Legends of Belariath

A Bard`s Memory of Empire

The 27th Year of The Ilfirian Empire

November 29^th 2010
Marot's Memorial …I am a Fucking Hero!

Some things in life were a joy to write about, but the moons eclipse and darkness that swept over the land convinced Tehya this was the opportune time to write about Marot's passing and his memorial service. Deep shadows crept past her window and everyone had their own theory of the moon's eclipse including Tehya which made her look across the hall to the Emperor's room.

Soon she would write about her theory to the Emperor and see his reaction, not really sure if he would tell her or not. With tear stained cheeks she picked up the quill that the mighty Traghorn Dragon of Dreams gave her that day, and all her inkwells were put away. Her hand ran down the soft brown and white feather, there would be no more inkwells needed not with the magical quill.

The first strokes of the quill against the paper were flowing and fluid and she began to write the bittersweet tale of Marot's Memorial.

Twin fires lit the way to the cave like shrine.  Those fiery beacons led the way for those wanting to pay their last respects to Marot the fallen warrior.  The weather in itself was mournful, colorful leaves had left the trees and barren dark branches were all that remained. But soon the snow would fall erasing the darkness, most likely when Marot would rise and meet his own god Sheara.

Huge copper pipes allowed the chimes to ring loudly through the area. A man like Marot didn't leave the world quietly not even in death. Marot's body was unwrapped from the linen remnants and the scars showed on the fallen warrior right down to the half missing pinkie and the notch out of his right ear, deep scars of claw marks were on his hands. What was left of his remains showed he fought in many   battles. His body looked peaceful never the less with the healing of stitches on the new deep wounds

Davak and Laeral were the first to arrive, the wolven had his hands tucked inside the sleeves of his kimono and Laeral carried a simple offering to Marot and stood on tiptoes to whisper to Davak.

"I'm afraid I am not familiar with these things... temples... would it be alright if I followed what you did? Sir, I just wanted to say goodbye to a friend." and she blushed, lowering her gaze.

Davak answered yes, and went inside meeting Stormwind at the entrance who greeted them before walking over to the corpse of Marot.

"One moment, please Marot. I believe you may have visitors to come and pay their respects."

Stormwind wiped his eyes and turned to the guests.

"Greetings friends you have come to pay your respects to the fallen?"

Davak nodded, "Yes I have. Where may we leave our offerings?"

Stormwind urged them both over to speak to Marot after telling him they were there. He spoke like Marot was still alive and could hear him, who knows maybe he could see and hear every word going on. Stormwind, assured Laerel.

 "All are welcome here this day. Come… say your words of farewell, please. Shall I step away, so that you may speak in private to him?"

He turned to Davak and saluted him. The Chirot looked as if he was on a parade ground rather than at a religious shrine.

"Thank you for coming, General. Come, I will show you."

He moved along the walls of the shrine, pointing stone niches of varying sizes which held candles by the dozen, oils, and various other tools used in ceremony, but now their true purpose had come to the fore.

"Please, leave your offerings here in one of these spaces, and when you have finished your time of solitude, either light the candle, or summon me that I may light it for you."

Davak nodded to Stormwind having the respect as any General would have for a fallen warrior and drew a small gem from his pocket. He held the blood red jewel held in the wolven's hand as he followed the man.

"I wanted to pay my respects to the fallen… thank you for allowing me to."

Laerel moved to the pyre Marot was on, and leaned down to kiss his cheek, but when she stood back up, the fallen's face was wet with her tears.

She whispered, "If I had known." into his ear... and then stepped away. She looked toward Stormwind, with a nod and then gently took the candle, lighting it and placed a small painting under the candle, and stepped away. The picture was of Marot, standing in all his glory, with a lopsided grin on his face just the way he had posed for her.

She stepped away, and then looked to Davak who was kneeling and saying a prayer.

Stormwind stood quietly in the shadows, hands crossed at his chest, head bowed and hidden in the shadow of the cowl of his clerical robe. Silently he allowed them to pay their respects, say their goodbyes, taking note of the offerings left and smiled, the goddess would be pleased.

Soon the sound of hooves announced Alyssa Shadowfall  who arrived at the temple, her horse reared up on his hind legs only to drop down to allow her off.  She lingered outside and whispered hello to the others joining the service.

Davak lit a candle and got up to thank Stormwind and speak to Laeral seeing she showed concerned on how he was feeling. Davak turned to say his last goodbye to Marot.

"Be well in paradise my friend."

He turned looking to Laerel with a nod and headed towards the door.

Stormwind sighed softly and hugged the cat bat, then looked to the other two. "Thank you again for coming."

As they stood at the door Laerel shook her head.

"For some reason, I don't believe you. You know you can confide in me, yes?" she asked softly. "After all, I am only a slave... and you can speak any way you wish to a slave yes?" She winked at him playfully.

Laerel whispered, "Alright." She smiled, patted his hand gently.

"I won't pry... but should you need me, I am here yes?" and she smiled.

Davak nodded to her as he spoke.

"I thank you for your kindness but I am okay do not worry... Please tell your master I send my regards to him."

He gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

Alyssa Shadowfall   wandered closer to watch fascinated by the un-wrapping but she looked timid and peered at Marot's face.

"You are sure he's not sleeping aye?"

"Yes little cat bat as much, as I wish he might be, I am certain that he is not sleeping, nor trancing."

He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before returning to his task, finally folding the vestments and setting them aside. They would be needed later still.

"Would you wish for me to step away, that you might speak to him a moment in private, before I continue?"

Alyssa Shadowfall shook a little she was nervous, truly nervous for once. "No you can stay." She looked like she truly didn't want to be alone with the body. When he left her she sighed and poked Marot.

"You made me what I am... I'll miss you... I am glad though I would not wish for all the word to go back to what I was. I miss you being an asshole too." She kissed his cheek softly before bowing her head and praying to the mother to make him the best place she could.

She offered to stay and help Stormwind too.

He nodded. "For now, just –be- here Alyssa, though, later, I will enlist your aide in weaving a very special basket."  There are bundles of long flexible willow at the foot of the altar.

 "Yes Storm... I will be more than happy to help make the basket... she sighed wondering among the   shine pulling a feather  form her inner  pocket it was the only other one she had other than the one in her hair and she placed it in the alcove to light a candle .

He stepped forward from the shadows explaining he had duties to perform and greeted the new faces entering the temple.

"Welcome to the shrine of Sheara. Please enter! All are welcome here this day to come and pay their respects to this fallen warrior."

When Davak left, Laeral remained by the door waiting in case Stormwind needed her.

Stormwind was not going home, not yet. He was going to stand vigil over his friend, his brother, until all had been given a chance to pay their respects, until the funeral pyre had been set ablaze, and burned itself out. Once the ashes were cold, and had been scattered properly -then- perhaps he would go home, and tend to his own grieving. He hugged Alyssa once more, and then turned, his eyes going target center to the corpse of Marot.

Laerel stood dusting herself off and moved to Stormwind, hugging him gently. She whispered, "I will be here until you wish me to leave, Arrna." She smiled at him with a nod. "It is what I need to do... if it is alright?"

"Of course dear, I told you, all are welcome here today, and besides... you are welcome here any time. You have, after all, worshiped here with us many times. Have you not?"

 "For you I have."

Devonix descended from on high and made his way to the temple, he was not the closest with Marot but having worked together he owed something to him as having fought beside him for the empire. He stood in the back however not wishing to disturb the others.

Stormwind hugged Laerel tight, and kissed her brow, before raising her chin so that she could see his eyes, the barely restrained tears waiting to breach and rain down over his face, and then he brushed them away with the back of his hand, and looked up, seeing Devonix.

"Please, come forward, all are welcome here this day come say good bye to our fallen warrior."

Even those that disagreed with Marot came to pay their last goodbye Surinya heard the sad news and had followed her Master in secrecy, hoping he would not disapprove of her presence there. It was... hard to think that she would never see the man again. True most times they met they had been at each other's throats... but she respected him. Devoinx seen her come in, and kissed her cheek. "Hello Suri."

She blushed being caught going there and explained.

"I had to... I had to come you see... I had to pay my respects. He was odd... sometimes infuriating... but I respected him... somehow.... I came to respect him."

She approached Stormwind and gave him a silent bow, for the first time in years not knowing what to say. 

"He will be missed." she said after a while to Stormwind, before moving away. She held on to her Master, shaking so much she seemed about to break as she walked.

The shadows of the temple held those that needed moments to gather their thoughts in seclusion, including Stormwind who allowed the others to say their goodbyes privately. Alyssa offered to help him and stayed after paying her last goodbye.

Naidra sighed softly as she stepped forward. The trek was slow of her cabin for her mind was full of worries and her heart heavy. She turned to Celes offering him her free hand glad he had agreed to accompany her. She held a silk rose she had spent the night sewing wanting to offer something to her friend. Marot had saved her life more than once and for that she could never repay him.

The next to arrive was Jonie who found out by reading posts throughout town. She knew where the temple was but feared coming to it for a reason like this. Making her way inside she mustered up the courage to see if the posters were the truth.

The twin fires blazed brightly leading Celes and Naidra inside. She hugged Celes then pulled out of his arms. "I will be right back," she walked over to Stormwind and wiped another tear from her eye

"Stomwind how is Gywn?" she voice was soft but she worried for her friend a friend she considered a sister. Her hand reached out taking Storm's hand not knowing if in this time he would welcome a hug or not.

 Stormwind pulled Naidra into the hug she had been too afraid to offer, and then kissed first both cheeks, and then her lips before answering her questions.

"She is...healing and will be here soon enough.  Gywn brought him home. Thank you, so very much for coming, do you wish a chance to speak with him in private, or shall I first show you where you might leave offerings if you have brought any?"

Naidra wrapped her arms around him hugging him tightly and nodding to his words. She kissed him back her own salty tears on his lips from where he had kissed her cheeks.  

