We Are the Children of the Sun [Open to Dawnguard]

[Thrand Dawnbringer]

Beornskald, the Eternal Realm​

"Send me," the Sunlight Lord offered the Allfather and those who had answered the summons. The hall went quiet, as deities great and minor fixed their eyes on the Bringer of Dawn. Seizing the moment, Thrand stepped forward to present himself to the pantheon. Before him on a great throne presided Odiir, the High God himself, and at his side stood Runa, his wife. The Allfather's expression remained ever carved in stone, showing not a single emotion one way or the other, whereas the Mother-Goddess took on a pained expression.

"Send me to the realm of mortals. I will help them face what evil awaits them." His ever-radiant presence shone upon the world around him and those closest to him, basking them in the warmth of the sun. "It has to be me; Midvinter was my home, once. My family, my two boys... I cannot stand aside and watch them fight this battle on their own."

Runa strode forth, slowly and full of grace, until she stood before him, and Thrand felt the need to take a knee. Her gentle hands cupped his weathered face, caressing his silvery-brown locks. "It will be difficult for you, seeing your kin again," her voice sang from her lips like the most soothing of music. "You will be tempted to remain, to resume your mortal life among them. But it cannot be so," she warned, brows furrowed in concern. "Once your task is completed and Midvinter is safe again, you will be forced to return here. What is once perished in the realm of the living can never be made to live again -- such power is beyond even the likes of us."

"Will it be worth it? The pain of seeing your family again, only to be parted once more?"

His aged eyes met hers, and at first he faltered in his request only to moments later reaffirm it with a stern look in his gaze. "Anything will be worth seeing their faces again, my lady. The greater pain would be knowing I had the chance to see them again, and choosing not to."

"Very well," Runa offered a kind smile and bid him to rise. A brief look back to her husband sat upon the throne, prompting a subtle gesture of the Allfather's hand. "The Bringer of Dawn shall be sent to the Mortal Realm, to wander its lands once more and help push back our ancient enemy. But he will not be going alone," she then continued to everyone's surprise. "Lady Éar shall be joining him on this mission to ensure its success. The enemy cannot be allowed to access the Aelvar Frostvatn and its powers." Gazing across to Éar, Goddess of the Hunt, Thrand bowed his head her way, gratefully accepting her aid.

What then followed was the booming sound of Odiir's great spear striking the ground, echoing through the neverending hall filled to the brim with deities and once-fallen warriors alike. "So does the Allfather decree!"

It begins...

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Spoiler

OOC: This is a major event local to planet Midvinter that will have a huge impact on the world and its history and peoples. It is open to all members of the Dawnguard faction, but if a non-member wishes to partake you may contact us via PM. Be sure to include myself as well as Coci Heavenshield in your message.​

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Dawnguard members:​

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Joza Perl"] | [member="Kahne Porte"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

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[Thurion Heavenshield]

City of Fridheim, Midvinter​

"Right, that's all you're getting for now," he chuckled, watching his winged steed munch on the slab of raw meat provided for his afternoon meal. "Can't have you grow too fat for your armour, can we?" He petted the coat of feathers covering his head and neck down to his chest where the striped fur takes over to cover the remainder of Skywalker's strong body. To this day the aesthetics of the gryphon astounded him; a creature so perfectly mixing the aspects of avians and felines, greatly surpassing both in the process. He considered it a true honour being able to honestly call one his friend.

The sound of approaching footsteps ascending the revolving stairs of the eyrie had both of them turn their heads in unison as a guard appeared, ever maintaining a respectful distance from the imposing creature. "Forgive me, my lord. A message, bearing the royal insignia," he presented to Thurion, who promptly rose from the straw-covered floor and leaving Skywalker to his meal.

Brushing off a few yellow straws still clinging to his clothes, he accepted the scroll and offered the man a nod of gratitude, who in return gave a salute before making his way back down the stairs. "Now what, Thyrian," he pondered aloud as he broke the wax seal. Upon reading it, Thurion quickly grasped the dire situation as his gaze found that of his trusty animal companion. As if on command Skywalker too rose from his rest, spreading his wings in anticipation of what was to come.

Thurion leaped onto his back, and within seconds the two were off, soaring over the city of Fridheim heading towards the Blessed Peak. [member="Coci Heavenshield"] and the Dawnguard had to be informed of his brother's words, for he feared that all were needed for the struggle to come. The weather was clear and the sun shone bright upon the snowy mountains of the west, providing a clear line of sight all the way to the Fortress of Dawn...

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

From where she and the great bear of an Ice-Wolf stalked the winter plains, the gryphon's flight looked little more than one of the many birds taking to the air from the branches of the tree's surrounding the pair. Ylva Solveig's footsteps were near on silent within the snow, the immense Bjomolf far off on her right and slowly moving in pursuit of a great stag, allowing the graceful creature to stare in fear of the beast that sought to startle it directly into the huntress' path. They two were an odd team and yet her Guardian Beast was more her friend than many a man or women in mind.

