Graciana's Funeral - part 2
From FiranMUX
Anarinuell: Palace District -- Temple of Soli
The central room of the temple is spacious and warm, the circular floor ringed by arching columns of white and pearl grey marble reaching to the high ceiling. Set within an outer ring of blue rimmed with gold, the tiled floor bears the comforting sign of Mother Soli in the center. A stone basin of clear, scented water is set just inside the entrance, and the spicy aroma of incense wafts out from censers hanging down from the dark wood rafters arching above. A smooth, attractive pink and grey granite altar opposite the entrance also bears the sign of Mother Soli carved into the front. Two doors in the back wall, on either side of the altar, lead to private quarters and private consulting rooms. Sunlight fills the room with a warm glow.
Contents: ~;*Vine and flower woven basket*;~ 5 echinacea flowers 5 buttercup flowers 14 iris flowers 5 lavender flowers 5 rose flowers Vase with Figures of Children Large Marble Sculpture of Priestess Graciana
Fidelia tweaks her own hairpins for a moment, fingers resting on them. After a moment, she speaks, and her voice, although a little thick with tears, is steady. "I did not have the fortune to be raised by Graciana, for I grew up not in this city. Nor did she and I immediately get along...she was preoccupied in telling me about my hairpins and what to wear and how to be proper, and at the time...I wasn't interested." Her mouth quirks a little, a wry smile at her own folly. "But, beyond all that, I loved Graciana...because it was impossible not to. Because there was such a love coming from her I cannot help but love her back. She had a very special gift...a talent...for taking care of others, of bossing and fussing and loving them to pieces. She, along with my aunt...tried very hard to teach me things I would not absorb them." She takes a deep breath. "Almost the last thing my aunt said to me before she left was 'Look after Graciana. She needs someone to fuss over. It may be you.' And I feel I failed them both...as others said, Graciana would always be there, and I would have something more pressing. But she is gone now...and with her passes more than just her -- the world is changing; the old world is being replaced by a new; which we must face without her. But the love she gave doesn't die...and we must not think of the world as being one without her, but one in which we must learn to _become_ her. Take care of those you love. Feed them, nag them about what is right, give them hairpins when their hair is loose," she says with a touch of wry humour, touching hers again, "And, just...take care. That way Graciana will never be gone."
Nydiam pulls at his chin and watches the ceremony quietly. He sniffs light, and then glances around the temple.
Fidelia leaves the line at a slow pace, pausing to fuss with Graciana's palla before once again taking her place behind Nalia, shoulders shaking a little with repressed sobs, chin high.
Philander removes his Republic Issued Centurion's iron helmet.
Zeysani is silent as she listens to the words praising Graciana. Every once in a while she leans down to explain something softly to Zaridos.
Jalil rubs his cheeks with the backs of his fists, his lips contorted inward as he fights sobs.
Junia slips back into her seat, for the moment, completely ignoring Philander's presence. She's managed to get herself under control, now that she's not facing
Graciana directly. With a tiny sigh at Fidelia's speech, she leans her head against Philander's shoulder.
Nalia closes her eyes, tightly, at Fidelia's words. She can't cry, she's running this. No, no. Just.. dust. Dust in her eyes, that's it.
The Chimeran proxy smiles faintly at Fidelia's words as he moves to take his turn. As he steps forward, he swallows a few times to try and clear the lump in his throat. "I said what I thought of the High Priestess in a speech before," Sabinus finally says. "So all I can do now is say goodbye. There are many people who taught me lessons in this life. I learned honor from my grandfather, General Riss. I learned religious dedication from my father. I learned political dedication from my mother. And from Graciana..." Now a soft laugh, and a faintly shy smile. "From Graciana, I learned propriety, and common sense. I don't think I ever had a chance to tell her how much a chiding word from her - softened with a raspberry cake - over some foolish action was able to affect the little boy who fancied himself Queen Sabine's bodyguard." Now Sabinus turns to look at Graciana for a moment, and then back. "She affected so many people that way. So many of the leaders of today's Republic... she had as much a hand in shaping what we are today as any of the Heroes did. She was just...quieter." Swallowing again to try and clear that lump from his throat, Sabinus turns to Graciana again. Years of guard experience have shaped him, and so silently he offers a respectful salute to Graciana's still form... holding his hand in position for a long moment, before he bows slightly. "You will be missed, Dame Graciana." And then he turns away, to let the next person take their place, grief still in his gaze.
