White Hart [Father]

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The Forests of Tháinbroek​

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The snow is thick on the ground, among the tall trees laden heavy with icicles, branches bowed with the weight, Théo walks to the place he had seen the Vhaanir. He has small hope in his heart that the young buck would be there, let alone come to him. But the force was guiding him to this place once more. Théo had come back to Midvinter with his mother who had business within the Halls this day. Grandfather was to join her but Théo had other plans. He is never without them but this time he had told of his destination and purpose to his Grandpapa who bid him farewell with the grace of the Gods. This, Grandpapa somehow understood, did not protest at his need to venture into the forest where danger can be found, he had an understanding of the boy that most do not, not that he did not worry .. he did .. but sometimes one has to let go. Théo is fast becoming a man, at least in his own mind.

He falls, the ground under foot gives way only because of the snow and Théo finds himself waist deep in the white powdery ice. He grunts as he pushes his way out finding a surer footing eventually and moving forward until he reaches the hill. No Vhaanir in sight, no evidence of their passing but they are illusive at the best of times, the Creatures of the Gods, said to possess the ability to be able to provide eyes to them.

And yet Théo will not give up on his purpose, he is looking for something, a precious gift from the young buck needed for his lightsaber. There is a connection between boy and buck, one that can not be explained even by him, so Théo takes up position on the ground and sits to close his mind. An image of his father, [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], comes before him, his father with head lowered is working on a carving. His hands strong and yet gentle work a block of wood with chisel. With each glide of the hand the chisel bites into the soft wood as it curls and falls to the side, again and again with each deliberate stroke, a figure begins to form. Théo has entered meditation .. as the image of his father is replaced with the image of himself .. and his own hand.

Through the force, Théo calls to the young buck. Remembering the voice he heard in the caves of Rhen Var, the strange event that illuminated his heart and mind to the fact that this Vhaanir was an incarnation of himself. It is inconceivable to Théo, yet he knows it to be truth. He calls again, but no reply ..

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The sky above, thick with cloud opened up and down fell the first of the day’s snow fall. Small flakes settled in Théo’s long black hair and around the collar of his Álk fur, the ground around him once imprinted with his tracks now began to erase his existence. Yet Théo did not notice or care, even if he had. A sense of fire ran through his veins, the thrill of the fight of battle entered him and his heart pounded. His Valkyri blood answered the call filling him with a sense of courage and valour and he wanted to run head long onto the battle field. Breathe pulling in hard to his lungs feeding his blood with energy and strengthening his muscles, his chest swelled and he felt invincible.

The song of battle rang out around the forest, the splintering of bone and body, strength against strength, and determination of wills clashed echoing through the trees.

Thump!

Théo started and came out of his meditation. He looked around and found no sign of any warriors or Jedi fighting like he had just witnessed in his mind’s eye, he is still very much alone. He could hear what sounded like wood clashing, before another loud crunching noise, that raised the hair on the back of his neck.

Thump!

Scrambling quickly to his feet, Théo ran as fast as the snow would allow toward the loud noise, through the thicker parts of the forest and with limited vision as the snow began to fall heavy, his progress is marred. Pushing through the thickets, Théo came to a large clearing and in the middle are two Vhaanir males with full antlers pouring the snow, steaming breath forced from flared nostrils as their heads lowered once more before the charge. Antlers and heads clashed in a blood curling hit forcing both the Harts back only to prepare to explode in charge once more. Théo noticed on the flank of one of them a stream of red staining the white of its fur and dripping to the virgin snow.

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[SIZE=10.5pt]Hidden by the thick trunk of a pine, Théo is enthralled the clash of these two majestic creatures astounding and filling him with a thrill only warriors know. Suddenly Théo knew, the Hart bleeding but pushing his foe back is his Hart. The young buck that is part of him had grown up into a power Vhaanir with a head full of antlers. Théo’s mouth fell open, eyes widened in disbelief.[/SIZE]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The power and might of two harts continued to rage battle against one another, an age old battle for superiority and tribute. A tug-o-war of heads clashing, bowed in reverence and determination .. one to the other. Their large muscular bodies straining with effort to push the other back, to gain ground with pouring hooves dug in the snow, sinews set to braking point, blood filling their hearts and only lust for the fight reigns. We shall see this war now and forever.

