When Pantorans Attack! | The Winter Fete Morning Raid on the Life Day Tree

[Micah tol Powl]

New Himmeldal​

The Great Hall of Sir Théodred of Norvegr-fen​

All war is deception.

The Pantoran had gone to bed with only two or three reminders that it was his bed time. Well, one reminder that it was his bed time and then two reminders that it was past his bed time. Which just went to show that the whole concept of a bed time was really far more fluid than parental authority figures wanted to admit.

Anyroad...

The Pantoran had gone to bed with far less of a struggle than was the norm, no doubt lulling Sir Scruffy into a false sense of security about the fiction of peace on Winter Fete morning. Oh sure, it might have seemed that way. The house quiet. The Pantoran in the bed, tucked in with a snugglesnek and an amphistaff.

But it was not to last.

Was the sun even up yet? It didn't matter. It was Winter Fete morning. If only technically. The position of the sun on the horizon was not a relevant point of discussion. It was sometime after midnight, making this technically the next morning.

That made it Life Day.

That made the presents under the Life Day tree fair game.

To this point, Boo had been behaving himself with regard to the colorfully wrapped presents under the tree. Théo seemed like he was on guard against Boo sneaking peaks, so the boy had settled for trying to divine knowledge of what was in the little boxes through the Force...

...that had been a total bust. In one vision, it was a pair of socks. In another vision, it was a miniature Rancor, leading an army of disenfranchised Dejarik game pieces in a violent revolution against their chessmaster overlords.

The latter of which may not have actually been the product of a Force vision, but rather the result of an overactive imagination. And possibly consuming Fizzyglug before bedtime. Along with cold pizza from the refrigeration unit. During an unsanctioned raid on the kitchen during an hour at which Boo was most certainly not supposed to be awake.

Whatever the case, Boo had no idea what was in the presents. And not for lack of trying. However, if it really was a pair of socks in there... there was going to be problems.

But, before he could open presents, he required a Théo.

The summoning of a Théo was not an easy task. It was a daunting challenge, that would intimidate the most devout Primeval shaman. The talismans and implements of the rituals required of a Théo summoning were not for the faint of heart.

Stomping through the inside of the great hall like a miniature Terentatek, the young Pantoran bolted through the house like a mad man. Sliding into the kitchen, the boy started pulling the materials together that he needed to start the caf machine.

There were possibly more caf grounds outside of the machine than inside the filter. Whatever. He'd deal with that mess later. Sh-mebbe.

Sliding over to the pantry, the boy pulled together some flour and eggs so that he could whip up some pancakes for breakfast. As he darted back and forth, the two snakes chased behind him, entangling his feet as the serpentine forms stared up with obvious curiosity as the boy started flinging the ingredients around.

There was possibly a bit of flour going everywhere. Not the least of which being the pajama-clad Pantoran.

If the sound of Boo stomping around hadn't already roused Sir Scruffy from the Dark Side of the pillow, the smell of the caf and the pancakes starting to form on the griddle ought to do the trick.

And then, PRESENTS!

​

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Ylva Solveig"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"]​

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

Many days had passed since the rather awkward and uncomfortable first introduction to [member="Boo Heavenshield"], on the cusp of a new War that Midvinter would see reign havoc across it's lands. No matter how much time she spent with the lad however, nor how horrific that battle had been that day, nothing had prepared her for the intrusion of sound and calamity that was a young Pantoran boy on "Winter Fete" morning.

Grumbling under her breath, Ylva rolled over into the warmth of [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]'s company; "Your Son's awake..." the words were barely audible though perhaps enough for Théo to make sense of the commotion going on downstairs. Any day before a fresh cup of Stim-Caf, Boo truly was Théo's boy, though that wasn't to say that Ylva hadn't adopted the lad in her heart for all the time that had passed them by.

She wasn't accustomed to this whole Winter's Fete tradition, that nor Life-Day was anything if not foreign from her past life before coming into the Heavenshields family, and it seemed there were still many things the Valkyri Huntress still had to experience. [member="Coci Heavenshield"] had been training Ylva under the Dawnguard, using many of her own learnings from the Silver Jedi Order before Ylva's time. She had a lot of respect for her Mother-in-Law, though no matter how many lessons or data-files she was handed, there was nothing more feral than a wild red-headed Valkyri before her Morning's dew.

Eventually, where there seemed to be no end to the racket from below, Ylva's eyes opened to stare back at her beloveds; drawing her knee's up against her chest, she pressed her feet against him and decided that pushing him out over the side of the bed was the best bet to fast-track the boy's silencing. There, with a heavy dull thud, Ylva smiled to herself with great satisfaction, pulling the fur blankets in around herself and rolling back over, with every intention of sleeping in.

