Winds of Winter [Coci]

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Dawnbringer Temple​

As the morning sun rose outside their painted window, creating a plethora of every colour imaginable upon the white sheets of their bed, Thurion stirs in his sleep to find the woman of his dreams nestled against his chest, her head rising and falling to his breathing. Each and every morning he has had to mentally pinch himself to acknowledge that she was indeed real, and this time was no exception.

In contrast to himself, Coci is a light sleeper and it would not be possible to avoid waking her up the moment he shifts position, so rather than try he simply lay back and very gently caressing her cheek. This was their first night spent together at Dawnbringer Temple, a newly constructed Jedi enclave more akin to a fortress high up in the easternmost mountainranges, atop the Blessed Peak. The air was crisp and the fireplace had all but gone out overnight, creating a chill upon their naked bodies. Thurion grabbed hold of the warm fur covers and pulled them over their heads, not in the mood to leave bed just yet.

With his brother Thyrian's visit to Voss earlier that month came a terrible sense of homesickness for the both of them, and so Thurion and Coci took a leave of absence for a week of relaxation and reconnecting with the Valkyri people. The first night they'd spent at the Great Hall of Tháinbroek, in their old room left untouched since their last visit. It was good to see Kära and Thyrian again, and of course to spend more time with their little Thrand.

It was also good to see father again, having spent the better part of an hour in the city square where the grand statue of the Dawnbringer stood tall and proud. At its feet rested large wreaths of flowers and various other offerings, and with Coci at his side did Thurion share with Papa Thrand the latest news, knowing that somehow the old man could still hear them. Later that day the two departed for the Blessed Peak, reaching the temple just as the sun set in the west.

"Hey, you," he whispered as Coci now stirred to his touch, beaming a boyish grin down at her. "Sleep well?"

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It is so peaceful here, high up in the mountains in their secret temple that only the family have the knowledge of it. A place of solace to the mind and body, and for both of them this time away was greatly needed. So much had come to pass in recent times, they had endured much loss in the way of connection to those they consider family or close friends. But time marches on, and although time does not heal loss, it does help one cope. The only real place, the only place of complete bliss is in his arms.

Fatigued from the climb to reach The Peak, Coci had slept solidly for a change, the body and mind had succumbed to the tension of the past and with the knowledge of security, she allowed herself to be let free of it all. Although the fire no longer pitted the air with warmth, she did not need it for his body provided it, the sun beaming through the window she felt prickle on her face and so she woke only to feel his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. A smile formed on her lips before she even opened her eyes, before even his words fell from his warm lips. And she was lost in the touch of his caress.

"I slept very well", she whispered only now opening her eyes to find his. Her back arched as she stretched away the fatigue of sleep and rolling off him her arms raised above her head to lengthen her body, the fur of the bedding tickling her skin. "Did you?", she asked and it was nice to speak of the small things, too much talk of grander issues had been their only conversation of late. For a moment she turned her eyes to the window, enjoying the morning view of the sky clear for a change, but that can change in the blink of an eye. She rolled back placing her chin on his chest while her finger tip drew circles on his skin and she looked up into his sapphire blue eyes with a grin.

"I really do hope you slept well, that you are refreshed ..", her voice low and foreboding with jest, ".. cause you are not going to be for much longer". A certain look in her eyes would soon tell him of her intentions, that and the fact she pulled the covers over them both to hide away from the rest of the galaxy. There was a lot to do today, and she would start at his neck ...

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Later...

Despite the sun sitting high upon the clear-blue sky, this was still Midvinter; the temperature never goes up. Also in spite of this, a naked Thurion now stood hunched over the fireplace to toss a couple logs onto the fire still desperately clinging to life even after all this time. Almost immediately the room rose in temperature, but even so Thurion slipped back into bed to huddle up under the warm covers with his beloved. "There, that oughta do it," he said while wrapping an arm around her as they lay back watching the flames slowly consume the firewood.

Almost four decades later it still affected him with dark visions of that horrifying event in his life, at only seven years of age. He'd gotten better at ignoring them, but he could never block them out entirely, much less forget about them. Nor would he.