"Akron's Teeth" lifted slowly, her right hand drawing upon the tail of the Arrows shaft and pulling it back against the wire of her bow, the wheel mechanisms upon each wing of the weapon winding slowly and allowing for a greater draw and subsequently a more powerful release of the projectile when she felt the time was right. Today, hunting took on a new sense of pride and respect for the world around her, not by any sudden change of heart but by her awareness of the Force and learning to feel the world and the life around her as her Théo had introduced. Closing her eyes for but a moment, he let go of the tension of mind and body, listening instead to the whisper of the wind, the many sounds around her accompanied by more than mere noise but the presence of animals and the nurturing of Midvinters love of all things, as well as the savage reality that was the cycle of nature, life and death...

She loosed the arrow without looking ahead, the whistling of the wind through the tail feathers creating a loud and high pitched hiss as the air cycled around the shaft, spinning swiftly as it soared high at first and yet nearing the distance began to descend and finally with a dull slap, like a hand to another mans shoulder, the arrowhead struck the great stag and brought him down mid sprint from Bjomolf whom had almost caught up on it's rear. Together the two struck the snow and rolled over top of one another, bodies throwing up a blanket of white and from Ylva's position force her to frown to herself in dismay and a skeptical snort be released from her breath. Bjomolf was a great hunter but he too loved to play with his food, this catch however was meant for the nearby settlement as the request had been made of her in passing.

"Not this one, boy...-We leave for Himmeldal this eve and you've grown fat enough. I won't have you slowing us down" Ylva mused, calling to the great wolf whom lifted his head and gave something of a responding bark that sounded more akin to the half-roar of an Ursine male. Stunningly powerful with a foolish youth, Bjomolf wasn't of this world and like many things of Ylva's path, came to her in a time of need; "I don't care if you're hungry...-You're always bloody hungry..." She shook her head, presuming rather than actually understanding the great hound though few things excited the beast like the smell of a fresh kill, "We'll find you a Ram crossing the pass...-This is for the little ones".

After some odd few minutes more of talking her partner on this hunt down from consuming what was meant for a family in need, Ylva had worked to lift the carcass upon the beast of whom had to lay flat within the snow for her to do so, putting great strain upon her back and shoulders as well as the beasts tolerance, self-restraint and stomach. Soon enough they would return to the odd little housing in the middle of nowhere, an encampment not unlike others she had crossed in her wanderings.

Eyeing the distant horizon on their return, she knew that [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] was out there somewhere, the land often made her think upon the man whom had brought her to the world of the Valkyri; a place that felt like home...-Something she had never had to feel so tied to before. She inwardly questioned how far he was from their venture now, and how much farther they would need to roam to reach him. Ylva often had a habit of wandering off to get a taste of Midvinter for herself, a nomadic and independent woman, she loved the outdoors and never missed a chance to give her time to the wilds. Afterall, there was nothing as pure as the open air, nor as beautiful as the plans enveloped by the far stretching mountain's surrounding them.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Beornskald, The Eternal Realm

Sentiment. He had never been one for that.

Velkar Odiirson stood among the many which had been summon to the Allfather within the great hall, and listened to the words of this new God, the Dawnbringer. So this is he .. this whole event prompting a thin smile on Velkar's lips. The eternal enemy had returned again, the last time was devastating to Beornskald and all but destroyed it, yet he, alongside his brother and sister, father and mother proved victorious that day and once more the foe was vanquished to whence they came. Velkar had lost count of the times he faced them, the strength of them beyond anything any mortal would be able to face, and now they seek to plunder on Midvinter.

The Dawnbringer was right to want to go. And so shall Velkar, decreed or no.

He turned back into the shadows of the column by which he stood, a steeled look in his green eyes, and made his way up on the long corridor to await this Dawnbringer. A shimmer in the air around him shaped his body and within but a moment he was attired in his battle leather and weapons. His power surged through him, flicking green fire curled in the palm of his hand before he turned it inward and it vanished.

Velkar would hear the clipping of footfalls coming his direction, it would be the approach of the Dawnbringer. "My sister is a great warrior. But you are going to need more than her". They were in desperate need of some cunning, and even more need of some.. mischief.

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[member="Dawnbringer"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Fortress of Dawn

She stamped her feet ridding her boots of the crusted snow, her hot breath turned to mist before her, her gaze fixed on the end of the corridor as she removed her gloves. It was time to start the day here with the Dawnguard, and no doubt there would be a pile of 'paper work' awaiting her at her desk, but her office was not her destination, it never is. Thurion had failed to mention the duty of a grand master, that it involved so much of this need to sign away ones life. There was nothing that knights of the Order could not attend to as it was, they would find her if urgent.

Her first stop would be the communications room, she needed to know what was going on not only on Midvinter but the galaxy as well. There would be dispatches from the Silver Jedi to answer, if they needed her or Thurion or Thèo for that matter and then onto the training rooms to gather the students before taking them outdoor for their lessons. Long gone are the days in which she teaches from the front of a room, theory is good but practice is better. But she did not get half way up the corridor before Coci came to a sudden stop.

Thurion?

Their force bond swelling with power and a heavy sense of emotion directly coming from him. He was distant but closing fast, which told her he was either in his ship or riding high on the back of Skywalker. A loud shrill cry from the roof top told her the answer as Cloudancer seemed to sense it too, the coming of her beloved. Without a second thought, Coci turned on the spot and made for the front entrance of the Fortress leaving behind her cloak and once out into the light of day, her gaze turned to the skies to the west. Her black eyes piercing the horizon, seeing far more than most could ever even with the aid of the force she always had superior sight.

