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.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

E S H A N
SNOWPEAK SANCTUARY​

"The honour is mine, my friends," said the Lion to Everest and her steward, smiling to them both. He remained kneeling, his kind eyes falling upon the silver fox at Vale's side. "And a fine greeting to you as well, Little Moonlight," he extended a hand towards the furry companion should he be bold enough to approach. "Apologies in advance if I reek of cat."

Thurion stood then, leather creaking and chainmail rustling as he did.

"Thank you for the generous offer, Lady Vale," he said, bowing his head. "I've always maintained that refreshments imply you put at least some work in first. My meagre presence ill warrants such attentions, so... I guess I'll opt for that tour," he concluded with a grin, knowing well his sometimes overuse of flowery language during formal occasions, and doubly so in the company of a fair lady.

As the technicians finished offloading the ship and brought their fancy gadgets and gizmos the High King had little clue as to how they actually worked, Thurion joined Everest Vale on a tour of the Sanctuary that he might see for himself their capabilities and later record it for a compilation of resources at their disposal he'd been preparing for Valery as part of his duty as her War Counselor.

"You have a beautiful home, Lady Vale," he complimented the scenery, noting the mountains and cold air. "Tis not unlike mine own homeworld, far removed from 'civilised' space as it is. There is great beauty in the simplicity of nature, do you not agree?"

 

[Everest Vale]

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

Isari stepped forward as if considering him. A sniff. A little huff. Then, with what could only be described as dignified approval, she turned and padded back to Eve's side, her silvery fur catching the breeze like drifting snow.

Behind them, the aides moved swiftly to assist Thurion's people. Orien gave Eve a nod as he peeled away with them, his tone all duty now, his earlier whisper already half-forgotten. That left just Eve and Thurion, and the quiet rhythm of footsteps over fresh stone as they walked.

The main entrance of the Sanctuary rose before them, pristine and tall, a testament to Echani elegance. Its marble glinted softly in the morning light, cut through by pale veins like frozen streams. As the doors parted, the entrance hall stretched wide. Multiple rooms opened out to either side — meditation spaces, archives, and quiet quarters. A living temple.

Eve looked up at him as he spoke, her smile returning at his charm. She dipped her head slightly, not out of formality this time, but something closer to bashfulness.

"Please — call me Eve, if you'd like," she said, glancing up again. "You're among friends here, and I understand you are close to my former Master, Valery Noble."

They walked a few more steps, Isari's soft paws barely making a sound at her heels.

"I grew up in the countryside," she said, voice light. "Not too far from here, actually, so I definitely understand what you mean. I wouldn't be who I am without that."

They moved further inside. The air was warm now, faintly perfumed by cedar and herbs.

"I did actually visit Midvinter once. When the New Jedi Order came. I didn't spend much time in the city, though." Her gaze drifted upward, thoughtful. "I wandered the forests. I remember one moment — a clearing, just before dusk, a deer stood watching me. Completely still. I felt something in the Force then I'd never felt before. Like… the world was holding its breath."

She grinned.

"It's a beautiful place. I'd like to return sometime."

They carried on a while longer.

"You know, we have met before actually. Sort of. On Tython, back in the NJO, around a campfire. I remember you were there." She smiled again, but there was something distant in her eye.

Then she stopped in her tracks. Her gaze lowered.

"And… at Master Vanagor's memorial."

She let the words sit there. Let the ache come and pass. She blinked, exhaled, and lifted her head again, not hiding anything, but letting the sadness settle into something quieter, as her hands rested together in front of her.

"I'm glad we get the chance to properly meet now, Master Heavenshield."

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

E S H A N
SNOWPEAK SANCTUARY​

"Only if you would call me Thurion in kind," said the titanic knight humbly. "I don't hear it spoken too often anymore..." Too few remained who knew the man behind the titles, the grandeur, the legends. His people named him 'High King'; his Jedi peers addressed him as 'Master'; to his family, he was 'Father', or 'Grandfather', or 'Uncle'. Those who called him by name — his mother, his father, his brothers, his wife... — they were a dying breed. Valery and Kahlil were among the last remnants to remind him of there being a person under that armour so steeped in past glories.