A smile touches Udette's lips at the mention of hairpins, reaching up to lightly touch her own as if to ensure that they are indeed in place.
Taria lets out a sound of pain as Fidelia ties it up all so neatly and reminds them that they are out on the unchartered waters now, without their heroes, without their Graciana figures, and that someone has to take up the banner.
Oriana stands quietly nearby, watching the speakers, her brown eyes half closed, she leans down and gently kisses the head of the sleeping baby she carries.
Standing as tall as the petite Lady Yasha can, of course wearing the rich pair of elianosite-ornamented hairpins, she holds her youngest cousin close, Talion quiet in her arms. Gathering her thoughts for a time she finally says "Unlike all those others speaking in remembrance, I have not known Dame Graciana for a long time. In truth, I was commanded to see her and take lessons from her, about some rash and despicable behaviour of mine, to make amends and learn propriety. I praise the day it was ordered. It was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Not once did she condemn me for my deeds. She offered warmth and understanding, and knowledge, gifts I happily accepted. And then...then she gave me another gift. The gift of trust in me. Before the gods I accepted that trust and would never ever let her down, and the most grievous pain of her passing to me is that I was never able to let her know how much this gesture meant to me. I missed my chance of telling her how much she meant to me. Rest well with Unot, Dame Graciana, and thank you for your gifts that shaped me. Because of you I know the word is powerful." She closes her eyes and at last tears spill over as she turns back to return to Mauvia's side.
Philander holds his helmet in his lap, listening intently as those that knew Graciana give words on her life. Having never even met her before himself, though he probably wishes he did now, he keeps a somber expression on his face. Glancing aside to Junia when she rests her head on his shoulder, he only sits more still, forcing a smile as he speaks quietly, "Hey.." Not saying anything else though, he quiets down again and listens to the next two people's words about the High Priestess.
Jalil sniffles.
Quonasi sighs softly and wipes at his eyes with his free hand, still holding Taleena closely.
Taria finally manages to usher herself and her children, her servants, and Quonasi, closer to Jalil, at which point she takes Ojitar's hand, and puts it in Jalil's. The little boy looks up and smiles a little, but also sniffles.
Nydiam quirks a sad smile and scratches the back of his neck.
At the words of her neices speech, Nalia finds herself pausing a moment, collecting herself, and whping at her eyes with slightly shaking hands. A deep breath, and she takes her place. "Dame High Priestess Graciana was many things, to many people. To me, she was a respected peer in the religious community, a true woman of grace, and most importantly, someone I was lucky enough to call friend." Nalia is one who can usually keep her stoic visage during a funeral, but not this one. She's even in hairpins, rather than her usual tiara. She'd never gotten to ask the Dame what she thought of those, after all. "She was a saver of lives, and a shaper of them. We, as a people, have much to thank her for, but I thank her for my own reasons, here and now. My life is richer for having known her, and I am only glad my son, even still an infant, got the pleasure to meet this fine Dame before she left us." Another pause, composing herself before speaking a brief bit longer. "Her loss to us is great, but to Unot, it is a gain of tremendous proportions. Her star will shine brightly in the sky, before she will look out to us from the eyes of another, a lucky one who will hold her soul. Unot and Soli will received a great gift this day. I will... miss you, Graciana. More than I think I thought I would. Travel... well." She says, and turns back with a glance towards Graciana before stepping aside for the next person to speak, taking up her place and turning to watch Fidelia, and after a touch of hesitation, gives Fidelia's arm a soft pat.
Olena allows a lone tear to escape as she listens to her good friend speak. She takes a deep breath to compose herself, letting her gaze scan the crowd as if to distract herself.
Jalil squeezes the little hand of his son, looking down at him even as he wipes his own eyes. They fill up with tears again. Graciana would like having the children here, he thinks to himself. Thoughts of politics are far away from him at this point, and he gently strokes his hand over Ojitar's head and gives him a wink and the best smile he can muster.
Yasha sits back down next to Mauvia again, shedding her tears quietly, and even her perpetually scowling little brother Marsalos doesn't say anything rude now and instead climbs into Yasha's lap, to lean against her, a bit tiredly.