There was nothing .. not yet. She waited however and soon enough a speck in the skies appeared and grew larger with every passing moment. As much as she would welcome the company of him, her beloved Thurion, her face remained concerned ... something was wrong.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Beornskald​

The Eternal Realm​

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Poised against the great maul of war, bottom heavy and shaft standing skyward as Teign Hœgr stood with his weight down against it, the might of the hammer speaking louder for his stance than the words he rarely loosed upon others but his lineage, Odiir sat upon his throne facing down the one known of Thrand, the lord of Sun and bringer of Dawn. Runa, Helm, Velkar and Éar all surrounded him, the exchange heavy upon the Master Smiths mind for the fate that was set to befall the mortal realm least they not intervene.

Teign was the shortest of them all, he whom made up for his lack of height by the might of his hammer and the immortal works of the Grand Anvil, responsible for all of the mightiest and holiest of relics and armors, swords and bows that the mortals spoke only folk legends of. All whom stood within this great hall, those most legendary found themselves bestowed a mantle of his craft upon their coming into such a prestige, the Eternal Realm where ones mortal actions echoed into the afterlife and followed them into immortality, their memories uplifting them to the Gods that they be recognized for their integrity, their faith and their convictions for Midvinter and those that called her home.

His older Brother's word was law above all and the respect between them was unending, indentured and interpreted loyalty beyond the realms of man and their compromising ideals. No words would do the brief yet firm stare that they two would share, Teign's place in all of this already spoken for the furnace would be alight this timeless eve, the anvil struck and once again the mortals would see a battle fought by metals not known to their kin. For this time of need, the Dawnbringer and those that would come to his aid would carry Teigns strength in their sword arm, his care upon their shield, his pride in every time they would seek to strike their foe down.

And he would stand with them with his great warhammer, the Fell Hammer, bane of Beornskald.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Velkar"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Northmark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6aQEFzB3zQ​

There was much purpose in his life now, he had become a father, returned to the Silver Jedi and in time, he would settle down even more and become a family man. If the Gods deemed it for him, and life’s course as well. In all of this was Midvinter, a place that is so dear to him, in his blood that without it he could not exist with any sense of being who he is. It is his home, no matter where he would be in the galaxy, this place always called him back and he answered this call without hesitation.

Midvinter is so wild and unpredictable, beautiful and dangerous and beyond comparison to anything he has seen beyond the stars. It gives life and takes it, allows for innocents to be free, surprises in the extreme and never once did he feel that he could not cope. Here, Thèo felt alive.

He is a good distance away from everyone, scouting in the Northmark passed the boundaries of Fafnersvik, and into the wilds of the dead forest. Someone had been here before him, the place once dead of any growth had changed since the banishing of the Vinterbound for the most part, at least the controlling forces of them had perished even though there are pockets of them still abound on the planet and even they dwindle by the passing years.

Part of the dead forest lives. Fresh growth on the trunks of the once dead conifers, oak and elm, the hawthorn the best of them and there was a touch of mystery about this. Who or what had done this? Thèo was unaware of the Aevlar, that their reach had influenced this far afield with the likes of Eregon and his rangers venturing this far north.

But there was little time to stand marvelling the mystery of the place.

​

His sword slashed the air before digging deep into the corrupted flesh of the undead, and upon the touch of the mighty Midvinter metal disintraged into the dust. This was the last one that that loomed out of the woods in search of fresh flesh to feast on.

Thèo pulled back a long breath as his sword lowered to the snow now soiled with the ash, he could sense the passing of the spirit of this once warrior now released to be able to travel to the Gateway of the Dead and pass through the giant stone swords to beyond into Beornskald.

Thèo wiped his brow with the back of his hand before turning his back on the pile, sheathing his sword and trod the thick mantle of ice toward his ship.

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Meanwhile...

There was a nauseating stench of death hanging foul in the air as the High King's retinue entered the small settlement located to the west of Tháinbroek, nestled by the foot of the mountain range. Not a remarkable place by any means; just a quiet hamlet where people lived their lives. There were no goods to steal, which could only mean that whoever attacked them had no intentions other than meaningless slaughter. The High King had seen such things before, many times in fact. Too many. The way these people had been utterly defiled and put on display, however... These were not the workings of any band of mere Sith looking to inflict harm upon innocents. They were not lightsaber wounds, too... messy.

"By the Gods," he exclaimed, eyes wide with shock at what he was witnessing. Some of the men even threw up at the sight of the grissly sight; tough, hardened men who were no strangers when it came to bloodshed. As the riders reached the village centre they dismounted to get a closer look. "Check... Check for any survivors," came his stuttering command, trying to keep himself together. "And check for any signs of who could have committed this barbarism! Whoever they are they must have left tracks." A few of the men rode back out the way they came, scouting for signs of enemy movements leading out of the village.

As he stepped towards the nearest house still standing, he felt what he presumed to be drops of water fall upon the top of his head. Upon looking up, he was immediately told otherwise when he saw the decapitated heads of men, women and children staked and put on display all along the rooftops. A moment of panic gripped him as he desperately began wiping away the drops of blood now running down his forehead, quickly stepping away from the house only to slip in the reddened snow. "Your Grace," one of the men attended to him, helping him back on his feet.

