had joined the Heavenshields without any concept of family, she was in over her head. She felt like an outsider, looking in on something most private, but at the same time she could not tear her eyes away.

Thrand meant everything to her. He was the first man to ever show her any care. He was the first man to take her in, to teach her right from wrong, to feed her, to clothe her. He was her King, he was her Guardian, her Grandpa, and her friend. He was a great man, one of the greatest.

Yet there he lay.

She felt her legs buckle until she was knelt in the blood soaked ground. From this angle she couldn't even see Thrand, instead she stared at her Father's back in a daze.

It wasn't until a warmth breath breathed against her neck that she found the strength to exhale the air she had been holding. With a gentle nudge the Doe urged her into rising and it was with shaky steps that she moved closer to her family. Kära's hand fell into hers and together Mother and Daughter neared the light of their life - the Phoenix - and knelt on either side of him before Thrand.

Mysa buried her face into Thyrian's side, hiding silent tears, while Kära remained much more reserved and simply lay a comforting hand on her beloved's arm.

"It's not fair" Mysa whispered, in frustration. "We should've been here, we should've done something..."

It was all her fault. She had dragged Théo off to find the herd and if she hadn't then maybe they could've stopped this from happening. She was too blinded by grief to realize what the Vhaanir had actually done this day, all she saw was yet another reminder of how cruel the Galaxy was.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa..."

[member="Théo Vhalorious"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTr3SQtMoRE​

As the family gathered around him, Thrand looked them all in the eye with a faint yet warm smile upon his lips. Much of his body had gone numb - there was no pain. Poor Théo and Mysa both held themselves accountable for what had happened. "L-listen to me, all of you," his weak voice spoke softly. "None of this is your fault, m-my children. Do not apologise for what you cannot control." His hand gently squeezed Théo's before reaching for Mysa, settling his palm against her soft cheek. "I am glad to have brought this family together. I can only hope it made up for my most grievous mistake..."

He looked up into his youngest face, whose eyes were reddened with tears. "You did, dad. You did..." Thrand then looked to Thyrian, who quietly nodded in agreement, his lips trembling. Thrand returned his nod and turned his gaze to the skies above as the sun parted the clouds. "Then, all is well..."

His eyes widened slightly as he stared in awe of what he saw. "I can see it. Gates of gold. Beornskald beckons me." He swallowed. "I can see my father... my grandfather..."

Slowly he closed his eyes, a wide smile upon his lips as a tear ran down his cheek. "My S-serene..." could be made out from his last breath.

No more words would be uttered by the old King, who now lay motionless in his son's arms. Thurion leaned down to place a kiss upon his father's forehead. "Go to her, father. Be at peace." Holding Thrand's head to his chest for a while longer, Thurion finally let go and placed him upon the ground, surrounded by his loved ones. He turned to Coci and threw his arms around her, placing a kiss upon her lips while he wept, happy that she was safe.

Thyrian meanwhile inched closer to his father, who had meant everything to him as a boy. He placed his hand upon the old man's cheek and watched him closely, as if expecting him to wake up. "I love you, old man," he whispered before breaking into tears. "Dad? Dad! Wake up, please!" He grabbed hold of his father's shoulders and shook him gently, only to fully realise he was gone forever. He then buried his face in his father's chest and sobbed like the child he once was.

All around them Valkyri had gathered, keeping their distance out of respect to the grieving family. Thurion looked around him and saw their battle-weary faces, and slowly he rose to a stand. "The King... is dead," he proclaimed, and moments later the warriors all got down on their knees, bowing to the deceased Bringer of Dawn. Thyrian then looked up at his younger brother with eyes filled with tears, and Thurion looked back at him. "Long live the King!"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

​

​

​

~~oOOo~~​

​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4j_kCQ4f2Q​

​

Her lips trembled as Thurion kissed her. The tears they both shed mingled on their face and her arms took hold of him, clinging on for dear life. An affirmation of life and love in one single moment, joyous in a sense that both had survived this, joyous in the fact that life still went on regardless of this great loss to them all. But nothing would ever mend the broken hearts of the family, time will them cope but that is all it does. So much lost to the two boys, over some many years of separation because of events that, in some cases, forced upon them, in another because of a mistake. Yet, it shaped them into two men. So powerful and beyond equal, the events of the past seem so trivial now, at least in this moment. Both Thurion and Thyrian are together once more, and their union as brothers brought with it, the union of a family that will become mighty.

Coci looked down onto Thrand's face, there is a smile there, one she has seen on more than on occasion, he is happy. As his spirit rises to join his beloveds she felt it move within the force, no pain, no regret and he has entered into a new adventure. A smile crossed her face, in her mind's eye she could see him, walking away with his one true love, entering the Halls of the Gods and and lifting a full tankard of mead and toasting to a life lived to the full.

