Itsaki
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
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Post by Itsaki on Jan 16, 2009 3:06:24 GMT -5
Anor listened to the man intently. Yes, he remembered the elves. Anor nodded, but he walked away before he could say anything. “Yes, he is a strange old man, but he knows his skill.” Anor followed her back towards the dining hall. “Our calendar has seven months with seven days per week. The days are Mari, Nomari, Dasri, Nari, Veniri, Ariari, and Borinari. The months are Aro, Masik, Daren, Goro, Nasten, Gohir, and Neafor. There are 52 days in a month. It was four days after the new year.” Anor sat back down, preparing for what food would come next.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Jan 20, 2009 1:26:10 GMT -5
"Huh." Kaelia said noncommittally, letting this information mull about in her head. She let Anor leave, looking at the tapestry a moment more before following. She was one of the last to retake her seat, but that didn't bother the princess in the least. Once everyone was reseated and comfortable, the servers came out once more, this time carrying plates with a bowl in the center. On the plates were a small, delicate fruit that resembled purple strawberries. In the bowl was a rich, dark chocolate pudding with a hint almond flavoring. As these were served, the elves promptly picked up the strawberry-like fruits and dipped them into the chocolate, eating the whole fruit. (In other words, there are no leaves.) While eating, Salo' spoke again to Itsaki and Anor. "For the procession tonight, you and I will walk in the lead, Kaelia behind me and Anor behind you. My people have already spoken to your men, and a mix of Siranian and Sindarian elves will carry each fallen elf on a wooden palette in a line behind us. It is a long walk to the sacred ground and will take perhaps 30 minutes to get there. At that point, each elf will be burned individually, one at a time so each gets their proper respects due to them. "Each funeral pyre will be lit by both of the torches we will be carrying, lit by the purple flame. It is an eternal fire that burns in the very bottom level of this castle and is believed to be divine in origin. Before each pyre is burned, a few words are spoken about the fallen elf, then the sacred blessing. Since I know not your men, you will obviously get to speak about them. Is all to your satisfaction? I don't want to insult your warriors by any means, so please tell me if you would like something to be done differently or added." Kaela paused eating for a moment to listen to her brother's explanation of the funeral procession. 'They are always so beautiful.' Kaelia thought to Anor solemnly, resuming her dessert. 'So many flowers, elves, and candles. That's why they are always done at night. Not to mention the stars are believed to be the eyes of the gods, and therefore the spirits can go straight to their patron gods and goddesses.'
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Itsaki
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
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Post by Itsaki on Jan 20, 2009 4:46:52 GMT -5
"Yes, that will be fine. Me and my men will prepare the bodies. Tarya will go to Akess and get the men's families and their dress armor and swords. It is customary that the men be burned with their battle swords on their chests and their dress swords at their hips, with their bow and arrows of their backs. Thank you, Prince Salogem, for honoring our fallen men." Itsaki said. He ate the delicious fruit and the warm chocolate, but his mind was elsewhere. 'I'm sure it is beautiful, but there isn't anything beautiful for me about a funeral. When I died, there was a grand procession, but I was never buried or burned, the God Coristor had other plans for me. I am just glad that our men are being honored in such a way.' Anor replied to Kaelia.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Jan 20, 2009 12:57:15 GMT -5
"Our city would have been lost if not for you and your men. It is only right that they be honored. And of course we will wait while you retrieve the families and weaponry. I trust you have a special, quick way of transportation?" Salogem said, finishing his dessert and pushing it away. Kaelia remained silent both mentally and vocally for a while, her mind mulling things over slowly. The final wines were served, and once everyone was finished with that, Salogem stood up. "That concludes the feast for this evening. Tonight, in exactly one hour, the funeral procession will begin. I ask you all to attend. And tomorrow, at midday, will be the coronation ceremony and the public coronation feast. I bid you farewell." He turned and walked out through the king's door to go change into the funeral garb. After the door had closed behind the prince, the dignitaries and other elves stood up and left as well through the main door, presumably to go change into their funeral clothes. "Well," Kaelia said, standing up, "I gotta go change, too. Meet me in the foyer by the front door to the castle and we can walk down together?" She asked, pausing at the main door and looking back at Itsaki and Anor. Her hair fell gently across her shoulder as her whole body curved into the half-turn.