"I hope you don't mind I brought a friend with me I just couldn't make the trip alone. I can't believe he is gone." she whispered then pulled herself back together.

"Show me where the offering is and tell me what happened please the note was unclear."

She held the rose and showed him, "I know it isn't much, but it is all I could make in the short time."

Naidra turned to see Celes close to her still, but she wasn't upset she was thankful he had accompanied her and she knew it must be hard for him being around so many he didn't know. Stormwind showed her where the candles were and offered to light one for her if she wanted him to, and pointed out where the gifts were being left for Marot.

Celes was great support for Naidra, and she gave Stormwind's hand a squeeze. Placing a single rose in the cubby she prayed for Marot with Celes close to her side.

She whispered, "His death… like his life… was lived."

Stricken in grief she asked Celes to light a candle for him, which he quickly obliged being there as her moral support, and friend.

Jonie didn't have to walk all of the way in, she could hear from the entranceway, and knew what she learned was the truth and not a rumor. Her expression turned to one of devastation, and she listened to those inside. Listening for awhile she decided she had heard enough and placed a small item on the floor next to her, a collar with Chirot wings and a small bell…one she had worn for Marot. There was nothing more she could do but leave with a sad heart.

The black veil left Surinya's face partially hidden and her nerves were on edge too nervous to ask questions, but tears fell from her cheeks in grief. Devonix held his arm around her and placed a small Chirot statue against the stone, bidding his last goodbye.

"Farewell warrior your antics will be missed."

He urged Surinya forward with her flowers. She said her last goodbye.

"Farewell mighty warrior. You will forever live within the hearts of those who loved you."

A whisper of footsteps led Raphaelwyn into the temple. The tall slim feline wore a red leather corset and skirt. She paused; the mist raider had a slim flask containing a drink which she hugged to her chest as she took a breath and looked for Stormwind.

Stormwind came from the shadows of the shrine having left Naidra to leave her offering. Seeing one of his oldest and dearest friends he approached her, his familiar voice coming from within the cowl of the white linen robe.

"Greetings Raph, and welcome. You have perhaps, come to offer your respects?"

Raphaelwyn smiled to Stormwind speaking in a hushed tone and showed him the flask.

"I brought him a drink......one for the road so to speak."

Her voice hitched as she spoke and she paused catching her composure as she looked around at the people.

"It's nice to see you Stormwind thank you for doing this for him" she smiled at the people paying their respects

Alexis moved up to the temple alone. The nymph had left all the animals at the tower it certainly wasn't the right time for them to be there. She pressed the hood back from her head and moved inside. Long unruly curls were pulled back into a singular braid. Several wisps of hair framed her youthful face.

Not everyone gathered by the corpse or the assembly of the crowd by the door, some stood in the back where their grief was in private, one of them was Alexis. She didn't have the best relationship with Marot but attended to give her family support knowing the importance in being there.

Gwyneth made her way to the Temple from home, her wounds were healing though still fading as she worked the magic an hour before, and such things took time. She was dressed in a white robe her Master had given her yesterday, and slipped inside, silent, eyes red rimmed and still looking tired, her Master had let her sleep while he began things, she'd needed the extra rest to have the strength to heal herself and deal with this today.  She found her sister close behind her, and Alexis moved forward and gave her a hug.

Stormwind hugged Raphaelwyn again, and kissed her brow. "I will see you later… there are duties I must tend to."

Raphaelwyn hugged Stormwind close and smiled when he said he had to attend duties.

"Keep safe Stormwind."

She smiled kissing his cheek and moved on to one of the niches and sighed as she placed the flask in carefully and frowned.

"Who am I going to argue with at the bar now?" She smiled as she lighted the candle and set it down with a sigh.

A small gathering in the back where Alexi and Gwyneth were standing caught Surinya's attention asking her master if she could go see Gwyn. Devonix agreed and walked her over. They all greeted each other and shared a hug, knowing soon it would be time to give their condolences.

Gwyneth told them she might bring Tara later on, and she knew Alexi had a gift with animals, but showed her concern and greeted Devonix and her sister.

"Thank you both for coming, Gwyn is sorry Master Devonix for your loss of your kinsman.

As promised Alyssa Shadowfall helped the best she could and went to get the collar Jonie had left, and put it in the alcove to help Stormwind.

After Stormwind met with the group in the back, he went up front by the corpse.

"I am back Mari, I am sorry it took so long, but there are so many who have come to see you off."

He dropped to one knee, and drew a vial of oil from one of the small pockets began to rub the oil into the flesh of the body, as he had done so often for Gwyn or himself when they had come here to worship.

"We'll send you home properly don't worry."

Surinya at first just stood still, but then she just hugged Gwyn carefully, "I am sorry for your loss sister." She whispered softly beneath the black veil, and from under the black cloak she took the dolly and offered it back to the girl.

"Perhaps it would help you now... or later... to rest." she said softly."

Gwyneth was going to do what she could for Stormwind he knew this, and Naidra went over to talk to her.  Gwyneth had a doll to help take away the nightmares. She kneeled to her master to tuck several different Torian flight feathers into the willow bark woven around her mate's still form.

"Thank you, mate, for freeing Gwyn of the Dwarf and the Sheyka... you will always have a place in her heart and memory, and she will see you on the other side someday."

Stormwind smiled softly as Gwyn spoke, and whispered.

"We both will love, I promise. Do you.... want to help me oil him properly or would you, rather simply, commiserate with the others?"

He gave her the choice knowing that her relationship with Marot was different, that to order her in this case would be wrong.

"Please, Master," she said softly... reaching for the oil....do we send his weapons and such with him?"

She wasn't really sure how this worked, this was the first Chirot funeral she had attended.... there had been one while she was in the homeland before, but it hadn't been anyone she knew and so she stayed out of the way.

Alexis moved to her Master after her sister allowed her to go before her. The nymph kept back as they prepared the body with her amber gaze lowered out of respect.

Some things always had a good outcome, and Raphaelwyn pondered naming a cocktail after Marot. It might be unusual but it would be something Marot would enjoy.

Devonix bid the others goodbye and held Surinya close, but he needed to speak to Naidra about another matter drawing her to the side, and soon after he bid everyone goodbye and left.

Alexis moved to her Master after her sister allowing her to go before her. The nymph kept back as they prepared the body her amber gaze lowered out of respect.

 Naidra walked back to Gwyn placing a hand on her arm.

 "I am so sorry for your loss my sister...I know Marot was a brave man that loved his mate much, and I know he would be proud to have spared you the trauma of capture though distressed and your tears."

"Miss Naidra thank you Mistress, Gwyn knew he would come, or Master... or both... though Master Marot was closest if Gwyn hadn't been bound so well she could have saved him."

She paused, closing her eyes a moment. "She was too slow to get free, but the Mother kept her word... and he kept his. He is with her now, and fighting Kiroan. Gwyn hopes she allows him to remember."

She worked the oil into his flesh and his hair to be certain there was nothing for a necromancer to use.

Stormwind offered her the vial of oil, and cleaned his hands on the linens that had once held Marot's form.

"Whatever you managed to bring back with you we will leave in the hollows, and light candles."

He gestured to the candle filled apertures about the shrine.

"What the mother wishes, she will take unto her, as with any other offerings on any other day though weapons and armor most certainly, that he may have them in the battle."

He paused and reached for Lexi, pulling her up to his other side. There was -no- reason for them, any of them, to be separated now.

Alexis blinked; suddenly grabbed and the nymph turned as she was pulled into her Master. Her little face buried at the base of his neck for a few moments. Pressing herself against him tightly she knew at any moment he may need to pull away to tend to his duties that afternoon.

Naidra listened, "Your mate was a brave man my dear, brave indeed and you did all you could the fault at his loss falls on the shoulders of those that ended his life, not on you and if I know your master he will seek his vengeance." She hoped to offer some peace with her words.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

 She asked Storm and Gwyn. She could see the bruises that colored Gywn's face and only suspected the other injuries she must have healed.

Alyssa Shadowfall's tail drifted as she paced knocking lightly on Lexi's leg and Stormwind's wing she hummed a familiar Chirot's war song, and one could only guess who taught her.

Alexis turned slightly feeling something brush her leg. The nymph looked behind her gaze settled on Alyssa a moment before she turned back to her Master again.

Gwyneth had a feral grin on her lips.

"They are already dead, and will not be returning. He and his wolf saw to the death, Gwyn saw to the scattering of the remains.... they did not get the dignity of burning or proper burial. They did not deserve it. They are buried in many little pieces throughout the forest, shallowly so the scavengers can dig them up… she paused, "unless the Kiroan involved have relatives who come calling, there is no one to avenge upon any longer."

Jonie returned to the temple and stepped inside finding a corner away from the people visiting, and gaining some peace by just sitting and watching.

Naidra answered, "Then that at least is a comfort,"

She knew her sister's heart was aching at the loss of one she loved so dearly. She offered Gywn a hug then wiped the tears from her eyes.

 "How can I help sister Gywn?"

Gwyneth hugged Miss Naidra back and spoke about herself in the third person.

"Gwyn does not know, for now we grieve and do what we must. Grimm is dead, and Spyderfall with him, Gwyn knows she will eventually be glad of that and she worries about Tara, the wolf Gwyn and Master Marot raised, she was injured, Gwyn set the leg, sent the healing to work, but she worries about her out in the wild in that state.  Gwyn could not carry both, and Tara could not keep up."

Alyssa Shadowfall watched them prepare the body and stopped near Lexi humming softly and curling her tail back and forth.

Naidra looked at Gywn. "Is Tara still in the forest?" She asked her softly as she looked at the others offering a nod here and there, and a soft smile to Alyssa. She listened to Gywn and what she had to tell her.

"She sounds like a brave wolf I am sure she will be fine, but if you still worry we can see about setting out a search party to help find her and maybe bring her home if she doesn't find her way on her own."