All of a sudden they break, a gash in the flank of the his opponent enough to see him off and vanish within the forest. The Vhaanir of Théo knows so well stands bellowing a long mournful sound which echoed through the clearing and will rest upon the ears of those that will hear it. His breath long and misty, hot from the fight and stamps at the blood laying on the snow. "Belawir", Théo whispers calling his name, and the Hart turns to face him.

​

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You know my name ...

Belawir, an ancient Runian word for Warrior. I know our name ...

Théo walked out from behind the tree and the two approached each other. Both stopping a meter apart and locked eyes, an unwritten understanding passed between the two and each lowered their heads in greeting. Belawir extended his hoof and kicked what appeared to be a broken stick but as Théo bent to pick it up and examined it, it was a thick piece of Belawir's white antler broken off from the victorious battle. A gift from Belawir to Théo, and without any further action, the Hart turned and darted into the thick forest and vanished as if into air.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

The whistling haunting sound of the wind is all that remained in the wake of Belawir. Théo stood still, eyes unable to move from the very place in which the Hart had stood. Although he had felt everything all the heightened senses from the stags, Théo felt empty as if Belawir had removed his very soul on his leaving. Only now did he look down to the piece of white antler in his hands. Turning it over inspecting it he could see the run of the grain along the entire length, it is bone pitted with blood which is carried to the outer velvet. So soft and white to the touch the velvet still clings, it is still warm. Théo places the gift in a large pocket of the fur before turning to see his path back is awash with a thick fall of snow.

A steady fall it is as he walks slowly back to the road in which will take him back to Tháinbroek, he is getting tired from the exercise and his clothes have become wet, but Théo cares little for this, his body hot from the exertion will sustain him until safe once once more. Finally, he reaches the edge of the road, there is a track in the snow, a horse and cart has passed and by the look of the prints of the hooves, they are headed to the city. Théo starts his journey home, pulling his fur around his body, hands tucked under his arm pits he pushed forward. The light of day is waning, the sky thick with heavy cloud low and creeping down into the forest to set it frost.

A small break in the tree line, allowed Théo a view of the mountain range tall and majestic yet the peak shrouded in cloud. There are villages up there, people living among mist no doubt preparing the evening meals and settling children to bed, preparing for the perpetual winter, although true winter is upon them and the planet will freeze over. It is marvelous how these people survive here, so many thousands of years they had remained isolated from the rest of the galaxy, without the need for anything beyond the stars, and still don't. The Valkyri are truly a gift from the Gods.

His mind singularly focused on the contents of his pockets, his solari crystal and white antler, he did not notice his progress and time vanished but his feet had taken him home. Only the bottom of the gates of Tháinbroek stopped his progress as he stood before them. They are closed and so Théo raised his fist and pounded on the small door cut into the larger one.

"Who goes there?!". A gruff voice bellowed.

Théo pinned back his shoulders, a look of determination as he looked into the eyes peering at him through a slit in the door.

"Théodred Heavenshield, son of Prince [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], and grandson to the Dawnbringer, our King". He proclaimed his arrival.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Voss​

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An old wooden shed in the Temple Gardens​

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

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Mother's business on Midvinter had concluded and so Théo found himself back on Voss. He had changed since the visit and the event in the forest, he is a little older of mind. This rise in maturity all began with that fateful trip, a field day out that went wrong and for the first time in Théo's life had he come face to face with danger, life threatening danger, not just for his own but others, who have now become friends. Oh he had heard about such things such dangers from other Jedi and his parents but now Théo had knowledge of it on a personal level. Rhen Var had him grow up more, set his purpose in life there in the cave, only to be reaffirmed on Midvinter. Life passing would test the young boy, the force would make sure of it and he knew it. So many questions in which the answers would only provide more and more. The journey of Jedi Warrior.

It is a strange place Théo has chosen to meet his father, an old wooden shed at the far back of the Temple Gardens which no one visits much, why would they? Yet it was perfect. Théo had not seen his father in some time, far to busy is he with the Jedi and the faction, which Théo does not blame him for in fact he only looks up to him and admires his father. But he would be lying to himself if he did not admit to missing him. His father would notice a great change in Théo, a little taller, his face filling out and the touch of toddler well and truly gone, broader of shoulders and hair long from lack of care on his part or rather wanting to cut it, even though mother protests. His adventurous streak remains however, and the tell tale twinkle in the brilliant blue eyes would would always be a give-away.