Gentle soft sobs gained her attention once more, Thyrian crying like a child, he deserves that much, to be able to release such hardships he had to endure .. let him cry until he can cry no more, it is his right. Close by him is Théo, a child of this fair land, born to it, Coci reached for her son and pulled him into her embrace, cradling him against her chest and rocking him for comfort like a new born baby. Let his tears flow ..

It was not until then that she noticed the absence of Nina. "Where is Nina?".

[member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Coci's question raised a good point: Where was Nina? She'd been present when her grandfather passed away, hadn't she? Looking around him, it didn't take long for him to spot her a bit further away from the others. She was on her knees before one of the radiant Vhaanir, face buried in its white fur and arms wrapped around its neck as she wept. Making his way over there, clutching his side all the while, Thurion lay a hand upon his daughter's shoulder. "Nina... my sweet child," he said before taking her in his arms, and she held onto him for dear life as tears ran down her face. "C-could... could we have stopped this from happening," she asked within his mind.

Thurion was forced to think on a suitable reply. Could they? "In another time and place, we might've been able to. But not here, today. Such is the way of the world we live in, my Snowflake." She said nothing in return, but found his answer satisfactory and instead nuzzled against his neck, slobbering her tears all over him. He didn't mind as he caressed the back of her head and her white hair, which had miraculously stayed the same despite the rest of her being all but covered in dried blood and muck. While comforting his daughter, Thurion looked up at the white stag a mere foot away. "Thank you," he said aloud.

Half-expecting an answer, the stag simply stared back at him and tilted its head to the side, grunting as if the man before him appeared insane for having spoken to an animal. This caused Thurion to chuckle a bit. "Oh, shush you," he told the stag, who then calmly turned around and left, joining forces with the rest of the herd. They sure didn't seem in a hurry to leave as they grazed what little grass they could find beneath the snow, not to mention the innumerable corpses lying around. Sacred or no, they were still just animals.

"Come on, let's go join the others," he told Nina, who by now had managed to staunch the flow of tears, yet a frown lingered upon her face. She gave him a soft nod all the same, rising to her feet alongside her father before the two would slowly make it back to the others.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w57IhyaAx6E​

As he wept for his father, surrounded by his family, Thyrian turned his head to gaze upon the large host of Valkyri bending the knee. He figured they did so to pay respects to the late King, but unbeknownst to him it was also to honour he who would acsend the throne in his father's stead. After Thurion had spoken the words, the Valkyri all chanted them to earth-shattering effect: "Long live the King! Long live the King!"

His face still wet with tears, Thyrian found the strength to rise to his feet, still clutching his right shoulder where the spear had pierced him. Blood seeped from his wound, but he cared little for it. His eyes wandered to Kära and Mysa, his two Snowflakes whom he loved above all else, and he even managed a soft smile as the last of his tears were wiped from his cheeks. At his feet lay the mighty sword of his father - the Dawnstar - calling out to him. Thyrian heeded its call, bent over and grabbed its sturdy hilt. He was surprised at its sheer weight, and promptly had to use both hands to lift it, despite his poor right arm.

With greatsword in hand he then turned to the people kneeling before him. His people. "Everyon--" His voice cracked, causing him to clear his throat. "Everyone, please rise!" He watched as men and women as far as the naked eye could slowly rose to their feet. "We've all lost someone dear to us this day. Fathers and mothers, brothers and sister, sons and daughters. I ask that we all be given time to mourn for the dead, and that the funerals be held at dusk. Construct a pyre at the city centre, and prepare a longship."

He then turned to look back at the body of his father. "Who will help me carry him?" Immediately warriors from all across Midvinter approached, more than willing to assist in bringing the late King to the keep, where his body would be washed and prepared for the funeral. Needless to say Thurion was the first to grab hold of his father, waiting for the others to join him in lifting him off the ground.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He could cry no more. His mother's armour still covered in the grime of the Vinterbound is wet with his tears, he clung to her as would a new born but he did not care if anyone thought lesser of him for it. In her embrace he turned his head to the side, away from where his grandfather lay, not wanting to see him lay still, not breathing and so his eyes fell on his father walking toward Nina who, in her own way, was grieving too.

He was so pleased to see she was unharmed, at least physically so, the pain she felt in her heart easy enough to sense and see on her face. Yet he could not help but form a small smile at this father's actions toward the Vhaanir, still just animals indeed, if he only know. Theo managed to look to Mysa, with a knowing glint in his eye.

At his uncle's words however, he wanted to help take his grandpapa to his resting place, and so he looked up into his mothers tear filled eyes for permission, she nodded her understanding and released him from her arms. Standing up, he moved to his grandpapa's head and held it for support so it would not fall, his fingers entered his long silver hair and he looked down to see the smile on his face that would remain there until his service. The last remaining tear that had welled in his eyes, fell to the soil of Midvinter.

There would be no more rivers of tears ... Theo felt numb.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​