Alexis pulled away from her Master allowing him to see to his work. The nymph turned to face the others in the temple once more gazing at Jonie and Jasmin.

Stormwind began to arrange the linen vestments and soaked them in oil too, now and then pausing with a tilt to his head listening and allowing the mother to instruct him.

Jasmin hadn't really known the Chirot Marot, and just knew of him, but the fact that he was racially kin to one of her closest friends in town - along with pure human empathy drew her to the temple to pay her respects for the loss of another soul. In her gloved hands she carried a beautiful wreath of dried flowers hoping that was appropriate for the Chirot's race dressed head to toe in black right down to the thigh high boots that disappeared under her dark cloak.

Jasmin moved forward towards the group gathered at the altar, fighting with the words inside her, not knowing if this was a moment for grief for his kind or just a pause in between the veils of life and the afterlife.

"I have come to pay my respects for although I didn't know him personally I realize he's a brother of yours Stormwind and hope this will help commemorate him."

He heard another entering, and set the oil aside again before cleaning his hands once more, careful not to get any of the oil on his own robe. It was not time for that, not yet. He laid a hand on Gwyn's shoulder, and then whispered.

"I will return soon, to help."

He hugged Jasmin before stepping back and whispering.

"Thank you for coming, and yes, the flowers are lovely may I show you where to leave them?"

Jasmin nodded silently, feeling very much an intrusion, but just wished her mere presence would tell her friends they only had to ask and she would be there for them.

"Aye," and if there's anything you may require of me you know you just need to ask and it's yours."

Alexis turned slightly as Jasmin placed her offering. Perhaps it would be best if she left her to it and her gaze slipped back towards the door of the temple. Spotting the cloaked figure she lofted a brow wondering who that was. Her gaze didn't stay long on the person and it followed her master's path. She moved away from Jas to give her time alone and headed for Ky instead.

Jonie remained in a corner, quiet and staring. If anyone wanted to look, they could see she wasn't there for anyone but Marot and she sat stone silent like a statue staring at him.

Gwyneth remained talking to Naidra.

"Thank You Miss... if she is not here in a few days, Gwyn will let you know. She was a gift, a duty given her by the Dragon.... Gwyn failed to heal Master Marot in time she does not wish to fail in that as well."

"I understand my dear, and if you need anything I am here all you have to do is ask."

She looked down at Marot and could see where he fought bravely with the couple stitches that remained.

Jinx stepped from the forest, towards the temple. She wore a long black dress and remembered she met Marot at her store when she and Naidra gave him a private tasting, but he would have rather them show some skin. She braved the cold to get there and stepped next to Naidra taking her hand.

Naidra startled as she felt the hand in hers then turned to see Jinx.

She hugged her tightly, "Hey sweetie I am glad you're here."

"I couldn't go without saying goodbye" she whispered softly, her voice broke gently as she looked at Naidra, knowing she could not show such emotion in front of strangers. She swallowed hard as she looked towards the body, trying to keep herself calm. She had always joked and had fun with Marot, but this never passed her mind, not in a world where one could easily be resurrected. It hurt her heart so badly to see him there, silent and unmoving. She pulled a pot of edible paints from her cloak pocket, something she had brought for him as an offering, a bit of a inside joke between the two of them.

Naidra nodded to Jinx.  "I understand I couldn't not say goodbye either he was a good friend and saved my life and the life of my slave Inaya".

"Here let me show you to the back where you can leave your offering."

She had yet to see her mate so her mind still worried over him though she kept that information to herself not wanting to bother the others.

Neko came in and made his way over to Naidra and slipped behind her putting his arms around her waist. "Did I miss anything?" He didn't care who his enemies were and just needed to be with Naidra for support and show his respect.

Naidra led her friend to the back staying back as Jinx paid her respects and jumped when she felt her mate slide his arms around her knowing instantly it was him by his smell and touch. She turned in his arms

The dark elf Ray'el moved towards where they all were and his hand slid out and touched an empty niche where his hand began to glow and a solid ice sculpture formed in his hand looking like a pissed off Marot with his head tilted, and he began to add more detail.

Kyie made her way toward the temple and it was silent, way too silent.  She pulled her bag from her side and slipped it into the thicket just outside the shrine, telling the animals that rest within it that they needed to stay there, that if they didn't behave Athyk was going to tell her.  She looked up at the pet hawk wishing she could bring the other. She stayed back pressed against the wall in the shadows watching and listening.

Stormwind smiled as he saw Kyie come in, and Jinx as well. He moved first to the black and white cat, and spoke softly.

"Thank you, for coming. Please, if you have brought an offering, or wish a moment of solitary prayer in reflection of our silent friend, please leave it in one of the apertures along the wall, stay, as long as you wish. And when you have finished, please, either light the candle within the aperture, or else summon me, that I may light it for you."

He hugged her, hoping she would understand, that the distance was, a part of his duty this day, and not a reflection on her. He held her for a long moment, and then moved to Kyie, sighing softly.

"Gods, thank you for coming little one."

Kyie looked at him a moment, smiling, "Rothe Master." She said, shifting a little bit, "is busy... loud… at least… ears loud."

She sighed, looking at the place again, looking up to Gwyn again then around, "It is so quiet.." she said, blinking as she saw Gwyn, waving back, pursing her lips though, biting her lower lip a moment, "Is odd.." she whispered.

Alexis followed them, intrigued with what was going on. The nymph listened quietly to her Master. Looking between him and the niche he motioned to. She peeked inside to see what was there then looked to Jasmin. The nymph blinked as he kissed her again, her hand slipped out to brush against his briefly as he moved away from them.

Ray`el  the tall man came in with his cloak hood up with the fur hood and fur surrounding his body, masking who he was. The dark man just wanted to visit and pay respect to a enemy of sorts.

Gwyneth glanced up from her work and looked around... she half smiled to Ky, and waved to her leaving her to Master for now, and moved towards the bench in the corner... taking a seat beside Jonie and slipping an arm around her silently.

"He died well." she said softly as he would have wished to."

Jonie glanced up for a moment at Gwyneth, "Marot never wanted to die…so don't say it as he would have wished to."

Her eyes a solid black as she stood finally her visit interrupted once again, but she would not come back. She knew the ending to the story and could not watch anymore, hear anymore and walked out of the temple, to perhaps be seen never again.

Alexis turned as she heard Jonies voice. The nymph's eyes narrowed, this was not the day to start anything. She was just about to step away from Ky and head for Jonie when the woman stepped out the temple all together. Her lips turned downward as she watched her leave.

Stormwind smiled seeing Gwyn choose her other form for this, and nodded in approval.

"I know Ky. I know it's loud, and... I am sorry, but, I have to be here, I can't allow him to travel home, without a cleric to guide him."

He hugged her close, and then Lexi was there again, arm snaked out to draw them both as close as he could, only.... one of his girls was missing now, though, he knew she would not ...come, until things quieted. He held the pair of them close before whispering to Ky.

"Remind me, tomorrow, to speak to you about something special, but for now, I have duties to attend. Stay as long as you feel you can please?"

He kissed them both, and then settled at the altar again, this time he began weaving the willow wands together, taking his time.

Gwyneth shook her head... "Marot was a Warrior, he knew the risks, and he knew he would die. He was a Chirot, he was never afraid of death, just dying badly, foolishly."

She sighed... but she knew Jonie wouldn't understand she was human. She remained on the bench alone now, watching the ice sculpture be formed... wondering why he was making him look angry, he wasn't angry.

Kyie took a breath, looking up at Storm a moment, then looked around to everyone else, a small pout on her lips seeing everyone was sad which made her feel sad, but she couldn't figure out exactly why.Perhaps it was simply she didn't understand death as others did, there was never a time when she was upset for death, but she never seen others upset by it either. 

Kyie made a little sound like eek when she was pulled close and giggled at the kiss to only look back around.  She looked up at Lexi and smiled at her, shifting a little bit and yawning as she looked at the rest of them again. She wasn't sure what she was supposed to do, though she just sat there, her legs pulling up a little bit, arms wrapping around her knees as she watched the rest of them, sighing a bit more, shifting a little. She wrapped an arm about Ky and hugged her gently. She whispered while watching the others.

"Where are all your babies....your animals?

Oh!"  She grinned, "It is outside in thicket… Athyk is watching them, where's yours?"  She always loved animals, finding them to be the most pure of things.

Alyssa watched the  exchange with a tiny  hiss but didn't move  as the offended  person left  she would  stay where she was  till she was needed she  walked to storm when he  weaved  the willow branches handing him the next one to be use. 

"You said I could help."  She whispered.

Alexis blinked as she was drawn once more against her Master. The nymph's attention brought back to her family once more. Her lips curled upwards slightly as she looked to Ky and heard the soft giggle.

Jinx swallowed hard as she stared at her own little place of memories for the Chirot man. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard someone angry. She turned to see none other than that bitch catgirl giving Gwyneth a rough time. Her blood boiled and she felt Marot might delight in having someone die at his funeral but knew that might not be best at the moment. She turned back to Jinx` her pot of edible paints and unlit candle, staring at them as she began speaking to him.

 "Marot...you were a jerk...a big one...you always called me a whore since I made you pay for that special tasting...I did it because it was one of the first sales at the shop...Thank you for being there to support Naidra and my endeavor. It was very kind of you to play along...You're right, I can be a whore and I'll miss you reminding me of that. Take this blueberry flavored chocolate paint and paint the sky."

She whispered her heart felt better and at rest …it still stung for her friend.

Neko Nightstalker stayed pressed against her back as he looked to Jinx. He pressed close to her as he rested his head back on her shoulder.

"I've been busy looking into a couple things. I have a feeling you're going to wake up nude and painted blue one of these days Jinx. You'll know who it was too."

He said trying to make light of the situation. He wasn't good at sorrows but he was there none the less.

