Her arm linked with Ignacio's, those blue eyes peeked from behind the veil of her small hat. Pursing her lips, Cadenza leans over to murmur something softly before nodding. At that she looks to Eleyna and Talen, making her way over and curtseying to them. Of course there's a group but she was going to at least get that in before things start.

Alarissa has made her way in quietly, taking up a spot to the side with a quick glance to everyone, a dip of her head for those she knows.

Enyo murmurs something in return to Eleyna, that smile quickly offered in response before she settles in to quietly wait for things to get underway.

2 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor leave, following Valdemar.

Gunther, a Rottweiler, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Lucita.

2 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor, Vanora arrive, following Valdemar.

Theron approaches Eleyna and Talen, finally, after a moment, nodding over to Enyo in passing. "Archduchess, Archduke," he intones, politely. He's not quite sure of what to say in this situation.

1 Velenosa House Guards, Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery arrive, following Saoirse.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, following Sparte.

Between Eleyna, Enyo and Mydas approaching, the rest of the murmurs and the nodding their way, Talen is kept busy for a while with the polite greetings. It seems after a time he stops responding to them in order to herd the twin daughters he's carrying into remaining at least a modicum quieter out of respect. "Lord Theron Mazetti, how do you do," he queries. "Recovering well from your wounds?" he asks with a muted bass. Then, to Mydas, "Take one," he tells the newly recognised brother-in-law then, before offloading one of the babies, rolling his shoulder. That's better.

Leta arrives just as the ceremony is about to start. She looks pale, haggard, like she hasn't been out of the house in days, though that may just be the contrast with the all-black clothes she wears. Almost. She does have some jewelry, and her doublet does have a few dark purple silk ties here and there. Still, close enough to colorless from a distance. She is unarmed, no big sword at her side, no dagger in her belt. After looking blankly around, she swallows and starts walking forward, steps slow and leaden, as she fidgets with her belt.

Keso, a street urchin, Peanut, an oversized mastiff arrive, following Aleksei.

The pleasant spring afternoon is warm, its breeze understated. The mausoleum's doors are flung wide, while pennants and banners in the deep purple of the Velenosa have been raised around it. A plinth has been set up, and seating, and portable benches. Aureth has fewer Harlequins to bring to bear upon the problem of portable seating than one might expect, but for a high profile funeral, there are people he can borrow.

The benches are wreathed in white, set up as they are in impromptu aisles over the soft grass. The disciples are wearing white. And Aureth, too, wears white. Inexplicably, he is carrying a red clay pot with a squat little plant in it in both of his hands.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper, Scourge, a sweater wearing rat-dog arrive, following Mae.

Valencia enters the park like a little shadow, her large dark eyes scanning the crowd, seeming even more diminutive than her usual self. A glance is given to Eleyna and Talen and their wee ones as they speak with Enyo and Mydas and her eyes lower a moment. Lifting them again, she offers small smile sorrow-tinged smile is offered to Luca and and Reese and then moves silently to Leta's side, quietly murmuring a brief word.

Mydas doesn't complain about suddenly having one of the babies in his arms, and instead peers with perhaps a modicum of curiosity at his niece. It gives him something to do! Does he know the name of the one he's carrying? Maybe. But his attention soon shifts to Aureth, and he waits for the event to begin in full.

Saoirse enters with the rest of the Velenosa house, or at least only a step or two behind them. She looks solemn - almost expressionless.

Lucita steps into the area, pausing for a moment to see where people are gathering then quietly heading that direction. She gives a curtsy when in the vicinity of persons to whom that would be appropriate, a polite respectful nod to others. Her expression is somber.

Unlinking her arm from Ignacio's, she pushes some of those curls out of her face and behind her ear. Cadenza exhales softly as she leans in again and moves to take a seat. She's...quiet....paling slowly as she finally just....finds a spot near the rest of her family. It's starting to sink in.

Chip, a small mouse, Boots arrive, following Valery.

Are they passing out babies now? Enyo holds her hands out, offering to help with the off-loading of babies, grinning at Talen like nothing at all could possibly go wrong with this offer of help.

Sparte makes his way into the Memorial Park, looking around at the others there as he goes. No deep circles under his eyes or signs of loss, but he does seem worried about the state Leta is in. Somehow he got a speckle of ink smeared on his nose. Probably not worth the time to tell him.

Once Cadenza moves to sit down, Ignacio follows suit, sitting down along side of her as he remains silent. Just a supportive hand falling upon Cadenza's, offering it a light squeeze perhaps as a reminder that he is still there.

Vanora arrives in the company of Valdemar Grimhall, their conversation lapsing into silence long before they arrive. She murmurs something to him briefly before breaking away in order to approach Talen and Eleyna, a curtsy offered to the couple and sustained long enough to be especially polite before she rises up. "Greetings to you, Archduchess, Archduke. My deepest condolences for your loss, truly." She observes the handoff of babies and gives a little smile to the bundle in Mydas' arms. "If there is anything I can assist you with please do not hesitate. I know how important time with family is for you all now, and will gladly take over an hour or two of copying missives or whatever menial task might allow you more time with each other."

He makes it, and he's not even late. Luca finds his way into the park with Reese on his arm. He isn't even there for but a moment before Valencia's sad smile catches his attention. He passes her, a light pat on the back of her shoulder, before he crosses over closer to where Talen and Eleyna and some others are gathered. It's a sensible time for him to be uncharacteristically quiet, and he remains so, just offering his presence and keeping his thoughts in his mind for the time being.

Drifting into the memorial park, covered up in near black fabric as she always is, hood up, the small figure of Mae Grayhope angles towards Aureth. She approaches the man, and whispers out a few murmured words, then looks about for anything that needs doing.

The Lady Juliana Pravus steps into the park alone, she is cloaked, hood pulled up over her dark hair, but those that see inside will get the sight of the shadows around those blue eyes, the gaunt paleness of delicate features. The girl doesn't approuch, she steps to the side, out of the way to watch and listen, a shadow in the back.

"I am well, thank you," Theron states quietly, nodding faintly to Talen. "I am." He states on the second question, bowing his head respectfully to Talen. He'll stay off to the side as the Archduke seems to be in the process of offloading infants out to siblings and vassals and the like, falling silent afterwards.

After murmuring something in consequential to Theron, Eleyna spots Leta across the way. Since Enyo seems to be offering, the Archduchess hands Donato off. The little boy gives Enyo a cheeky grin and smacks his lips obnoxiously against her cheek. Eleyna picks her way across to stand at Leta's side. She is silent, only giving the woman a look once before she reaches out to take her hand, if not rebuffed.

Aureth gives Mae a faint smile and murmurs something back to her as he waits for people to get themselves situated. He is largely watching the room, so to speak. It's not ... really a room so much as it is a grassy open space. Birds twitter occasionally. The breeze is scented with spring. It's an annoyingly beautiful day to be sad on.

