Fiero's Funeral

From FiranMUX

Anarinuell: The Great Temple of Anarinuell: Aervani, Alastor, Alessandro, Alexa, Andreas, Asishon, Balinda, Bringana, Carina, Chelona, Corpse of Fiero, Daemio, Dalinuel, Eriden, Evius, Fidelia, Gaddineez, Garmon, Giana, Ildria, Imoen, Inarus, Judanarius, Karana, Keeli, Kelarik, Marsalos, Nilara, Rally, Rayna, Rianna, Rinzik, Serina, Sharin, Soliana, Srenni, Taleo, Talikos, Thaddia, Tyrin, Tyrsun, Xamori, Yacen

Rally peeks into the temple to make sure she has the right place, and seeing the gathering makes her way in. The Mes dips a curtsy to the gathered nobles before finding a place to sit.

Mes Rayna steps into the temple and curtsies to those who require such respect. She is solemn, but rarely ever is in any other state. The Mes, who is always clad in navy, no matter what the reason, finds a place where she can sit and be out of the way.

Sharin steps in from the outside in his Republic Greens, hands folded together behind his back as he makes his way to the weapons chest to discard.

Dalinuel slips quietly into the back of the Temple. He smells awful and is carrying a few objects he has plucked from the garbage, but it would not do to miss the Lord Captain's funeral.

Chelona comes in with her byrrus, her priestly robe, her palla, her stola - and how any woman can move in SO many layers is unimaginable but there you have it. Oh, and a scroll from her temple. Ooops. She folds the scroll into her robe and curtsies politely to the nobles present before sitting.

Gaddineez is walking along with Fiero's honor guard procession. Gaddineez holds his part of the flat that Fiero's form is laid on, the bonduin's black gaze is set straight ahead, not straying as they enter the temple. Gaddineez walks in cadence with the rest of the group, and when they reach their designated spot he moves to help lower the body down gently.

Inarus is sitting quietly at the noble benches, with his son next to him. there is a quiet conversation going on between them. He inclines his head to Marsalos as he sits.

Xamori enters the temple with her children. His honor guard trails behind them. They represent each facet of Lord Fiero's life. The Republic. The Bear Clan. The Griffon Clan. His family. His friends. His fellow soldiers. Normally, she'd sit on the nobles bench or at the Eeshan table. This time, she sits down at Uf's table. Only after getting her children situated.

Kelarik's face is completely impassive as he carries his corner of Fiero's bier with the honor guard, one of the Ellish guard hounds close to his heels. There is a militaristic crispness to his movements, and he too moves in cadence with the others, lowering the bier to rest carefully. Only then does he take a single step back, remaining close in a guard's parade rest.

Garmon has quietly entered the temple and made himself comfortable in the general benches. He watches as the honor guard and family comes into the temple. The tailor keeps to himself, quiet and perhaps a bit thoughtful as he watches the procession.

Soliana follows her husband into the temple, apparently just after the honor guard. She spots her father and nudges Eriden that way so they can sit next to him.

Fidelia waits in the middle of the temple, her hands folded in front of her, quiet as the fallen arrives.

Aervani is also in Fiero's honor guard, chin lifted, gaze set straight ahead. Her lips are pressed into a thin, expressionless line. Hurricane, a hound, follows her into the temple from a distance and leaves her to settle at Garmon's feet.

Nilara follows her mother as she moves into the temple through the crowds finding their seats. She stays silently behind Xamori, her head down and her doll clutched in her tan fist.

Rianna walks slowly holding part of her brother-in-law's weight on her right shoulder. She is part of the Bear contingent of the honour guard, the Teranzik contingent. Dressed in highly polished clan armour and a mourning tunic and band she waits for the signal then carefully sets Fiero down and looks across his body to his brother and nods then turns to look straight ahead.

Asishon stands with the honor guard. He matches the steps with the rest of the guard but otherwise looks rather un-military. His features clearly strained as he helps to carry his brother to his resting place. As Fiero is placed down he watches his brother then stepping back to take a position but still turning away to face the crowds only grudgingly.