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Itsaki
Administrator
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
Posts: 774
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Post by Itsaki on Jan 21, 2009 3:37:04 GMT -5
"Yes, teleportation is a wonderful thing." Itsaki said. They stood after the prince left, and Anor nodded to Kaelia. Anor couldn't help but stare after Kaelia, but he tried to avert his gaze. "I'll be in the sky." Anor said to Itsaki. He nodded. "Yes. I will be at Akess, I will go with Tarya and the others." Anor nodded. He walked out the front door, then out the main door of the castle. His armor vanished, sunk away beneath his skin. His fur grew out, his body lengthened, and in seconds, he was a Coristor again. He pushed himself up with his wings, flying above the castle. He found his small, very narrow passage through the thick foliage, and made his way into the dark sky. The forest spread out below him, dark and almost foreboding. Itsaki rolled the white crystal between his fingers, then the green. The room around him disappeared behind the green orb, to be replaced by the dark, torch-lit view of Akess. A few seconds later, several orbs appeared around him, and they disappeared to show Tarya and the other Siranians. "Tarya, you take the other men and tell the families. I'll go get the other men." Tarya nodded. They all vanished, and Itsaki closed his eyes. "Paean va aniboa, sorna va sanka, itsakia, anak kira." ((Across the plains, defend the heart, allies, come home.)) He said. It didn't take long for the eighty green globes to appear. Before Itsaki stood every Siranian. "Itsaki, you summoned us?" An elder Siranian asked. "Yes, Itsaki Bari. Some of our brothers have fallen in battle." "Ah. So it a sad day that you call." "Yes." "Then let us go to them." A few minutes later, after the Siranians had changed into their dress armor, they all stood in the foyer of the castle, many of them outside.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Jan 21, 2009 13:54:59 GMT -5
Kaelia smiled and disappeared through the main door. She wanted to go through the servant pathways, but knew it would be inappropriate for her to do so with so many people in the castle. She was to walk the main hallways when dressed formally. The elf made it to her room quickly, slipping in and closing the door securely behind her. Legend chirped from her bed, raising his head with a yawn. Dakota, also on the bed, did the same. "Welcome back. Dinner went well?" Dakota said, speaking strictly in animal tongue. Kaelia could understand either way the half-warg spoke, and it was easier for 'Kota to speak in her natural language. "Reasonably. Now for the funeral march." Kaelia sighed, rummaging through her closet. She pulled out a long, black dress. Simple and solid except for the laced back. Climbing out of the green dress, Kaelia wriggled into her black one, laced up the back with once-experienced fingers, then pulled out a black lace drape/veil that she tossed over her head to cover her face with. Finally she slid her feet into black leather shoes, completing the ensemble. As she headed for the door, Legend darted over and curled around her neck, Dakota walking slowly and respectfully at Kaelia's feet. She approached the group of Siranians, not really surprised at how many had come. From experience Kaelia knew that it took a lot to kill one, and even one lost was a big deal. "Welcome, all. Follow me." She said simply, walking out the door and towards the main courtyard. Many elves were gathering, and as Kaelia had said, the dead elves were on palettes with flowers and tributes from the living surrounding them. They were in a line of their position in the procession, but the order had no meaning. In the Sindarian elves' eyes, all of them were the same and rank nor race didn't matter. "We have it arranged so most of your men- warriors- will be carrying palettes along with our own guardsmen. No specific spot, just have your men pick a pole to hold. There are four carriers to one palette." She indicated the four poles on one elf's board. Salogem was already standing at the head of the to-be procession. The Siranian elves that would be carriers had already picked their spots. "Once they are settled, come up to the front, beside my brother. You will both be handed your torch of purple fire, and then start walking along the road. The path will be this road until we get into the thick forest again, then veer off the main road onto a smaller path that leads to the funeral grounds. As mentioned, it's a rather long walk, but worth it." She inclined her head to them and walked away to join her brother. She was handed a torch of normal fire, and she stood behind her brother, head lowered and her thoughts as veiled as her face.