Oriana steps up quietly, her tiny baby daughter sleeping in her arms. Her gentle eyes looking out for a moment over all the important people assembled here. She closes her brown eyes a moment and takes a deep breath "Dame Graciana, our beloved High Priestess of Soli..." she says, glancing once back to the body "There is not a lot I can say about her that people here do not already know or have said before. She was the most wonderful, kind, caring person that I know, she never mocked or scorned, but took time to explain things gently and carefully that we may benefit from her wisdom and further our own understanding to help others. She was always active in helping anyone that she could, even until the end she railed against confinement that prevented her from doing just this." She sighs softly "We will miss her so very much, there is no one that can ever take her place, nor would we want anyone to, she was truly one of a kind." She glances down to her little baby "I wish in many ways that she could have stayed here forever so that all might have known her and my daughter could have grown up knowing her through more than just tales of her. But then we were lucky indeed to have the time with her that we did and I thank the Gods for giving me the time that I did know her. Her presence will always be in my heart and her words will always be heard in my thoughts, even though I can never again ask for her aid in my life, I can reflect on that which she has already taught me and I believe there can be no more sound a base for anyone, than that she has already passed on to us. Thank you dear High Priestess," she whispers "thank you so much for your guidance, it will be hard without you, we are children compared to you and we can only hope to grow in your likeness. You will always be with us, with Soli, in her temple as all of us there will never forget you, it is your home." She steps away quietly, the tears beginning to flow from her gentle eyes as she turns to curtsy carefully to the body of Graciana.
Inaya moves closer to the front of the line, dabbing at her eyes from time to time as she listens to the words of the other speakers and wishes that there were no need for this sad ceremony.
Quonasi nods to himself after a moment and, still holding Taria's only daughter, gets into the speakers' line.
Junia places her hand lightly on top of Philander's and links her fingers with his own. Politics be damned right now, she just wants what comfort he can provide her. Tilting her head up a little, she offers him a slight smile then whispers in his ear.
Inaya tries to maintain her composure as she stands up to speak about Nanny Graciana. One of the founding forces in her life. "What can I say about Dame Graciana. She was my Nanny. She was always an influence on our household. She was an influence on my Grandmother Sabine and my mother Selene. And my Uncles, and brother.. She was a source of love and wisdom...." Inaya smiles through her tears, "..and her raspberry glazed cakes." Taking a breath, she continues, "I learned my first lessons in healing from her, and teaching, and childrearing. She taught me other things, too. And helped me get ready for my first wedding. Nanny Graci was so generous ith her time and love. And I know everyone said it, but I'm truly going to miss her. You know, when I saw her only a few weeks ago, and was surprised to find her in bed. I wish I had known how ill she really was. I am sorry that she's not going to be around to watch Torianos grow and to help raise him." With that, Inaya's tears start to flow more and she turns to look at Graciana, "Goodbye, Nanny Graci. I loved you, I'll miss you.." And with that, she sobs and steps down, giving her place to someone else to share their memories.
Hearing 'nanny' spoken so many times sets Jalil off again. His head slump forward and tears drip onto the floor. His shoulders shake as he cries.
Fidelia bows her head as the princess speaks, her pride softening. A tear runs over the curve of her cheek.
Which sets off Taria, who reaches out and puts her hand on his shoulder, and runs it down his back comfortingly.
Nydiam watches Taria and Jalil, as he looks away from Inaya. He shakes his head sadly and sighs heavily.
Sabinus bows his head as well as Inaya speaks. Still no tears - Sabinus did not cry openly even at his grandfather's funeral - but there's an almost palpable aura of grief around the young proxy.
Ibania looks around, and catches sight of Nydiam. And unconsciously straightens, looking away again rapidly.
Inessa catches Ibania's movement and her gaze follows hers and a golden brow lifts slightly, giving Nydiam a look before patting Ibania's shoulder comfortingly and then going back to listening to those speaking.
Ladeena enters the Sacred Path.
Ladeena has left.
Quonasi steps up as Inaya finishes speaking, moving to the front of the line and clearing his throat, softly. "I did not know High Priestess Graciana as well as I would have liked to. I knew her mostly through the stories of others. Through the good works she performed daily in an attempt to make life better for everyone. And it saddens me that I will never get a chance to know her better, now." He pauses, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "But that sadness is tempered with the knowledge that, as Soli's faithful servant, she will be welcomed into the warmth of Unot's embrace and will linger there for a time before returning to us. She is not lost to us...only taking a small break from the waking world. And truely, has not she more than anyone earned it? She helped raise some of our greatest leaders. She has had a greater influence on the Republic than almost anyone else. She has lived a very long, very full life, bringing joy and happiness to those who might otherwise know only pain. She has earned her rest. I only hope that when her soul returns to us that my children will be blessed to have whoever she returns as watching over them."