"No need to look for survivors," Thyrian gathered himself and got another look at the entire array of faces locked in horrific expressions, all of them seemingly stared back at him. "You won't find any..."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Fortress of Dawn

Arriving at their destination, Skywalker let out a shriek as he laid eyes on his mate roosting atop the temple roof and swooped in for a landing on the courtyard, right beside where Coci and her class had gathered. Men and women, young and adult alike marveled at the sight of a gryphon up close, and as Thurion leapt off his back Skywalker would find himself surrounded by people eager for a closer look. He would only sate their curiosity for a brief moment before taking off again, heading for the rooftops where his beloved awaited him. Just as he did nuzzle Cloudancer with beak to beak did Thurion embrace Coci.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your class," he apologised to the group of aspiring Dawnguard as their all-too brief embrace ended. "Hello, everyone," he rather awkwardly waved at them. Most of them had never met the man in person before, but they had all heard of his legendary exploits. "Uhm... Excuse us for a moment," he pulled his wife aside and away from the small crowd.

"I would not interrupt unless it was important, Coci," he kept his voice hushed as he showed her the letter from the king. "An urgent message from Thyrian. There's been... reports of an attack on one of the villages. It could just be a raiding party, or it could be a prelude to another Sith invasion. In either case, he's going there to check it out in person. He's likely there as we speak." Making sure the others were not listening in on their conversation, he took a step closer to her.

"There is something... coming for us. All of us. I can feel it, it's been gnawing at the back of my mind since receiving this message. I don't want to worry anyone in case it turns out to be nothing," he moved behind her and placed his hands upon her shoulders for a soft massage while she took to reading the letter for herself. "I just think we better make sure it's nothing."

His arms then wrapped themselves around her front, resting his chin upon her shoulder. "How are you?" he suddenly changed the subject. "How did Corellia go?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

She had been gone but a couple of days; not nearly enough time nor distance to ignore an entire village being slaughtered...

Yet as Ylva Solvieg and Bjomolf her great Ice Wolf climbed the last of the great ascents leading over into the fair plains, they both stopped dead in their tracks to see the smoke rising from the distant houses; already the smell of death was in the air, spread across the vale by the whipping of winters wind. Movement, she could see it though it moved and felt not akin to the same presence of life that had once been merry there before. Her control of the Force was nothing if not unreliable and yet the horrid coil of her gut told her this sight was to be worse the closer they came.

Still, she was not one to be thwarted by the likes of men. Turning to her companion, the meat strapped to his back glistening in the cold no longer held any relevance to the day, were there not live children nor their families to feast upon it, her one good deed towards others most unusual for her, not being discarded by fate and whatever heretic awaited them below. [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] had mentioned names within his family yet they had never met, such times and discussions were so distant that she had not been able to recall any but her partner's immediate, his Mother and Father.

It was therefore most unfortunate that she now found herself looking down upon Thyrian Hearthfire and his men and women of legion, Bow in hand and pulling an arrow from the Quiver at her hip. "Go..." She waved Bjomolf off to the east direction of the Village, her expression cold, those once loving blue eyes hardened by the stench and sight of such a massacre. Ylva loved Midvinter, she had come to call it her home thanks to Théo's bringing her there. Together, they had discovered that her family had roots here long beyond her life, something she had struggled to come to terms with but none the less, this world and her people were of great value to the wild one with fire in her hair, forgone a life where everything had been thought lost of her love. She had a problem with authoritarian figures and her ignorance of this worlds leadership and guardianship was about to do her a great injustice for the many she were slowly making her way towards.

Crept low, the snow brushed against her sides as she waded through it with bow and arrow in hand, the wire still loose yet ready to be notched and sent afly towards any who looked to make an example of her as they had these innocent villagers. She reached the first of the houses still burning, her left side coming to feel the heat of the wall as she used it for cover pairing out towards the center of the scene. Men armored and looking immensely well trained, the likes of soldiers no different from Théo's former men and women of the Iron Empire's armada. Her target would need to be one of the officers, one of those with great command; Thyrian himself though his name meant little to her, her pride and lack of fear towards a good death was enough to take a stand for peoples whom deserved nothing of this fate.

"I love you Théodred" she whispered under her breath as she stepped out into the open, the breath almost being taken from her lungs, her stomach doing a flip as adrenaline suddenly got the best of her and her right arm drew back on the tail of her arrow, her bow lifting in the direction of [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] and she, the lone women now in sight of all of his men. Bold, foolish but not without a friend. Behind them all a great roar would erupt from the maw of the giant Ice Wolf, Bjomolf whom resembled a great ursine in size alone had come upon their flank and alike Ylva began to stalk them all until she had put herself within the line of fire warranting the beasts need to stand in her defense.

"One of you are going to tell me what happened here and why before your friend here dies...".

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Velkar Odiirson"] | [member="Teign Hœgr"] | [member="Dawnbringer"]​

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Spoiler: obligatory theme music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjTe0R2bREY​

Northmark

Finally, a planet that was worth a Hutt!

