JeVondair Family/Högni Peredhel

Son of the Phoenix Rumored to be half-elven

Date: 10/2016

Firstborn

– Childe born of starlight Childe born of war Childe born through mother’s might Childe born and more Magic filled the air Magic shocked the room Magic light and fair Magic touched the womb Hours of pain eased Hours of life turned back Hours of prayer pleased Hours of hope came back Birth and rebirth in tune Birth and a new age Birth that shown on the moon Birth and release from a cage Firstborn of Selenia Firstborn of the Phoenix Firstborn of Xavax Firstborn Högni Peredhel

The Phoenix's Firstborn

https://forum.battlemaster.org/index.php/topic,7530.0.html

The night was deepening as the Xerarch's entourage was rushed through the city's western gate. Despite the lateness of the hour, the air rang with the sounds of work in preparation for the celebration Margrave Eoin had ordered to commemorate the peace with Perdan and the subsequent wedding announcement.

All the noise served nicely to muffle Selenia's sudden cries as her child made it's impatience to be born known, as though it too desired to attend the festivities. She was in labor...

...and struggling.

The Xerarch's physicians had forced her to accept a carriage, much to her chagrin, during this final phase of her pregnancy. It thundered down the cobblestone streets, comfort sacrificed for haste. In it's wake, knights of Xavax swept behind and spread out before, loudly clearing a path. The ride was jarring. Selenia's world narrowed down to herself, quietly humming to her child to please be patient. So focused was she that she hardly knew who was around her at the time, and barely registered when the carriage finally halted in the Palace courtyard.

Knights dismounted, some running ahead to prepare the way while others stood guard. The door to the carriage was opened and her physicians were gently guiding her towards the door when a particularly strong contraction doubled her over and her water broke. She would have fallen from the carriage had strong arms not caught her and swept her up. More hands joined, her loyal knights, carrying her to the Eerie as she cried out in pain. The spoke words of comfort, strength, and encouragement to their Xerarch as they started the long journey to the Royal Apartments in the Eerie...the tallest spire in all of Greater Xavax...

It was going to be a long night.

Gia had stayed in Xavax after her refitting to be on hand for the birth. It was Gia who cleared the pathway for the carriage and Gia was one of the first to catch and hold the Xerarch on her feet when her water broke. Gia held Seleina's hand during the climb to her rooms. It was all she could really do. Gia didn't fear births, but she had no skill for it either. Her training had been concentrated in the arts of war. Not of bringing life into the world. She was confined to emotional and physical support. Urging the Xerarch on.

Once the Xerarch was safely enclosed in her apartments with her various nurse staff, midwives and nobles with more experience at births. Gia withdrew to the outside door. She was never out of ear shot and if there were not a swirl of activity inside from her position she could have seen the Xerarch. She figured as she had little skills to offer in the business at hand she could make herself useful in another way. Gia brought with her Lupa and Lupa's 8 pups. The Pups were now some weeks old. Lupa always seemed to understand exactly what was going in the human world. The big dire wolf planted herself next to Gia as she stood guard outside the door. All who came and went had to pass a gauntlet of fur and teeth and steel. The pups although still young were larger then one would expect and at least for now seemed to share their mother's innate understanding of human affairs.

Cadewyn was on the road waiting for the Xerarch to arrive. Her esteemed physicians would take lead of course but she was there. She whispered words of peace and strength. She helped carry, her strong back taking on the weight with pride. She knew the climb to to the top would only be the beginning. And yet she was energized, ready to do anything that was needed.

Other women, who had grown up as highborn ladies may not have been so steady, calm, and quietly joyful. But Cadewyn had helped, as all the neighborhood girls did, with births. Birthing was their job, one they trained for, and like those of her birth station she had witnessed many. Some were easy, others were not. But calm, steady nerves and serene patience was what was needed. And Cadewyn always strove to be useful

Xavax, Location Nursery.

Many nobles were standing around The Xerarchs bed. The Xerarch was sitting on the bed, her big belly showed that the unborn baby was growing. A servant offered some wine but the Xerarch declined and took some water instead.

The baby immediately became very active ... you could see it kicking.

Nurse : ............ very active baby, it is kicking a lot. Tharan : ......... is that normal ?