Instead he placed a warm kiss upon Coci's forehead as she rested her head against his shoulders. "You are quite wicked, you know," he told her with playful tone of voice as his nose nuzzled against hers. "And next time, you get to feed it," he added in regards to the fireplace.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

A chill ran down Coci's body as Thurion left the bed to see to the dying fire. The warmth they had trapped within the furs had escaped along with him, yet she smiled watching him move about the room suited up in nothing more then his skin. She had lost track of time and it felt good, even if it was only for today as they have very little time to themselves these days, it was nice to be able to spend time as husband and wife. Each moment with Thurion relished, for she knew time would eventually demand attention once more.

As he scurried back under the covers and they huddled with each other comfort they lay contended. Her brow lifted slightly, "Well that is never going to happen", she said regarding feeding the fire place as their noses touched, and with a heavy hint of a jest. There was always a sense of unease with Thurion around fire, and she knew why and even she was unable to remove it. Although the past had long drifted away, one can never truly remove it .. some things just need to remain. Her eyes drifted to the window, all she could see through the glass was a clear sky, a rarity here on Midvinter. Outside through the night, a soft fall of snow had settled on the ground and would not melt any time soon, regardless of the efforts of the sun.

Suddenly a large shadow darkened the panes of glass, just for a fleeting moment as if a cloud had passed over the sun, but it moved to quickly for that. They are located to high up in the Temple to be anything else. Maybe it had been a trick of the eye, a relaxed mind unable to make judgement and so she dismissed it until, another. "What was that?", she asked sitting up in bed. There was no sense of anything bad or impeding but something was happening. "Did you see that?".

Coci threw her legs over the edge of the bed, gathered the furs around her body and stood to moved toward the window, leaving Thurion to lay bare once more. She smiled at him before poking her tongue out as made her way but once she reached the window, Coci looked up as best she could, into the sky. Not a cloud, nothing. Then she heard it .. a loud whooshing .. her head snapped downward but on his angle it was impossible to see a thing. "You must have heard that", she said looking back at Thurion for some sort of confirmation that she was not loosing her mind.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

When suddently Coci's attention was drawn to the window and thus left their bed wrapped in the covers, Thurion was left bare and exposed to the chilly midday air. Rather than remain there he too got out of bed and stretched a bit before joining her by the window. He was about to tease her by telling her she was crazy for hearing things when suddenly he heard the same whooshing sound. "What the..." he said while wrapping both arms around Coci from behind and pulling her back a couple steps away from the window. "I heard it too, just now."

Then there was deadly silence as both remained quiet to hear any further sounds, but there was none for several seconds. Thurion let his guard down as he rested his chin upon her shoulder and nuzzled against her cheek where he placed a soft kiss. "Hey, give me some of that," he finally said as he joined her inside the covers, and as their lips meet for a deep kiss their naked bodies press up against one another. Then out of nowhere yet another loud whoosh was heard, followed by a bone-chilling screech akin to an eagle. It startled them so much that they lost their balance, tripping themselves on the covers wrapped around them and making them fall over in big heap.

Thurion had instinctively placed a hand under head as they fell, and after a moment's pause of awkward silence he started laughing at their silly situation. He then pulled her on top of him as they lay on the floor with the covers in a big mess and simply held her there as they gazed into each other's eyes, still giggling. "Oh, I love you," he spoke with pure bliss, leaning in for another kiss. "It would seem that we are no longer alone on this mountain. Care to investigate, Mrs. Heavenshield?"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It all happened so quickly, once standing by the window huddled with her beloved among the fur, next on the floor after their fright. Coci laughed joining her husband in their silliness, they had faced the most powerful and evil beings in the galaxy, and yet they were startled by a noise. Unknown as it was. She looked down into his blue eyes sparkling with delight and she could not help but smile back before their lips met once more.

"Mr Heavenshield I do believe you are being facetious", she teased him back with her own smile. However, when he had called her that, as wife rather them as Jedi it was something she had never really heard before, at least not for a very long time and she missed it, the simply existence of being husband and wife and her heart ached for the day they could truly be that. "I love you too, with all that I am".