The young Pantoran was atop a snowboard, sending a wash of loose slush flying over the landing struts of the Tarly as the boy's path over the frozen earth cut close aboard where Théo had parked the ship.

The Master Heavenshield was off doing... something. What, he had no idea. But it apparently involved a sword. Like, an actual sword. From the historical holos. Made of metal... or something. It was absolutely going to be worthless against a blaster or a lightsaber though so... what was the point?

Well, it would be useless. Anywhere else. Midvinter was kind of like Arondight and some of the Iron Empire worlds. It was a little backwards. So, a sword here probably wasn't that unusual. What was unusual was a kid from the slums of Coruscant snowboarding on Midvinter.

Uncommon, at least.

Speaking of uncommon sights, there he was now. The glorious hero! Slayer of that which had been slain! Victor of many victorious battles! Cooker of many meals that had been burned, causing them to order pizza at the last minute!

...also, while they were on the topic, Boo actually didn't mind the last part.

Hopping off the snowboard, the Pantoran started running toward where the familiar sight of Théo emerging from out of the snow and fog. Bending down, the boy scooped up a handful of snow. Which he packed into a small ball. And lobbed at the man.

"Attack!" the boy declared playfully.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

When many of those in the galaxy considered the local forest to be 'the wilds', they'd never visited Midvinter. Their forests were more often than not cultivated growths that were carefully monitored and maintained. If the lands appeared overgrown, it was because it was planned that way. Then there were those worlds where nature ruled and had to be beaten back. One such place was Cholganna, the planet he'd grown up on. Another was Midvinter. Snow covered the surface as far as the eye could see. Forests were plentiful, and while the snow on the ground was lighter under the trees it was not missing altogether; one gust of wind and a human could find themselves buried to the waist in the stuff.

It was little surprise that the sentient - and not-so-sentient - species on the planet had evolved with the environment. The wildlife was large and hardy, predators plentiful and dangerous. The most well-known of the native species was the Valkyri, the species made famous by the Heavenshield family. The beings making up that species were larger than most humans, strong, stubborn, and were readily found on the planet. In stark contrast were the Aelvar, more normal-sized humanoids who lived in secrecy and were rarely seen. Interestingly, they were similar in appearance to Audren himself. He'd had only a single chance to meet them and that window had altered by unfortunate events, so he didn't know a whole lot about the species. It was something he hoped to correct in the future.

Currently, the Sephi was out in the wilderness of Midvinter. The true wilderness. One knowing of his interest in the Aelvar - a surprise in its own right - they might have thought he was out there trying to find them. They would have been wrong. He had been on the planet multiple times now and it had been made clear that he was welcome at the Fortress of Dawn whenever he wanted. He was appreciative and had accepted the offer. However, he'd grown up on a temperate planet, of which Midvinter was assuredly not. So he had to acclimatize. With basic clothing and the barest of survival gear, he'd headed away from civilization. To be sure, as a Jedi Master he could use the art of Tapas to warm himself at will. But if he were going to be spending time on this planet it would be better to be comfortable in his own skin. There was no better place to attune one's self to the patterns of a planet,

The wholesale slaughter of a village had been a extremely unpleasant awakening.

Audren had barely paused to gather his gear before beginning to sprint in the direction of the disturbance. Though he drew on the Force for stamina he did not draw on it for speed. e ran quickly enough that his hair streamed behind him, but left barely any imprint on the snow itself. The dead were already dead; it had not been a premonition. By the time he arrived those responsible would no doubt be gone. Others might simply have gone about their business and reported the occurrence once returning to civilization, but that was not how he was built.

It was only when he began to sense beings ahead that he realized that he may have miscalculated. It was possible those who had performed the killing had decided to stay, thinking nobody would be the wiser for the coming weeks. There had been more than one death, which meant a cunning killer or multiple, and it was possible he would be outnumbered. He'd been in the brush and was no fool: he did carry weapons, but only a single blade and his lightsaber hilt. Once he was close enough to see what was going on, the Sephi stopped cold. The situation was taken in at a glance. The mounts that had been left behind, the riders below the lines of heads. The red-head holding a bow - shocking elsewhere, but so normal here on Midvinter - on the group opposite what appeared to be a giant snarling wolf. A complicated situation that he would be better off understanding before joining.

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Kahne Porte]

Midvinter
Trinity Cross

It was colder than usual, much more than the Jedi thought. He wondered if should have trusted what he was dreaming or not. Kahne was never one for dwelling much into his dreams, as that's all they were. Figments of the subconscious mind putting together a story about something we might love or something completely terrifying which leads to nightmares. Truth be told Kahne wasn't dreaming much, however when he did it was usually about [member="Alexandra Russo"] the Jedi's fiancee. This one was different however, it shook him to his core while Kahne had his own troubles going on right now the force seemed to be guiding him to this place for some reason.

There were several people he saw in his dreams, one in particular was [member="Coci Heavenshield"] which was slightly strange to him. He hadn't spoken with her in some time, among her face there was others that he didn't know. They seemed disturbed about something that he couldn't understand. That was until he saw the bodies, the bodies of thousands. Dead bodies everywhere, decapitated, mangled and anything in that sort of nature. Men,women and the children too. There was fire everywhere as the city was burning down.