"Get me a Caf, too..." She added, smirking to herself.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The last two weeks had been a complete nightmare. All the halls were decked with boughs of holly, and apparently it was the season to be jolly and everyone was to gather attired in their best attire and somewhere there were trolls. Or it went something like that. But that was not the problem, the problem was Boo and his ever consistent nose to the ground like a blood hound sniffing out the presents for any signs or hints of what might be in them. Boo was yet to best the master of youthful endeavour to detect such things, he had not learned to value of a sister with long fingernails and blackmail. These were the tools of Théo the Brave as a child at the same time of year in house Heavenshield long after the parents had gone to bed .. drunk.

Théo knew there was simply no way of keeping a lid on his gift to Boo this year, the yelping and scratching would see to that and so his gift stayed with a friend in the village until the Eve. The little white bundle slept soundly at the foot of the bed until both Ylva and Théo had closed their eyes and only then did the white fluff ball make his move to the pillows. They were none the wise for it too until the first breaking of the dawn.

His eyes shot open at the sound of a quake in the kitchen and the murmuring of Ylva next to him stating the obvious after which swiftly kicking him from the bed. Théo stood at the side of the bed as he watched her curl into a ball and promptly go back to sleep. A slow and steady hand reached for her took hold of the bedding furs and with the flash of his hand threw them to the room exposing her to the elements. It was simply too good to resist, there it was in all its glory soft and peachy and the invitation was accepted as he slapped her rump enough to give her a sting. He would have made his escape from any retribution had it not been for a warm puddle of wetness on the wooden floor which Théo slipped in and it took all his effort to right himself.

A white streak ran for the bed and sat with big eyes intrigued with all the goings on, it looked fun to the small creature and he wanted in on the action. But there was no time for fun now, they had to get down stairs before down stairs was destroyed. It only took one step and the little pup was off, the game was afoot and he darted under the bed, head down bum up wagging it's tails and began to yelp. "Shhhh, quiet .. now come here, come on".

That was never going to work. Fine ... and so Théo used the force and the white fluff ball slide across the floor and floated in the air until he took hold of it. Holding the little one by the scruff of the neck, "I suppose a box with a ribbon is out of the question". He put on his morning robe and tucked the little one under it and headed out the door for the kitchen. "Come on Ylva you don't want to miss this".

Bedsides the grand parents would be arriving shortly.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Norvegr-fen​

The Docks​

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​

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The more north one got, the colder it was, if that was possible for Midvinter. Norvegr-fen was not an easy place to get too, the fens very vast and lacked any place in which Thurion could land the Oathkeep, they had to travel from the south on the river hitching a ride on one of the trade boats heading into the capital of the Mark. Coci had never been this far north before, it was so beautiful and in a sense had a feeling of foreboding about it, maybe it was the heavy clinging mist that rose up from the marshes. Yet the place was alive with life all manner of water creatures would pop up out of the water to see the curious creatures on the boats. It was a slow trip mostly because the boat was laden with goods all ready for the tables of the people who would celebrate the coming of the season festivities. For the most part of the trip she sat bundled up against her husband for warmth.

As they approached the city turning the bow toward the docks, her black eyes darted around taking it all in with a smile. Théo had done so well with this, a new place set to offer much prosperity for anyone that came here to earn a living or find a new one. It looked new, as it should and in time would only grow bigger. The docks were decorated in lights which blinked to the traveler arriving and welcomed them, all manner of colours and so joyous, as was the streets she discovered.

"He has done so well", she whispered to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] as they disembarked the ship, a mother so proud of her son. "Come on else we will be late", she grinned at her Thurion .. it was 6am, but she knew little boys and their love for the festive season. Packed under her arms was bundle of presents, Thurion had one too but the most anticipated event for Coci this day was the lunch in which all her family would sit down and take part in a meal for a wonderful occasion for a change.

It was easy to find New Himmeldal, one of the bigger buildings of the city and fashioned in the style of the Grand Hall of Thainbroek, and soon Thurion and herself would be standing in front of the main door. Three heavy knocks of the knocker pounded the wood of the door and they waited for someone to answer it.

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It would be fair to say Thurion had always struggled with early mornings. The trip up the Lhûn river from Fridheim to Norvegr-fen had taken them a day-and-a-half, having set out two moons ago and only just arriving hours before the sun dispersed the shadows of nighttime. Winter was in full swing and Midvinter saw only a precious few hours of sunlight, making people appreciate their Lord of Sunlight even more so during these cold dark months for the little light he did provide them. During the summer, short though it is on Midvinter, the sun can be seen even late at night, turning the sky to pink and orange before it is time to rise once more. At night, their journey had been graced by ribbons of light in every colour imaginable dance across the starry sky.