Reese arrives along with Luca. Her expression is somber and her cheeks are pale. She looks over to Valencia, noticing her attention and giving her a solemn nod of greeting. She keeps close to Luca and is being rather quiet.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Lily, a lithe young woman arrive, following Sabella.

Mydas looks at Enyo blankly, and his niece remains securely in his arms. It's his now, sorry. Maybe if Talen's in a more generous mood. He inclines his head silently to Valencia, and then Vanora as they approach, but otherwise says little. And the baby stays quiet, imagine that.

Aleksei slips into the park, his white leathers starkly bright, but with the decorations and the attire of the celebrant and disciples, he just looks like another representative of the Faith. His gaze finds Eleyna among the crowd, and then Leta, his brow creased with the sort of ache of watching someone else's grief. Apart from being there and present, he doesn't try to intrude or insinuate himself too closely.

Mae gives a little giggle to whatever Aureth says, then holds up a finger. She'll be right back!

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper, Scourge, a sweater wearing rat-dog leave, following Mae.

Valery arrives as quietly as she can, which is quite quietly! She stays away from most the people, just a wave here and there to those she knows, but she tries to stay in sight of Leta.

Enyo takes Donato, grinning at the cheek kiss before she catches the chain of her necklace, pulling it up to offer the small mirror on it to the boy as she settles him carefully on her hip. Kids like shiny things, right? Here's hoping!

Sparte has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

"I feel like you're going to be a very band influence to them, Baroness Gilden," Talen says to his wife's protege-- their direct vassal-- without seemingly a spot of disapproval. When Eleyna picks her way to Leta to support the woman, Talen lets his pale grey-blue eyes turn over the progress she makes, left with one lone princess who is bounced in place to placate her. "There'll be a good many of more of these," he says offhand to Mydas and Theron.

Leta draws up the corners of her mouth in an imitation of smile and nods to Valencia, though she doesn't say anything. Otherwise, she's not actively looking at anybody. Her gaze goes through people, and should her eyes cross with another's she is quick to look away, to stare at her own busy hands as they trace over the ornate, bejeweled fittings on her belt. She offers no resistance as Eleyna takes her head, tensing for an uncharacteristically short moment, and spares a small wan smile for the Archduchess.

Vanora looks to Mydas and nods in turn. "You as well, Prince Velenosa. My condolences and offers of assistance to the family that is." She leans towards him to offer that traditional Lycene air-near-cheek kiss of greeting, though leaves even more space in that air than the usual bit, what with not wanting to irritate the currently settled baby. After that she steps back from the mourning family and returns to Valdemar's side.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper, Scourge, a sweater wearing rat-dog arrive, following Mae.

Mae drops a set of brown benches.

Mae drops a set of green benches.

Mae drops a set of blue benches.

Valencia nods to Elyena, her expression uncharacteristically unemotional and her words now seeming to be gone. In fact, the little vixen seem strangely at a loss as the world drifts about her. Dark eyes spy Mydas and she nods back and a grateful smile is offered to Luca. Her gaze falls to Leta again as the woman tenses and then eases as she calms again. A little breath is taken as she seems to steal herself for what is to come.

"Good afternoon. Archduchess; Archduke. Ladies. Gentlemen. People." Aureth gives a grave nod to the assembled. A few disciples catch lollygaggers and gently direct them to seats. He is all white and golden in the bright sunlight, and his smile is faint, a quiet, lingering thing about his mouth. His voice pitched to carry, he says, "Thank you all for coming. For those of you who don't know me or have somehow missed it, my name is Aureth Grayhope, Archlector of Death, Voice of the Queen of Endings. I am here as officiant, on behalf of the Faith of the Pantheon, and on behalf of Death, into whose embrace many of our departed have been gathered. And I am here to help us all say goodbye to a bold and fierce woman known to you all as Serafine Velenosa, Princess of Lenosia, and Knight of the Lyceum, and in service of the Iron Guard."

Talen has joined the a set of green benches.

Saoirse has joined the a set of green benches.

"Me? I can't imagine how I'd be a bad influence. I'm very well behaved." Enyo replies with a quick smile before she turns her attention back to her new job of keeping Donato entertained as she turns her attention back to the proceedings.

Eleyna has joined the a set of green benches.

Mydas has joined the a set of green benches.

Luca has joined the a set of green benches.

Enyo has joined the a set of green benches.

Cadenza has joined the a set of green benches.

Ignacio has joined the a set of green benches.

Theron has joined the a set of green benches.

Valencia has joined the a set of green benches.

Lucita has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Aleksei has joined the a set of blue benches.

Sabella has joined the a set of blue benches.

5 Pravus Honor Guard, Aida arrive, following Belladonna.

"Children or funerals?" is Mydas' cold and flat response to Talen. It might be dark humour, it's always hard to tell when a man's usual expression is so bereft of emotion. "Thank you, Marquessa. Your offer and words are appreciated." he says politely. He looks down to see his niece staring right up at him, with those wide eyes of hers. Before he can ask, however, it's time to sit down, shut up, and listen to Aureth speak.

Mae is back in a hurry! And not just Mae, but a group of Lowers-looking working-class individuals. Cullers, you can all but smell it on them! They haul in a series of benches to accommodate some additional seating. Mae, meanwhile, gets caught by Lucita who murmurs to her. She blinks, then smiles, and nods quickly. She whispers a few words back, offers Lucita a kiss on the cheek, then moves over back toward Aureth, dutiful assistant she is!

When the Marquessa parts from him, Valdemar follows her nonetheless, approaching Serafine's grieving family as well. Bowing to Talen and Eleyna, he greets them, "Condolences on your loss, your Grace, your Highnesses. I did not really know Princess Serafine, but she showed bravery and honor on the battlefield where we both fought. House Grimhall honors her sacrifice." He does not linger in their presence, though, slipping away soon after saying that, finding someplace to wait for Vanora to rejoin him. Along the way, he does incline his head in quiet greeting to Theron, Sabella, and Enyo, all of whom he seems at least passingly familiar with.

Valencia has left the a set of green benches.

"Do you think it'll be a girl, next? Or a boy?" Theron asks of Talen, with the faintest of smiles in amusement. Low enough to keep respectful, of course; this is a solemn occasion, and he's sobered up. Then there's an Archlector of Death and he's shutting up right quick.

Running a bit behind, Belladonna hurries her self into the park and tries to take a seat as quietly and quickly as she can.

Vanora has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Belladonna has joined the a set of green benches.

Valdemar has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Sabella comes in, lookig very solemn and not chattering up a storm for once. She gives Reese, Valdemar and those she knows a smile before quickly finding a seat on one of the benches so thoughtfully provided.

Belladonna has left the a set of green benches.

Leta has joined the a set of green benches.