Marsalos is silent, just watching Fiero's procession carry the lifeless Lord's body into the temple.

Giana quietly takes a place among the nobles, seating herself near to the entrance. When the guard enters, she turns, her eyes fixed on the progress of the bier into the temple.

Eriden nods to Soliana and sits with her next to Garmon, nodding quickly to his father in law then turning back and watching the honor guard.

Ildria remains silent next to her husband, her expression quiet and respectful. The funerals just became more and more sad the more they saw. With each one it was like a gallon of loss already added to an entirely too full pool.

Daemio steps into the temple and looks around some what grimly. Stiffly he heads towards the front and his aunt.

Garmon gives a nod to Soliana and Eriden as they join him, but the man seems to be pensive at the moment. He gives a glance to the dog at his feet and moves his gaze to his daughter, Aervani in the honor guard, before he watches the people come into the temple and take their seats.

Tyrin walks into the temple with his elderly Grandmother, and seems to be helping Bringana as needed. Serina and Evius too arrive, as he leads the party towards the benches. The elderly, and fat with baby members truly need such comforts.

Kelarik just remains completely motionless and silent once he is in his position with the rest of the honor guard, his eyes fixed straight ahead into the crowd, but not focusing on anyone. If the hound at his heels is leaning against his leg sleepily, he doesn't notice it.

Talikos sits quietly at the noble benches. He looks freshly scrubbed, having that suspiciously pink cast to his skin, quite different from his normal patina of grass, mud, dust and other various evidences of a rambunctious existence.

Fidelia waits for a few moments to begin as newcomers keep on trickling into the temple.

Daemio sits down beside Xamori stiffly and glances over Nilara, offering her a brief, tight nod before he lowers his voice to the table.

Bringana walks with her cane and the assistance of her grandson, quietly making her way to the benches and taking a seat. She pats Tyrin on the arm and waits for Serina and her husband to sit next to her.

Serina waddles in with the rest of her family and joins her brother and grandmother on the bench, more falling into it than actually sitting.

Giana's attention flits to Uf's table and those seated there. She rises then, bowing her head to lower her already unimpressive height, and makes her way over to join the family.

Evius sits down with his family by his wife, though, odds are, Serina refuses to look at Evius and he tries to take her hand in comfort.

Yacen quietly slips into the temple and takes a seat.

Carina hurries into the temple, pausing to catch her breath and slow her pace once she is just inside. Her intense gaze sweeps across the room, noting those present. After a moment's thought, she quietly takes a seat with the other nobles.

Fidelia surveys the body and the bier for a moment, and then steps forward a little, clearing her throat. "There is often," she says slowly as she begins, "a great deal of suspicion among freeborn Firans in regards to slaves. We give our blood, our sweat, our tears to free them, but once they have joined us, people eye them askance. Are they loyal? they ask. Do they know our ways? But here tonight we come to the funeral of one who was born a slave, but lived a free man. He escaped the Shamibelian yoke to live free, to serve his Republic and his clan with great distinction. And in the end he gave the ultimate sacrifice in order that others, born in slavery like him, would be able to live as he has." *Firan*

Fidelia continues, "He was born a slave, a nobody among the Shamibelian masses. But here he was a dutiful noble, an excellent soldier, and a most beloved husband, father, and son. Let his life be an inspiration to all those who lived and toiled in darkness and are now free." She pauses a moment, and continues, "Who will stand witness for him before Unot? Who will speak for him." *Firan*