Naidra looked him over as best she could since he wouldn't move to give her a proper view.

"Devonix said his slave healed you and left you in the grove. If you have just been gone out looking into something why not send me a word why make me worry?"

She stopped and listened to him tease Jinx trying to lighten things up some. She sighed softly, "Never mind we will talk about it later this isn't the place."

Stormwind beamed, listening to them all actually beginning to have a good time with their memories, and somehow, it made his heart lighter for it, eased his grief a little, at least for now. He took the wand from Alyssa, and began to show her how to weave them.

"We want a cocoon, to surround him, or, perhaps two baskets, one bottom and one top. We can't actually put him inside, until he has been dressed again."

Gwyneth smiled overhearing Neko.

"He would so do that too if he could." she said softly... wiping her eyes... she would miss him, how he always managed to make her laugh, how he drove her to fight harder, better, be more... and yet, he always seemed to be there when she needed him, watching her back, coming to her rescue... they fought side by side so often, and made a good team.

Jinx turned to Neko, eyeing him before turning back towards her little space for Marot. She bent and took the item to light the candle, lighting it as she spoke a prayer that cat people would speak in her clan when a warrior had fallen. It was in her home language, only for him to hear. She swallowed and dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief staring at the flickering candle as she remembered her friend.

Jasmin found nothing except a natural jut of stone in the wall, and hooked a wreath upon it, seemingly more reverential a placement than laying it on the floor, and stepped back to scrutinize her work, the light whispered of the other mourners echoing against the stone.

Viceregine quietly lights a candle for Marot. She had never met the man. But she has read his obituary, listened to the stories told about the man by his many friends and feels diminished for never having had that pleasure. RIP Marot.

Alexis I thought it best to leave them all at home. They would only be in the way here and the twins...well...they are a rambunctious lot. They can be handful. One has chosen Master...now I just need to introduce the other to Arshes Sir.

Kyie listened and nodded, grinning as she sighed, looking forward, a small pursing of her lips.

"Yes… can see where animals would be bad for here."

She nodded quietly, and shifted a little bit, and sighed as she relaxed, her eyes closed before she yawned just a little then looked back to Lexi and smiled.

Kyie shook her head, "Can't go... big stone tree... too dark outside, would be too dark inside."

"Stone tree scary... very… very scary." She sighed again, shifting a little as she watched the rest of the people again.

Alexis explained, "You will have to come over sometime so I can show you around. It's dark from the outside yes....but not inside. It's very nice and warm...with many rooms. You could have a room all your own as I do...for when you come to visit.

Ky pursed her lips, "but…stone trees are bad..." she whispered quietly, a sense of dread already growing at just the thought of being inside a tower, especially at night.  She let out a breath, looked around a little bit, and thought about it."Talks to Jabbuks... and... thinks..." she took another deep breath and sighed just a little.  "You's ok though in stone tree..." she pursued her lips, shifting a bit," Hmm...maybe stone tree not so bad… but... is… is... err... scary still." She looked at everyone again, a small sigh once more, "Is all cheeks wet?"

Fire lured Tehya to the temple, and she walked in wearing that familiar patchwork cloak of multi colors and the pin of emeralds at the neckline. Walking to the pyre she sighed, wondering why he left …rather than others who didn't contribute to everyone's heart like he did hers. She held a silk banner with embroidered words on it ‘I am a fucking hero.'

It was the last words she remembered him saying through her magical mirror, and the bard draped it over his chest and smiled.

"That you are Marot, give them hell where ever you are."

Naidra felt his spell and the calm roll through her. She sighed softly some of the tension leaving her body but she still felt the echo of her worries and her grief for both her friend and her mate though he was well not having heard him upset her deeply in the wake of the day's events. She turned a smile to Jinx. Letting her have her privacy she turned to see Tehya the emperor's bard. She heard her words and smiled.

"I am sure he is, knowing Marot he is causing trouble, saving someone, and laughing about it the whole time" she said to the bard. She felt Neko slip his arms back around her waist as she spoke to Tehya.

Jasmin reached into her pocket and pulled out several of her own special votive candles plus one taller pillar shaped candle that she set between them. Using an already lit candle, she set each wick carefully alight sending a prayer to the Goddess to guide the Chirot on his way home through the darkness, hoping all the candlelight prayers and well wishes would help make his journey an easy one.

Gwyneth hugged Neko back, "Thank You for coming Sir... Gwyn is... mending, though things will not be the same now." she sighed as he left and watched Tehya, recognizing the woman... she smiled at the banner... it was the last thing he said, even as he was bleeding out on the ground.

"You kept your promise, Love... you were always a hero. Gwyn just wishes she could have kept hers."

Tehya bowed her head in reverence like he was the only hero she ever knew. Soft footsteps led her to curtsy to the Reeve Naidra and she tried to smile. It was true.

"That he is Reeve Naidra."

Tehya gave Neko a nod, and then she simply disappeared to a dark corner of the room. But that wasn't the end of it in her pocket she had carried her silver flute and began playing a soft melodic ...tune for his last goodbye. The tune might change at the crescendo of the song, for she played to induce warriors to fight and win. He was a winner in her eyes.

Stormwind continued to weave the slats together. He saw Tehya leave the banner and had been about to explain, but... no. let it stay there it seemed right. He would have to remember to put it back, when they had dressed him again.

Jinx swallowed hard as she stared at the candle, but then recalled something someone from her past once told her. We hurt for ourselves when we lose someone, because we will not have them in our life any longer but they will forever be with us. She swallowed hard, having to wipe her eyes again, turning from her little space as she looked towards the others that had gathered. She had no words for others at the moment. She stepped into a corner to watch as tears flowed down her cheeks, unable to stop them now.

Naidra leaned against Neko and listened to the bard play a soft smile on her lips for it was a tune fitting the hero she knew. She looked over a Jinx seeing the tears glisten on her cheeks in the candlelight.

Tehya walked out of the temple still playing the song. The night air was like a slap in the face to the bard. Sometimes losing a friend was very hard, and Tehya didn't like losing. She only left her music to echo back into the temple and before walking out the door she created a shadow figure like Marot holding up a sword to play against the wall. The movements of holding the sword up were worthy of any hero. The music finally subsided and Tehya slipped out into the forest to that special hidden spot.

Alyssa Shadowfall kept weaving ever so often handing him another wand of willow before deft  little  fingers wove her own. "Who will dress him you and Gwyn?" she was trying by the strain in her voice not to cry.

Neko Nightstalker held Naidra close as he licked his lips and his hands caressed her sides as he let the magic keep her calm. He kissed Naidra's cheek and he closed his eyes.

Jinx swallowed hard as she sat down on a close by bench to watch Storm and Alyssa work on weaving something. She was unsure how a funeral for Chirots went but she would surely be there to see him off.

Alyssa Shadowfall kept weaving doing more of the task at hand.

"I stole his relic once...  he   yelled at me for five minutes after I gave it back." She grinned idiotically "it was fun." 

Naidra pressed back against her mate she listened to the music fade and watched the shadowy figure with the sword. It was a fitting tribute to a man that touched so many lives. She took a soft breath closing her eyes as she let the tension ease a little more from her shoulders. She had much on her mind but she pushed it all to the side for this day to see her friend off

Alexis blinked; amber gaze sliding to look over those assembled.

"Yes....Master Marot had many friends that will miss him greatly. Many see death as an ending Ky....they don't really understand that it's not that it's merely another doorway we walk through into the next life."

Gwyneth smiled, "Even for those of us who understand that he has simply crossed the veil. We will miss him here, and it will be many years before Gwyn joins him on the other side of the veil, if he hasn't gone and gotten himself killed there and been reborn to this world once more."

Kyie pursed her lips, "Death is confusing and I don't understand why it is always around. I mean…it's always…always around."

Neko pulled away from Naidra finding a spot that wouldn't be harmful or in the way he started a soft chant. He focused his energy and closed his eyes. Slowly a small slab started to raise a wall for what he needed.

Neko`Nightstalker slumped slightly against the small wall the energy spent on making the wall would be well worth it in the end only as tall as him and three wide of him. More magic pulled forth and he used his hands to paint the scene before him. He had to switch colors every so often, but he painted out a setting sun though the biggest part of the picture was the outline of an entire part of the picture missing as he had left the outline blank. It covered part of the setting sun and the sky around it.

Naidra watched as her mate walked away wondering what he was up to. She perked a brow watching. Hearing Gywn's words she nodded softly and then turned back to watch Neko. She walked closer her fingers brushing over the wall as she took it in.

"You're missing one thing love."

She whispered, "Marot's sword put it in his hand where it belongs."

Neko Nightstalker stood and looked at Naidra the stress of the magic on his face.

"I have to be somewhere, love. I will let you be and I will meet you at home, no disrespect sir and when you want the wall removed I will return it to the ground, and his sword isn't there because it wasn't meant to be."

Naidra nodded and kissed her love goodbye a bit of magic from her lips to restore his energy in that kiss --sexual transfer- she pulled back and smiled softly.

 "I will see you there." She said letting him go and looking back at the wall.

Jinx sat alone quietly watching the others. She didn't feel like speaking to anyone really. She licked her lips softly and looked at the body, listening to those who were speaking in silence.

Naidra walked over to Stormwind, "I hope you don't mind my mate's gift, the paint is only temporary but it will last for a bit to let everyone enjoy it, and for it to honor our fallen friend.

Stormwind eyed the painting, pondering, there was no reason it could not stay there. It felt right. He nodded his thanks and watched the other leave, sighing softly and relaxing as he felt the warmth of Alexis's hand.

"Dear mother, please just give me the strength to see this through," he said softly, almost tempted to see if the hammer could be of aide, his eyes fell silently with a shake of his head.

Alexis looked at Gwyn and smiled.

"Some races aren't meant to live indefinitely Kyie they can get sick....and even old...too old to live anymore."