Lucita nods to Mae. "Thank you." She keeps it short so spots can be found to take a seat.

Ignacio has left the a set of green benches.

Ignacio has joined the a set of blue benches.

Eleyna gives that hand a squeeze, a silent show of support, before she uses that grip to drag Leta toward the bench that's been claimed, placing her at her side. She murmurs something very softly to the sellsword before settling to listen to Aureth, her pale face drawn. Just about this time, little Donato realizes that her can use that mirror to shine light on various people's faces. He watches as a patch of light reflected off the mirrored surface dances over Aleksei's cheek.

5 Thrax Guards, Bastian, the Reformed Rogue arrive, following Cassima.

As people get themselves situated, Aureth stands there holding his potted plant and looking grave and serious. When the rustling of people claiming seats dies down, he begins an invocation: "In this time of our bereavement, we look to the gods for comfort. We know that all things must end so that they may begin anew, and we know that this soul has passed into the keeping of the Mother of Beginnings, who spun it in the first place. We thank Death for the gift of her life, and we ask her now to shepherd her soul on its journey, be it to her next life upon the Wheel, or onward to Elysia.

"But in this time of our bereavement, we also look to Lagoma, to help us to change into our new selves, the ones we must be without our lost friend. And hand in hand with Death and Lagoma, we must look to each other, to keep and honor the memories of the departed, to learn the lessons of her choices, to respect the glory of her fight."

Valencia has joined the a set of green benches.

Vanora apparently finds little Donato and his interest in mirrors completely delightful, and smiles at the boy, her expression sobering and focus reclaimed as Aureth addresses the group.

Cassima has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Aleksei's attention catches on that shine of light when it flickers close enough to his eye, and he looks over to catch Donato with the mirror. He offers the little boy a small, warm smile and a wink before looking back ahead at Aureth.

This is probably the bad influence that Talen means, because Enyo doesn't stop Donato from shining that light on anyone. In fact it seems to amuse her for a split second that he's discovered it. Instead she watches that play of light for a moment before she glances over to where Valdemar went, lifting one hand to give him a quick wiggle of her fingers in belated greeting. Then she's once more doing her very best to pay attention with the proper amount of sobriety, and does a fairly good job.


Princess Cassima Thrax, who has not been seen outside the Thrax Estate in upwards of a week, arrives just a touch late. She's dressed in all black ice silks, wearing a tiara and earrings of black Kennex pearls. She has a healing cut along her left temple, and other than looking tired and somewhat far away, she is well. Clutching something in her hand, the Thraxian moves to a line of benches, where she sits silently to listen.


Reese has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Valery keeps her worried gaze in Leta for a long while. She sighs and looks around, as she sees the sellsword well taken care of, and she eventually sneaks closer to Mae, whispering softly to her. She keeps glancing at Leta from time to time, though, the small apothecary seeming worried for her friend.

Juliana doesn't say a word, though her hooded head turns to watch some, Lucita, Cassima are both noted along with Alarissa before the Pravus girl steps from her place in the back to move towards an empty bench, setting herself silently to listen.

It is at this point in the funeral that Aureth, satisfied that his congregation are as attentive as they are likely to get, concludes his invocation by sitting down on the ground in front of the mausoleum. He sets down his pot, and pulls a spade out, and begins methodically cutting into the earth before the stones. His legs folded into a kneeling perch, he seems remarkably serious about this act of manual labor, and performs it with great ceremony, in so far as anyone can kneel and dig in the dirt with great ceremony. His expression is solemn and composed. But for the whisper of the breeze, the twitter of the birds, the soft murmur of hushed voices at the benches, his silence is almost entirely perfect. Cut, scrape, scrape, scoop, goes the spade. The aeterna and spidersilk he wears glows in the sunlight, mysteriously resistant to any form of dirt.

6 Thrax Guards, Stumphrey, a toast-colored corgi with big ears and a floofy butt arrive, following Caith.

Juliana has joined the a set of brown benches.

Stumphrey, a toast-colored corgi with big ears and a floofy butt have been dismissed.

Caith has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Leta looks lost. Her eyes dart around, flinching at all the people and the seating. So she lets herself be dragged by Eleyna, offering a barely perceptible bow of her head to all the nobility crowded around, and takes the seat when the other woman does, somewhat stiffly. Her hands clasp tightly between her knees, and she looks up to listen and watch Aureth, blinking as the Archlector starts to dig.

Jeffeth has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Sabella has left the a set of blue benches.

Sabella has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Cassima before departing.

Is she late? Oh god, she's late, isn't she? Caith comes in /hoofing it/, her skirts gathered up in her hands to better facilitate the running -- although when she gets here, she totally slyly walks the last little bit. There is a fat corgi waddling about at her heels and she turns, hissing at the dog. "Stumphrey!" she says sharply. "Go /home/!" The wee canine looks like she kicked him in the face (she didn't, for the record) and he turns around, heading back to the city.

Ahem.

Heading over to where her sister is seated, Caith plops down near Cassima and primly folds her hands atop her lap. So proper, this one. See?

Mae peels off to the side, when she sees Valery's approach. A few whispered words, then a quick smile, and then Mae is back beside Aureth. Who is sitting down? Mae looks confused for just a second. Then, ya know, as any good assistant would do, she just drops down to sit in a flutter of shimmery dark fabric. She just sits, cross-legged, as Aureth digs.

"It is together that we must build a new life, as who we must be now that Serafine is no longer with us in this world," Aureth says. He finishes digging his hole, and leaves it sticking up in the dirt a foot or so from it. He remains kneeling on the ground for a moment, facing the gathered nobility with his hands spread over his knees. "So it is together I will ask you all to help me plant this plant before the Velenosa mausoleum. It's tough, hardy little plant that, I'm told, will murder any other plants that come near it; its blooms will be purple, just like the banners we fly today; and it will be a new life that will grow in the shadow of what has been lost. I'll ask each person who wishes to speak aloud before the interment to scoop a handful of this upturned earth before these stones, to speak their words upon the passing of this indomitable spirit ... and then we will walk the coffin into the tomb and speak our last blessings of farewell."

Aureth scoops the plant and its matted roots carefully, gently, from its clay pot, and nestles its gently into the hole so that only its soft shoots of new growth peek above the surface.

Not far behind Caith, the large figure of Sir Jeffeth Bayweather is moving in at a more relaxed pace. The large knight has his read cloak pulled in around his chest tightly.The big man walks up slowly, glancing down at all those gathered, his gaze flicks back and forth until he finds some familiar faces.

Sir Jeffeth Bayweather makes his way over to Princess Cassima and Princess Caith, giving a shallow bow with his fist pressed to his chest. He then goes to sit quietly near the pair of Princesses, giving a little wave to others who may glance over to him.

Mae has joined the line.

Eleyna has joined the line.

Cadenza has joined the line.