Then she caught her breath, the sound of scrapping on the roof that made ones skin crawl like finger nails down a chalk board, sent a chill down her spine cause her skin to prickle. Whatever was out there did not have any evil presence but there was a sense of power none the less. She nodded with more seriousness now and stood up to help Thurion rise from the floor before she walked to a chair on which half their clothes had been thrown the night before. Coci tossed Thurion his shirt hitting him square in the chest before pulling on her trousers. "I don't suppose you remember where you put my bra?", she said with hands on hips looking around for it.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"Ha," he exclaimed while they lay among the covers on the floor. "I don't even know what 'facetious' means!" After a bit more snuggling they were once again beset by strange sounds, finally calling them to action. As Coci tossed him his shirt he dutifully put it on, and he remembered catching a glimpse of his pants under the bed. By the time he'd pulled them out there she stood, wearing nothing but pants, hands on her hips. At first her question fell on deaf ears, until eventually he caught himself staring. "Oh, uh..." he started looking around awkwardly. The room was in a bigger mess than he'd first realised.

Upon checking the bed he finally came across it, hidden amongst the pillows. Rather than toss it over, he stepped over to her and positioned himself behind her to help her put it on. Once that was done, his arms wrapped themselves around her waist as he leaned closer to place tender kisses against the back of her neck. No words were uttered as husband embraced his wife, eyes closed to fully take in the tender moment. And then, as if something had guided him to do so, he placed both hands upon her tummy where he gently caressed her just as his lips found hers for yet another deep kiss.

Yet again were they interrupted by more scraping noises coming from the roof. At this point Thurion was getting annoyed at the constant interruptions and turned towards the ceiling, practically shaking his fist at whatever was up there. "Alright, alright!"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Time had not dulled their love for each other, in fact if anything it had grown stronger and no less exciting when they are together. Strangely, their many days of separation with the call of duty had only increased the need to see each other, when they could, when they had time to spare. In a way this had kept their marriage fresh, not having what most people take for granted, the luxury of day to day normal activities, coming home to see his face as he walked through the door. And yet it is also time lost, so moments like this, simply being with Thurion are very precious.

Coci's arms lifted and her hands rested on his as he held her. Her head leaning back on his chest before turn to meet his lips with her own, she could feel his hand on her stomach just like he used to do when she was carrying Théo, as if life formed in her being once more. These memories opened up in her, through her entire body and mind and days of those spent on Tabaqui, or Voss and Midvinter gathered as if she was there. The memory of Théo escaping their care while they swam, taking his first steps before running into the jungle and Thurion going after him. In her mind she stood on the shore waiting for them to return, which was odd considering that had not come to pass that day, but when Thurion returned with a child in his arms .. it was not Théo.

They were interrupted again, and Coci took this moment to pull away from him to dress, her mind still puzzling over the 'memory' of her mind. She found her shirt and pulled on her boots, but stood thinking as her own hand found it's way to her stomach. The lightside, it was true it never lied. And her gentle search within her body confirmed what she suspected the memory to mean. And there was no stopping the smile that formed on her face.

"Alright!", she repeated Thurion's words as she turned around with a light in her eyes that would show him a new chapter in their lives was about to start. "Lets see what's out there, lets see what the future holds".

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Now with both of them dressed for the mountainous outdoors they began their search, wandering the grounds surrounding the great temple built to the memory of their father and looking up at the roof in hopes of finding whatever it was causing such a ruckus. Squinting his eyes, Thurion could see nothing but a bunch of roof tiles out of place. "Ah, it's no good," he told Coci. "Can't see anything from down here, especially with that sun in our eyes. Thanks, dad," he added with a chuckle. Fortunately they'd kept the ladder used during construction, and so he went to fetch it.

Figuring he could just carry it on his own, Thurion's first attempt failed immediately when he misjudged the sheer weight of it; this was no flimsy, rickety carpentry but rather stout craftmanship same as all things Valkyri-made. "Guess I should've expected as much," he muttered under his breath as he tried a second time, putting all of his great strength into bringing the long ladder over to where Coci stood. "Milady," he greeted her while trying not to seem out of breath. Once in place, they now had a direct route to the roof of Dawnbringer Temple. "After you," he offered her with a boyish grin, again trying to come off as courteous rather than him having to gather himself.

He soon followed Coci up the steady ladder, having no trouble admiring the view as he looked up at her. Again he was foiled by a bunch of snow hitting him in the face which he quickly shrugged off, hoping she didn't notice. It was a long climb, but once both stood firmly on top of the roof they were treated to one of the most astounding and breathtaking views imaginable, able to see far down the mountainside into the valleys below, and they could even made out the faint glimpse of Tháinbroek far in the distance to the west. The could see a mighty river scatter into many smaller streams, and the deep forests stretching on for miles without end.