The nymph sighed. She had put such thoughts from her mind. Though speaking it aloud seemed to bring it back to the forefront. Alexis couldn't even begin to think of how much it would hurt her to see him there in Marot's place upon the altar.

Gwyneth nodded and explained.

Master Marot, he believed he was not meant to return here soon after death, he is meant to fight on the other side for a while. It is an old Chirot belief not held by all any longer, but Gwyn would honor that and not force him to return and be… unhappy and tainted in his own eyes."

She had seen that happen in the past, it did not end well for the Chirot Woman.

Alexis didn't know of such a thing. Though she hadn't understood why they had simply not rezzed him. It made sense to her now. Her gaze left her sisters, and she slid back to her Master to take his hand.

Stormwind looked at Lexi.

"Take the whole belt that way you don't have to try and touch the damned thing."

He knew if anyone tried to start trouble they would be praying for death before he had finished with them, weapons or not.

Kyie pouted a little, "But...well… it's not quite."

The lifeless body actually disturbed her, and she wondered if she would hear voices that night.

Gwyneth hugged her gently and explained.

She let out a small eek as she felt an arm wrapping around her, her eyes on Gwyn a moment, nodding, listening.

"Well... its good he gets to be wif da Mother…is a good thing…Kyies still not sure about this though… is just so odd... there's voices... but all is quiet."

"It is part of the Chirot religion Kyie, it is what is, what the Goddess means it to be. It was his time to go serve her more directly. He died to protect Gwyn, to bring her home. He died as he lived, warrior, hero... and as such will he be sent off to the other side of the veil, and his body here burned so no one can force him to return either to life or as undead."

Gwyneth smiled softly to Kyie.

"You're in a Temple hun, it's protected from some of the spirits and the ones who are here well, it is a funeral and they are quieter today in respect."

Of course she didn't know this but she suspected it was truth and it would give Kyie perhaps some peace.

"And if you discover the spirit of an old evil dwarf, let Gwyn know and she will make sure –that- one is taken care of, or a Sheyka just as evil."

Kyie grinned, "Oh… if  Kyie feels... Kyie tells."

Alexis nodded to him and her hand left his and reached instead for the belt undoing it from him. The nymph felt the vibrations of the hammer. Guessing it was already not pleased. She rose to her feet and slid away from her family holding the belt tightly by one hand and she weaved her way through the small crowd and towards the door.

 Over to the side Naidra sat finding a place out of the way and remained silent.

Gwyneth watched Lexi with approval and asked her to sit with Master and keep a vigil over her mate.

"Go ahead sweet one, nothing will hurt you here, remember?  Go and rest at her feet.... it is fine." 

Stormwind knew after all that it was appropriate on this day, than an image of the mother offering shelter to one of her children? 

He shifted to allow Lexi to remove the belt felling better without it already, and watched her go. 

"Come back when you can Alexis whenever you like please."

Alexis turned and nodded to him with a grin. She would be back soon to return to the tower and check on the growing little zoo of animals there. She would probably feed them before returning to the temple.

"Yes Master."

Kyie smiled and snuggled against Gwyn for a moment, nuzzling her.

"Kyie sleeps… behind statue?" 

She asked, and chewed her lower lip for a moment.

"You wake right?  Wake Kyie before anything else happens."

"Go ahead sister we will wake you in time. You have a few hours to rest."

"We will wake you sweet one, now go and climb in your nest and get some sleep, we will wake you."

She smiled and moved toward the statue and slipped behind it into her little hollow, yawning as she closed her eyes, and fell asleep.

Stormwind promised and then looked to Alyssa.

"I will help you as soon as I can move my fingers again without wanting to scream."

He leaned against Gwyn, wishing he had a steaming glass of wine, but it wasn't permitted in the temple.

She looked up at her Master, knowing she was right, it would be closer to midnight before the pyre was lit... in the darkness.

Naidra looked to Storm and Gwyn, "I need to go and I will try and be back in time for the lighting of the pyre." She gave them both kisses and hugs.

"I give you my condolences to both of you."

Gwyneth moved back to the altar after hugging her master and casting a heal spell on his hands to help him... and to keep things moving so they could get through this day.... get to the next."

Well wishes Miss Naidra, and thank You."

Stormwind also thanked her.

If there is anything I can do to be of service to you just ask Lady Reeve."

"I will see you both soon you're in my thoughts and if you need me just send word I will come. Thank you Storm you have always been good to me."

She paused a moment to give them each a kiss one lingering on the lips sharing what energy she had with the pair of them to get them through the trying day. -sexual transfer-

Stormwind blinked as he felt energy rush through him at that kiss and sighed.

"I will never quite get used to that."

He said to her, and then looked at Gwyn as he rose, ready to return to work.

"Do you want to dress him then love?"

Alyssa Shadowfall smiled and waved to the Reeve Naidra, she was one of the few females she trusted.   She showed him the top of the basked finished from her weaving.

Naidra smiled at them both and made her way out a soft sigh on her lips as she made her departure wishing she could do more.

Alexis returned to the temple not long after her departure. The belt was taken to her Master's room and placed on a chair, gently but she really wanted to fling the hammer into a very deep river. She had seen to the animals...making sure everyone was fed before she returned. She thought about bringing food back with her but didn't know if it was appropriate. Soon enough she had reached the temple doors and moved back inside to find it mostly empty now save for her family and Alyssa.

The body is prepared for the Pyre:

"Master, Gwyn is ready."

She spoke softly.... moving to where Marot's clothes were soaked in oil and started to dress him for one last time. Her hands lingered over his cool flesh and memories flooded her.

Stormwind sighed and returned to his weaving, making the top as tight of a weave as he could manage, and left a hole for Marot's face so his friends and family could say goodbye before the fires would be lit.

Alexis slid back inside silently. The nymph kept away from the altar as they dressed the body. She had no desire to watch such a thing and instead moved to the alcoves silently to peek in and see what offerings were left.

Gwyneth let her practiced fingers move over buttons, ties, buckles... dressing Marot as she had done many, many, times before, though this time with no help from him of course... dressing him for battle... pulling her dagger, she cut a lock of her hair and weaved it into the front of his armor... a personal token from her... something for him to take with him to the other side, a reminder, perhaps... she knew how the veil tended mist the mind and the memory, a mercy yes, but.... she knew he would want to remember.

Kyie yawned as she rolled onto her other side sighing as she crawled back out, finding it was almost impossible to sleep, her eyes flickered and she sighed.

"Kyie can't sleep…Kyie wants help."

She moved a little closer, watching them all very close, her arms stretching.

"There will be time, but.... not for a few days. I... am going to need some time to myself. Nice touch Gwyn, leave the bard's banner as well he will enjoy that. Will you make certain all the candles are lit, one for each offering?" Stormwind answered, and was doing a wonderful last goodbye for Marot.

The candles were lit and even the alcoves glittered with light.

Gwyn nodded to him, "Siyo, Master."

She smiled to Kyie… and settled the banner over Marot's chest as well, running fingers over the embroidery, hearing in her mind how Marot voiced the words, "I am a fucking hero." She remembered the twitch of his cocky smile and all too often it got him into trouble.

"Even heroes can't do everything Lover." she said softly."

"Not without paying a price sooner or later. Gwyn will miss you."

Gwyneth finished dressing the body.

"Ready Master?" she asked

She needed help getting him into the woven cocoon since she wasn't back up to full strength and really didn't want to use her arm band since she felt she earned the pain.

Alexis finished lighting the candles and their light gave the temple a warm glow while the nymph moved back to the others. She took a seat next to Ky and draped her arm around her.

Gwyneth sighed softly.

"Gwyn will help Master, you cannot do it all yourself... and… Gwyn has done all she can do to get Him ready."

Stormwind nodded, and moved to take Marot's shoulders, leaving Gwyn at his feet. He sighed, and then whispered.

"You are all welcome to help lift whatever you feel you can do."

He let them decide who wanted to help.

Alexis gaze slid to her Master, but the nymph kept her place that was something she couldn't do. Touching the dead body would be too much for her and she knew it.

Alyssa Shadowfall got up to help and so did Kyie.

Gwyneth moved and readied herself and lifted his feet since she knew she could lift him after all she carried him home through the snow and forest.

 Stormwind nodded and counted, one… two...three… and then lifted the body down into the basket before whispering.

"There Meri…we made you as comfortable as we can, just a few more hours and we will send you home."

Gwyneth slipped down to her knees at her Master's feet, curling her body against his legs... she knew the ritual was supposed to be comforting, and she knew there was meaning in all of it, but just now she couldn't think what that meaning was in any great detail. She was pale still, trembling once more.... and she closes her eyes, working to catch her breath... she would need to get her strength back over the next few days.

Kyie lifted, and then set down, moving backward a moment, taking a seat as she shifted a little bit, pursing her lips.  It was quiet then for a moment, listening to Storm a moment then took a step backward, taking her seat and watching quietly, just letting it happen around her, a silent observer.

A new visitor came to express her respect, Tsutla. Her tail flicked as she moved forward through the expanse of trees. Her eyes slid closed and she knew there would be a large group of people within the Shrine, she was prepared for large groups - but family would be there, family was good, family would help. She hated crowds, hated them with a passion and only tended to deal with them when she absolutely had to. She stood within the entry way of the Shrine, slipping out of her boots, it was cold, and she wore them when she traveled as uncomfortable as they were. She wore a skirt of black cloth that danced around her ankles, accommodating her tail, a shirt of black silk adorned her form as well, colors of mourning, colors of death and they were a comfort to her at the moment.

Her footfalls soon carried her deeper into the expanse of the shrine - her appearance had changed, hair once a rich mahogany had with the coming winter shifted to a soft lavender to accompany her lightened skin tone. Her tails hue mirrored the change and had gotten lighter.