Striding beside the Silver Mistress of the Sanctuary, Thurion basked in her tale of first experiencing Midvinter. He recognised the amazement in her voice, the clarity with which she recalled the splendours she'd witnessed that day. Mother Midvinter was sacred to his kind, ever beckoning Her children homewards. To hear another speak of Her with such reverence was always a blessing.

"What you encountered on Midvinter was one of the Vhaanir. They are the most pure creatures, revered and sacred to all of Her children. To even come near one is to touch the Divine. I've been lucky enough to have witnessed them on three separate accounts. You are fated for greatness, Everest. The Vhaanir recognised it in you," he said, placing a massive hand upon her shoulder, far gentler than to be expected.

His smile faltered briefly at the mention of his sworn brother's funeral.

"The fault is mine. I have not been myself in the wake of Caltin's passing. I would not have been fit for company."

The smile resumed as he turned to her during their walk, for his pain was not hers to burden herself with.

"Were it not for Valery and Kahlil, I'm not sure where I'd be. They are my children in every way that matters; their happiness is mine, and so are their struggles. I am the proud grandfather to their children, and their legal guardian should the unthinkable come to pass. My loyalty and trust in them is marrow-deep, and I will follow them to whatever end."

There was steel in those words, as if each syllable had the power to imprint themselves on his very soul.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

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

Eve smiled, and nodded a little shyly.

"Alright... Thurion."

As Thurion continued, mentioning the Vhaanir,Eve said nothing at first, just breathed in, slow and quiet, and let her gaze fall to Isari at her side. The fox was already looking up at her, eyes half-lidded, ears forward. There was something old in that look, something she couldn't name. For a heartbeat, it was as if they both remembered the same thing. A soft breath escaped her.

"Wow," she said, barely more than a whisper.

They kept walking. When Thurion spoke again, she listened with her whole self. She didn't interrupt, didn't nod just for show. Her expression was open, watching him. When he spoke of the Nobles, something in her steadied.

"I understand," she said at last, voice low. "They're family to me too."

She looked ahead as she spoke, not hiding, just holding the shape of the words in her mouth carefully.

"Valery... she's always been a mother to me." A faint smile. "She's dragged me out of some of the darkest places I've ever been. When I didn't know who I was. When I didn't think I could ever be more than a frightened girl. I... really wouldn't be standing here now if it weren't for her."

She let that sit for a moment, then continued more softly.

"And the Noble unconditionally. They're all my siblings, in ways I never would have imagined."

She glanced up at him then.

"None of this would've been possible without them. The Path, this enclave, everything in between..."

She lifted a hand as they rounded the corner. Marble walls, vaulted ceilings. The hall opened to the left, and through the far open arch, the mountains of southern Eshan stretched wide beyond the glassless frame. The air drifted in with the scent of snow. She gestured gently as they passed the arch.

"The meditation hall."

Inside, a few of her students sat alone. One near the edge, wrapped in a light shawl, hands resting gently in their lap. Another by the wall, cross-legged and unmoving. Eve smiled at the sight, still unbelieving that anyone would even have the time to listen to her, or spend time in the halls under her care. Her voice quietened as she looked in.

"There's something about the wind on your skin that helps you let go of things, I find."

She stood in the threshold for a moment longer, then stepped back to resume their walk.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

E S H A N
SNOWPEAK SANCTUARY​

Thurion nodded along, fatherly pride in his expression. Valery was one of his last close friends, and a daughter in all but name as evidenced by him taking immense pride in her many accomplishments. She was living the life he'd once enjoyed back in his prime; a leader with a devoted following, with her beloved by her side through it all. For all the majesty of Midvinter and the prestige of wearing the crown, he would happily trade it all for the chance to relive those glory days of his youth. The King and the Jedi had ever been at odds; he may have been born to be the former, but he'd been raised to be the latter.

He longed for the days when he used to be whole, and not torn in two. All he could do now was to ensure the Nobles do not suffer as he has.

"Everest," he spoke softly once they found themselves within the meditation hall, gently reaching for her wrist as she was about to resume the tour. He took her hand in his, resting it in his vast palm like a child's. He knelt again, not to pay homage but to better look her in the eye.

"You name the Nobles kin, same as I. This marks us as kin as well."