Thurion looked over at his wife and took her hand, entwining their fingers as the sun shone down on them, as if being blessed by Father once more. "Will you marry me," he asked the woman he had loved for so many years, with no signs of slowing down. As a soothing breeze washed over them he brushed her black hair away from her face before planting his lips upon hers for a kiss most deep.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdyPg9oTG4Y​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqi6iKHssHc​

​

As their attention turned to the reason they crawled out of bed, the disturbance both of them felt gathering around the Temple, they searched the grounds finding nothing but snow that had fallen through the night and painted the world of Midvinter in it's eternal white afresh. It was almost a shame to ruin the it with their foot prints but their presence here would soon be wiped away come the next fall.

Coci stood with hands on hips looking up toward the roof of the Temple while Thurion went to fetch the ladder, still there was nothing to see, no sign of the author of noise and before long Thurion stood beside her placing the ladder to the side wall, a little flushed in the cheeks .. from the biting cold maybe? and yet their bond would tell her more and she smiled.

The climb up was tricky to say the least, as the winds threatened to flow them away and down into the valley below, so high up there is always the presences of the winds in the mountain peaks. It was a beautiful morning, and as the sun rode the sky she took time to place a memory on Thrand .. all of them still missed him very much. A gentle flutter in their force bond gave Coci pause, it was Thurion and his cheeky mind, and her 'view' gave him a equally cheeky wiggle as she made her way up the ladder before the snow hit his face .. 'accidents' happen.

Atop the roof, the air is clear and crisp, intoxicating in it's purity and the majesty was not lost to her. Is it little wonder why they love this place so? Not many would understand this, too buried in their galaxy in which life is cheap, in a place in which there is nothing but ugliness but this place stands out as one of the jewels so precious. However, before her, standing on the roof is something more precious to her, her Thurion and she is lost in his kiss.

Eternity slipped by or at least it felt that way but the kiss ended and Coci rested her forehead to his and answered his question, "Yes", she replied softly, "Now and beyond this life". And she had forgotten the reason they had come here.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

These moments between husband and wife are so very precious to them, as it seemed less and less time was granted to their private lives lately. However, this may change in the coming months if all proceeds as planned for the pair, as their part in shaping the future of the Order and the world around them is coming to a close. It's right there, sitting on the horizon, well within sight yet far out of reach. But soon.

A spine-chilling screech interrupts them yet again, this time far closer and louder than last time. Thurion spun around so quickly that he lost his footing on one of the roof tiles, causing him to slip off the roof. Just barely did he manage to grab hold of the ledge to keep himself from tumbling down the mountainside and meet a rather nasty fate in the valleys far below. "I am not looking down there," he told Coci while waving her over, trying to make light of the situation. "Help me out here, will you?" Wouldn't be a complete day without something trying to kill him, would it!

With Coci's help Thurion got back up on the rooftop, both of them finding themselves on their backs against the tiles while catching their breath. He reached for her hand and placed a kiss upon it before turning his head to the side to meet her gaze. His look of exhaustion soon turned into a grin as he leaned in to nuzzle her nose with his own. "We should probably get a railing up or something for when the ol' chimney sweep comes a-knockin'..."

Once back on their feet they resumed their investigation, and upon reaching the top of the slanted roof it became no difficult task to discern just what had made all that ruckus. Thurion's eyes widened at the sight of the strange creature while keeping Coci behind him. "By Odiir's beard...!" Upon taking a step closer the beast snapped its head in their direction and let out another menacing cry, this time more akin to the roar of a large feline. "Whatever that thing is, it certainly doesn't seem to want us getting any closer." The creature then began flapping its feathered wings violently as if attempting to take off - or merely to appear menacing - but to little avail as it was nowhere close to leaving them and the rooftop behind. Instead it winced in pain and tried shying away from the two.