Alyssa Shadowfall finished the basket top neatly tucking any loose ends, and then looked to Storm. She stepped away from the finished thing her own tail and wings shifting open a little and then shut again she couldn't hide it.

Alexis rose to move to her Master. The nymph moved to his other side. She knelt on her knees and gazed at him silently, only to find Tsutla there. Her gaze flickered upwards to see Storm's expression.

Stormwind looked up, saw Tsula, and smiled now they were all there, he would -never- forget it. He draped a wing around Alexis, taking comfort in her warmth and wrapped Gwyns shoulders as she curled against him, and nodded, there was time yet and still so many he expected to come. The fire could wait awhile.

Tsutla's eyes glinted still the same endless pitch black nestled within features that were lined with sadness. Her gaze settled briefly upon Gwyneth, knowing how hard this was for her because he had been mate and lover to her, knowing his death would hit her harder than it would most. She knew not what had brought about his death, and it was in truth not a tale she desired to hear just yet. Her tongue slid over plush tiers, making the ruby hued flesh glisten faintly before lids slid closed to obscure vision, fighting with her own emotions, before she moved forward once more, pausing near her Master and sisters. Not yet gaining the courage to move to speak soft goodbyes to the Chirot they were laying to rest here this night. Bare feet moved, once lids parted, and she offered a sad smile to her Master, offering comfort as she could to Him, her Alpha, and Gwyneth her sister who hurt over his death the most and she settled near Kyie.

Jinx looked up from her bench, noticing Naidra was gone. She sighed and looked towards where Marot's body was at the moment sighing softly. She had no words and couldn't offer any to others. She had to find the comfort for herself before she could help anyone else. She brought her handkerchief to her eyes once more.

Just as she did that Neko returned to the shrine and made sure the picture on the wall was still there. He would stay for the duration of the magically painted picture.

Qu`Selashya wrapped in layer upon layer, veiled, cloaked and in multiple layers against the cold, inwardly cursed at the inability to wear more than one pair of fur-lined boots over the three pairs of socks, a dark and somber apparition in comparison to the snow that covered the ground. Trudging footsteps, scrunched through the crust of the ice-encrusted snow, still wondering even after all this time how water can come to be stiff like this, and in such abundance. Through frosty lashes and the clouds of cold breath that fog her passage she made her way with resolute dedication toward the specified shrine.

Tsutla's digits slid through her hair for a moment, and she snuggled herself against Ky for the time being, and smiled at Gwyneth. Her ears flicked and she caught sounds of footfalls approaching the shrine upon the hard packed snow and the now well worn path to the shrine. Winter wonderland within the silvery moon in the sky, could not even be a mood lifter with the somber mood. She watched as her Master moved toward the entryway once more, cloaked in her white robe and hood, the color suited him. She soon closed her eyes, and let her head fall forward as she began to offer a soft prayer.

Gwyneth remained on her knees by the altar as her Master moved away.... she knew he could only take so much, and was reaching the end of his tolerance for this day.... it worried her, but she was unable to do much more than that right now, and worry the only thing was to get through it.

Qu`Selashya paused seeing a white-robed Chirot appear, then resumed the desultory trudge across the snow toward him, voice muffled through the veil with no desire to inhale any of the frigid air if he could possibly manage to do so.

"You are the priest for Marot? To ease his passin' to nex' world?"

Jinx sat back watching them silently. She nibbled her lip softly as things began to happen wondering how this was going to happen.

Gwyneth heard the voice and stood, smoothing out her own robe, and twisting the ring back so she appeared once more as the familiar elf and not her Chirot self... her tanned flesh pale beneath, eyes red rimmed... though now most of the bruising and wounds were healed.... she shifted back near the wall by the altar.

Qu`Selashya walked into the shrine, after releasing the grip on Stormwind' arm a short sword, one edge jagged was pulled out from under some of the layers of clothing and gently laid down by his right hand, "Lashqu'bet qualuk'deq, nahj'qu Marot."

He waited by the side of the wicker bier and then turned and looked at Gwyneth and gripped each of her wrists with the opposite hand and inclined forward slightly, head tilted to keep his eyes upon Gwyneth, "kuloh'dek - jalna'dek'dek. Hana des Marot, rel'ye mahht."

He straightened and looked at Stormwind, his eyes traveled from the tips of his ears down to his feet, then swept back up to meet his eyes.

Qu`Selashya half turned and took a step further away from the bier, "'ow weel yous be ligh'in' the pyre, eef Is may ask?"

Qu`Selashya starts to nod, then grimaced and changes it to a shake, "Nos I haf no be'er ways of doin' eet, may Is 'elp yous in doin' so?" Then furrows her brow in a grimace of annoyance, "ahh, Is ees bein' sorreee, Is haf no been sayin' who Is am ... dequa'ye Qu`Selashya, mah'swalekna ... ah, tha' eees I am bein' Qu`Selashya

Qu`Selashya wrinkled her brow again.

"I know he haf been hafin' a bruvver ... ahh, oh mah'hul'kul?" then gestures at the candles, "jes' be sayin' whens yous weeesh t'ligh' the fire, Sturmweeend"

Alexis gaze followed the new guest as they made their way into the temple. The nymph still didn't know who this person was, but she kept quiet and simply watched in silence. Amber eyes flicking back to her Master...checking on him a moment.

Gwyneth nodded back respectfully.

"He died a warrior, a hero, in battle, Mistress... Gwyn regrets she was not able to heal him fast enough... she had been bound by another, and he was rescuing her.... but the ones responsible are dead, and their bodies cut apart and scattered to the beasts in the forest."

She knew the woman was a warrior herself and would approve.

Kyie shivered, licking her lips, her eyes growing wide as she saw the woman moving closer. She looked at Tsutla then around, she was so quiet, she had to be though, there was no room in her mind for her own voice to talk, a sigh taken, the music still played there she slowly rocked, though she knew that no one else could hear it.

Stormwind watched and had to have been the noble to whom his brother offered fidelity and knowing that, his body responded almost of its own accord, the soldier that was rising to attention, heels clicking sharply, hands crisply to his sides. and in that moment, all the strain seemed to drain away from him, almost as if her were, in truth, but a warrior, playing at being priest, for no matter how hard he might try to subsume them, the old habits, and well trained instincts, oft brought themselves to the fore, even unbidden.

Tsutla nuzzled Ky for a moment before she would close her eyes and push up from her seat.  She moved toward her Master, wishing to get him alone for a moment.  She didn't think she could linger too long within the shrine, she wished to pay her respects, and she had done this, and now felt the need to take her leave, be once more out into the forest.  Master...She murmured softly.

Stormwind nodded back in turn, eyes never leaving hers, instead his hand found his heart, in that old salute that was not fool enough to try and duplicate her own, and risk some unknowing insult.

"Thank you, for braving the cold, for paying honor to who was my brother. If I ever might be of service, you have but to send word."

Alyssa Shadowfall the noble made the little one more nervous so she slid sideways only to bump in to Lexi sorry.

 Gwyneth twisted her ring of languages... and flushed.

"Gwyn did what she could, Mistress, she wished she could do more... she will miss him… she loved him. She thanks you for coming for your belief in him she knows it meant much to him to serve you."

Alexis eyes flicked to her sister and a brow rose as she watched her move off. Her attention pulled away as Alyssa bumped into her. The nymph peeked up at her, and her lips curled into a little grin as she spoke to her.

"No need to apologize miss you're fine."

Kyie let out an eep as she felt Tsu leave, her eyes licked over her pursing her lips as she sat up, righting herself and taking a breath as she looked, shifting just a little, her eyes flicked and then she went back to watching the others, pulling her legs up and wrapping her arms around her legs again.

Alexis realized something this woman shared the same affection for her Master as all his girls did.....There is no place else I would rather be. Though I was not as close to Marot as the others were...in fact...we hated each other with a passion. But I am here to be with my sister and my Master...to share in their grief and their loss for someone they loved.

Arik made his way into the temple. He glanced around before he made his way through trying to keep to the outside of the rooms looking for his mistress.

Kyie shifted and pursed her lips, listening to everyone, taking a breath she stood up and moved to Lexi, seating herself there instead staying the outsider really in the group belonging though not exactly.  She was happy enough though to be there even if it was sometimes odd.  She watched Storm saluting, looking to Lexi a moment.

"What's the Master doing?"  She whispered curiously.

Alexis felt her sister move to her again her arm draped along her drawing Ky close to her. Her gaze left Alyssa a moment to look back to her Master. Watching silently.....I'm not sure who that is Ky. Someone close to Marot I would assume. It's not someone I have ever met before though Master seems to know them well enough.

Stormwind nodded to Tsu, "Go foxkit, and thank you for making the effort at all. I planned to light it, with the candles from each of the offering apertures, though. If you have an idea that would better serve, and pay him better honor, I will of course listen. Please, speak your mind M'lady." he nodded to Alyssa, all were welcome this night, as he had ...said many times, though his attention did not again leave the noble.

Kyie pursed her lips and nodded, and yawned just a little and watched still, snuggling against Lexi a moment, staying back to keep from snuggling Gwyn, fairly sure she wasn't in the mood to have Kyie bothering her right then, she needed her space and Kyie would snuggle her later, when there was a bit more relaxation for them all.

Tsutla fingers slid through her hair, her eyes slid closed as she listened to the conversation between the woman and her Master. Fingertips toyed with a strand of hair, twirling it around slender digits as she waited for acknowledgement from him. She moved forward after he offered the salute, and lightly closed her hand over one of his hands.

"I can't linger any longer Master, I will have food for you and Gwyn and Kyie when you return to the cabin. The foxling is checking on the wolf as we speak."

She looked to Gwyneth for a moment, she needed to move and comfort her sister. She pressed a kiss to her Master's cheek, before moving forward and seeking to briefly, tightly embrace Gwyn, before she turned to take her leave from the shrine.