He reached out and cupped her left cheek with his other hand, thumb gently caressing her eye patch, hoping she would not feel insecure. In his eyes, worn down by having seen and lived through too much, she would see how much the concept of family meant to him. In losing Caltin, he had lost a brother. Perhaps, in his stead, he might gain a grandchild.

"And I am truly glad to meet a long-lost member of my family, whose heart and soul are as pure as yours. I would name thee granddaughter, if you would let me."

He bowed his head then, awaiting her answer. It was a lot to suddenly place in the hands of someone so young, but he was a creature of truth and honesty. He had to speak in his mind in this matter which meant the world to him. If she were to feel repulsed by such unexpected familiarity, he would bear the rejection without offense.

Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

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

Eve didn't speak right away. She stood there, still, as his hand closed around hers — not tightly, just with a kind of care she hadn't known in a long time. The size difference was striking. Her hand felt like it had disappeared inside his, her fingers soft and small against his skin. There was a quiet strength in the way he held her, not just from the callouses or the weight of age, but from something deeper. Something steadier than words.

And when he knelt, meeting her gaze like that, everything else in the room seemed to fall away. The words he spoke should have overwhelmed her. They might have, once. But all she could feel was warmth. Not like heat, but something gentler, the kind of warmth only felt when something touches a part of you you'd long forgotten was there.

A tear slipped down her cheek before she realised it. She didn't wipe it away. She just looked at him, lips parted slightly, trying to find something to say — anything at all — but nothing came.

She thought about her mother. About how hard she worked. How gently she spoke, even when the days were long and the fields were cold. She thought about the silence that followed her father's disappearance — how it never really left. She had grown up without siblings, without grandparents, without really a father figure at all. There were no stories passed down by the fire, no old hands on her shoulders, no voice to tell her what her name meant.

There was love. But there was also loneliness.

And now this.

At her feet, Isari pressed closer, her head lightly nudging Eve's calf as if sensing the shift in her heart.

Slowly, she lifted her free hand and placed it on top of his. Her fingers curled gently over his knuckles, the contrast stark — his hand worn and broad, hers pale and trembling. She let herself feel it. The texture of his skin. The weight of the gesture. The truth of it. Her voice came only after she'd gathered enough breath to steady it.

"I... I accept."

She said it softly, almost as if afraid it might shatter the moment. But it didn't. It made it all so much more real. She swallowed. The emotion caught in her throat again, but she pushed through it, as the little girl within her heart shone.

"I never really... had family. Not beyond my mother..."

She paused, struggling to find more, but the words failed her. There was too much — too many years of emptiness and wondering, too many things left unsaid to the people who were never there. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"...Thank you."

That was all she could manage, but she meant it with everything she had. She looked at him, her eye shining with tears, and for a moment — one of only a few in her life, apart from when with her fiancé — she felt like she didn't have to hide. Like someone had truly seen her, and accepted what they saw, fully, wholeheartedly.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

E S H A N
SNOWPEAK SANCTUARY​

Thurion wiped away her tear and smiled through building tears of his own. He saw then the little girl that dwelled within the Jedi, and was struck by how similarly he too buried the frightened boy beneath the aspect of Jedi and King — the leader of men, wise and always in command. That is not who he was, how he felt on the inside. He would always be a poor orphan, so very afraid of being alone.

He saw the little girl in Everest Vale and knew he wanted nothing more than to keep her safe. Thurion leaned down to place a kiss upon her hand, then pulled her into the warmest of embraces, wrapping her inside the immensity of his form — likely one of the safest places in the known galaxy.

"Aw, my sweet child," he consoled her with gentle caresses of her silver hair, his chin rested upon her shoulder.

"I lost a brother that day on the steps of the Jedi Temple," he uttered past her ear, barely more than a whisper. "I was inconsolable. I know now that without his sacrifice, this day may never have come. I would never have met my granddaughter, and the gladness in my heart would've been lost to me. You will not be alone ever again, Little Silver," he vowed, the embrace holding firm.

Grandpa stood then amidst their hug, lifting her off the ground in the effort, and walked out of the meditation hall that they might find some privacy. Like a child he cradled her, until he located a bench out in the courtyard where he sat her down.

"Now then," he said once the emotional shock had worn off. "Is there anything you'd like to ask me? Ask, and I shall answer."