"I think it's injured," he told Coci once the sheer shock of discovering such a beast by complete accident was replaced with curiosity. "Check out its left wing," he said and pointed to a mess of feathers and blood.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up when the screech filled the air around them, she was about to turn when suddenly Thurion fell sliding down the surface of the roof toward the edge. Her heart stopped in that instant and she could not breathe, but instinct made Coci raise her arm and pull on him through the force slowing down his momentum enough for him to grab hold of the edge of the roof. She could not hear his words for fear the worse would happen and he would be lost to her. They still had life to lead, still had much to do but in the next phase of their lives, it would be for each other .. for a change. She took hold of his arm and pulled him up with all her strength, assisting him as he struggled to climb back up and by the time they both rested safely they were spent. Only now could she break the tension within herself and the situation. “Stop larking about”, she said with a giggle as her head turned and she could look upon his face before he nuzzled her.

“Let’s just take it easy up here”, she said following him once they resumed their investigation. They truly are high within the mountains of Midvinter, the air is thin and crisp to the skin even on this fine clear day and with the snow fall through the night, the going was tricky even she slipped underfoot from time to time only to grab hold of Thurion’s hand for support. She had been looking down, musing at the markings in the snow on the roof that looked to all the world like tracks of a creature, when he exclaimed to Odiir. And when she found what he discovered her breathe held still for before them was the most magnificent creature she had ever seen. Midvinter never fails to surprise.

“What is it?”, she asked in a whisper knowing Thurion most likely could not produce the answer. As they edged closer the creature protested, they had got too close for comfort. The ungainly movement of the creature confirmed Thurion’s thoughts and when she saw the wing and the blood he was right.

“Let me .. let me try something”, she said letting go of his hand and edging a little closer again. The majestic head of the Gryphon turned toward her again before it’s body shifted to face her, it’s tail swishing behind it stirring up the fresh laid snow sending it tumbling to the valley below, it’s taloned claws gripping deeply into the roof tiles and the sound of wood splintering come to their ears, but Coci raised her arm with her palm upward to ease it mind through the force. There is a barrier there to its mind, as if the creature had an innate sense to such things, as if the Gryphon had experienced this before, a defiant protection, “We do not wish you harm, we want to help you”, she said aloud while issuing the sense of her words to the Gryphon and eventually the barriers fell away.

One foot placed deliberately before the other as Coci moved closer, it is always a strange sensation to enter the mind of wild creatures, there is always a sense of fear and more so with this injured gryphon as their life is in danger, not from them but from succumbing to the injuries. They are dangerous in this countenance, and will do anything in any given moment to protect themselves. To the death if need be. Yet, as her mind entered that of the gryphon’s something unexpected happened. It looked at her with incredible piercing eyes which demanded respect, a nobility in the creature she had never seen before and a sense of ‘knowing’ spoke to her through the eyes. And then, it hit. Her mind filled with a myriad of visions stemming from a place yet to be. Visions of an unknown place but peaceful, tranquil and filled with life. Thurion standing smiling with delight and at peace as best one can find in this galaxy, a blonde child running laughing turned his head to look back and Coci was met with eyes that mirrored her own, it could have been Thurion as a boy save for this. Coci fell to her knees, her mind swimming in the visions and her hand moved to her stomach settling and feeling the life within her. All this time, the Gryphon moved to her and stood regarding her as Coci lowered her head in a form of supplication before the creature .. and in that moment, the Gryphon bowed back.

Thurion would sense all this through their bond, the sense of a powerful joy at the confirmation that she is with child. She turned to find him and as they eyes met tears began to form and she is so happy. Behind her, the Gryphon stumbled and settled in the snow as the injury began to take its toll.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion watched carefully as Coci slowly approached the wild animal, ready to leap into action should it lash out against her. He could sense her attempts at entering the beast's mind until eventually it gave in to her prodding, but the results were not what anyone could have ever expected. While the winged creature did calm down a bit, the unexpected came in the form of a vision granted to Coci as their minds intermingled. Thurion could not see what see saw in her vision, but the sensation and emotional response was far from lost on him as he came to share her sudden joy and realisation.

The moment the great animal, known as a gryphon, mimicked Coci's bow, he knew it was safe to approach her. A few steps closer and he threw his arms around her, and without a single word spoken on the subject they both knew now what the future holds for their family. A new life was growing inside her, another for them to love and adore just as they did Nina and Théo. Still do, very much so. Thurion smiled wide as he wiped away her tears of joy before kissing her warm lips so deeply.