A smile crosses his face as he looks down at the leather pouch as he fiddles with his fingers. Three things of great importance are hidden inside and each one he wants to show his father, among another thing as Théo had discovered more than an crystal on Rhen Var, much much more had been revealed to him and one in particular that only time, will and patience may see him victorious.

Théo jumped down from bench on which he stood and went to the door, father would be here soon after his meeting finished so Théo decided to get out into the sun and long grass. He found a good patch and laid down completely swallowed by the lush carpet of green. He stared up into the Voss sky, a clear day with few clouds, the insects buzzing about in the line of sight and coming to see what strange creature dare lay in their territory. His hand found a long piece of young grass, he plucks it and pops the stem in his mouth to chew as he watched a soft white fluffy cloud pass by. He smiled .. it reminded him of someone ...

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Making his way to the shed where he'd agreed to meet his son, Thurion had been informed my his mother that Théo would very much like him to be there for the construction of his very own - and very first - lightsaber. He found it fitting, considering Coci had been there for when he found his crystal on Rhen Var. Nina had found hers too, but she'd rather take her time preparing herself before making the attempt. Not like Théo to wait around any more than necessary, after all. Already he could sense the excitement in his son as he approached the shed.

When he peeked inside, however, he was nowhere to be found. It didn't take long for him to find him lying in the grass, so carefree and playful. Without a word Thurion simply laid down in the grass next to Théo, hands clasped together across his chest and eyes looking up towards the sky. "See anything interesting?" he asked before pointing at one of the fluffy clouds soaring high above them. "That one looks kinda like a bunny rabbit," he added with a chuckle. "I used to do this all the time when I was your age, back on Tython. I was never really good at it - my master somehow always managed to find them before I did."

He then turned towards his son and propped his head up on his elbow, meeting the boy's identical blue eyes. "So why are lying here in the grass, young Master Heavenshield?" he asked with a smile.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

All thoughts of clouds vanished when his father arrived and laid next to him. Théo's head turned slightly to meet his gaze, before the corners of this mouth turned upward. But without warning, Théo launched and wrestled his father, he had missed him more then he realised. Grabbing a fist full of soft grass, Théo put it in his father's hair, he had not forgotten that snow ball on Midvinter, he had not forgotten his 'threat' to revenge. Théo laughed as he messed up his father's hair, "It is too perfect", he teased him, as he rolled off his father's chest and sat up.

"I've missed you Papa. I have so much to tell you and show you", he added with with a taint of sadness. The young small boy a little more restraint as the freedom of a child is removed by time. He twisted his body to get his leather pouch which he opened and took out the piece of white antler and laid that on the grass before he took up his solari crystal, his fingers opened to reveal the white small stone and immediately the sun light play on the facets. "I could have made my saber on Rhen Var, but .. it did not seem right at the time. I know I can be .. hasty sometimes and for a long time this is all I have wanted but .. I am not sure if I am ready". He looked to his father for guidance. In his heart of hearts, Théo knew his father's response.

It is finished, when you say it is finished. These words, his father's words, will stay with Théo forever.

"When did you make your saber .. how .. how old were you?".

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion did little to keep his son from wrestling him, even going so far as to mess up his hair and putting torn off strands of grass in it. He instead laughed and let Théo have his fun before eventually the boy decided to present his father with the necessary components he'd brought for the construction of his lightsaber. The white antler took him a bit by surprise. When did he get that? Then the crystal, sparkling white in the midday sun. A stone of pure light to match his son's bright future. It made him so very proud of his little boy how far he'd come in such a small amount of time, and still he had a long way to go before he would truly become Jedi. He was young still, and without the wisdom that time brings one could easily be swayed by the dark side.