"There, Gala." Kahne whispered as he glanced at his destination after his ship had entered the atmosphere and there seemed to be a that appeared populated or manned whichever it was and that was where his ship touched down at. Listening to the concerned beeping from his Astro droid Kahne shook his head. "No Gala, you will remain with the ship. Contrary to popular belief I know exactly what I'm doing." The Jedi Master reached for his cloak and donned it as the ramp lowered and the Jedi Master touched down on the snow covered earth. The sun was out so that was a good thing, as Kahne glanced towards the Fort he noted an individual walking in his direction and Kahne moved forward as to meet whomever it was.

"Greetings traveler, I trust your here on peaceful terms?" The man who seemed well armed spoke with authority.

"Yes, I can wholeheartedly agree with you on that. As to the purpose of my visit, I'm still figuring that part out. Does someone by the name of Heavenshield set up shop nearby? Coci Heavenshield?"

"Who's asking?"

"An old friend." Kahne replied easily enough, as he glanced around for a moment and secured his cloak more around as a means to warm himself up. This wasn't' the everyday weather that Kahne was used to dealing with.

"If she is planet side perhaps we can get a hold of her for you. However there is a possibility that she could be very busy."

"I understand, if she is busy that's fine as well. I don't wish to cause a problem."

"Come with me, you will be much warmer by the fire, there is beverages as well inside the keep." The guard jerked his head back towards the fort at which Kahne nodded easily enough and followed the guard. Truth be told Kahne didn't want to disturb her, if at all inquire about her health and if there were any issues that had arisen lately on this planet. "Thank you for your hospitality my friend." Kahne nodded to the Guard as he returned his gesture with a nod and a pat on his back.

However as the Jedi first arrived and took a seat inside and was given a beverage of a strong whiskey. Word of an attack that had decimated a local village had caused a chill to creep up his spine that had nothing to do with the cold of Midvinter.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Northmark

At least there was a sense of relief in Théo, knowing that Boo was safe on the Tarly and that the two would soon return south to find Ylva. It was time to introduce them to each other. Of course Théo's sense of security would be misplaced as his son had other ideas. Why does history repeat itself? His parents would consider this relationship with Boo poetic justice for all their grey hairs over the years with the same venturing that he had done in his youth and sometimes in his adult life. However, his mind was filled with a sense of something strange in the air, not able to grasp it like water through the fingers. The force was prickling with a warning but it was more than that.

As Théo approached the Tarly, deep in though he was sudden hit with reality when Boo's voice rang out across the snow field. "Attack!", was the cry and without hesitation, Théo spun on the spot in the same movement unsheathing his sword taking hold in a double grip legs spread in firm stance, eyes darting in all directions fully expecting to see more of the Vinterbound approach .. only he was hit in the back of the head by a snow ball. To say his nerves were on edge would be an understatement.

His shoulders slumped as he let his sword lower to the ground, a sly grin on his face and happy for the sudden release of tension in his body. A half turn enough to see Boo standing by the ship struts loading up once more, a gently gesture with Théo's right hand sudden shifted the gathered snow on his ship and it fell piling on Boo burying him to the neck. Very unfair of him to do that, so very much not in the game rules .. but nothing is fair in 'war'.

Théo's smile widened with the sight of Boo, and he approached his son but, once more the sensation filled him and he stopped in his tracks and .. listened.

He raised his hand toward Boo, an indication for silence as Théo's eyes darted around the looking for any sign of life, toward the forest deep into it, there was nothing, nothing stirred. He turned to the north, beyond the horizon the Great Maw of the North only to see an amazing sight.

​

​

And it was not something he had ever seen on Midvinter before this day, as beautiful as it was, it was a warning, but from where it came he did not know. Everything was silent, not a creature stirred, no avian .. it was deadly still.

"Boo, we have to get out of here". Once on board the Tarly, Théo would try and contact his mother at the Fortress of Dawn.

​

[member="Kahne Porte"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Village of Daal, the Crownlands​

"Take them down," he told his men, still eyeing the gruesome display having composed himself. "We'll give them a decent burial, and then leave this place. This is no place for the living, not anymore." There was great solemnity in his words, quietly mourning the loss of innocent lives. As king, any meaningless death for his people weighed heavily upon him, and these images would never leave his side. He would not allow it. His fist slowly clenched at his side, causing sparks to form which would swirl upwards before going out naturally.

What happened next was impossible to predict.

As the men began removing the heads and gathering the bodies in the village centre where they would be buried, Thyrian sensed another being close by. Two of them, in fact. The snarling of a giant wolf had him turn his head in its direction, and all at once the men stopped dead in their tracks. Their king remained calm and raised a hand gesturing for them to do the same. This was no beast native to Midvinter, meaning whoever brought it was not far away. He was proven right in mere moments later.

"One of you are going to tell me what happened here and why before your friend here dies..."

Again he turned to see a lone woman, red of hair and arrow trained at him. Some of the men meant to rush her in defense of their king only to be stopped with another gesture from Thyrian. This woman clearly did not commit these atrocities, not on her lonesome and certainly not considering her dire words. Still, she was threatening them and he would not abide such foolishness, even if well-intentioned.