Meanwhile the gryphon began settling in where it lay, realising it wasn't going anywhere with its injuries. The previously menacing roars and screeches were replaced with soft chirping, as if no longer feeling threatened by the two humanoids. Feeling weary from its wounds the creature lowered its large, feathery head to rest against the upwards-slanting roof, its beak scratching against the tiles. Aware of its pain, Thurion began approaching it from the side, meeting its piercing gaze as it watched his every move with great care. Still, it made no attempt to protect itself.

"Alright, let's see what we've got here," he said as he very gently grabbed hold of its huge wing, easily able to fit two of him. Right in the centre of it there was the bloody mess, caused by who knows what. Perhaps he - for he knew now that it was a 'he' - got injured while out hunting? He was no vet, but fortunately he didn't need to know gryphon physiology in order to fix a simple flesh wound. Reaching out, Thurion placed a hand upon its smooth fur to give it some comfort as he examined it. "He's afraid, Coci, but not for himself. Do what you can to console him."

Once ready he began the healing process, closing his eyes and summoning the mending powers of the Force through every fibre of his being. His palms gently pressed against the injury, trying his very best not to cause further pain.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Still overcome with the revelation of the visions, Coci took a moment to take it all in the realisation that their would be a new life in their family before her attention came back to the situation at hand. "There must be more", she said edging a little closer to the creature resting in the snow and took guard just in case it would lash out at Thurion as he approached. Most likely there are more, and maybe this creature was afraid for them or family is his own, there was no way for them to tell at this point but the matter of the injury was the focal point.

She offered her hand to the Gryphon holding it close and allow him to come to her risky as the gesture was but it seemed to realise it had no choice and would allow them to help. Coci spoke soothing words, and through the force offered the same sensation to ease it's mind and relieve the pain, yet the creature still shuffled in the snow wary of them but did not fight. As Thurion worked, Coci watched as the wound began to mend and the flesh knit to close. The pull on the force around Thurion glowed in his aura a bright blue with white thin threads that worked through the body of the Gryphon.

The warmth of the healing process seemed to quell his mind also, couple that with her calming the creature soon lowered its head to the snow and closed his eyes as if sleeping. But there would be an awareness, like a cat ever ready to spring to action if the need arose. There is a boldness within the creature, head strong and righteous something the family is blessed with and at times, cursed for. Yet, a Heavenshield would not be a Heavenshield without it.

​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The healing process turned out simple enough, and within minutes the flesh wound was mended until no longer noticable, with only a bald spot in a sea of feathers marking its location which would also fade as new feathers replaced the old ones. With the noble creature now at rest, Thurion mustered enough courage to lower his head down to its torso and press his ear to where he deduced its heart should be. The smooth fur was like the warmest blanket on a cold night, and with closed eyes and listening to the strong yet relaxed heartbeat it almost put him to sleep right there and then. The gryphon moved its avian head to rest in Coci's lap, and as it did a deep purring was heard.

Thurion looked up at Coci with a warm smile. "I think we've found ourselves a new family member," he spoke while sitting back up and raising a hand to pet its soft fur. "And as the newest addition to our family, I think you need a name, big guy." He looked over the might beast, trying to find fitting descriptors with which to name him. "How about... 'Skywalker'," he decided on with a boyish grin. "You know, 'cause he walks... in the sky..." he added while awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. It was far from an original name, after all, but he felt it a fitting homage to his greatest childhood legend.

The newly-named Skywalker let out a chirp far softer than one would think a creature of that size were capable of, and Thurion took this as his approval. Then suddenly Skywalker rose from his rest, his head snapping in the direction of the nearby mountaintop high above, overlooking Dawnbringer Temple. His feline ears moved about seemingly independent of each other, picking up frequencies unheard by the human ear. Thurion sensed the emotional turmoil in his new friend and promptly backed away to allow Skywalker room to rise to his full height, spreading his large wings which easily enveloped both him and Coci.

Rather than rush off, however, Skywalker looked upon the pair with big brown eyes before lowering one wing until it touched the roof. Thurion turned to look at Coci before stepping towards the gryphon, and very carefully did he begin to scale the offered wing, his heart beating rapidly upon realising what was about to happen. Once having mounted the gryphon Thurion offered his hand to Coci, lifting her up and into his arms for a brief kiss before allowing her to settle in front of him. "This is going to be awesome," Thurion couldn't help but speak his mind, heart pounding with anticipation of riding such a creature.