Nurse : ............ as far as I know yes, but this is very active and look..... with some fantasy, you can even detect a pattern in the kicking Head-Nurse : ......... mmmmhhh.. more like a kind of Morse-code

Nurse : ............ indeed ... its like "dot dot dot pieeeeep pieeeeep pieeeeep dot dot dot" Tharan : ......... What does that mean ? Anyone in the room .... what does that mean ???

Head-Nurse : .......... Eeuuuhhh..... someting like "alarm" I thought .....

That had been the moment Tharan woke up in his own bed, at Camp Cornelius, his body shaking from cold and all covered with sweat .....

The birthing was not going well.

Selenia labored through the night and unto dawn without success. Servants streamed to and from the Royal Suite with hot water, towels, anything the physicians requested. Some left with tears in their eyes and buries on their hands and forearms as the Xerarchs gasping struggles, audible even through the doors, kept her knights pacing. Gia, with her wolves, never left her self-appointed place as guardian on the door that separated the Royal Apartment's foyer from the private inner chambers. Lupa growled and anyone who tarried too long at the threshold and the servants were far too fearful to request the beasts removal without a Royal order. Worse than the wolf, however, was Champion Kin who prowled avidly, the deadly warrior woman fiercely seeking out any potential threats to the Xerarch in this, Selenia's most vulnerable time.

As Gia and Kin stood sentinel, more of the Xerarch's Favored arrived to lend their support. Lords Uthred and Roose, Selenia's oldest Lieutenants and friends, had arrived. What drew eyes,however, were two younger knights, Dames Cadewyn and Lyanna, who proffered the Xerarchs invitation when questioned as to what they were doing in the Eerie.

At dawn, as Margrave Eoin's festival bells rang out over the Imperium's Capital, the exhausted Chief Physician exited from the private chambers, passed Gia, and fell upon a tray of refreshments that had been arrayed for the Birthing's attendants. Knight's surrounded him, peppering him with questions. Through mouthfuls, he explained that Selenia was struggling mightily. Simply put, a lifetime of hardship and training had left her muscles as unyielding as iron. The child might not have the strength to pass. Worse, Selenia herself was twice as old as she should be for delivering a babe. On top of that, Selenia was...neither a gentle nor compliant patient. She wasn't a very patient patient either, for that matter...He chose, wisely, not to expand on that point in front of the Xerarchs chiefest servants, but he did follow up an admit that It was a question for the gods as to which one, child or mother, would loose the will to fight first.

He did not know what else to do but to wait.

Cadewyn had followed the Chief Physician out and approached softly. "Excuse me sir, but... " she lowered her voice and hesitantly spoke. "Have you... considered taking the babe out... directly? I've... seen it done. It is risky but with the Xerarch, her attendants and health... it might not be a folly to consider it. Healing from such a thing requires strong muscles. And as much as a will to fight is needed in a birth, such a fight of wills... could be devastating... to them both."

So far she had kept herself quiet. A pair of hands to be used when needed. She felt so awkward but when asked she firmly repeated her own right to be here upon the Xerarch's word. This was the first time she had done anything direct, to insert herself into the proceedings. She hoped she had not misspoke.

Gia had not moved from her spot beside the door whan the Chief Physician emerged. But he had her full attention. Upon hearing Cadewyn's soft voice and seeing his scowl Gia spoke before he could " Let Cadewyn see the Xerarch" Lupa stood up, as always seemingly to know what was going on. Maybe she could read the slight shift in Gia's shoulders...... the Chief Physician turned on her glaring he opened his mouth to protest. But Gia snapped " Let her see the Xerarch! Selenia should know what ALL her options are. Let her decide what is to be done" Lupa growled low in her chest and the Physician closed his mouth..... Gia beckoned Cadewyn forward while looking to Kin for her assent.... Lupa stopped growling and the pups moved toward Cadewyn with wagging tails and cold noses.

"Look," the physician said in answer after he drained a small tankard of water, droplets dribbling down his winter beard, "I know the method of which you speak. Hell, I've performed it. At best, you are lucky to save the life of the child, much less the mother. And with all do respect, miladies, I'll not go down as the man who killed the Xerarch of Greater Xavax. No way. I do not care how much your pet growls."

He swung his gaze to Cadewyn. "And the Xerarch's been up all night fighting. I worked for hours to help that woman find some small measure of peace in sleep. She needs to recover her strength, no matter what we do. So I'll be doubly damned if I'm going to let you swan on in there and wake her up. No chance. No chance of that at all.