Gaddineez is standing not far off from Fiero's body when it is asked if anyone wants to speak. When Gaddineez is called, he moves forward to say his piece about Fiero. The bonduin's black gaze looks momentarily out upon the crowd who have gathered to be here for the Lord's funeral. Gaddineez then lets his gaze slip towards Fiero and a bit of a sigh eminates from the bonduin's lips. "I have few people I would call a friend and there are even fewer Firans that I can say I respect and not be lying" Gaddineez points a finger in the direction of Fiero's body. "I respected that man, he always treated me rather good." A grunt comes from the bonduin then. "I remember, months back when I first decided I should train myself to be something of a legendary fighter with my spear, Lord Fiero asked if I would train him the finer points of wielding a spear so he could defend this Republic, and more importantly his family" Gaddineez shrugs then. "I was more than obliged and no more than a few hours after I had finished giving him some fine tuning I had to fight against him in a festival battle royale, where my /own/ training was used against me... Lord Fiero was a quick learner and did some good damage to me" Gaddineez allows himself to let a smile come to his features. "Fiero and I fought side by side, back to back retaking Ellish, there were men out on that field such as Lord Zafir, Prince Argin, Bashar to name a few of the pristine soldiers I had to fight out there with but I got the most pleasure and satisfaction being at the side of Lord Fiero." Gaddineez nods his head then. "His death was a good death, it was the death any soldier would long for rather than to die old and crippled" Gaddineez takes a few steps towards Fiero's body. "Come back to a Firan Child, giving him your soul for his so I have a chance to fight at your side again, or give my son a chance to fight with you" Gaddineez then closes his eyes a few moments, praying.

Xamori can't help but smile at Gaddineez's words, as she clutches that spear.

Daemio moves to the front slowly, his small frame almost seeming weighed down. He looks down at his hand, rubbing his thumb against his brand before he looks to Fiero. "I've had a fairly short life full of changes and twists and turns. The one thing that was always consistant though was -- Uncles, each of them taught me something but the things Fiero taught me were perhaps the more pure. He taught me to be honorable and honest. He taught me to live every moment of life because it very well could be my last. He taught me how to be a man and I always thought I would live in his shadow, that I would never be as good at anything as he was... but I would trade that over not having him at all if Lord Unot would have it." He takes a slow breath before he can tangent any further and just stares at Fiero letting it all settle in. "You will be missed Lord Uncle, more then you will ever know." *Firan*

Alexa stands and approaches, silently regarding Fiero for time. "I do not have much to say, as I had not served long with Lord Fiero. He and several members of the First were transferred into the Fifth to help with camp security as the infantry and air force did their things." She quirks a rueful smile. "I was a little skeptical, but I trusted Lord Donos' wisdom. And Lord Fiero not only did well, he was exceptional. Any doubts that I may have had evaporated. I just wish I'd been able to tell you myself while you were alive that it had been an honor to serve with you." She is not in uniform, so her salute is less crisp, an oddly nearly gentle gesture. "Return to us soon, Lord Fiero." *Firan*

With a small bit of effort, Garmon moves to the front. He looks out over the crowd of people and he gives a small smile. "I came to know of Lord Fiero since the day that my Lady Sponsor, told me that they were to be courting. I knew that a strong man needed to be able to marry Lady Priestess Xamori." He gives Xamori a small smile and it might even be one of encouraging from the old tailor, silently offering the widow a bit of his strength. He takes a moment to think and says, "Lord Fiero started life in the bounds of slavery. He fought his entire life to wrestle free from those chains. I believe, that perhaps that was what made him the strong man that we all got to meet and got to know. When he got to the city, he fought again, against the whispers and rumors about him and his family. He proved that he was stronger than any test of words. He proved that it takes heart and courage to face this life and take what is dealt to us by the gods and turn it into something positive. I will always remember him, as a positive man with the heart that not many will ever be able to overshadow."

Garmon looks over the people assembled, "We all are here for the purpose of watching as Lord Fiero comes full circle, bringing himself out of the bounds of slavery and at the end, he helped to free those slaves who could not help themselves. He was a spirit that will forever persevere as a strong and kind sort. Though his own taste of freedom has been cut short, he died allowing those who could not free themselves have that taste of freedom that he held so precious to his heart. I believe that I remember hearing Lord Fiero promise that he would always protect his family, his Lady wife -- to me, he has done that and so much more. He has not only sacrificed his life to protect his wife and his family, but he has sacrificed to protect my family and yours. He went onto that battlefield knowing that he was doing it for all of us, here in the city. I will always hold his memory in my heart and tell my grandchildren of a fine nobleman that helped to free the slaves and this city from the terror of the enemy." He pauses and says, "Lord Fiero was a kind and giving man, and he gave his life, to help in the effort of keeping our city safe and free. So that he could help many others, in Ellish, to be free. I know that I will remember Lord Fiero, not as a slave, but as a man who fought until the end to see justice served for those who could not do it for themselves." He turns to give Fiero's body a long and lingering look, the old man gives a smile, "I thank you Lord Fiero, for your life and your kindness, you won't be forgotten."