"I was older than you when I made mine," he answered and presented his own lightsaber, so simple in design and still adorned with the piece of cloth torn from Asha's robes. It only now dawned on him just how long it had served him loyally. "It's okay, you can hold it if you want." The countless times his son would try and sneak a peak of it when he believed his father too busy to notice were long gone. "I made this when I was 18 years old. I'd spent my teenage years secluded on Teth after my master was believed to be dead, learning from the few people I stayed with. Master [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] taught me how to heal physical wounds and mental scars alike, not only with the help of the Force but through the use of medicine and even surgery. My weapons instructor was Master [member="Jaxton Ravos"], the largest man I'd ever seen at the time, and a good friend."

Eyebrows furrowed as his eyes closed. "I was so sad and angry at the loss of my master. I didn't know what to do first - avenge her death or mourn her passing. But I was told again and again that Jedi cannot act for the sake of revenge. I didn't listen at first, but as time went on and I came to terms with my situation, anger turned to discipline and sorrow turned to focus. I even learned how to laugh again." A smile found his lips and he opened his eyes only to find that the very same eyes looked back at him. "Only when I deemed myself worthy did I finally construct my lightsaber. I know what sort of man I wanted to be, and only when I became that man did I accept the responsibility that this weapon demands."

Removing the leftover strands of grass in his hair, Thurion tossed them at his son only to have them be caught by a gust of wind and flung into the air above. "It is finished when you say it's finished, Théo. Only you can decide when the moment is right."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo reached out and took his father's lightsaber, gently holding it in the palm of his hand, it looked big. His eyes took in every detail of it, the scuffs and cuts, the old piece of cloth and the worn ignition button and it felt .. cold. The metal was as cold as the ice of Midvinter and it felt nice. But he could feel it, his father's aura within the hilt, embedded with his presence over years of use, Théo supposed. It was like the saber was a part of him, an extension of him and it was good, just like is father.

He handed the saber back to his father placing it in his large hand as he listened to him speak of events of the past, the way he felt as a young man about life and becoming a Jedi. It surprised Théo that his father waited so long to construct his first lightsaber, but it kind of made sense to Théo and it made him question his want for it. Was he to young, not ready to hold such a weapon at his age? He had seen Zak with one and Ryker recently developed his, so how did they know if they were ready?

He took up his crystal once more, and placed it in his father's hands. "I just don't know .. if I am ready. I have not had the experiences ... you ". He trailed off in thought. And his emotions began to build remembering the events on the ship with Norah and Boo. He lowered his head to hide his tears, but he needed to tell someone, he needed his father. "I have witnessed death, seen a friend of mine kill in order to protect me and others", Théo raised his hand and rubbed the back of his neck feeling unsure of himself, a gesture innate to his father and now to him. "I had a blaster and .. I was going to kill as well, we were so frightened .. the pirates had attacked the ship to Midvinter .. and they had killed some of the children on board and they imprisoned Boo and myself. He killed the guard so we could get out. More came .. ", Théo flood of the events stopped. He was ashamed ...

He looked up into his father's face, tears streaming down his red cheeks. "I wanted to kill him, kill the man that had hurt the children .. killed them. I wanted so much to pull the trigger .. and I didn't .. not because I knew it was wrong but because I was beaten to it .. father .. I wanted to kill". Théo began trembling, he could not look his father in the eyes because he did not want to see his disappointment. "I don't want to feel like this .. I don't know what to do".

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Before Théo could go on any further, he would find himself in his father's embrace, picked up and cradled against his chest as if a toddler. "Shh, little one. It's okay, you're safe now." Thurion pressed his lips against his son's forehead. Despite having grown much these last years, he was still very much a child. His child. "I don't know what you guys had to do to survive out there on your own. I'm just glad you're here, safe and sound. We were so awfully worried, your mother and I. Nina, too." For the longest time Thurion would simply hold his boy in his arms, granting him the warmth and comfort only a father could. He'd felt it too, whenever his father would embrace him.