Aleksei has joined the line.

Luca has joined the line.

Oh, a plant. That gets Valery's attention for a small moment. She'll stay quiet at the back for much longer, just listening to people and staying there as a quiet support for her friend.

Chip, a small mouse, Boots leave, following Valery.

Reese has joined the line.

Leta watches Aureth's digging with baffled interest, but after he speaks of the plant and invites other to speak up, she looks down and away, hunching forward to fix her gaze on the ground between her boots.

Sparte is very clearly watching Leta from where he is. He seems to be worried about her judging from his expression.

"Mae, my Harlequin, is here to help me keep track of who has spoken and who hasn't one or the other of us will invite you to speak," Aureth says with a tilt of his head, and then gestures to bring up the first speaker.

Turn in line: Mae

Mae's right there! So, well, she takes the moment to lean forward, to go onto knees, and leans forward. She reaches out, as Aureth indicates, to grab a handful of dirt. "Thank you, Blessed Aureth," she says to the man. "I wasn't very close to Serafine," she says. "But I know Leta pretty good, and through her, Serafine. I think we only really talked the once, but it was at the Murder of Crows. Now, it's... no secret... I'm not particularly kind to every princess that comes to my tavern. So, I might have been a little /grouchy/..." Mae says, as she stares at the dirt. "And we talked a bit. About life. About station. And what I took away from it all... was that Serafine believed every word she said. That she cared. That she was just-... so very honest and sincere," Mae says, her eyes getting a touch wet. "I regret not spending more time with her. I will miss her," she says. Then the dirt is dumped right where Aureth has pointed, and then Mae pushes up to her feet, rising to Serafine height. She offers a tight smile to Aureth, then moves into the crowd to find the next person who has raised their hand. Eleyna it is! Mae steps next to the Archduchess and offers a soft, sad, smile, then gestures. "As you will, your grace."

Theron has joined the line.

Turn in line: Eleyna

"Whatever you feel." Eleyna's eyes meet Valencia's as she nods confirmation of her cousin's words to Leta. The Archduchess rises from her seat and offers Enyo a wan smile as she reaches for Enyo and brings her son to stand next to her. Some toddlers get shy in front of a crowd, but not this one. He walks at his mother's side as if he's utterly certain that he belongs at the center of attention. Eleyna makes her way to where the plant waits, grasping little Donato's hand as she raises her voice to speak, "My sister and I could not be less alike. Fire and ice. Oil and water. I wielded words, she wielded swords. Yet, she was always my Champion, even when she had to be so in secret. I'm sorry that we didn't have time to be a family like I promised we would be." Eleyna's voice cracks slightly and she glances toward Mydas before she takes a breath to steady herself. "I shouldn't have waited. I'm sorry. Thank you for being a part of this adventure with me. I am grateful to the Queen of Endings for letting me your sister in this life. It's been a gift and a pleasure to love you and to have been loved by you." Her voice strains at the end before she places the dirt where directed. Then, patiently, Eleyna shows Donato, heir to Velenosa, how to do the same. He offers no words, but his little hand drops a clump of dirt into the ground before he is led away, back toward the benches.

Aureth bows his head to Eleyna, and maybe especially to Donato, because awwwww. He is quiet for a moment before indicating the next person in line.

Turn in line: Cadenza

Reese lifts her gaze to Eleyna, listing to her words and looking sorrowful.

Mae stands aside as Eleyna and Donato make their way to the little sapling. She hold that same soft smile all the while. Mae waits for the signal from Aureth, then drifts over to find the next raised hand. "Princess Cadenza..." she murmurs softly, inviting the noblewoman up.

Talen has joined the line.

As the Archduchess speaks of her fallen sister, Valdemar looks toward her, a solemn look on his face while listening to her words.

The Duchess of Malvici watches people begin to go up for delivering final words. She's been standing on her own near the back since the start and said nothing. The sadness is apparent with little more than a glance. she bows her head once and then slips out behind a tree and moves off.

Standing up, she makes her way over to that dirt...slowly picking some up. "I think this is the first time I've been around so much family.....since I was a little girl." Cadenza pulls that veil out of her face then looks out. "I missed out...." Her voice going soft then. "I never got to meet her but from what I was told....she and I would have gotten along pretty well." She pauses then as she moves to that plant. "But I feel as if I do know her from all the stories I heard....stories that need to continue. It's this moment that makes me regret not being home more....because here's a woman I wish I had the honor of knowing. I ache for those that are in so much pain right now....but...." Glancing to her cousins and Leta, she smiles slightly as she sniffs. "....we are strong and we will band together.....and we will celebrate her life." With that she drops that dirt where Aureth is with that plant then moves back to her spot by Valencia.

Juliana sits by herself, hands folded in her lap as she watches, the Archduchess speak of her sister. There are no sounds that come from the Pravus girl though if any look, silent tears roll down her cheeks unhindered.

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici leave, following Calypso.

Cassima looks around again, her eyes settling on Juliana. She squeezes Caith's hand, then releases it. "Please excuse me a moment," she says to those around her. She rises and then moves to where Juliana sits alone, moving to settle beside the Pravus.

Cassima has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Cassima has joined the a set of brown benches.

Aureth tilts his head in inclination, breath trickling past his nose, and he moves to gesture up the next speaker with a quiet thoughtfulness about his expression.

Valencia has joined the line.

Turn in line: Aleksei

"Thank you, your highness," Mae murmurs out, to Cassima. She then turns and looks once more. Aleksei! She spots the man, and offers a faint smile. "Blessed Aleksei," she says.

The Archduchess' moving statements make it nearly impossible not to cry and so Vanora too looks up towards the sky in the hopes of staving off some of those tears. There's a bit of rapid blinking to assist. Noting when Cassima excuses herself and moves towards another set of benches, the young woman gives the Thrax princess a soft smile, even if she's not paying attention enough to see it.

Aleksei watches those who speak before him with a quiet, sincere sobriety; his heart seems to ache as he watches little Prince Donato place his dirt. He steps forward when his time comes, clearing his throat as he stands in front of everyone. "I didn't know Princess Serafine as well as I would have liked," he admits. "I've counted her sister as my closer friend." He tips his head towards Eleyna with the faintest of sad smiles. "But I did fight by Serafine's side on occasion, most notably years ago before I ever took my vows. Before we even really understood that the Silent War was coming. I know that she was a fierce fighter. I know that she loved the people she loved with the entirety of herself. That she was a warrior of the light that stood against the dark. And I know that I'm sorry she's gone." He turns to the mound of dirt and then scoops up a pile in both hands to set gently upon the seed.

Lucita has joined the line.

Mae watches Aleksei, and listens to his words, and again offers a faint smile. As they conclude, she gives a small glance around, and her eyes fall on Luca. She steps over that way, giving off that faint jingle-jingle with each step she takes. "Luca," she says, seeming familiar enough with the man to not use his title. She gestures.