While not stepping away from his honor guard position, Kelarik offers his own words, his face surprisingly impassive. "Lord Captain Fiero Teranzik was a great many things. He lived a life that began in enemy hands, but when finally freed, he worked to ensure that few others would have to suffer a similar fate. He loved life in a way that few others could, having known hardship - he lived it as a celebration, every day that much more the precious for what he had experienced.

"As a commanding officer, he was hard but fair, maintaining structure and dignity while allowing those of us under his command to learn and grow as soldiers. I served under his command in two divisions, in two separate but related ways, and it was an honor to do so. As a teacher, which he was, he was equally hard but fair - he didn't take no for an answer. You didn't just try. You did, and you did well, and there were no exceptions made for error.

"As a friend, he was understanding, yet challenging, encouraging me to become more, holding out hope that I would. He was a part of one of the three trials I undertook to become a priest, and I will not forget that... nor just how hard he struck with that spear in doing it. He took great enjoyment from the Festivals, in masked balls and revelry, from the simplest of poker games to the most elegant of events. His hounds were treasured companions, and he had a gentle hand with them.

"When he fell, he did so with honor, fighting the Shamibelians on the soil of Ellish. He died where he had once lived, while in the process of freeing that city. There has been much of talk of sacrifice since claiming Ellish, but he knew exactly what the sacrifice would entail, what failure could mean - capture again, death at best. And again, failure was not an option. He fought, taking grievous injury from the tower there, and while he did not die on the battlefield, he held on to life long enough to hear that the city of Ellish had been freed, and that his sacrifice was not in vain." Kelarik breaks his position for just a moment to retrieve a knife from his boot, detailed in Republic colors, and steps forward to lay it on the side of the bier, murmuring something to Fiero's still form. Then, stepping back in formation, he lapses into silence once more, his eyes going back to staring into the crowd without focus.

Kelarik gave you exceptionally sharp bronze knife with black and green. Kelarik whispers "You'll never be unarmed, you'll never be without protection. Unot carry you safely home, and bring you swiftly back." *Firan*

Asishon moves forward to address the crowd. His lips purse and he watches from Xamori to Fiero on the bier. His eyes then flicker across Fiero's children as he speaks, "My Brothers and I said when we left Ellish that we would return to it to end the slavery there. Out of the three of us, Fiero, Galanthis and myself…. Fiero was always the hero. He was not only the one to do things well, but he was the one who could make the right choice. Galanthis was strong and true, but Fiero, Fiero was the hero. So once again Fiero is the hero, a hero for us all, like so many names that we have heard and repeated in these last weeks. But I've heard many tell about Fiero as he served and as he fought, no doubt there are many here who will speak of that, knowing that part of him, better than I. Instead, I would speak of him as happy.

As youths Fiero, even amongst slaves was the one around which people would flock. Fiero was the one who would take up people's problems and resolve them. I'm sure there are many of you here tonight who have seen that, who have had Fiero help you fix things you believed could not be fixed. I know I certainly have, and I always told him one of these days his meddling would come back to haunt him. I always felt though that he took too much upon himself, Fiero the Fine Fiddler. I believed that he would frustrate himself, so I always tried to cheer him up. He was smarter than me though, as usual. For he did find a good love, a good life, his own away from his duties to family, and clans, and Republic. He found Lady Xamori Teranzik, who made my brother happy.