And once the two were aboard and settled, Skywalker leaped off the rooftop and took flight...

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Her gentle hand stroked the mane of the gryphon as it laid with it's large head resting on her lap. For now, contented purrs vibrated from its chest as Thurion worked his magic through healing. Coci could not take her eyes off him, taking in all the features of the creature, such a mix of everything yet came together in a majestic beast and such power in body, physical power raw and unbridled that could tear them apart if the desire hit. There is no malice in the creature.

Her mind drifted to the recent news given to them both from this meeting and her hand found its way to her stomach once more to settle on their child, it was only little the sign of life, but strong and would remain. Thurion now completed his healing stepped back and came to her once more. "Skywalker?, which one?".

A grin moved on her face with her teasing knowing full well of his childhood hero. "It is a fitting name".

Before she knew it, the two sat upon the back of Skywalker, her stomach lurched with her fear of flying, ships are one thing but this was terrifying. "Thurion, I am not sure I want to do this", the words had only just escaped her lips when the gryphon launched into the air and off the roof.

The sudden dip with the extra weight on its back saw all three head dangerously toward the ground between the mountain peaks before levelling off and rising once more with strong beats of its vast wings. It was impossible for her to remain silent and from her mouth issued a scream of both terror and excitement.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]



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[Thurion Heavenshield]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQYN2P3E06s​

The yell from Coci was soon joined by a joyful cry from Thurion as they took flight, and even their new friend joined in with a loud screech of his own. He'd never been afraid of height or of flying, even as a kid; when you grow up having nothing, dreams of flight was not far behind. It was the ultimate freedom for most humanoids, and young Thurion was no exception. Knowing his wife's dread, however, he reached around her front from where he sat behind her to take hold of her hands white-knuckling Skywalker's mane. "Let go," he told her, and once she did just that he slowly raised her hands to either side until they mimicked Skywalker's motions, as if having wings of their own.

As the flight turned less frantic flapping of wings and more tranquil sailing, Thurion nuzzled into the side of her neck where he placed tender kisses. "You're flying, Coci," he said with joy in his voice. "I knew you could!" As she then turned her head their lips met for a kiss most deep and passionate just as they closed in on their apparent destination.

With one last powerful flap of his wings, Skywalker set down upon a cliff marking the entrance to an opening in the mountainside few would ever notice. Thurion slid off the side of the great animal and unto his feet before assisting Coci by catching her in his arms. "Solid ground, at last," he told her with a grin before they embraced each other. Meanwhile Skywalker wasted no time in stepping inside the cave opening, and the two promptly followed behind.

It was dark at first, but soon they entered a large room where the rays of the sun were allowed through the cracks in the wall. A cheerful chirp suddenly escaped Skywalker, soon joined by others like it. There, in the middle of the naturally formed mountain hall, resided a massive bird's nest made from thick tree branches, rocks, and entire canopies of leaves. Within it rested another gryphon, this one fairer in its appearance and lacking the vivid colours of its mate yet nonetheless impressive-looking.

The two greeted one another with a nuzzle of their beaks, and watching them Thurin couldn't help but wrap his arms around Coci once more. Shortly after a plethora of little cubs joined in the family embrace; these little ones appeared to have yet to develop their wings properly, rendering them more akin to common house cats with avian features. It was then that Skywalker - the father of the group - turned to his two passengers as if introducing them to his family. Thurion took this as a sign and took great care in approaching them, and as he did the cubs quickly scurried off to hide between the legs of their parents. Rather than step right up to them, Thurion instead entered their nest and knelt down, letting them know he was but an honoured guest in their domain.

The first to approach him was not the mother of the group, but rather one of the cubs, brave enough to gently peck at his outstretched hand using its tiny beak before finally nuzzling it with a purr. Soon the other cubs joined in the greeting of the strange creatures, before finally the mother stepped forward to acknowledge them as their guests. The cub who had been first to welcome him didn't hesitate to find a spot in his lap, and Thurion's hand began caressing its feathery mane with great care.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

All sense of reason had left her as they flew across the mountain tops and it was not until Thurion took hold of her hands did she start to gain some sort of control. Still, her chest rose and fell with large intake of air to her lungs mostly out of fear. But even in this state, the beauty that surrounded them for miles upon miles before then wound not be lost to her. For as far as the eye could see, the mountain rangers of Midvinter reached to beyond the horizon and to the Great Maw, the back bone of the planet laid before them. The white mist that shrouded Midvinter and could been seen from orbit, rose up and cloaked around them swirling high into the sky as clear and crisp as purity itself. Thurion's joy upon taking to the wind got to her, and slowly her fear subsided, she knew she was safe he would never let anything happen to her and Skywalker was an age old veteren at this.