His arm shot out towards her in the blink of an eye, and with the aid of the Force he ripped the bow and arrow from the woman's hands and tossed them aside, effectively disarming her. "You would do well not to make threats you cannot follow through," he spoke with great authority and strode towards her, only to stop at a respectful distance. "My lady," he then bowed his head to her. "We did not cause this destruction, I assure you. We only came here to confirm rumours, and it pains me to say that they were true. I have scouts out searching for the responsible."

He shot a glance back towards the great wolf of hers. "Call him off. My men will give these people the burial they deserve."

Once she'd done as asked did he introduce himself. "I am Thyrian, of House Hearthfire."

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Kahne Porte"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She took the letter from Thurion’s hand and began to read, her mind filled with several notions at once. As he rested his chin on her shoulder, Coci turned her face to place a kiss on his cheek. “Corellia was great, and Thirdas had a wonderful time looking at everything”.

However, her mind now focused on the words jumping out at her from the page. Added to this growing concern was that fact Thurion has felt something. His words very ominous to say the least and for now all she could think of was to get the members of the Dawnguard to safety. If it was the Sith returned that would be devastating enough but if more insidious, the younglings need to be evacuated.

“I think it best if we are over cautious because I have never known you to be wrong”. She folded up the letter and handed it back to Thurion and she looked into his face with worry, it was like Husavik all over again and the pain of that event still painful for those that experienced it. She reached for his hand squeezing it gently for reassurance for both of them, they would face this new threat together as they had done countless times in the past.

Coci approached the two guards stationed at the front entrance of the Fortress, they are both Jedi Knights of the Dawnguard, she spoke to them issuing orders for evacuation to Kashyyyk and the Silver Jedi, they are to wait there until whatever threat to Midvinter is neutralised. She then spoke to her class giving them the news that class was cancelled for today, the faces of disappointed looked back at them both some protesting that they would remain and help. But they are not ready to face such dangers yet.

Once the Jedi had begun to move to their quarters, Coci turned to Thurion looking for the next move he wished to take. But the force intervened, she stopped to ‘listen’ and felt the presence of an old friend, her old master, [member="Kahne Porte"]. She was surprised and happy to sense him, here on MIdvinter? What had made him come .. after all these years of no contact?

She searched through the force, standing centred in focus as her mind expanded and found him. He was not that far as the crow flies, sitting in a room with company and she could feel his disconcerted mind. He was equally as puzzled by his appearance here. Master, he mind opened to him with the recognition. I am here.

Her master is powerful, the connection through the force would allow him to find her. She opened her eyes to Thurion, “We are not alone in this fight, and we have help”. Not just Kahne but other great masters in friends and family.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

'How many people on this world know how to use the Force?' might have been Ylva's first thoughts had the situation not have been so dire that her life had suddenly been removed of it's defense, the woman's bow torn from the tight grip of her left hand and the arrow flung helplessly away. "Akron's Teeth" wasn't a bow made of word, it held a Poly-Alloy Frame, an assortment of Leathers around the hand held mid-section and the wire a high standard of recurve string, flexible yet too strong as anything.

"You would do well not to make threats you cannot follow through".​

Being disarmed of her bow automatically sent her hands to her sides, fingers taking to the head of her twin War Axe's, her intention was to pull them both from her belt and hurl one of them in his direction when this man who had disarmed her soon changed his demeanor and bowed his hair to Ylva Solveig; perhaps the last Woman in the Galaxy that ought to be bowed to, not to mention being called a 'Lady'. The surprise in this gave her pause from her pride and her immediate emotions if only to question him silently, wondering perhaps if she were being mistaken for someone else and yet allowing the two Axe's to fall back into their metal ringlet holsters.

"Call him off. My men will give these people the burial they deserve".​

​

Having been removed of her Bow, Ylva Solveig's Guardian held a feral look in his eyes, the great beasts maw flared and showing his teeth to those unfortunate soldiers closest to it, snapping at them yet remaining out of reach and only doing so to intimidate until the moment Ylva would either give him the word or be struck herself by another. Instead however, this Thyrian seemed to be familiar to her, or at-least, she wondered if she hadn't heard his name somewhere before. "Bjomolf..." He called out to the beast, some of them men seeming to poise themselves at the sound of her voice and the creatures sudden silence and anticipation of her command; "Settle down, boy" she concluded in something of a firm yet comforting tone, soon reaching out with her left hand that the giant wolf would come to her side and stand before this man of house Hearthfire.

"My name's Ylva Solveig of Himmeldal, Friend to Midvinter and to Théodred Heavenshield..." She spoke his name, the man she walked in life alongside. He had said that his name held weight over Midvinter, that his Parents acted as Guardians to these people to some varying degree. If this Thyrian was of noble birth here then she expected the name might ring some bells for the old man. "This village was full only a week ago, though they were hungry. I've been on the hunt on their behalf but..." Her gaze left Thyrian's to gaze over the cinder ashes, the bloodied earthen floor and the troops that stood around her listening intently and awaiting their superior's word; "I've met none in my travels here across Midvinter that would desecrate the dead in such a way...".