Gwyneth hugged Tsutla back, then let her go, knowing she was not comfortable either around people or in small spaces... she sighed softly... settling once more to her knees beside the pyre.... reaching up to grip Marot's arm lightly.... she had to be strong now, it was almost time... and she wouldn't disgrace her Master nor her Mate by fussing over it too much.

Arik nodded his head waiting for the response.

Alyssa Shadowfall held Arik's hand leading him inside she plucked one feather form his left wing gentle as she could and walked him to the alcove with one of her own feathers seeing it there."

"Come little one. I remember telling you to be careful of this one. He is no one you know, he made me what I am... but if I have not told you that story it will wait."

Stormwind nodded, "Yes, of course you may help.

He nodded then, as the woman introduced herself.

"My brother's liege."

"I am, Stormwind, paladin, cleric, and craftsman. Thank you again for sparing the time to come and do him this honor."

Stormwind sighed, shaking his head.

"Not of blood M'lady, I did not mean to mislead, he was rather a brother in arms."

He explained then pondered.... wondering. Was it time then? Had this been, what they were waiting on, the reason he had been, holding off? He looked at Gwyn, and whispered, wanting her opinion.

"Are we ready then little love or do we need we wait yet a while longer?

Just as he said that Windira approached the temple from the forest, staying in the trees, that were where she belonged, even there she was quiet though unusual for her, as she watched in silent memory of the Chirot.

Winn a bit of a creature slipped in beside Windira, standing quietly.  She wore a pale blue cloak with her hood drawn and cowl deep in support of Stormwind and his girls, as well as their fallen friend.

Adonai had seen the flier and thought he should pay a few respects, never had meeting the man it was the least he could do, making his way towards the area; quietly. Once he finally arrived he kept his steps quiet and slow wanting to not interrupt anything, tugging at his cloak to keep it around him to let his eyes roam around to see who was there. He knew a few of them it seemed.

Winn, water ghost pushed her small leather clad fingers through Windira's hair in a soothing and repetitive rhythm ... only her mouth and chin visible by firelight. 

Takao appeared outside of the cave, his hands in his pockets like always. The Chirot frowned a little and looked around before he made his way inside, easing along to the shrine where Marot was laid out.

"Bastard would jump the gun and hurry back to the fight ahead of all the rest of us."

He shook his head as he got near. It's not truly an occasion for sadness, not for him. Marot had after all, only gone back home.

Alyssa Shadowfall snuggled in to her slave he was her family now and she was glad for him before she walked with him back to Stormwind.

 "I may help too, aye?"

Gwyneth looked up at her Master, and let go of the body... backing up once more."

"At your word…Master."

She said softly... her hands trembled. Yours and the Mother's."

She knew she was weak, if it were up to her, he would lie there forever.... she could not bring herself to be the first.... not in this.

Kyie sighed as she shifted a little bit, her eyes flicked overall, curious just what they were going to do, shifting a bit more, smiling as she watched, looking back to Lexi.

"What's going on?"

She was quiet hearing the words and pursed her lips, shifting a little, her hands folded in front of herself, biting her lower lip as she watched, sighing as she heard them, curious what they were going to.

Alexis rose with her sister. Whispering to Ky she rose to her feet in one fluid motion.

"They are going to place the body on a funeral pyre Ky....to burn it. It's their way."

"Oh…makes send the smoke for the other worlds…Got it...I understand that spirit be fully released."

She smiled sadly shifting a little more, taking a breath as she wondered how things would be.

L`aquera rubbed at her ears for a moment, they felt sore almost too sensitive, but she found her way to the temple despite the beat she could hear at the tips of those jutting wonders. Her cloak was held tight to lithe frame, soft lines about plush lips and abnormality. She kept watching her steps and looking all around, and had been since the hatchling Jhore got loose. Where the hells could it be? Had it followed someone out of the barracks possibly? She hoped it didn't turn up after biting someone.  Her fingers combed through her red locks to get them untangled before she moved into the temple itself yet her eyes immediately began looking about for either Stormwind or Gwyn.

Winn's attention slid between faces ... mostly lingering upon the candle's flames. Stormwind was her friend ... and his girls. Her jaw tightened … and her hand cupped, still, over the curve of Windira's head.

Alexis looked up as others entered. Her gaze stopped on Takao and one hand reaching out as he passed. Her fingertips grazed along his form lightly in a silent greeting. Another stepped inside she looked back and her eyes widened slightly as she caught sight of L`aquera. One word escaping her lips as her eyes snapped downward. "Shit!"

Gwyneth stood near the altar, near the body of Marot.... ready to follow her Master's commands, when He would decide it was time to light the pyre.... the body laid out, oiled, half wrapped in woven willow bark, several Torian feathers, a lock of strawberry hair woven in… and an embroidered silk piece of cloth proclaiming.

 ‘I'm a fucking hero' resting across his breast…his wounds were sewn closed but not healed. Gwyn herself trembled... eyes red rimmed and dark set... looking mostly whole but weak, tired.... dressed only in a white robe matching her Master's.

L`aquera perked a brow up at the Noble, more than surprised to see that one, but she quickly found an out of the way spot, quiet, no fire in hair billowing about. No smart ass comments made. Marot had been an odd egg but, he been their odd egg. He was braver than most, especially for a cause and she remembered most his words about the Spirette war.

Adonai watched them all, as he began to slip within the room, curious; his eyes watched the rest of the group with a faint smile, it was always nice to see people care about the dead... as he looked up... he tried to get a better angle to see everything well; he frowned and knew Gwyn it was interesting to see her in such reversed stature... a faint frown crossing his lips, he watched curiously perking his brow as he saw the consort enter... looking to Gwyn and Stormwind.

Alyssa Shadowfall settled Arik beside Lexi to wait and gets ready if Stormwind will let her she would help.

Kyie blinked, watching people come in surprised at how many had come when she wasn't looking.  She turned back to see Gwyn and her Master as well as the others there.  A small pursing of her lips and she moved back toward Gwyn, her hands touched Gwyn's arm.

"Issok?" she whispered, having been worried about actually disturbing her but Kyie felt a pull to touch her and so she had to take a breath.

Sutara quietly entered into the shrine of Sheara, dark umber cloak moving to the slightest action against frame; silver hair wrapped in dark bindings and lids lowered over dark eyes. The first thing she looked to was Stormwind, then his girl Gwyneth, and then the body laid out.

Takao shook his head again as he approached Marot's body.

"Figures." he said with a broad grin.

He paused and glanced back, giving Alexis a nod. It couldn't be even a remotely happy occasion for everyone. But then, some just might not understand. He turned to Gwyn and offered her a smile.

"He would have approved of this I think."

Takao moved to find a nice spot along the wall to watch.

Windira watched the flicker of flames, the pyre, leaning lightly into that cupped hand as she spoke softly, the words were unintelligible to any but a Sylph, a prayer to Gaea to watch over him, with Shaera as he fought on in the next life. She pressed her mouth against Windira's hair, whispering her prayers to her own Goddess.

Gwyneth nodded to Master Takao."

"Yes Master the feathers are from those he killed, who helped to steal Gwyn.... Gwyn did not keep anything of the Dwarf or the Sheyka... but, she thinks he would approve. He died a warrior's death, keeping a promise he made to Gwyn many times... removing permanently a threat to her. The wolf he helped raise, Tara, killed the one who killed Him, and helped free Gwyn of the rope... but it was too late to save Him. Now, he is at the Mother's feet, fighting the Kiroan across the veil. Gwyn knows this is what he would have wished, if he could not be here with us."

Stormwind moved to lift the top to the wicker basket, the coffin lid if you would. He set it into place, and whispered, softly, in his own tongue.

"See you soon, brother if mother allows."

He heard the approaching footsteps of all the late comers, though it could have been an army for all the number, and reluctantly Stormwind turned his back on the body and his voice rose.

"Welcome, all of you and thank you for coming to see off our friend, the best of us. Please, if you wish to help us to light the pyre, if you will, there are candles in each of the apertures lining the walls, and all should be lit. If you will take one each, we will send him off, in a blaze of glory, so to speak, as it should be, for a warrior."

He stepped away then gathered a candle for himself offering one to the noble woman his brother's liege. Then one for each of those closest, his family, Gwyn, Alexis, Ky, even Alyssa... before letting the others find their own, doubting the ...consort would bother with a candle and only hoping no one would get hurt. "Before we touch flame, so you understand. I mean to stay, until the fire burns out, though, such is not required of course, for any of you, you are of course, welcome."

He raised his candle, arm over his head, waiting for the others to do the same before touching flame to wood at last.

Qu`Selashya moved toward an aperture to take a candle but rapidly stilled the motion as the Chirot handed her a candle, cupping a hand round it to ensure no breeze would extinguish it and then blinked and lifted the candle above her head, looking up to ensure nothing flammable was up there.

Windira stepped forward with Winn if the other moved forward as well, to take one of the candles, and touch it to the wooden pyre, watching as her flames joined with the others to rise over the wooden structure.

Alexis took the candle from her Master gently. Fingertips grazed over his lightly and she pulled her hand from his. The nymph blinked as she heard him say he would be staying until the fire burned out. That in it could take a day depending on how hot the fire got. She would see to it he had food and drink of some sort while he stayed with the body.

Alysss Shadowfall took the candle offered following his motion   before she touched the candles flame to the wood leaving room for others to do the same. Her first tears she held stained her dark fur on her face she smiled and whispered.

"I will miss you silly fuck....  you were right you were a fucking hero and you still are."

Kyie held the candle her finger touched the flame a moment before she pulled it back, licking her lips as she watched what was happening, taking her place wherever she was told to go. She stood and raised the candle taking a breath, and shifted a bit more looking at Gwyn and then Lexi before turning back to Stormwind touching the flame to the wood.

Winn came forward with Windira ... and though she didn't know the man well, felt in his honor she could do such a thing.  She took up a candle and touched the flame with the others, reaching out far and away… fire was not her element.