My brother was a good man, a noble man, a dutiful soldier and husband. These things we know. I hope all of you who remember him, remember him happy. The things that he shared with you in joy, that we may all remember him not only as free, honorable and dutiful. But as the happy man I know he was, thanks to the love and friendship he had from so many of you. Thank you." Asishon manages to get through the small speech with a minimal of jokes and nonsense, but it's clear by the end that his hands are shaking. So he reaches back for a pair of paintings steadying his hands. One he approaches Xamori to place nearby not quite able to look into her face, the other he's quickly turning to place by Fiero even as he clasps his brother's arm and whispers something more before offering louder, "Rest a time, enjoy it while you can. You hear them all they want you back soon okay?"

Asishon whispers "You promised, okay? Be up there in the air. You promised. Not forever... just for now." *Firan*

"I don't usually like Bears," Alastor begins, apparently following a recent trend that's going around, of saying somewhat controversial things in temples. Nothing like insulting half the assembled people here in the first few words out of his mouth. "But Lord Fiero, we got along. And I liked him, a lot. I met him when I was in the First, as a kid and then as an adult, and he was always fair. He would try to teach people things, too, and I've talked to him about things that I don't talk to many people about, so he's a Bear I'm actually glad I got to know a little."

Alessandro clears his throat. "Lord Captain Fiero was someone I never really had a chance to meet with before this last war season. However, he was such a man that one didn't need to know him to know of all of the greatness that he surrounded his life in. Words like loyalty, honor, and bravery are thrown around loosely at the funerals of the dead...but this man truly represented all of these terms. When the Republic has men plotting against it, Lord Captain Fiero was there to save us. And when us, his fellow soldiers, needed him to give everything he had for us, for Firan, and for victory, Lord Captain Fiero was there." he says, smiling. "Many people know I often give Guard's a hard time about being Soldiers... however, I can honestly say that Lord Captain Fiero was a fine soldier, one that we can all aspire to be. So thank you, my Lord Captain, for giving everything so that the rest of us could be safer, and could be victorious." he says, bowing towards the pyre and going back to his seat. *Firan*

Sharin steps forward again, looking a little bit drawn at having to do this, sighing slightly. "Lord Fiero and I never went for drinks, I did not know him much outside of the 1st. But what I saw from his time in the First made me respect him, and wish that he had. He was an outstanding investigator, working hard on his cases to bring criminals to justice; he was tireless, helping on others cases as well. If you needed help interrogating a suspect, he was never too tied to help. Even if your name was going to go down on the case, he would help so that Justice could be done. And he saw Justice all the way through, from Investigation until it was done." He lets that trail off, shaking his head. "As a soldier he was just as tireless and just as fierce. Here is the soliders thate make up the heart of the Republic's army and Guard, and the Guard has lost one of the finest men it has known in his loss, as have we all." *Firan*

Srenni strides forward from her position near the back of the temple, the navy of her mourning clothes peeking out from her red and white armor. She stops before the fallen Captain, lips pressing together briefly. "I did not know Lord Fiero well, though he was at one time a Sennet. I was, however, assigned to his squad several times over the course of war, fighting with my sword to defend him and his spear." She pauses. "He fought very well, and died as any Griffon should hope to. May Lord Unot guide his soul back to us quickly." There, done. She makes her way back. *Firan*

Marsalos says, simply. "Lord Fiero was not only a soldier and a hero, but he was one of the best of men. His love for horse racing was what brought us together over drinks to talk about the Racing League, and more devoted man I had never seen...willing to encourage, willing to teach, willing to applaud the efforts of others. He deafened me up in the Judges' box every time Lady Xamori was racing." A very slight smirk, that then fades away. "He always seemed to be believe so strongly in whatever he did, whether at home or out on that field. He knew he had a duty. It's rare that someone is so inspiring, that they escape the bonds they were born into but don't simply turn their backs and forget. He took up his weapons when he could have stayed home. He went out and fought when he could have remained in Anarinuell with his family. He sacrificed everything when he could have put it all aside and said 'no'. Lord Unot keep you and guide your way, Lord Captain Fiero. With Unot's blessing we'll see you again." *Firan*