"I am flying", she repeated his words almost unable to believe them and slowly a smile broke on her face and she started to enjoy the flight. A sharp bank to the right and Skywalker flew toward the edge of the mountain range, still holding Thurion's hand she gripped him tighter as they approached and landed. Once back on solid ground, there was still a sense of relief to this for her, but she approached Skywalker and bowed her head in gratitude for the gift of flight he had afforded them. Although she had a feeling there would be more to come and soon.

It was now understood why he had been concerned back on the roof, this family awaited him and he wanted nothing more then to be with them. She could understand this, Thurion as well and one day soon they would be able to do the same. That much was due to them now. Coci stood and watched the interact of the family, amid the nest in the mountains, the Gryphon so strange but like all creatures that have loved ones, they care for them beyond their own lives. While Thurion approached the cubs, Coci stood and greeted the mother in the same way she had Skywalker and bent into a low bow giving her respect which would be returned to her as the large Gryphon lowered her stately head.

The female's eyes looked toward Coci's stomach with a sense of knowing before turning and fussing with the nest and making a place for Coci to sit. It was clear to her that the Gryphon wanted her to rest on roost and so she join her there. A brooding mother to another.


"Thirdas, third in our family line he may be. But airborne he will live and have wings of his own".

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion looked up to see Coci and the female gryphon interact, and already he could see they too shared similarities; they both possessed the same motherly glow, making him think the female had given birth rather recently, perhaps a week ago. The tiny half-cubs, half-chicks rolling around in the dry leaves excited to see such strange creatures sure gave him the impression that they were but infants, and reminded him of Théo's adventurous nature. There was more Midvinter in him than at first let on, after all.

Skywalker joined his mate and lay down beside her inside the suprisingly comfortably nest, and immediately the female began fussing in the feathers of his neck, ridding him of any dirt that may have nestled its way between them. They both purred audibly, their deep 'voices' sending vibrations through the entire nest. Thurion found the soft vibrations rather enjoyable, soothing to the soul. He too lay down in the leaves, inviting all the cubs to pounce him and use him large frame as a cushion. He didn't mind in the slightest, and instead reached out to take Coci by the hand for a gentle pull, guiding her to rest beside him. When she joined him the cubs would inevitably divide their attention between the two, nuzzling into any nook and cranny they could find.

"I love you so much, did you know," he told her as their noses touched with an increasingly sleepy smile on his lips. The constant purring had effectively lulled him into a sleepy state, and right now he couldn't think of a better place for a nap. He raised her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss upon her wedding ring, before leaning in to place his lips upon hers.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Eventually Thurion joined them all in the nest and sat beside her. She could not help but grin at him, to anyone out side this sight, it would appear odd but there was no end of adventure in their lives, of all manner of things and even though, Coci could not help but laugh gently at their situation. The youngsters soon found their courage and began to explore the new comers, the strange creatures without wings or fur or feather, too curious a subject matter not never investigate and so they did with gusto. Thurion was set upon hard having all but one of the cubs wrestling or clawing at his clothing to find out what was underneath. There had to be fur somewhere?

The more quiet of the cubs came to her and sat looking up into her face, its head tilting to the side while finding interest in her eyes. The truth was, the little cub could see its own reflection in her eyes and was most curious by this, that there would be a gryphon living in her eyes. And it was watching her back! mirroring it own movements, which caused the small cub to hiss a little. Coci reached out and soothed the young one, "Its alright, it is you", she said realising what had occurred.

The purring grew louder, the parents resting close to each other had settle down in the feathers that lined the nest and watched their offspring with joy. But like any good parent they knew when the time had come to rest and so their purring became louder lulling not only Thurion, but their children to sleep. They all found a place in which they desired to sleep, some within Thurion's robes, another under the wing of his father and many around them all.

"I love you deeply, I have always", she whispered gently and their hands rested between their bodies and even she closed her eyes to nap.

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

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Fin​