Grabbing a large bag filled to the brim with presents and throwing it over his shoulder, Thurion bid the crew of sailors farewell and hurried after Coci. His legs felt stiff, having yet to fully awaken much like the rest of him. Were it not for Boo, they'd likely not arrive until later in the day which would have suited him far better. But boys will be boys, and all boys crave excitement and, above all, new toys. Being that this was to be the first Heavenshield Winter Fete with grandchildren, it was a special one indeed. He let out a big yawn once caught up with her. "It's times like these I wish I cared even the slightest for Caf. I can't promise I won't nod off at some point."

Once stood before the front door of New Himmeldal and they waited for someone to come answer, Thurion glanced over at his wife and couldn't help but smile. He then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss upon her red cheek. "I just felt like kissing you," he told her, like a boy interacting with his childhood crush.

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

 

[Ylva Heavenshield]

The cold met her body with a startling shock, Ylva's eyes snapping open just in time for a brilliant sting of pain to follow a loud slap against her rear. The yelp that came next, didn't come from the snowflake pupper but instead from her very mouth as she turned back to yell her fiance's name across the room. Fortunately for him, he was out the door before she could reach for something to hurl at him other than the obscenities that were let loose upon her heated tongue.

Left alone to the cold room, she cast the closed door a wild look though couldn't avoid the corner of her mouth from curling in a cold smirk, shaking her head to herself in resignation as she knew damn well she loved the attention he gave, and he gave it back just as good as she so often dished the punishment out to him; "That boy's going to get himself in trouble one of these days..." she muttered to herself with no lack of pride for the way her heart sang for [member="Théodred Heavenshield"].

It took some effort to pull herself over to her side of the bed, swinging her legs down over the side and glaring hazily towards her clothes that she'd thrown to the corner of the room in the throes of passion the night before. There was no modesty about the way that she sat, the sheets and furs having been stolen from her, her body remained exposed to the cool morn's air until she could bring herself to stand.

Ever the image of the walking dead, she staggered sleepily to her belongings and began to dress. "That better be some damn good Caf, Mr Heavenshield..." she added to herself, trying to account for her pride in this days 'first loss'. They'd been together for some time now, yet the competition between them had never died down. It was exhilirating to compete with Théodred, not for blood but for bragging rights over the man she loved most in the Galaxy, the only other male she cared for was [member="Boo Heavenshield"], and then naturally she held a deep respect for Théodred's Father. Men in her life prior to meeting her soon to be Husband had shown little to admire or respect, though they were more beast than the valiant and honorable men that the Heavenshields were made of.

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

 

[Micah tol Powl]

The kitchen looked like a bombed out disaster.

To be fair, the small kitchen fire had not been his fault. Though, how he'd managed to explode a pancake was anyone's guess. Including his own. Not counting the completely black, charred flat circles of what might have passed for a pancake in the bowels of hell, the young Pantoran had somehow managed to come away with a nice stack of light, fluffy deliciousness that was fit for serving to Théo.

He knew because he'd tested one.

And then had to test a second one to be certain the first hadn't been a fluke.

And then a third. Quality control was a very important part of pancake production.

There were two that were more rubber than pancake. That was currently getting used as a frisbee disc to play fetch with the snakes, to include between the two of them. With as intelligent as an amphistaff was, Azi and Coi could be very self-entertaining.

The knock at the door hadn't been something that Boo was expecting. Bounding his way through the house like a stampede of bantha, the boy slid over to the door before throwing it open to reveal...

...old people.

Why were there old people at their door at this hour? In short order, Boo's yellow eyes had taken in Coci and Thurion and all the boy could think was: I definitely don't have enough pancakes to feed these people.

Then the boy noticed the sack that Thurion was carrying, and immediately the Pantoran warmed up to the idea of the Darth Grandparents stopping by for a visit. The boy's eyes lit up, as a large smile crossed his face...

...and then wondered what was burning, and promptly took off in a Force Speed dash for the kitchen.

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

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"You know I have never understood that", she turned to grin at Thurion, "You live on one of the coldest places in the galaxy and you hate hot drinks, something that would warm you up". Coci gave him a gently prod in the ribs with her elbow and when he kissed her she stole it right back. The sound of a marauding bantha burst through the wood of the front door, then the sound of the door handle turning caught both their attention and before them stood Boo. Eyes wild with excitement for the day, and she did not doubt it was them he waited to see, or rather at least they came with presents and that was all that mattered to a young boy.