Turn in line: Luca

Juliana doesn't look at Cassima as she settles at her side, letting her cousin take her hand, the Pravus lady bites into her lip as she continues to watch those speaking, though at one point quiet words seem to be exchanged between the two.

Leta's head stays down as people get up to speak. Her eyes rise now and then to catch a shimmery glimpse, but then they shut and she starts to cry. She is quiet, self-contained, soft sobs and discreet sniffs - for a few seconds. Then she goes ugly. Maybe that's not the done thing. But what does she know of decorum? And what does she care? A sound escapes her, a broken squeak that bursts from her throat into a rising keening sound. It is barely muffled by her hands, brought up to cover her face as she doubles forward, shoulders quaking as she takes in big, convulsive honking gulps of air.

Luca makes his way out of the line, and to the front of the crowd of gathered people. He stands there for a moment, searching for what he's attempting to say - words usually come very easy to him, but not now - and finally he clears his throat some, "I never parted ways with Sera without being more impressed with her afterwards. It's an understatement to say that she was great with a weapon, and that's how I knew her the best, because that is the path by which my relationships toward people seem to blossom. She always left me with something to think about, afterwards." He pauses, casts his dark gaze downward for a moment, then looks back up, "I never felt unsafe with her at my side, in a battle. And she was funnier than people gave her credit for, sometimes. She was as funny as she was fierce, and she was as fierce as death. I remember well. A time ago, we used to spar more often than we did in recent memory, and she could make you laugh while trying to cut you down. She was something else. A treasure. Peerless, in many ways." Another pause. Then, "I won't wander along through this too much. I'll miss her. You'd have to be fucking crazy not to. And she'll always be present still in the relationships amongst the people who she has brought together, who might not have otherwise known each other." He takes some dirt, putting it where he's directed, but he also kisses his thumb, and drops the captured ministration in along with the dirt, before he's moving to rejoin the family.

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka arrive, following Merek.

Eleyna rejoins the benches and sits with Donato in her lap, burying her face against the little boy's hair every now and then as people step up to speak of Serafine.

Merek comes into the memorial area and finds a place to settle in.

Mae stays where she is, just watching Luca go and speak those words. Her smile is faint, and sad, but angling for encouraging and supportive. If she hits the mark, well, that's hard to say. She is present, though! And when Luca finishes, Mae reaches out a hand to lay on Reese's shoulder. "Go ahead sweets," she murmurs. Then, in in a clearer voice, "Reese," she says. On the off chance anyone didn't know the woman.

Turn in line: Reese

Aureth's smiles curves a little in spite of himself as Luca leaves a kiss for Serafine in the dirt. He nods, slightly, and then, as Mae calls Reese forward, shares the smile with her as well, still standing quiet.

Aureth * smile, not smiles

Reese sucks in a soft breath as she steps up. She peeks briefly to Mae, as if encouraged by her words. Reese's blue eyes are somber and her cheeks are pale. "I first met Princess Serafine a long time ago, before the siege of silence and when I was just a little Reese, wearing a few pieces of mix-matched armor and losing all my spars. It was before I was her cousin-in-law that came later." She says and then pauses. "I didn't realize she was a princess at first, because she seemed so wild and badass. I would call her a knight and then a knight princess when I realized. She used to spar with me back when I was really easy to beat, but always believed in me. She saw past what I seemed to be and gave me attention and took me serious in the sparing rink, at at time when many did not."

Reese says an then continues in a softly solemn voice. "On my very first mission into the Gray Forest Serafine was there. She was badass of course and when we got attacked she kicked butt, but it went behind that. Lots of people can swing a sword, but Serafine had brains and heart during that mission and all others. We were escorting Prodigal refugees escaping Brand, including many children. Serafine was very aware of the children, protective and emphatic toward them. There was a little girl. She lost her family and Serafine knew just what to say and what to do. That little girl will never be over the lose of her family, just as we will never over the lose of Serafine. But the Princess Badadds words, gave her what comfort was possible. I cannot even imagine what Serafine's family and Dame Leta must be feeling right now, but my heart breaks for them, for you, for Compact." Reese says, her pale lashes damp even as she looks over to Duchess Eleyna and Dame Leta.

"I was honored to call her my cousin after my marriage to Luca and even more honored to call her such now. She died as she lived, as a badass warrior princess hero." Reese says and then steps aside, going to add some dirt to cover the seeds.

Saoirse has joined the line.

Aneka have been dismissed.

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Meeka have been dismissed.

Aureth clasps his hand in a fist over his chest to give Reese a little shaded bow, and then straightens before nodding to the next person in line.

Turn in line: Theron

"I did not know Princess Serafine well, admittedly. I first met her when I was practicing in the Training Center, and she came in as Dame Leta over there was giving me a hiding to remember," Theron inclines his head to the mercenary knight, with a gentle smile. "But I can tell you that I knew she was an amazing, awe-inspiring fighter the moment I saw her take on someone else. She fought fearlessly and fiercely, and there are scant few fighters in this city who can claim to have as much talent in swordsmanship."

There is a pause in the Sword of Ostria's speech. "We met again in Setarco, and she seemed, as always, happy and unassailed by the worry and uncertainty of the atmosphere of the city in the days preceding the battle. She was happy, and in love with Dame Leta. She was a lesson in finding joy with our existences. We have to find joy in everything we do, and spread this joy to others so that they might feel it and find their own happiness in turn." He seems hesitant for a moment, his jaw set, and then he continues.

"And I was there for her final moments, saddening and haunting as they were. Along with the Valorous Few, some Oathlander volunteers and myself, we had defended the Singers at the tower against warped creatures. Then, at the battle, she fought bravely against monsters nobody would believe existed until they saw it themselves. She died with a sword in hand, and fighting. For the Lyceum, for her sister, for the Compact and for love. The cowardly creature that took her could have surprised any of us, but to express regret would be to belittle her sacrifice. Her life was blessed by Limerance and she passed from this world with a smile on her face, meant for the love of her life. She did not live her life by halves. Gods bless your soul, Princess Serafine, and may your next turn at the Wheel be as fulfilling as this one had been." Having said his bit, he grabs and drops a handful of dirt where directed before he settles down beside Enyo, soberly.

Aleksei has left the a set of blue benches.

Mae can't help the little laugh that escapes, and the grin, when Reese says 'wild and badass'. She's left looking brighter, for certain. She goes to see to the next person, Theron, and does the same, inviting him up to speak. She then listens, and as she does, her eyes go glassy again. Her smile falters. The small Harlequin sucks in a breath, steels herself, then turns to find the next person. She spots Talen, and so drifts that way. "Your Talen-ness..." she murmurs, and then gestures the man up.