Using the sleeve of his robes to wipe away Théo's tears, he kept cradling him. "You may have wanted to, Théo, but you didn't. You didn't do it, and that's what's important. We're all just beings of flesh and blood - we're allowed to make mistakes. It's how we learn to not do them again later in life. The fact that you didn't pull the trigger is why I know you'll be a great Jedi one day." He pulled away slightly so he could look his son in the eye, a warm smile appearing on his lips. "Even greater than your old man." Nothing would make him prouder than to see his son surpass him. "And it's why I know you're ready for this."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His face buried deep into his father's chest and the emotions flooded from him, tears by the thousands and Théo wondered if they would stop. The loving arms of a father, the soft kiss that spoke of love no words could even have capacity to express, filled Théo will all the reassurance needed for his soul. And so the tears began to cease and his body calmed. Théo still had a sense of confusion about his experience, the young mind processes as best it could and one day all would be clear. And he had not fired the blaster, that was true. In this moment, Théo understood the constant battle a Jedi will fight within himself. To serve to protect, even if it means to take the life of another or to give your own.

The warmth of his father's love continued to feed him with a sense of safety, his arms securing him before wiping away the tears and Théo finally smiled again. "My only wish .. it is to be half the man you are, and I would be fulfilled", he did not speak of the ambitions of Jedi, no one would ever surpass his father. Thurion Heavenshield, is the greatest grand master that would be known in this galaxy, in Théo's eyes and he is proud to be his son. "Thank you Papa, I love you".

Théo sat up still within his father's arm and reached for the white piece of antler. With the back of his sleeve he wiped away the remainder of his own tears before hold up the velvet coated bone. He had been through a lot of recent times, now how to explain this to father. "It was .. gifted to me", he turned his head to the side to look at his father. "Do you know of the Vhaanir? on Midvinter?, I have seen them, one in particular, a young buck Mysa and I saw sometime ago. He is so beautiful and he came up to us. Then on Rhen Var when I entered the cave to find my crystal, he helped me and guided me. I don't understand it but we, the young stag and I, have a strange connection. I saw him again on Midvinter when I went with mother, I had this need to go and find him and I did. I found him battling another stag, it was the most incredible thing to see. And he won. After that he came to me and gave me this", he held up the antler for his father to see more clearly.

"His name is Belawir, and that will be the name of my lightsaber". Théo twisted in his father's lap to face him. "Can you help me carve the antler, I want it to a part of my hilt .. I, I would be honoured if you would". Not only honoured because he is his father, but because Théo is in awe of the grand master.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As Théo's tears waned and a smile crept up on the corners of his mouth, Thurion met it with one of his own. "I love you too, Théodred. You're my pride and joy," he told him as he wiped away the leftover tears smeared across his son's cheeks. The boy then presented him with the white antler once more, this time going into detail as to how he came across it. "A Vhaanir stag, you say?" He gave his beard a good stroking as he pondered. His mind went back to Midvinter, the early morn before the battle. A young buck entered their tent, so divine and serene in demeanor. He didn't know what it meant at the time, but he believed the two to be connected - the buck and this stag of Théo's.

When asked to help his son carve the antler into proper shape, Thurion gently caressed his soft cheek. "The honour would be mine, my son. Let's see if there are any tools we can use in the shed." After a quick look around, he found just what he needed to carve the antler with: a hunting knife, still in decent condition. "This'll do the trick," he said and took a seat on the bench outside. Thurion began to fashion the antler, carving away the worn exterior until it became white and pristine. Once the proper shape had been attained, Thurion then began hollowing it out so that the technical components could fit inside it. As he was nearing completion, he then carved symbols in the Valkyri tongue across the surface of the hilt. "There, all done," he said and offered it to his son. "We could make it so that the internal components are attached to the bottom of the hilt, so when you unscrew it it all comes out in one piece. That way it will be easier to maintain," he added.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

While his father looked for a suitable tool to carve the antler, Théo rummaged around some of old wooden boxes discarded and left with their contents abandoned. For the most part Théo looked out of curiosity until he found a small bottle of stain. As black as the night sky, as black as his mother’s eyes. He thought for a moment, and something clicked in Théo as if he could see himself a grown man, just like in the vision on Rhen Var, dressed in black, just like what father would wear with his jacket, just like what mother would wear with her suit. “The Black Knight”, he whispered as if voicing his own destiny. He pocketed the small bottle and rummaged once to find a brush. [SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

Seated next to his father on bench, Théo watched him carve into the bone, carefully take back the layers until it was almost pure white. He leaned in closer to watch the Valkyri symbols form under this father hand, added was some design along the length, before he handed to Théo to take. A smile grew wide on his face as he took it and looked it over, “What did you carve on it?”, he asked as his finger tip traced the surface to feel the symbols. [SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