"Happy Life Day Boo", she offered before he turned on his heels and rushed to the kitchen. "Something smells good". Burnt but good. It was now Coci could take in the Hall, it was very impressive and well appointed and the workmanship was akin to that of Théo's father, the design had Heavenshield all over it. And it looked so festive with long vines of pine and pine cones, white flowers entwined with red and lights of all colours twinkled a warm welcome. The tree was grand and tall, and even in this early hour the light from the hearth danced on the ornaments. She turned to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] with a smile, a proud one of her son.

Coci placed her presents under the tree and stood by the fire to warm the blood, "Boo might need a hand", she said to her husband, pancakes are not really her thing but she knows full well Thurion loves them. But it was not long before the wafting of caf found her nose and that proved to irresistible to refuse, while the boys made the breakfast, Coci sipped on a lovely cup of brew. Out of the corner of her eye she spied movement and realising exactly what that was she crouched down and offered her arm to Azi who soon forgot the rub frisbee and coiled up her arm.

"And a happy Life Day to you too", she smiled at the serpent.

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

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

In that brief moment where Boo was in the kitchen and the knock at the door, Théo managed to sneak down stairs and into a small room to the side of the Grand Hall, it was his office in which are the trappings of more modern communications, scanners and weapons and a desk. But for now it was a place he could house the pup until the time came to giving presents. On his desk he arranged a make shift bed with this cloak and placed the pup on it hoping he would engage in his favourite pass time of sleeping, one could only hope. Just as he came out there was the knock on the door.

"By the Gods they are early", he muttered as he found a shirt to throw on but that was it. It would have to do until he could dress better, so he went to find his parents in the kitchen, in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts and loose old shirt, his long black curly hair a mess over his head. And the look on his mother's face upon seeing this sight caused her to smile as if recalling a vision from the past. Théo went to her immediately and engulfed her in his arms, kissing her cheek, "Happy Life Day mum".

He noticed Azi on her arm and donked the serpent gently on the head. "Papa it is good to see you", he said approaching him, and did not bother to hide the fact Théo was checking his face and his eyes for signs of healing of both body and soul. His mother was not the only one worrying about his father's state of mind directly after the battle of the Gods. Théo was pleased to see a sparkle in his father's eyes he had not seen in a while, maybe it was the atmosphere of the day or that time had begun to heal him, but Théo didn't care as long as it worked.

Forever and always he gave his father a nod of respect, to a man he loved and admired the most, for a Jedi of great power and virtue but mostly to his father, but after which he stepped forward and placed his forehead to his resting both hands on his shoulders and stood in their greeting man to man. "Best wishes on this day father", he whispered.

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

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion looked down at Coci by his side as they awaited someone to open the front door, blinking at her words. His weight shifted unto his left foot while the right dug into the snow, restlessly. "Yeah, well..." his mind grasped for a witty retort, but found nothing. Suddenly it felt like a lifetime for someone to answer the door. "Only adults like Caf or tea," he finally replied in slightly hushed tone, feeling more than a little silly. Before the moment became unbearably awkward for him, finally the door swung open and there stood Boo in his jammies. The picture of childlike wonder - once he laid eyes on the jute sack overflowing with presents, that is.

Immediately a big grin appeared on his face. "There he is!" And just as suddenly he was gone, with Coci rushing after him. Thurion meanwhile stepped into the living room to seize the moment to place their presents under the tree while Boo was occupied in the kitchen. The slithering of one of said Pantoran's companions caught his ear, prompting him to turn his head to meet his gaze. "Right. You guys." Serpents were never a favourite animal of his. Especially not since a really big one tried to devour him and his wife. Without a word - obviously - the amphistaff resumed its course and proceeded to hide amongst the mountain of wrapped gifts under the tree. With a shrug Thurion finished his task and got back up just in time to be greeted by his son.

He could tell Théo worried for him, looking for signs of stress or fatigue. While there were still much lingering doubt and dark thoughts plagueing him since the day he faced the Crone-God, today he had decided to show no signs of either. Today was a day of happiness. "My boy," he said as their foreheads touched, after which he fully embraced Théo. "It does my heart good to see you," he quoted his own father, knowing he would recognise the line. He ended up holding onto his firstborn quite a bit longer than he'd first intended, never really feeling like letting go. A sniffle escaped him as finally he let go, turning his attention to the craftmanship of New Himmeldal.

"Quite the place you've got here. Trying to one-up your old man, huh?" He gave his mop of black curls a playful ruffle and chuckled. "You, uh, should probably go put on a pair of pants. The others will be arriving shortly, unless Nina for some reason has allowed Thirdas to take the reins. Gods know where they'll end up then!" With a large motion of his arm he rid himself of his heavy fur cloak, damp with fresh snowfall, and found a nearby hook to hang it on. "By the way, don't blame me for our early arrival. This one was all your mother's idea," he threw his hands up in mock surrender. "I'd still be snoozing away in Fridheim if I had it my way."

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