Philander smiles, albeit sadly, as Junia whispers to him. Squeezing her fingers lightly, he just nods back to her, pausing to listen to the Princess' words, which seems to only make him more sad and somber as well. Nodding back to Junia again after a brief glance about the Great Temple, his gaze drifting over those that have already spoken, and the many more that came out to the funeral and haven't spoken, he says quietly, "I know, Junia.. I'm sure I would have.." Moving his hand from hers, to turn the palm up and turn it to the side, his fingers again crossing hers though, giving her hand another light squeeze.
There is sadness in Zeysani's gaze but there will be no tears. The republic has lost a citizen full of wisdom and knowledge, things that can be very difficult to replace. She glances over at her brother suddenly, bright eyes appraising.
Isik looks up once more as the trail of those wishing to speak of the departed woman slow and cease, swallowing a bit with his face set in a solemn cast.
Marsalos puts a grubby hand to Yasha's tear-stained face. Nice, sticky fingers leaving raspberry stains on her face. The Iberik lady smiles down at her brother, kissing the top of his head, to his greatest disgust and then rocks Talion gently. No hands free to dab at her face.
Udette chews her lip as she listens in silence to each memorial. Finally, it seems to be too much for the farmer and she eases out, as silently as she entered.
Udette enters the Sacred Path.
Udette has left.
Nalia looks about, and seeing none others in the line, sighs heavily with another glance towards Graciana. All the words are spoken. The time grows near, and she starts anew, head held high, and she starts into prayer, her lightly trembling hands tucking into the arms of her robes. "Lord Unot, Mother Soli, and Zutiv himself, please guide our beloved Graciana to your light. We ask you to keep her and bless her as we have, and thank you, thank you for the time we were blessed to have her with us. Now," She says, her head bowing softly, "If you all could join me, and bow your head in prayer."
Sabinus bows his head in silent prayer, giving a brief puzzled glance at those who interrupt the moment of silence for Graciana by singing.
Nydiam murmurs his prayers and then after a long moment of silence, Nydiam looks up at Nalia.
As the prayers continue, Nalia reaches into the pouch attached to the belt of her temple robes, and removes an owl feather from it's folds. She'd come prepared, after all, and approaches Graciana's body, sighing with a heavy sound. Her eyes fill with unshed tears, and she brings one hand to her lips, pressing to keep the emotion inside as she readies the feather to drop. "Safe travels, Graciana. We love you." Her hand with the feather rises, and lets it fall gracefully towards her chest. Her other hand removes from her lips and reaches back for the waiting torch, and with her head held high, lights the pyre aflame.
Nalia performs the last funeral rites for Corpse of Graciana, igniting the body. Flames engulf the remains, glowing embers floating skyward and into the heavens. Unot
Jalil looks up to watch his ol' nanny go, finally. He can't look away, knowing this is the last time he'll ever see Graciana, yet his vision is blinded by salty, stinging tears. He begins singing with the rest, deep, low, and sad.
Isik's breath catches in his throat and he bows his head with his eyes held tightly shut. Perhaps the distance and reserve that he maintained to is not so easy amidst the shared grief and love of those gathered.
And this is the part of the ceremony that freaks the little kids out, but Taria's have seen it before. Still, their eyes widen at the sight of the torch, and Taria isn't even immune to it. For some reason, to burn Graciana is a hard thing to contemplate... and she lowers her face.
Sabinus attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Isik begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of his voice.
Yasha attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Ibania attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Oriana begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Nydiam begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of his voice.
Quonasi begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of his voice.
Fidelia begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Nalia opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Sabinus discovers to his chagrin that it's impossible to sing with a lump in your throat.
Ibania discovers the same thing.
Yasha swallows hard and joins the club.
Nalia still isn't sure how she found the strength to push the flame forward, and sings in a state of shock, her eyes fixated on the pyre before her.
Ibania does try once more. It just isn't...right to fail.
Olena sings softly with the rest, her eyes fixed on the funeral pyre.
Sabinus begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of his voice.
Mauvia begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Yasha opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Philander attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Isik wails a Ticanee lament for the dead in a low, sorrow voice.
Quonasi sings quietly, rocking Taleena gently in his arms. His voice is sad, but filled with the hope of reincarnation.
Ibania begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Olena begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Junia attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Fidelia keeps her eyes fixed on the pyre even as it goes up in flames. There goes Graciana. There goes a little more of the past. And she needs to know that she is strong enough to watch it go.