It is finished, when you say it’s finished …[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]



Théo took out the small bottle of stain and brush and sat them next to him. Opening the bottle, Théo began to paint the surface black. However he would leave what his father had carved, white. His father might be surprised by this addition and without looking up, but remained focused on his work. Recalled to Théo’s mind is the image of Nina, sitting quietly painting for hours on end with such care and talent that Théo could only marvel. And so he tried to copy her movement with the brush strokes, slowly and patiently. [SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

“Don’t tell Nina I am painting .. I will not hear the end of it”. [SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

And once done, Théo held it up to show his father. The contrast of black, only made the white more radiant like the rays of the sun bursting through cloud. Théo looked into his father’s face a set look of almost completion. He was ready to try and build his lightsaber.
[SIZE=10.5pt][/SIZE]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion placed a hand upon his son's head of dark hair, just like his mother's, and let it rest there. "It says 'Child of the Vhaanir'," he answered his question with a smile. He then sat and watched as Théo started painting the hilt black, leaving only the symbols shining white through the surrounding darkness. "I won't tell," he whispered as if sharing a secret. Once Théo was done and presented it to him, Thurion beamed a smile back at him. "That looks cool," he said in a humorous tone, like a parent trying to keep up-to-date with the younger generation. Which really wasn't all that untrue, to be honest. Thurion placed a kiss on his son's forehead. "Then let us begin."

Sitting in meditative stance opposite of each other in the grass once more, the components along with the hilt rested between them. Thurion could do nothing to help Théo directly - this had to be done by his hand alone. "Before you begin, you must clear your mind, Théo. Close your eyes. You'll find that you won't need them." Thurion would lend him his strength through the Force, aiding his focus. "Have a clear picture of what the lightsaber will look like when complete, and focus on nothing but the finished product. Trust the Force to guide you as you assemble it."

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Trembling hands laid out all the saber components before him, the carved antler placed in position as well as the solari crystal. Théo's mind was anything but clear or calm, and as he sat there, his eyes flicked up to his father's face from time to time, as one unsure of what they are doing. Lastly from his pocket he removed what would be a hand shield for the saber, a small piece of metal that was given to him by the Smith on Midvinter, the day Nina and he went on adventure. The hand guard piece was actually a component of a set of Valkyri armour.

From the small leather pouch he carries, Théo poured some of the soil of Midvinter into his father's cupped hand and the remainder in his own. This is Théo's way of keeping a connection to his home land, a small portion of Midvinter on Voss .. little did he realise he is actually that connection embodied. But try as he might, his mind centered around this family, the long line of lineage of nobility and power. The pressure he places on himself to uphold the pride of the family, this is never asked by his grandfather or father, but one self imposed and without warrant. Never would his family consider him less if he was to fail today, in his heart he knew this and would cling to it, if failure came to pass.

Before he closed his eyes as his father instructed, Théo looked over all the pieces before him and envisaged the lightsaber complete. This will be a test for him, although capable with the required skill doubt will have to be quelled. He rested his cupped hands in his lap and closed his eyes, the image of his lightsaber seen through his mind's eye as was his father's face, no expression but with sapphire blue eyes looking at him with love. His father's presence strong about him, wrapping him in care and protection which helped Théo to remove doubt.

Théo had unwittingly formed a conduit to his father's mind, opening up as he commenced and he recited an oath no one had ever heard him speak.

Spoiler

Nature has no army
To contend with the omnivorous Darkness
That slowly slurps and sips at Her soul.

Bereft of any assistance,
I offered my mystical genius to Her
To defend against the unkind advances
Of a malicious monster out of control.

What creatures spawn out of insipid aspirations?
The Darkness delivers nefarious inventions
Cleverly disguised as good intentions.
It never wearies in toiling.

But a bitter better man
With a litter of letters plan
To use his words as wings and wands
To put an end to the pings and pongs
Of a harbinger that brings in wrongs
To manipulate and manufacture hymns of harm
That corrupt the majesty of Nature's charm.

Bold souls with special skills and silvered sight,
Kindle the candle of your courage and might.
Let us in dream meditation unite
To defend the honor of Nature.