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Velkar Odiirson"] | [member="Teign Hœgr"] ​

[member="Dawnbringer"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Kahne Porte"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

Given the reactions it was good that he'd stopped when he had. Warriors moved to intercept the red-headed woman, to defend the one she was aiming the nocked arrow at, only to be stopped by a gesture. There was a split-second pause, then that same arm blurred into motion and the Force came into play: telekinesis ripped the bow from the woman's grip. Rather than following with an attack though, the man spoke in a level tone and walked towards her. The Sephi did not miss the way her hands dropped to the axes at her sides, nor the fact that they were left there.

The name given...Thyrian of House Hearthfire. He recognized it, but couldn't tell from where. Whatever the case, his words were enough for the woman to calm her hound and open a discussion. She started with her name as well as dropping another - Théodred Heavenshield. That one he knew. The woman claimed to have been hunting on behalf of the village, and that they'd been alive a week ago. Theoretically possible, he was not close enough to tell if she was lying without overtly revealing himself.

Having come from the direction he had, the unease of the warriors was clear to him. That unease increased as the wolf moved near them to return to this Ylva. Once the creature was past Audren, he moved in closer through the buildings. His steps made no sound and the buildings themselves blocked the others from seeing him, but it also blocked him from seeing them. The voices continued however, so he was aware. When he stepped out from between two buildings, it was just behind the group of warriors. When he spoke, those nearest jumped half out of their skin.

"There are things that would, if only they could."

Ylva's last sentence had brought to mind the first time that Audren had stepped foot on the planet. It had been with a small force of Silver Jedi and allies, organized and led by the Heavenshields in defense of a small village. Probably north of here, but he'd not been paying much attention to the planetary geography at the time. Said village had been the subject of a swarm of Sithspawn the Heavenshields had named as Vinterbound. The Jedi and their allies had fought through the forest to the village, then defended the village itself alongside the native warriors. He didn't remember having the impression that the Sithspawn could do this sort of thing though.

"I didn't think the Vinterbound were subtle enough for an act of this sort. Nor did I think them active."

Back then he'd come prepared for war. He'd worn armor and carried both ranged and bladed weapons. This time he simply wore normal clothing and carried just blades and a travel pack. The armor and weapons were days away by foot. That mattered little however; the Force was his ally. He was far more confident - and more dangerous - now than he'd been then. Still willing to help, and learned enough to do so. His comment was a question as well though; it had been long since he'd even thought of this world's brand of undead.

[member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Thyrian Hearthfire"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Fortress of Dawn

His lips formed a smile as she placed her kiss upon his cheek, though there was little time for such moments of levity considering what may lay before them. Watching Coci instructing her students and personnel alike to prepare for evacuation, Thurion stood by her decision; the Dawnguard was her domain as their Grandmaster - a position he did not envy her in the slightest. Gods know he had his hands full as Warden as it was!

"We should head for Tháinbroek and meet with my brother. Depending on what he finds at Daal, he may summon the bannermen for a possible war council," he told her, stroking his chin and his non-existant beard. Issuing a command with a high-pitched whistle, Skywalker responded with a shriek from the rooftops where he dwelled with his mate. It was time to move out. "We'll send word to Fridheim telling them to muster the troops. I have a feeling we'll need them."

As both gryphons made their landing before them, Thurion gave his trusty steed a pat on the beak. "You will be needed as well," he informed them, and neither had ever looked more ready for what was to come. There was a fierceness to their steely gaze filled with such depth and animalistic intelligence. They could sense a fight was coming just as he did.

Before they would set out, however, he grabbed hold of his wife and pulled her in for the deepest of kisses, arms wrapped around her as he even took to lifting her off her feet for but a moment. "Just in case," he said with a slight smirk, eyes drowning in hers. Once they were ready, the Lord and Lady Heavenshield would soar the skies heading for the Valkyri capital.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Kahne Porte"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thyrian Hearthfire]

Village of Daal

Grateful for her cooperation, he offered her another nod of thanks as the great white beast backed down from keeping his men from doing as ordered. Already the remains of the fallen were being gathered, and Thyrian felt confident to approach Ylva further, summoning her bow and arrow once more before handing them back to her as a token of good faith. "Théodred?" His eyes widened at the mention of his nephew's name. "You are a friend of his, then?"

Before she could answer the sound of hooves closed in on them, riding hard. The scouts had returned. "Report," their king spoke, hoping they would give him something - anyhing. "We've searched in a mile-long radius around the village; there are no signs of troop movements, Your Grace," one of the riders replied through laboured breath. A notable sigh escaped their liege, who nodded in return. "Alright, lads. Have a rest and then help out the others."

Once they were left alone again, he could no longer keep composure. "Damn it!" he cursed the situation through gritted teeth. Another sigh before turning to Ylva once more. "Théodred is my brother's eldest son," he picked up on their conversation. "Any friend of his I consider kin, Lady Ylva." There was the briefest and faintest of smiles upon his lips just as another stranger appeared, this one seemingly out of nowhere. Given his unmistakable pointed ears and fair features, Thyrian took the man for an Aelvar scout.

"These are not the actions of some band of roaming undead," he addressed him with confidence. "Vinterbound do not leave corpses in their wake if they can help it." A dire sentence for anyone to utter, but such was the truth. "Do you have a name, friend? Do you bring news from the Woodland Realm?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Boo Heavenshield"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Kahne Porte"]​