Upon seeing Cadewyn speaking to the physician Lannan moved closer to hear what was being said.

'Lord Cadewyn I have been in prayer and I believe The Healer can help the Queen. She has in her possession a magical item with healing properties. This is what The Healer has shown me... there is a faint glow about her. I know not what the item is, but I can sense it's presence. You need to find out what it is.'

She bowed her head and began mumbling what sounded like more prayers

Gia speaking emboldened Cadewyn. "Have you not marked how long this pregnancy has been? Have you no thought to who, or more importantly, what the father is? I care not his name, but only speak of such to point out to you that perhaps the Xerarch could shed light on the best thing to do here. This baby is special, not just because of who the mother is, but the manner in which it was brought about..." Cadewyn stopped and blushed. "She did disappear after my song..." She mumbled to herself.

Lyanna mentioning The Healer made her blush deepen. Soldiers were a superstitious lot and often there were no ungodly on the battle field. She felt the same in praying with Lyanna. If it meant keeping the Xerarch and the babe whole and healthy Cadewyn would have sacrificed her own self for it. But the mention of a glow and the hope that the Xerarch might just have one more lesson to teach them in planning made Cadewyn press harder.

"Let me see her. I can soothe her back to sleep quicker than you can anyways. She has always liked my voice. But Lady Gia is right. You make choices for her, when we all know that even now, she would choose for herself, and her babe."

The Physician squinted up at Cadewyn through his spectacles. "Young Lady," he began "I don't know what you're talking about, all this rubbish about singing and what not won't help the baby come any faster and I'll be thrice damned if I have to tell the Xerarch that her rest was disturbed because one of her Ladies-in-waiting wanted to sing to her."

Moving his head to look over her shoulder, he addressed Lyanna who had wandered off to mumble prayers to herself. "I've been a medicine man since before the lot of you were born and I'VE never heard of this "Healer" that one speaks of. So I'll be quadruple damned before I risk my head for that nonsense. But I've seen magic before...it could work IF she's right, and I'll take that over a song any day. Dame...?"

Mother and Son

"Lyanna," Cadewyn supplied helpfully, a spark of hope in her eyes.

"Dame Lyanna," the physician continued. "Like I said, I won't stick my neck out. Not unless you convince these other Knights of your "Healer" That way, if you're wrong, the blame falls squarely on you all. NOT me.

Huffing, the physician crossed his bony arms. Clearly adamant.

If death finds you in some place where I cannot beat it senseless first - She really did have a knack for saying the most inauspicious things. But it would be a cold day in hell before "some place" was the next room.

"If you let the Xerarch die while you try to avoid the blame you are going to experience how damned you are," Kin growled at the physician. "You or you," she pointed at Lyanna and Cadewyn, not caring how rude she was being "Tell me more about this Healer, and be quick." She looked between the two dames and felt compelled to add, "Sound confident about it. Either you believe or you don't. It will work or it won't. And if it won't I am going to go in there and cut the child out myself, because one of them is going to live."

She flicked a glance at Gia, whose steady presence she had appreciated these past hours. Then down to Lupa. Wolf was the enemy of man, but man was not in need right now. "Send the wolf in," she said, gesturing over her shoulder at Selenia's room. "They are strong mothers."

Turning to look at Kin, Lyanna addressed her...

"Lady Kin, The Healer is but one of the 9 aspects or avatars of War, residing in the Golden Hall. They will each affect us in their own way and if we are worthy we will spend eternity feasting in the Golden Hall upon our deaths. Through their guidance I was able to see that there is an item of healing magic upon the Queen's person. Most likely it is a scroll of some sort. They are quite rare and quite powerful. Use it, rather than cutting her open like some mare in the stables..."

She let the last part trail off as she realized it may not have been the best tone to take in the current circumstances.

The Fall of Xavax

Gia took the Xerarch's death with an eerie stillness....... She just ......froze....... her eyes closed ....like reeling from an invisible blow........ ""Her last request was for Hogni to be delivered to Her Ladyship, Gia Dragonfyre.""