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Itsaki
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
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Post by Itsaki on Jan 28, 2009 11:17:33 GMT -5
The many Siranians that had come, spread from fifteen families, nodded silently after Kaelia's words. It was Siranian tradition that all Siranians would remain silent in the presence of the dead, mainly out of respect. Each man chose their own place, all went to members of their own family. There was one of the Naria who had died, and so his two brothers and his father held him, as well as another Siranian who had been a warrior in his battalion. Itsaki, being the leader of the Siranians, waited until the Siranians had taken their places. When all of the spaces were filled, the remaining Siranians stood behind each of the dead. Family members, friends, warmates. When they all stood still, Itsaki walked to each of the seven dead. The only words allowed were the prayers said to each. Whispered words by the family only. Quiet chanting that spoke of hope and peace for their eternal lives. As Itsaki walked to each one, he touched them on the forhead, then opened their lifeless eyelids. The cold eyes that looked back were chilling. "Naria Serik. Oreis Taiko. Iman Has. Eiko Denis. Saramin Raki. Asira Ark'ash. Arim Brightsword." He opened the eyes of each as he passed and said their names. He and Anor took their places beside Prince Salogem and recieved the flames. They said no words. They waited as the march began. All behind them were silent.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Jan 28, 2009 14:49:01 GMT -5
Once all of the Siranian elves had taken their places, everyone began to walk forward, following the main road. Dakota trotted silently beside Kaelia, and Legend remained curled about her neck. All was silent besides the soft crunching of their shoes on the gravel, but even that seemed subdued. As the procession passed certain points, torches that had been embedded into the ground were lit with varying colors depending on the location. The city slowly began to fall behind the group, and as it did, a small, nearly invisible path was suddenly lit to their right a little ways ahead, and Salogem turned in it's direction. It was a small path, but well cared for. Flowers bloomed brightly, fireflies danced amongst them. Then, after what felt like an eternity of walking, they reached a clearing. The Funeral Grounds. In the center of the large clearing was the pyre, torches all around the area were lit, and the stars could be seen through the trees by use of ancient elven magic. From the sky this area could not be seen at all, but yet they could all quite clearly see the sky. The stars burned brightly in the vast, black canvas stretched out above them, waiting to receive the warriors and forever honor them. 'Anor, tell Itsaki that all four of us that led the procession light the pyre with our torches after a few words have been spoken about each fallen, please. I completely forgot that part.' Kaelia thought rather sheepishly to Anor. A Sindarian Royal Guard was placed on the pyre, and the Captain of the Guard stepped forward. "Guytar Marin. My Commander. I will never be able to replace you, my friend. He was a loving husband, kind father of 3, and one of my finest warriors." He bowed his head and retreated back into the line while Kaelia and Salogem stepped forward, torches out and waiting for Anor and Itsaki to join them. All torches must light at the same time.
((This doesn't have to take too painstakingly long. I used the Commander as an opener, now you can go through and name whichever Siranians you want to specifically. I will post the ending of the funeral as well as my few other Sindarian elves I wish to honor. I don't want to draw out the funeral for 10 posts. ^^'))
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Itsaki
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
Posts: 774
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Post by Itsaki on Jan 30, 2009 10:10:48 GMT -5
'The fallen have been named. Once that as been done, the Siranians present must remain silent. Only the family members can whisper their prayers. It is not a lack of honor, but of honor. But I will tell him, yes.' Anor sent back.