As she is already beside him Rianna merely raises her voice so others can hear her, "When we learnt that Fiero was to court my sister I was...cautious. So little was known about him. But then I met him and saw how much life he had within in. How much laughter was there. When he became a Teranzik he brought that laughter with him and filled the estate with it. For a man who had known much pain he was never unkind or ungracious. He was patient and understanding, even with me, when as many know I try most people's patience. I didn't think I would come to care for Fiero, but I did. He is my brother now and I pray that one day our souls will again be reunited so we can continue our pranks and games. I also pray that the laughter he gave us doesn't die with him." She looks over at Xamori and the children then and then becomes quiet again, her gaze facing forward once more.

Balinda says "The many wonderful testaments which have preceded me are touching and bring heartache to hear while at the same time, makes one realize just how many lives he touched. I worked with him from time to time as a consultant...a healer for the first, and always observed that he treated people with respect, even in difficult circumstances. He worked efficiently, knew his men and used their skills fully, challenged them to improve, to learn. He loved his family dearly. I sat with him while his Lady wife rested ...in the days before he came home, in the days where nothing we could do would help him. His love for them shown through time after time, and his worry was more for them...than himself and he tried to see they are taken care of now...when he can not. It enriched our lives to know him." *Firan*

Xamori gives a nod to everyone who speaks, many testaments bringing tears to her eyes which keeps under control.

Karana speaks quietly, folding her hands on the top of her cane. "In... a very dark time for my family, there were a few who sought to bring us comfort. Lord Fiero... he was kind to us and when we were exonerated, he gave me perhaps one of the greatest gifts one could give me. He maintained copies of my scrolls, my writings, my thoughts and my stories... and he gave them to me. My writings are part of my legacy to my children, to my students... and I will never forget that. That was the kind of man Lord Fiero was... a strong supporter of the law, but a man with a good heart, a good soul. I will pray very fervently for his quick return. Thank you, my Lord. For everything you have done for my temple and my family. I thank you." *Firan*

Aervani clears her throat before she begins, tone strong and true. "Lord Captain Fiero will always be someone I regard with the utmost respect. I found in him someone to look up to - a man with the strongest of loyalties to his clan and to his people as a whole. On the battlefield and off, he carried himself with integrity and strength." She turns toward Fiero's still body, speaking to him directly now. "I am so honored to have served beside you on the fields of Ellish, Lord Captain. Thank you for everything you've done -- not just for me, but for all of us. we'll never forget it." Relatively short, but to the point - that's typically how she does things -- she bows her head in respect and takes a couple of steps back to re-join the honor guard. *Firan*

Rayna approaches the pyre without much hesitation. Her family is made up of Unotians, she's used to the drill. The little Mes looks at Fiero and says quietly, maybe even so that her words don't quite carry past the first couple rows of people. "Lord Fiero, you held a very special place in my brother's and my hearts. I appreciate all you've done by him, and the knidness you've extended to our family. I pray that Lord Unot puts you into the sky as a bright star so that your Lady Wife and children may always know where to look up and find you. It is a great comfort Lord Unot gives to us, to put you somewhere where you can watch over them always, no matter where they might be. It is also a great gift that no matter where one might be, the stars are always in the sky, to be seen from any point. May you shine brightly until you return to us once more." The little Dilarik Mes curtsies her most practiced curtsy then and turns to go back to her pew.