The letter read....... **Wait.....WHAT!!!??? Gia looked at the messenger ......" I thought Kin was the god parent?" Her voice still shook. The messenger shrugged. Gia *Gulped....... She was shaking as she got into her saddle......something she rarely did preferring to walk ......"Then I set out for Xavax to retrieve the babe and guard him with my life. Kin and I, I'm sure will be on the same mission. I will also carry Selenia's body and guard it until we can make funeral arrangements. A tear slid down her cheek. " With that she whistled calling the pack to her and rode off toward Xavax...... a howling night fury leading a pack of teeth.

Gia was still sniffling as she stood up. The horse was nowhere to be found. She vaguely remembered feeling the horse lose her footing and the feeling of flying from the saddle. After that there was darkness..... and suddenly Gia had been in Xavax. She had secured Hogni. She could still feel the weight of the babe in her arms. Still see his happy little smile gazing at the pups. He was very fond of the pups. They returned his affection. She smiled down sadly at Lupa who was still leaning against her leg. Gia was sure it was Lupa's strange wisdom that had let her to instruct the pups to huddle around Gia's unconscious body all night to keep her from freezing to death. She had a large bump on her head. But the dream was tearing her apart. She had been so overjoyed to see Selenia alive and well again. To hand Hogni back to his breathing mother........ Gia's face grew grim. Hogni was still in Xavax somewhere, there was not telling what had become of him and no telling how long she had been unconscious at the side of the road. Although it was day now when it had been night. Gia set off toward Xavax once again determined to find Hogni and see Selenia laid to rest safely. She was not looking forward to the day .......... but She had not yet heard the news.......

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Stowaway

Roleplay from Selenia JeVondair (1 day, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Greater Xavax The journey to Sirion had been a long and difficult one for Gia Dragonfyre and her men. Weighed down by defeat as much as their arms and supplies, Gia's men trudged across the border in tows, leading oxen teams dragging wagons through the mud.

Gia was wrapped up in her own thoughts. Anger mostly, frustration, sprinkled with impotence. Worrying for her Xerarch and the final fate of the flame of her homeland. So she was a little suprise when Lupa, her now famous companion, streaked off like a furry bolt of lightning heading straight for one of the ox-drawn carts. In a flash, Gia had her blade drawn. Chasing after the direwolf, the former-countess yelled orders as she closed in on the cart. She expected to here Lupa's furious barking and crowling, for surely this was some enemy come to do them harm, but she was again surprised to find the wolf whining, ears pricked forward rather than back, rearing up on her hind legs as she tried to leap into the cart. The direwolf was the size of a small horse, she managed it and nosed through the burlap sacks, sniffing and prodding until one of the burlap sacks made a sound:

It was a giggle.

Gia sheathed her weapon and raised a fist, indicating that her men should stand down as she climbed into the cart herself. The giggling continued as Lupa, snuffling through the burlap, continued to tickle whoever was inside. Gia's heart was in her throat as she grabbed the burlap sack in question and upended it. Once revealed, the 7 year-old burlap insurgent had no defense for the Direwolf, who surged forward in a mass of fur to eagerly lick the child's face and neck, only intensifying the giggling. The direwolf knew this boy well, she had been there when he'd been born, when Xerarch Selenia cast a wave of healing magic to bring him forth into the realm.

Högni Peredhel JeVondair, first of the family's Selenian branch, only son of the Flame of the South, the Phoenix Queen herself, looked up at Gia smiling, showing off the gaps in his teeth where his first new teeth were just coming in. "Aunty Gia!" The Boy squeeled, swarming up past the wolf to hug her, completely unaware of the very real danger he'd almost been caught in. "Mommy said you'd give me a prize for being quiet and sneaky all this way-" he looked around, seing nothing but woods and mud and surprised, grinning soldiers. His smile changed to a crestfallen look "-but I guess I didn't make it long enough. We're not there yet are we? I thought we were going to a great city where my daddy came from. Where's Uncle Greatjon and Aunty Kin? Are they hiding too? Do I still get a prize?"