As Reese speaks, Aleksei's gaze is drawn to Leta's audible sobs. His throat works in a swallow as he watches her, and eventually he's just compelled: he steps away from the benches he was at to stride over to her. He knees in front of her, clearly in want of words, and just reaches one hand to grasp hers tightly while the other sits to steady on her shoulder. He whispers to her quietly, his expression a quiet heartbreak.

Turn in line: Talen

When it's time for his Talen-ness and his daughter-ness to go on up, the single baby twin is more than useless in helping plant the sapling when compared with her older brother, and so the dark prince does it on his lonesome. One fistful of dirt is taken, little clumps of the soil falling in the short moments he speaks, before finally it is cast down. "Princess Serafine Velenosa and I fought the same wars and battles under the same banners and fealty more than once. We can all speak of her sacrifice for crisises of the Compact. So, I'd like to remember fondly the day my bethrothal was announced to her grace, instead," voices Talen. "Serafine was an avid supporter of duels, and where family is concerned, she was rabid in her efforts to protect. The duel she issued me I chose to honour and in turn met the terms that we would fight upon Reflection Square's lake. We were to cover our blades with an extract of the Caith nettle, promising a great deal of discomfort to anyone who would be bitten by steel in first blood, a symbol of the pains of our love for our shared focus." After a pause, he twists his lips in a crooked smile, a short burst of air fro mhis nose exhausted. "She won, of course," he says, "and I spent the next few days recovering in a manner that only let my wife and I grow closer. So... Thank you, Serafine," he finishes, "for all your hijinx; every last one."

The Marquis of Ischia stays fairly quiet and observant. The man in his blue jacket, loose silk shirt, and pants makes his way off to one side where he will not be obtrusive. Dario will find a seat and settle down in order to watch.

Aureth bows his head to Talen, then, with the twisted crook of his mouth in a wry smile. He remembers that, although probably not nearly so vividly as the PARTICIPANTS.

Turn in line: Valencia

Donato is being a Very Good Boy and sitting still in his mother's lap, yet when Talen steps forward to offer his own words, the small boy bares his teeth and growls a few times before he grins, looking immensely proud of himself. Eleyna listens to each word her husband says, chuckling softly to herself as she also remembers the aftermath of that duel.

Valencia gently kisses Cadenza's cheek and nods to Leta and then Eleyna as she steals herself and gracefully rises from the bench. A gentle hand touches Luca's shoulder as if for strength. Head held high, dark eyes held straight ahead, the little fox's composure begins to show signs of breaking as she moves to the front to speak and a glance to Leta and Eleyna seems to crack her composure all the more.

There is another steadying breath and lift of head. The raven-haired princes smiles gently and takes a bit of soil in her delicate hands. She looks down a moment, seeming to try to be as a Velenosan Princess should be at such events, but not exactly succeeding. finally she finds her voice, "Sera was everything I wanted to be. She always made me smile. I was so proud to be her little cousin. I wanted to... She was.... she..."

Another breath and a pained frown finds her features. She looks up as if for help and tries to find her breath. Another breath taken, she continues, "She is my Sera and always will be. I... I..." The little fox takes a little breath unable to look to her family now. "I... I do not want to say goodbye. The world needs hearts like hers. I..." she begins and falters, a ragged breath taken and she lovingly places the soil upon the seed, her small slender hand gently touching the ground. "I love you, Sera. I miss you. And I will see you again. And, we will take care of Leta, I promise. I swear it," she whispers softly before rising with a nod to Mae and Aureth as she moves back to take her seat.

In the pause after these tears, Aureth bows his head to Valencia, in a show of courtesy distinctly at odds from the usual attitude he cops in her direction; then, respectfully, he gestures the widow Saik forward next.

Turn in line: Lucita

Leta at least tries to bury her face in her sleeve for a moment to keep from wailing over the speakers. There are words there, but they're too muffled and distorted to make sense of. She just sobs, trying to wipe at her eyes when she feels Aleksei's hand on hers. She shakes her head vigorously from side to side, whatever that means, but tries to steady her breath beyond wheezing for air between sniffles.

Leta has joined the line.

Again, Mae is grinning. Her eyes still glossy, but the memory of Talen and Serafine - from Mae's vantage - must be an amusing one. A good one. She catches Aureth's signal late, then almost trips as she turns to look at whomever's next. She's quickly standing straight again, like nothing happened! And Valencia's already figured out she's next. Mae gives a little sigh of relief, then listens. As she listens, the tears come properly. "Non omnis moriar..." Mae whispers to herself, as she watches Valencia. When the princess is done, Mae swallows hard, then looks over to whomever is next. Lucita. She walks over, then gestures. "Lucita, sweets..." she says, in a faint voice.

Lucita steps forward and turns to face the others as she says "I have to do this Mae, she deserves it, she helped keep me alive." She starts again "When one watches a person in battle you get to know them on a level beyond the social. You have the privilege of seeing their courage, the dedication to training, the camaraderie between them and others. You see compassion in the way others were guarded and checked to see if alright." Her breath catches and she clings to composure as she continues to speak. "You see someone who knows the meaning of duty and who gives their all and does not give up. One who faces discomfort, stares horrible things in the eyes and does not falter in what has to be done. That is a person worth knowing, worth respect. Those are what I saw in her, and honor." When finished speaking she follows the directions given her, takes and places the dirt as had been asked then returns to her seat.

Mydas has joined the line.

Again, Aureth nods as the woman in mourning finishes. He hesitates for a moment, watching Leta's teary face for a beat, and then says her name, quietly: "Leta Broadbent."

Turn in line: Leta

Mae is already moving forward, when Lucita finishes, to offer the woman a hand in returning to her seat. Almost like the Baroness needs special doting upon? Mae helps Lucita find her seat, then she turns. And spots Leta. Mae takes in a breath, then offers a sympathetic smile, which probably doesn't help, juxtaposed against her tears. She simply makes a little gesture, inviting Leta up.

Aleksei draws his hand gently from Leta's when she shakes her head. He just crouches there before her, nodding in reply, and then looks over when Aureth says her name. He looks back to Leta, studying her a moment, and stands to shift out of her way. Except for the hand that is there for her if she chooses.

Leta checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Merek has joined the line.

Leta wipes briskly at her face as it seems the line to speak has gone quiet, and after a few deep breaths rises to her feet. She looks a mess. An elegantly dressed mess, but a mess nonetheless, the wiping can't get the dampness off her reddened face and puffy eyes as she walks up to the small plot of stirred earth. She's quiet for a moment, staring at her boots, and doesn't actually look at the gathering when she speaks. "I'm sorry. She would've hated this. I don't see nobody drunk or brawling or making out, or all three at once, and - I'm sorry. I don't kow what to say. I don't know. I don't understand. It makes no sense. She was - she was laughing, she laughed at - she was a force, wasn't she? I'm sorry. I love you." Towards the end, it's hard to say who she's apologizing too. So she clenches her jaw and goes quiet, kneeling in the dirt to carefully place her little clump of soil. Then she gets up and walks back to her seat.