Takao nodded his head at Gwyn's response, turning to lean back against the wall, his eyes locked on the still form of a fallen comrade.

"Oddly enough...I think we can only wish we could have been like him. I never thought I would say that."

Adonai watched and smiled leaning back against a wall, and watched them... he closed his eyes for a moment. He had never seen a true funeral pyre in a long time.

There was a brief waiting time before Sutara canted her head, listening to Stormwind and she looked towards the shrine again, then to the opening where the candles were. There was a brief wait, mindful, as she gathered her candle and curled her palm around the flame to protect it. Once the others had finished, she stepped up to light the candle to the pyre; grim expression marked those refined features.

She returned to her seat, folding frame and smoothing out her cloak, allowing it to cover her as she watched the pyre grow; light reflecting on features, thoughts contemplative.

Alexis brought the candle down touching the flame to the wood. A silent prayer sent to her Goddess that he might not suffer in his next life. Her gaze swept those assembled as they each took a candle from the alcoves.

Gwyneth took the candle from her Master's hand.

"A girl wishes you well Master, and great luck in battle... one day, we will meet again."

She whispered in Chirot... letting her Master light the first bit then added her own flame before stepping back so others could get their chance. She went back against a wall, out of the way, in case Mistress L`aquera decided on a larger flame.

L`aquera looked to Gwyn but shook her head. She couldn't have produced anything larger then a spark right now, but appreciated the thought seen in those eyes of the slave. Instead… she slowly moved to retrieve a candle and fell in line with the others but once to the pyre... and held the flickering flame to it. She bowed low in silent respect feeling it was something deserved. L`aquera stepped back slowly, only rising once she was clear of the fire that had begun and would blaze on. He would probably appreciate that more than anything and so did she.

Qu`Selashya lowered the candle to play the flame over the edge of the wicker bier.

"Marot, requ'haan ... envad'haan sem mah'hul Qu`Selashya, envad'deq'fel kler'haan muht" then stepped back and watched the flames take hold

Kyie stood there staying close taking a step back, though not too far, then she noticed everyone was stepping backwards all the way to the wall and followed, standing next to Gwyn a moment her hand slipping to touch Gwyn's arm.

Gwyneth reached over to squeeze Kyie's hand gently.... her eyes watched the flames, dancing with them, and watched them take his body from this world into the next, take it out of harm's reach... out of potential enemy hands... glad of that at least. Her wings folded against her back... and she knew it would take a long time to burn out completely, but she too stood and watched.

Alexis's amber gaze followed the Lady L`aquera.  She raised a brow when she seen her take a candle and still she watched her. As the others stepped back out of the way of the growing fire the nymph did as well. She gazed slipping between the flames...her Master and her former Mistress.

Takao crossed his arms over his chest, and nodded his head while he watched the fire grow. He didn't move from where he was standing, content to simply watch.

"Goodbye." he said, softly, to himself.

Myra landed at the edge and stayed out of sight of most. The cloak over her form would not let most see who she was but a few would might. She watched as Sutara moved away, eyes narrowing upon the Moriel but now was not the time. Instead she was stepping within, violet eyes slid over those within.

She had heard the news and while a part of her hated the man… another part of her respected him, though she never would admit it. The flames drew her attention, her focus on those that had gathered there as she kept that cloak up over her head and she bit down on her lower lip. Words were heard from the others but those violet eyes watched the fire.

Myra threw in a single copper into the fire with him, the glint of the metal would be caught by the fire's light and a soft little smirk at the words that he had flung at her that day, words that had made her fight even harder to become what she was. A soft smile found her lips at the humor of it all years later.

Amber`Mandragora flittered down and made a wide circle trying to catch a good glimpse of everyone's face before flittering over to try to scratch out a good markup.

Stormwind sighed and pressed a kiss to the crown of Lexi's head, letting her know she had been successful, and then, he saw the flames change color and begin to glow green, a silent signal that perhaps only a blacksmith would recognize for only copper burned green and he couldn't help it, before he knew it meant to happen, a laugh burst from him echoing off the walls, and his face cracked into a smile.

She heard her Master's laugh and Gwyneth blinked, noting the green, and then her Master's laugh, putting two and two together... she wasn't a blacksmith, but had spent a long time collared to blacksmiths... and she could not resist.

"Was that the ‘same' copper, Miss Myra?"  

She remembered the times she tried to make peace between Miss Myra and Master Marot.

Myra answered, "Stubborn ass yes… the same damn copper."

She had never gotten rid of it as she had other plans for it when she had finally beaten him, but that day would never come. She had noted the feathers in the fire there as well, burning with him and then shook her head. Soon enough though another was dropped into the fire with him, one of her own, silver in color and there were only three others that such a feather in all the time she had been here.

Myra waved a hand lightly.

"It was all in the past and does not bother me... tell me if you wish for I only grew stronger because of it. This man pushed me to my limits and made me work harder to become more. Without him I would not be where I am today."

Her violet eyes slid to Gwyn and nodded. "I'm sure they did... and not all of us are innocent. I hold no grudges."

Naidra had kept her word and returned for the burning of pyre and took a cookie and looked at it not really knowing what it was for. She held it and smiled softly at Gywn before her eyes found the fire that had held her friend and sent him on his way. She listened and a soft smile was on her lips as she watched the scene before her. She looked in the fire the green flames that soon claimed another feather.

Gwyneth answered, "The others, the other feathers…they earned their death Miss Myra... they helped to kidnap Gwyn and keep her."

Not that Marot never killed a Torian, but as far as she knew he no longer had gone around just randomly killing them for no reason.

Gwyneth understood that he had been justified in those deaths which were why she sent their feathers with him. They were notches on his sheath so to speak.... to carry over with him beyond the veil.

She shivered, "No, They were not that not innocent."

Stormwind grinned, "The short version is, if I am remember properly.... he raped her....in the middle of the Inn, and left her with a copper... that- copper was stuck between the cheeks of her lovely ass." he said.

Stormwind sighed softly, and held Lexi stroking her hair.

"He made her a stronger person, even if he went about it wrong.  He made her strong enough that even he had no choice but to respect her, even if only grudgingly.

Myra agreed, "A short version indeed...and perhaps a kinder one as well between all the yelling we did and the fighting in the following years."

She lifted her head again and smiled softly upon those that were there not planning on staying long at all for it was friends that were here and while her and Marot had their differences she would never go so far to say they were friends. Violet eyes met Storm's a moment and she stepped back from the flames.

"May Sheara watch over him... and may Sazera and Maedel keep him on his toes."

She was slid back towards the door and blew him and Gwyn a kiss. They would knew how to find her when they needed her, and that was a promise she always kept to be there when she was needed.

Gwyneth sighed softly... "Gwyn will need to find someone else to go with her on missions for the Empire when Master cannot go.... how is she going to geld a giant Minotaur without Master Marot flying around his eyes to distract Him? Or kill a giant sea worm/snake thing without Him yelling obscenities at it?

Naidra smiled having been on a few missions with Marot herself she could remember many of the funny outbursts he made and the taunts he made to the villains involved and even some that were on their side.

Their blades had met many times and the words they had flung at each other of hatred were true in most ways and yet the two had their moments as well. If the others had spotted her she didn't pay them much mind as she stepped near the fire, her head down as she gave her own words quietly.

Stormwind sighed, "For the longest time, I thought him nothing more than a coward, though it shames me to admit it now. Our first meeting with the Spirettes, all I could focus on was the fact that he ran like a little bitch. It wasn't until much... much later I came to realize that.... the only reason I was mad was because what I -wanted- was him fighting at my back,"

He heard Lexi and nodded. "Sleep in my ...bed.... and keep the fires burning."

Stormwind  was the last to move back, waiting until the last possible moment, but when the first flame made its way through the wood, and lit the oil soaked cloth and flesh beneath the flame -roared- to life, driving all back, including the reluctant Chirot who found his place against the wall among his family, taking their hands on either side. The fire burned hot and loud, the oils they used fed the fires.

L`aquera sighed she couldn't look upon the flames anymore from birth to end on this evening. Perhaps Marot's spirit had invaded one of those small creatures, she wasn't sure if the Chirots believed in such things, but she liked to think so. Her fingers reached up to displace a tear before she dipped her head to Gwyn who passed out cookies. She would not forget him not what he was, and what he should always be.

Takao pushed his hands into his pockets and turned, putting his back to the fire. He paused for a moment to look at Gwyn, offering her a smile.

"I know it's tough."

Gwyneth answered Master Takao.

"It is, elves are not so used to death, it's hard sometimes to think as a Chirot." She said, nuzzled into his touch lightly.

He reached out to cup her cheek and stroked his thumb over her skin slowly for a moment before he turned again, a cookie taken though he was not certain that he had an appetite at all and made his way towards the entrance, and cast a spell to disappear.

Sutara also took the cookie from Gwyneth, noting the consort leaving, as she murmured her thanks to the red-haired elf.

"Thank you."

A bit of a moment to wait, quietly, nibbling the sustenance, but not truly tasting it.

Flames consumed Marot taking him to his place of rest. Wild red and orange flames, something he would cheer on if he was in battle. While his friends stood and watched. The woven case that held him melted into oblivion and the corpse turned to pure ash, and along side of those ashes the banner inscribed I am a fucking Hero was the last to burst into flames.

Tehya watched from her mirror, and every flame that leaped into the air reminded her of the cycles of life, each flame in different shapes and sizes, more intense than the first. Death's hand only proved to Marot's friends and her, that he would never be forgotten because as he was last known to say…

He was a fucking hero!

Traghorn's quill was rested by the Emperor's journal, this was one piece that pained the Sylvan's heart to write. But every story couldn't have a happy ending.

Tehya

(ooc) You are in our hearts rest in peace!

Marc also played Paige_Rhaine, Seridaen, Andrew Talos, Heljhen and Karram Fartham

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