Taleo makes his way to the front and behind Fiero's body so he can address both the crowd and Fiero himself. "Lord Fiero was a workaholic, a perfectionist. He was sorta moody for a man. He was tough. Responsible. A good father. Strived for excellence. When he was doing a hundred things, he offered to do seven more. He made his wife happy, and he was a fantastic father. A noble. A captain. An Uffian apparently. The Palace District Overseer. He ran horse races. He fought. I don't know if he drank or whored much, but... he was not born like we were. He was raised a slave. From the first moments of his life he was told his life was not his own. He was made to watch his mother be beaten, his family tortured, and he was told his life meant nothing. When he was rescued.. by Lord Docci of all people... he came to a city that didn't accept him. They called him a Drikkist. A slaver. They spat at him. I have not met all of the Sennets that returned from Ellish but I'm sure at least one or two more are rotten and deserve our scourge.... But not Lord Fiero. No. I met the man I saw into his heart, and his heart was honest and true. I experienced slavery for only a few years as a child, and I could hardly imagine what he must have gone through. Sure.. there were times we disagreed intellectually, there were times he turned left instead of right. But his heart, that was always in the right place. And I hope his children carry on have his spirit. Lord Fiero's soul was raised under the worst of conditions, but it kept true. Lady Xamori introduced him to me, and I gladly brought him into the Teranzik family. I'm glad he spent the years with us that he did. He died heroically, of course, but his heroism started far before this war. Thank you Lord Fiero. You'll be remembered." With that, Taleo goes back to sit down. *Firan*

Asishon twitches. Considering there is an increasing lack of Sennets who came from Ellish he looks mildly disgruntled at Taleo's comments of a scourge...

Giana rises to her feet and approaches the bier. Her voice comes softly, soberly. She does not bother speaking to the gathered crowd, it seems. She simply speaks. "From the day I took the Sennet name, Fiero embraced me as a sister. We had never met before, but that did not seem to matter to him. All that mattered was that I was now a Sennet. He was the first to treat me like family; the first to teach me what it means to bear that honor - to teach me that it is, truly, an honor. I cannot put words to how greatly I will miss him and how much he meant to me at a time when I felt so very foreign to all that was around me. He was among too few to whom I could always appeal for aid, support, and advice." She looks down at Fiero and whispers, "Thank you, Brother." She walks briskly back to her seat with her head bowed again, this time to hide the gloss of tears welling in her eyes. *Firan*

Eriden clears his throat, and speaks quietly. "From the moment I first met Lord Fiero, he offered me his advice and his guidance, helping me find my place in the Bear Clan military, and the clan itself. When I rose to the position of a royal guard, he was one of the first to congratulate me, and not only did he help me find a Bear noble sponsor, he offered to be that sponsor himself. When I found myself wanting to court Mes Soliana, not only did Lord Fiero offer me advice, he stepped in and spoke to her family for me. He was a hero, and a true nobleman, and I will miss him more than I know how to say." With a quiet prayer, he takes his seat next to his family once more. *Firan*

Carina tilts her head, her eyes widening slightly as the Viceroy speaks, her gaze then flitting upon the other Sennets present.

Nilara looks about the temple room... For perhaps the first time since she entered. A look of quiet guilt taints her the features of her face as she says before everyone. There's a pause of silence from her, and the uncertainty in her eyes could lead a person to believe she may not speak at all, and instead turn for the door... Or sit back down and return to hiding her face from the mourners. Finally, her mouth falls open to speak... She breathes in sharply, then begins, "Before Lord Fiero was suppose to leave for War, he brought me into his and my Lady Mother's room to speak with me. He told me about how he was going to war... He told me how he'd miss me and how he'd return soon." A phantom smile haunts her mouth, her eyes tainted with regret. She looks off and at no one in particular. "What did I say then? ... I said... I'd refuse to acknowledge him leaving. That I wouldn't wish him well... That I'd only see him return and it be, to me, as if he'd never gone somewhere dangerous at all. I look back now... And I can't help but feel the weight of what my reaction. How I never truly got to see him off the way he deserved." She speaks now to Lord Fiero instead of everyone else, "I've said this to you before, and I say it again now. I'm am truly and completely sorry for not giving you..." Lady Nilara sighs deeply and shakes her head. "What you deserved. I acknowledge this now. You were a good man. You were a good father. You were /my/ father... And I say this now as I should have said it to you then... I'll miss you." *Firan*

The last one to get up and speak is, of course, Xamori. She stands from her bench and moves to the front of the temple, near her husband's head. "When Fiero and I chose to ask the Viceroy's permission to marry, I think that it surprised many people. We grew up in two completely different worlds and we were two very different people. Fiero would have told you that he was in love with me the moment he saw me. It didn't happen that way for me. I was cautious and skeptical. He spent months - not trying to win my affection, but to win my friendship. He always said that strong friendship was a foundation that anything could be built upon. A solid foundation to withstand the weight of building a life together. He won my friendship, but he had not yet won my heart." She pauses briefly as works hard to keep herself composed with the tears now coming freely.