Restless wandering warriors, find my beacon.
You have marvel, you have a destiny, you have a reason.
With your gifts and glory, take this stand and fight.
We are the warriors that defend freedom and ascension,
We are the warriors of the night.

Through the force, the power of the lightside filled him as he took it in from his surroundings. The living force speaking to him of life ever changing ever constant in its movement, pulsing with energy that could only empower those that are attuned to it. He let it fill him, fuel him and he reached for the saber with weaving tendrils to take up the pieces. Before his face, between himself and his father, the components moved and shifted into place. One by one they clicked and melded, the solari crystal placed gently in the chamber, Théo had study enough to know the sequence of the components and once they had been assembled, he slotted them all into the black and white antler. The finishing touches did not take long, outer covers and rings to secure the ends, floated in air before completing the his Jedi weapon.

Théo opened his eyes to find a completed lightsaber resting in his cupped hands and soil of Midvinter. But the test of success was to come when he would ignite the blade for the first time.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Since the invention of the hug there had been five hugs rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one had them all beat as Thurion inched closer to hold his son, his fatherly pride beyond comprehension. He'd witnessed the hilt come into shape by Théo's will alone, watched every component come together flawlessly until only the finished product remained. "I am so proud of you, my son," he told him in soft tone and their respective bodyheat intermingled. "I knew you could do it." He would not let go unless Théo demanded it. This was his day.

Only once the hugging was over did the two stand up, father and son regarding each other upon the emerald grassland of Voss. A sudden gust of wind caught Théo's black hair, and in that brief moment Thurion could clearly see the man his son would become one day; a perfect blend of mother and father, coupled with Valkyri might and Corellian wit. He could do naught but smile. "Well, what are you waiting for? Give it try!"

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He did not want to loose this moment by the necessity of getting up, to remain in his father's embrace was something to be treasured for father and son and in no time Théo would grow up and the time for such show of affection would be few. A part of him would always remain the child but as time passed the shift for the need of ones father's affection would change as well. But eventually, Théo and his father stood on the fields of green with a soft breeze soothing their souls.

Voss has a strange way about it, there is turmoil within the force because of deep history with darkness and light, it is like it is at odds with itself and this battle still pitted in the soil. There are still places of darkness on Voss yet to be addressed by the Silver Sanctum but maybe father wishes for them to remain to be a constant reminder that there is always this battle that rages in the galaxy and never will be completed. There cannot be one without the other, and so eternity is it's path.

Théo looked at into his father's bearded face, a hand raised and Théo rubbed his own chin wondering what he would look like with a beard. And for the first time in his life, a shift of thought had Théo wondering if the girls would like it. His father looked down to him, and posed a question, the answer came in the form of Théo moving away only a few meters with his back to his father. He turns and considers his saber now firmly gripped in his right hand, please don't blow my hand off.

A nervous thumb rested on the ignition button as he held it high and straight. Théo pressed the button, and for a second nothing happened, but then he heard a soft whirl and with the noise of the hiss that made him jump, the blade came to life, humming and pulsing white. For a moment, Théo's eyes marvel at it, it was his and his alone, he turned it around looking over all of it before his eyes met those of this father's once more and his broad smile came through his eyes.

The Grand Master of the Silver Sanctum stood watching, but more importantly, his father stood proud of his son. Théo raised the saber holding it pointed to the sky in front of his face before he bow his head in respect to his father and in a flick of the wrist and a sweeping flourish, Théo gave his father the salute of the Jedi.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

There was no worry in his mind as to whether the newly construced lightsaber would work or not. Théo had done a great job when putting it together using only the Force as his ally, as it should be. When the white blade finally snapped awake from its slumber for the first time, Thurion couldn't be happier for his son. Unable to stop smiling, he activated his own lightsaber and returned the Jedi salute. [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] was no longer a little boy stumbling through what it means to be Jedi. He was growing into the role with each passing day, and one day he would no longer be the student, but the master.

While it lasted, however, Thurion would take every opportunity to appreciate Théo's childhood he was so keen on shedding. Growing up may be part of life, but one should remain a child at heart for as long as possible. As father and son left the scene together, the elder swooped the minor off his feet and allowed him to ride piggy-back on the way back.

The End​