Private Winter Comes Calling

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Atrisian Dancer, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Thurion Heavenshield

The morning mist still clung to the mountains. Even in the early hours, Snowpeak Sanctuary was awake, quietly so, like a temple that knew the value of silence. Fresh snow glistened across the marble causeway where the wind met the stone, carrying with it the soft creak of trees and the faint cry of a mountain bird in the distance. Far below, the valley forests were brushed in silver light, morning sun threading through the mist.

And at the high arch of the eastern courtyard, the Knight-Overseer stood waiting.

Everest Vale's white cloak fluttered in the chill breeze, a contrast to the sleek black eyepatch that covered her left eye. At her side, the Miralune fox Isari sat patiently, tail curled around her paws, her silvery fur catching the morning light like frost on stone. Eve's silver eye tracked the distant tear in the sky, the unmistakable signature of an approaching vessel. Even from a distance, she could feel the gravity of its presence even before it touched the atmosphere.

Thurion Heavenshield was coming.

A Jedi Master. A king. A warrior of legend. And a rebel leader she had not yet met, at least, not properly.

Behind her stood several aides in formal garb, draped in the white-cream tones of the Sanctuary. To her right, the ever-watchful Orien Daral adjusted the fit of his cloak, his arms folded as he glanced upward.

Eve didn't turn to him when she spoke.

"Have you ever been to Midvinter, Orien?"

The steward gave a soft huff, his breath misting in the cold air.

"These mountains are cold enough for me," he muttered dryly. "I've no desire to go somewhere colder, thank you."

A gentle smile touched her lips.

The ship began its descent through the clouds. Eve took a breath, steadying herself. The Sanctuary was still so new, a heartbeat in the grand age of the Jedi. Yet today, a piece of that greater legacy was coming to visit.

And Eve would be the first to greet him.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

E S H A N
SNOWPEAK SANCTUARY​

The vessel that had journeyed from Odessen cut through cloud and chill alike, making its final approach towards the designated landing pad. Klaxons rang and steam hissed as the ramp came down and a dozen or so Hidden Path personnel disembarked carrying datapads and offloading various pieces of equipment, but no Jedi Master in sight.

At the same time, a blanket of mist had begun to roll in, seemingly having made its way down from the mountains, creeping into the courtyard of Snowpeak Sanctuary. Within this mist swirled a maelstrom of snowflakes began to form, and in the distance could be heard a faint chorus of horns heraldring the coming of the Walker of Winters.

The mist parted, and from it strode a King in midnight-clad — armoured in green so dark it appeared as black — and a long, shimmering cloak in royal blue, depicting the rampant lion in gold embroidery. The pelt of a entire lion lay draped across his shoulders, and at his side rested a sword the size of a grown man in its scabbard, brimming with power.

His stride was thunderous, befitting a being of such immense stature. His knightly aspect was one seldom witnessed in the wider galaxy, hearkening back to a long-forgotten past where ideals of chivalry and nobility were held as dearly as that of love and compassion. As he came to a stop, one gauntleted hand resting on the pommel of his sword, the other pulled the hood back to reveal his golden mane and sagely beard.

"Sons and Daughters of Eshan," his booming voice carried far. "Brothers and Sisters of the Hidden Path. I am Thurion Heavenshield, come on behalf of Grandmaster Valery Noble to oversee integration of Snowpeak Sanctuary into the Network. I greet thee all in the name of unity, in these dark times."

He knelt then, still about as tall as Everest Vale whose gaze he met with a kind smile.

"No deception was intended, Lady Vale," he addressed her directly. "These men and women are here to provide the necessary technological upgrades to join the Network. The means by which I travel these days are fit for people, not machines. Quite a bit quicker, too."

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Atrisian Dancer, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Thurion Heavenshield

Orien leaned in just slightly, his voice pitched low beside her ear.

"Quite the one for theatrics, isn't he?"

Eve said nothing. Her silver eye remained fixed on the figure emerging from the mist. She did not so much as flinch at the sound of horns or the lion-cloaked silhouette striding forth with the power of old myth. If anything, her silence spoke of reverence. Stillness.

And then, as the great man lowered himself into a kneel — eyes meeting hers with warmth, words echoing with honour — Eve finally moved.

She stepped forward and bowed deep. The snow stirred faintly around her feet. When she rose, there was a smile on her lips, gentle and earnest. She'd never been called 'Lady' before. The title made her cheeks pink ever so slightly.

"Master Heavenshield," she said softly. "You are most welcome at Snowpeak Sanctuary. Your presence, and your aid, are both deeply appreciated. It is an honour to receive you."

She turned slightly, extending one arm toward her companion.

"This is Knight Orien Daral, the enclave's steward. My second here."

Orien stepped forward and bowed respectfully, one hand pressed over his chest.

"An honour, my lord," he offered with warmth, his earlier sarcasm wholly absent now.

Eve gave a small nod, then turned again to Thurion, her tone still composed but no less sincere.

"If you wish, we can show you to the tea house for refreshment first… or, if you'd prefer, tour the temple grounds before we cover any business that needs covering. The day is yours, Master."

A quiet pause followed. Even Isari, silent beside her, seemed to watch the old warrior with interest.