"Fiero won my heart the day he bought a matching set of simple platinum rings for myself and my daughter, Lady Nilara. He did not win my heart because it was platinum, or because it was pretty. He won my heart because he spent nearly every steni he had to get them made just to see us smile. He promised that day that he would love and watch over both of us from that day on. For the first time I saw past the platinum and saw the meaning behind the ring. I realized then that he was the kind of man who would give every last possession he had just to make the people he loves happy. That was the day that my entire world changed. I realized that he didn't see the beautiful clothing and jewelry, or that my hair was styled perfectly. He saw the woman behind all of those things. He saw the woman he knew I could be."

"Fiero did not see wealth and success in the size of his wardrobe or the size of his bank account, as I had. He measured wealth in the relationships to his family and friends. He taught me that those are the things that truly matter in this life. He was such a simple, understated man who had the heart and passion of a giant. He grounded me and opened my eyes to the world. Hearing his stories of his boyhood in Ellish, seeing the passion and despair in his eyes. He made me understand what true injustice is and he made me truly understand the importance of freedom. He lit a fire in my soul and for once I felt brave and strong, which is why I went to the front this year. How could I not?"

Xamori says "Someone once told me that when she and her husband were forced to divorce, that she missed the little things. Like seeing his tunic draped over the chair in her bedroom. I did not...could not understand what she meant, as I had never loved a man in such a way. I wish to tell her now that I understand completely. I miss seeing pieces of his Republic armor all over the room. I miss hearing him working on scrolls late into the night, the sound of the quill scratching on the papyrus. His things remain where he put them, as I have not had the heart to move them. His tunic still hangs on the back of the chair where he left it, and it will remain there, so that I never forget. I am not referring to him, as I never could forget him, but everything he taught me and everything brought to my life."

"I believe that the only thing you can hope for in a marriage is that your spouse makes you a better person. A stronger person. Fiero did that."

With that said, Xamori leans down and kisses the forehead of her husband one last time and whispers something into his ear. Those final words between a husband and wife. She steps back as her kids one by one put their drawings of their father on him, their last small, but meaningful tribute to their father. Before stepping down, she takes the bulla off of him and clutches to her chest much like the spear. Taking her seat, she whisper something to Taleo before covering her face with the corner of her stola for a moment. " *Firan*

Fidelia waits a moment or two before continuing, as if fearful of treading on the widow's moment. She pulls an owl feather from the pouch at her waist and fingers it for a moment before continuing, "Born in slavery and escaped from Ellish to win such love. A life to remember." She leaves it at that; for everything else has been said. "Pray now, for the soul of Lord Fiero Teranzik." *Firan*

Fidelia raises her hand and lets the owl feather drop, the scrap of fluff drifting onto the dead man's chest. She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders, and murmurs, "Give him wings to fly, to touch the stars. Take him and ward him well, Lord Unot." And, with that, she takes the torch and sets it to the pyre. *Firan*

Fidelia performs the last funeral rites for Corpse of Fiero, igniting the body. Flames engulf the remains, glowing embers floating skyward and into the heavens.

Daemio watches the pyre, stiff an unyielding except for where his hand rests over Giana's.

Asishon closes his eyes tight as much to fight tears as prayer. He sighs turning then to watch the wind pick up with embers and smoke. He tries to sing and realizes hmmm yeah he still doesn't know how to sing.

As Fidelia sets Fiero on fire, Xamori stares at the pyre watching it burn in an almost trancelike state, taking Nilara and Geeya into each of her arms and holding onto them tightly as she squeezes the hands of her boys.

Nilara leans against her mother stiffly, the muscles in her small body tight as if she's unwilling to rest.