Oriana watches the funeral pyre, tears openly running down her cheek. She cuddles her little baby closely to her, singing softly and praying quietly.
Waiting and watching, Mauvia joins the others in singing the funeral song, her eyes all blotchy and red from crying. She pulls Ty even closer as he tries to mimic everyone else and sing as well.
Inaya opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Mauvia opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Nydiam joins the chorus in the funeral song. He shoots a glance towards Zeysani briefly, and then lets his gaze drift towards Ibania and Diamia.
Fidelia begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Jalil attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Mauvia begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Jalil doesn't care how bad he sings. He manages the best he can through barely contained sobs.
Lianna attempts to sing the sad words of the funeral song, but cannot seem to remember the words -- or the key signature.
Once past the lump in her throat, Yasha does quite well at singing, always having had a good voice. Watching the children closely, she lifts her voice in song again, watching the pyre, tears on her face again.
Yasha opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Quonasi wails a Ticanee lament for the dead in a low, sorrow voice.
Ibania reaches back for Diamia, from Inessa.
Taria looks over at Isik sharply when she realizes he's not Ticanee.
Taria wails a Ticanee lament for the dead in a low, sorrow voice.
Inaya wails a Ticanee lament for the dead in a low, sorrow voice.
Lianna tries to sing, but finds she is sniffling too much to sing, the words sticking in her throat.
Junia opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Inessa smiles weakly and hands over Diamia back to Ibania, who had fallen asleep in her arms.
Nydiam begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of his voice.
Fidelia opens their mouth, and begins to sing a Ticanee lament to the dead. The eerie notes and heartfelt meaning are full of the greatest grief.
Inessa sets down the Toddler Diamia.
Philander opens his mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. His voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Jalil almost joins in with Taria. He knows the words, even knows what they mean. But it wouldn't be right.
Mauvia begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
Fidelia opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Olena opens her mouth and lets out the most bittersweet version of the funeral song that you've ever heard. Her voice carries clear and grief-stricken, as if it commands the very Gods to listen.
Nalia begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of her voice.
There is only one such song that Mauvia knows, in her small repertoire of songs, and that's the funeral song itself. She murmurs softly to Ty, teaching him some of the words, before continuing her own singing.
Sabinus watches the pyre ignite, and the body of Soli's faithful priestess take flame. As the smoke climbs higher, Sabinus watches the funeral fire...as though seeking answers in its dance and movement. There's a faintly lost look on the young proxy's face; in so many ways, with the Heroes gone, Graciana was the last tie to the early Republic and even the days before the Republic. Sabinus swallows once more, eyes stinging from the smoke and unable to shake the feeling that a piece of the Republic's history, a piece of Firan legacy, has just been burned and lost.
Ibania gently adjusts Diamia, her expression closed, taut. A glance to Nydiam, and she almost calls out, but turns away.
Sabinus begins the low mournful wail of the funeral song, filling the air with the sadness of his voice.
Isik shakes his head quietly and finally turns to leave, unable to stay longer as he shows his sadness, his... regret at the Dame's passing in every manner that he can, the mixed strains of Ticanee and Firan parting appropriate for this woman who, by all accounts, saw... only people. Not noticing the sharp look, he leaves the temple.
Isik enters the Sacred Path.
Isik has left.
Oriana stays quietly nearby the pyre, her eyes on the flames althought she hardly sees them through the tears the cloud her vision.
Zeysani moves over to Nydiam and takes his hand. Zaridos she managed to keep from seeing the pyre be lit, there was a good reason to stay to the back of the temple. As the flames continue she takes a deep breath, her expression stoic.
Philander manages to get the words out well after choking on them. Glancing about at all of the singers, and then to the pyre, the grief of it all apparently getting to him as well. Forcing another smile, though it's sad despite his best efforts for it not to be, he squeezes Junia's hand a last time, letting go of it though, "I have to go.. sorry.." Hesitating for a moment, but giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, apparently not sure if it was 'proper' or not, but turning and heading quickly towards the exit now all the same.
Olena finally falls silent, simply watching others express their grief.
Nydiam nods to Zeysani and offers her a sad smile. He looks to the pyre, thoughtfully.
After several long minutes, the flames burn down until there are naught but embers, and eventually these also die out. But instead of a grey ash where the body of Soli's High Priestess once lay, there is now a dusting of pristine white sand.