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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (10 hours, 49 minutes ago)

message to all nobles of Greater Xavax As Lupa unexpectedly bolted off Gia's heart began to hammer in her ears. She was tense and expected attack around every bend. She could scarcely believe she heard giggling. It must be the laughter of the Paragons she thought. But Lupa's expression was not one of attack, her tail was wagging furiously as she lunched herself up onto the cart. Gia lifted her arm. Stopping her men from advancing. The hammering in her ears grew louder as she reached out and dumped the sack Lupa was fixed on out. Her jaw feel open. "Aunty Gia!" The boy practically threw himself into her arms. She had to make the effort to close her mouth and smother the tears welling up in her eyes. She held Hogni close while he fired his rapid questions at her. She had to squash the emotions before she frightened the boy. "Hogni!" she breathed her voice husky. She cleared her throat. She didn't have to force the smile she bestowed on him. "Child you are huge! you were barely out of diapers the last time I saw you!" She crushed his little body to her in an embrace again. He giggled happily as Lupa danced and fussed beside them the huge wolf could hardly contain herself. Her excited yipes brought all the pups, who were in truth no longer pups anymore than Hogni was a babe, running and the cart was surrounded by excited furry mountains.

' You shall indeed be given a prize, you have done well and I am proud of you. I had no idea you were hidden. Only Lupa's nose betrayed you. Even your mighty mother was never a match for Lupa's nose, We are indeed headed to the city of your father. We shall meet Greatjon and Kin when we arrive' She beamed happily at him and he returned her smile. Gia reached into a pouch she carried with her. She knew exactly the item she searched for. She carried a dagger it bore the sign of the rose. (Gilth) 'Hogni' Gia said solemnly 'This prize is not a toy, it's a tool and a weapon' she looked into his eyes to make sure he took her words seriously. His face mirrored her own. She pulled out the ornate dagger. The rose was worked in gold and red enamel. Because Hogni was a boy it was almost a short sword to his size. She held it in both hands as befitting an offering to a royal and Hogni took it by the handle with equal dignity. 'it's blade is sharp so mind yourself, this dagger was a gift from a dear friend of mine who has gone to join the Paragons. He was a just man, a moral man. A compass in dark times to keep us true to our path. May it keep you true to your path' Hogni nodded. His eyes wide at being given such a treasure. Most likely he had been hoping for a honey comb. He carefully pulled it from it's sheath. The blade was mirror bright. His curiosity satisfied Hogni re-sheathed the blade and hooked it to his little belt. He was immensely proud of himself. 'Now little one we travel on' She whistled and the remainder of the unit got on the move once again. Although Gia noticed there was added bounce to the step of all.

Gia however was heavy at heart. She couldn't divine the meaning of Hogni's stowaway. Was it to spirit the boy away to safety for Selenia to join him later or because Selenia expected to not be long for the world?........

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A life in Sirion

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Roleplay from Gia Dragonfyre (58 minutes ago)

As Selenia was making her announcement to move north, she had no way of knowing the events transpiring hundreds of miles away.....................

Hogni ran shrieking ............ all around the estate Gia had selected in Elmbar. She had chosen this one because it reminded her of Oc Lu Pesh. The forest surrounding the estate was deep and dark and verdant. Noticeably cooler then the fields nearby and with the wolves around it was relatively safe. As Hogni went charging by the pack of huge pups followed him. His delighted squeals and excited barks filled the air. The pups were less pups and more fully grown dire wolves. As the pack overtook him he grabbed the fur of the big male pup running in step with him and took a jump off a stump as he past. The wolf shifted his weight to catch Hogni and off they all ran into the forest.

Gia smiled to herself at the boy's joy. She looked around and took stock. All her soldiers had abandoned her. Returned to Xavax to see to their families. Gia bore them no ill will. What remained to her was Malcom, his lover and fellow healer Jordain. A third healer learning his trade and 3 scouts. Malcom was delighted with the estate as well. It wasn't much, fairly small actually. But the building was solid. Thick stone walls, several rooms a court yard and a kitchen. Everything one needs she thought to herself. As Hogni came tearing back astride his canine mount a thought occurred to Gia.

"Hogni......how old are you now?" she shouted after him. Without missing a beat he leaped off the wolf. He stumbled a bit on landing but over all it was a graceful dismount. "Seven summers old aunt Gia" he said proudly. "Seven?....... You know I was only a little older then you when I started training to fight" Gia commented as Hogni walked over to her. Her hint had the desired effect. Hogni's interest was piqued now. Gia put her arm around his little shoulders and led him to a shaded spot besides the house to have his first lesson.

Although it served to entertain him it was vitally important the youngster learn to defend himself. He was after all a prince.

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