Lucita nods her thanks to Mae as she finishes. From the way her eyes shimmer moistly, tears are close but though her pale face shows sorrow, she manages to blink them away and listen to Leta.

Aureth has rolled a critical success!
Aureth checked composure + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 104 higher.

Mae stares. And then her lip wobbles, and she swallows, and it doesn't help, and so the tears start to fall anew.

Aureth's touch on Leta's shoulder as she retreats back to her seat is brief, but well-intentioned, and he draws back again with a bow of his head, loose hair falling forward as he draws a deep breath. He is quiet, here, standing over the mostly-planted plant, and says, "Thank you," before the next speaker is nodded forward.

Turn in line: Mydas

Juliana leans against Cassima, her eyes closing against her tears now and then as they whisper to each other but after a time the two fall silent as they listen to those paying their respects, tears burning against cheeks long raw from the path of the previous.

Mydas steps forward, little niece still in his arms. When he's near the sapling, he turns around to face those assembled. "When Serafine and I met, we had no idea who the other was. I was a Lord of Nightgold, she a Princess of Velenosa. She got Sigurd and I drunk in a dare, and somewhere along our Sword got involved in a duel with her, with the loser having to wear a dress. She was a whirlind, a chaos of energy and happiness. It strikes me now that I can't imagine her sad or morose, though it most likely have more to do with how little I knew my sister than not." He pauses for a moment, to gather his thoughts. "When it was revealed to her who I was, she was happy again, eager. That she wasn't to announce it to the world at once... had to be explained to her. Her first instinct was to embrace me rather than to be wary. And afterwards, she reached out to me, wanting to know the brother she had thought dead for thirty years. We were to meet after the war." The last words fall like a hammer upon an anvil, the blow of cruel irony. Mydas looks back at the sapling, seemingly at a loss. He does not cry, he does not collapse, but for once the collected and cold prince is hesitating. But he speaks again, this time softly, quietly "I don't know what could have been, but I'm sorry we won't have a chance to find out, Serafine." And with that, he turns to place the clump of soil, his little niece doing her best to help her uncle by not being very still. It doesn't help very much. Still, it is done, and Mydas returns to his seat.

Valencia looks up at Leta's word and smiles. It's not exactly a bright smile, but the truth of Leta's words seem to resonate with her and seems to bolster her. She nods to Leta and wraps her arm around Candenza to offer a comforting squeeze.

Mae blinks many, many times as Mydas comes up, and as he speaks. Obviously the man's presence and mood are more than slightly unexpected to the small Harlequin, for whatever reason.

Turn in line: Merek

Reese has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Deliverance, an albino falcon have been dismissed.

Rosalie, a lady in waiting have been dismissed.

Cadenza was still just listening to each person....her eyes watering behind that veil as each person's words touched her soul. Licking her lips she leans into Valencia then with a slight smile. Looking to Leta, she just looks to her and smiles warmly to her. She can't imagine right now how she's feeling.

Aleksei watches Leta as she walks to the front to speak, and then when she returns to her seat. He doesn't step forward to try and crowd her again, but he does linger in the general vicinity, watching as Mydas takes his turn to speak next.

Merek checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Merek stands up and moves forward to speak, while he adjusts the scarf he has on, which flows about his frame and bare upper body, with his fingerless gloves lifted up to brush through his hair, his beard and his hair a bit scuffed and obviously unkempt and fuller recently. He lifts up a small bottle of some wine he has with him, then he holds it up as if in honor, and drinks it all down, every bit. He then speaks, "Serafine was a woman of many talents, who once saved me from cannibals, and also generally would spar with me, we adventured together before... Even before the battle at Setarco she was optimistic, always taking in the finer things in life knowing how war was. She was passionate, she was a good friend, and I'll never forget the small conversation we had before the eve of battle, or the touching of my fist to hers right before we marched to be ready that day. I never could've thought this..." He sighs, and then motions with his hand which has the bottle, "So... Here's to her, and her next turn on the Wheel. May the Queen hold her soul for Leta to see once more, and come together into a new life walking side by side," he offers, with a lift of the empty drink towards Leta, and then he moves to take his seat. He looks like he wants to cry, but doesn't.

Mae looks about done, having listened to the widow and then the cold-but-emotional brother. When Merek gets up to speak, she blinks. Then blinks again. Her mouth opens, then closes. She says nothing, and just drifts up near the front, to Aureth's side.

Reese has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards arrive, following Grazia.

Giving Caith's hand a light squeeze, the large knight smiles as the Princess before unentangling himself. Jeffeth bows quietly before shuffling out in relative silence, going to leave quietly.

Ugarte arrives, following Fortunato.

Fortunato has joined the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Leta just sits down and stares at the dirt, murmuring some sort of apology to Eleyna from the look of her before she goes quiet again. As quiet as can be. She sniffs now and then, her whole posture and face tense as she tries to keep from breaking down again.

Jeffeth has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

O noes! Caith cricks her head back to blink up at Jeffeth as he gets up to leave, her hand suddenly empty now that he's not holding it any longer. It was such a comforting thing, see, hanging onto that big, meaty paw during this sad, mournful event. As the large knight moves off, the Thrax woman folds her hands in her lap and puts her head together with Sabella, speaking in hushed tones with her.

Aureth nods slightly to Merek when he is through speaking, and stands for a moment in stillness above the plant. He looks out over the assembled, and when he thinks that it's clear no one else is joining the line, he says, "Thank you." Crouching over the plant, he packs the earth carefully with his hands. He says, "Like many of you, I didn't know Serafine Velenosa well. We met a few times, but I can't say that I was close to her. I can say, though, this, of what I saw." He pauses.

"Death grants us each a gift: the gift of life, a soul. What we do with that gift is up to us. But Serafine was not one to waste a gift." He rises and stands straight over the new life beneath him. "I preach, for Death, that we can do Death no better service than to embrace life. To live it to the fullest. And that is what Serafine did with her gift. She returns now to the Mother of Beginnings a woman who did nothing by halves. She loved with her whole heart. She gave of her whole self. I observed in her writings, and in the lives of the people she touched, a woman who lived hard, and well, if not long. Not long enough. But she returns a hero, and a lover, and a sister, and a true friend, and servant of the Compact. She was beloved by her comrades-at-arms in the Guard. She was embraced by her family. And in a place and time where nobility sometimes demands pretense, still, Serafine chose instead to be herself. To love who she would, how she would, and the reward she demanded for her service was the ability to make her own choices. She, truly, took the life she was given with both hands and made it hers, no matter what. For that, I honor her. And because she was herself a gardener, this is the memorial-- in addition to graven stone and spoken word -- that we have planted for her, here, in the memorial park, before the Velenosa mausoleum where we will inter her remains." He gestures to the baby plant. "It will live, and grow, and be beautiful, and as our grief fades with time, its beauty will continue and renew. May her soul be safe in the hands of the Queen, who wove it, and may our memories never grow dim of the woman that was, the woman that lived."

Aureth bows to them all in a deep, grave bow, and says, "Now, we will bring the coffin inside, and say our last goodbye."

Grazia steps in, better late than never, and she stands by herself, posture perfect in a respectful pose. She has come to witness and to support, but she is silent for the moment, alone.

Mae stands besides Aureth, her eyes downcast, her hands claps in front of her. She cries, silently. Tears falling down her cheeks, grieving openly for the last life. When Aureth finishes, she whispers to herself, again. Those three words she said openly before. Then she swallows, hard, and straightens up. She waits for the next queue from Aureth.

Lucita rises from her seat, makes her way quietly toward the entry. One hand rises in a wiping motion toward her eyes once her back is turned and she thinks she is past view of the others.

Lucita has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Gunther, a Rottweiler, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Lucita.

Alarissa has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Sparte rises up after Lucita heads out. He says a brief farewell to those seated nearby, looking over at Leta with a worried expression again before following Lucita out.

Sparte has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger leaves, following Sparte.

Leta lifts her head for a moment at the clap, and nods quietly at Luca. As Aureth speaks, she looks up and listens, and her lips and chin tighten, renewed tears running down her red cheeks. She looks to the baby plant, then looks down and tries to choke off a sob. There. All quiet now, just shaking.

Cadenza exhales deeply as she stands up slowly. Not knowing what to say....just like with her mother's funeral. Pursing her lips she takes Valencia's hand before offering Leta a comforting smile. Taking a deep breath she looks to Eleyna, sadness still in her eyes though obscured by that veil as she puts a hand to her cousin's shoulder.

Merek looks up from his seat, but seems a bit distant, instead just watching the proceedings. His mind seems to be turned towards Aureth's announcement while he takes his time to look into his empty bottle again.

The disciples that come to lift the coffin are joined by Velenosa guards. Aureth pauses a moment, looking to the family and retainers of the Velenosas -- and Leta, as widow by grace if not in legality -- to see if they wish to join to take part in this part of procession. The coffin is borne inside the stone structure, then, and the remains interred very carefully within the waiting space. One day this tomb will need to be expanded, for those who choose to be buried here and not at Lenosia.

Once the remains are set in the space laid forth for them, the quiet procession is free to emerge again, and Aureth offers this in final prayer:

"Join me now in giving our thanks to the Queen of Endings and Mother of Beginnings for the care of this soul. Let us pray to Her, and to Petrichor, for the new life that grows in this memorial plant in the Earth; and to Limerance, for the bonds of love and duty that bind us together in our hearts and in our spirits; to the Thirteenth, in the spirit of self-reflection that is so honored in the Lyceum; let us pray to Lagoma, as we reach for our new lives. Let us pray to the gods of the Pantheon, and let us join hands together as we say goodbye. All things must end so that they may begin anew. Let us all begin anew today, with the memory of Serafine and the strength she exemplified a light inside us, unquenched." This final exhortation made, the priest bows his head, his hand a fist weighted against his chest, and then finally lets his hands drop.

"With the conclusion of this rite, I offer blessings upon you all. Go forth into a new beginning, but never forget what has come before. Thank you."

Merek checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 16 lower.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Fluffy Maine Coon arrive, following Victus.

Aleksei murmurs another quiet word to Leta before looking back to Aureth as the procession begins into the mausoleum. He hangs off towards the back, a respectful onlooker, there as another servant of the Faith if one is needed. He bows his head as Aureth prays, breathing deep and slow.

Mae follows along, not carrying the coffin but dutifully walking beside the Archlector of Death. She stays quiet, reverent, and tear-filled. When given the chance to say good bye, she merely gives a little wave to the coffin. And then the conclusion comes, and Mae whispers a few words, before posting, again, beside Aureth. She'll stand here and wait for people to file out.

Vanora Kennex dips her head and murmurs a quiet prayer, eyes lowered and remaining so for several minutes while she contemplates. Eventually sooty lashes lift again and she glances to others at the bench, taking a long and cleansing breath as the service ends.

Merek rubs a hand along his face, and then can't help but to start to cry with others after he tries offering his prayers quietly. Once all has been finished, and blessings have been given, he stands up to ready for making his way on.

Victus trots along at the ending of the ceremony, arm still slung up. He meanders upon the edges of the procession, quiet in respects as he comes to be a silent observer.

As the service ends, Valencia smiles up at Cadenza and takes a deep long breath and slowly lets it out again, looking no where in particular, a small hand smoothing her storm grey silk dress. "I have to prepare for the event at the Hart tonight. I think Sera would like that," she says quietly to no one in particular. "And then I am going to have a drink and kiss someone I care for very much and very, very often." The little raven-haired princess smiles then, and offers a warm and loving hug to Eleyna and then to Leta, if not rebuffed. "If either of you have need, I am a missive away. And, if it pleases, come to have a drink tonight at my Hart. You are always welcome. Please know this," she says quietly, turning to nod at Talen before taking her leave. Moving down the aisle she pauses to give Luca a silent hug, words not needed between them today. Another hug is offered to Reese and a gentle smile to so many faces she knows and loves before slipping off.

Juliana finally stands from her seat, pausing to lean down and press a kiss against Cassima's wet cheek before the Pravus girl bows in the direction of the Archduchess and her family before she turns and starts out of the park without a word. Her own face wet, her shoulders are straight, head held high as she makes her way out.

Reese returns Valencia's hug. "Take care." She says somberly in her direction.

Ignacio pushes himself up from his bench as he looks over to Cadenza, clasping his hands in front of him as he gives a nod to Valencia as she prepares to leave.

Juliana has left the a set of brown benches.

Saoirse has left the a set of green benches.

Vanora has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Valdemar has left the a sturdy pine wooden bench.

Valencia has left the a set of green benches.

"This rite is finished, our prayers offered. Anything more ... well. There's wine, cheese and olives, and fresh bread, courtesy of the Faith." Aureth bows slightly as he makes this offer. "But all that is left is the commiseration you may take in each other. Thank you all for coming."


As Juliana goes, Cassima is left sitting at the bench, one hand coming up to quickly wipe away the tears that stain her face.

Vanora is overheard praising Aureth for: Offering profound peace to those suffering loss

"Bye, Val....I shall stop by....." Her voice soft, she watches her cousin leave. Pursing her lips, she makes her way with the procession, she said a prayer over the coffin then made her way back out. Moving to Ignacio, she just stares up at him then nods a bit as she moved to stand next to him....waiting a moment. Cadenza exhales softly then.