Anor and Itsaki stepped forward, even their footsteps seemed silent in the midst of tradition, but it could have been only a trick of the ears. The seven Siranians were placed upon the pyre. 'They were all honorable men, with families and friends, and all will recieve their rightful place in the after-paradise.They died in battle, as soldiers, as they each would have wanted.' Anor mentally broadcasted. Itsaki cast a glance at Anor, but he said not a word. It was always good to honor the fallen among others. Anor retreated beside Itsaki, and the two waited for Salogem and Kaelia.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Feb 3, 2009 16:21:05 GMT -5
The Sindarian elves watched the Siranians with rather blatant curiosity. It hadn't occurred to them that traditions of other elves might be different from their own. Carrying on with the ceremony, many more Sindarians were added to the pyre, and words were spoken about all of them in Sindarian tradition. A total of 22 Sindarians had been killed in the battle. Not a tear was shed throughout the speeches, but a sense of sadness had fallen on the crowd. When Reyann was placed on the pyre, Kaelia and Rey's mother shared a glance before the older woman stepped forward. "My daughter, I know you are in a better place now, but know that I will miss you, as will your friends. You fought valiantly this day, and we will honor your noble spirit." She stepped away, and Kaelia felt her own heart wanting to break at this loss. A few more elves followed, then it was over. All elves rested on the pyre, the final resting place of their bodies. "May the stars take you up into Sto-Vo-Kor and there your soul remain, forever happy." Salogem recited the death rite, then leaned forward, his torch touching one of the wood pyres. Kaelia's joined his, and they awaited Anor's and Itsaki's torches. The wood slowly began to take to the flames, the purple and orange mixing.
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Itsaki
Administrator
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
Posts: 774
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Post by Itsaki on Feb 4, 2009 2:44:15 GMT -5
Itsaki and Anor layed their torches against the pyre, the flames welling up and engulfing the bodies. The Siranians around them knelt, bowing to the souls of the lost. 'A dying race has lost more. Brothers, fathers, sons. We must all remember that there are still enemies that can be the end of us.' Anor said only to the other Siranians. They all stood.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Feb 10, 2009 14:56:25 GMT -5
The pyre took a while to burn down, and all remained until the fires died into glowing ashes. Silence covered the grounds the whole time except for the crackle of the hungry flames. "Goodnight." Salogem said, and slowly, quietly, everyone turned and walked away, back towards the city. Kaelia fell in step behind Salo' and beside Anor and Itsaki, saying nothing but taking comfort in being near her friends. As the group came back into the city, it was darkened, but elves still lined the streets. Families and friends regrouped wordlessly and hugged before retiring to their homes. When the royals and Siranians reached the castle steps, Salogem inclined his head to Itsaki, Anor, and the others, "Until tomorrow." And he went inside. "You and your people are free to stay here for the night. Lodging is free for them in any hotel or spare bedroom within the castle, unless you'd rather go home for the night. A night guard within will take you both to your own rooms if you wish to stay. He has been informed of your tradition, so no words need be spoken by you. Goodnight, and I'll see you in the morn." Kaelia said, her voice heavy with sadness. She went into the castle, her thoughts a dark and roiling mess. Dakota followed slowly, ears back and head parallel to her body. Her tail refused to wag. She could sense her master's thoughts and feelings- they were not good.
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Itsaki
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
Posts: 774
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Post by Itsaki on Feb 10, 2009 15:05:51 GMT -5
'Thank you.' Anor said to her mentally. Itsaki and Anor said farewell to the Families who had lost their members with silent clasps of hands and embraces. They soon vanished, back to Akess for the night. Itsaki and Anor allowed themselves to be escorted to their rooms. 'Kaelia has lost one of her best friends.' Anor said to Itsaki. 'Yes, I know. Her sadness goes deep in her eyes, I don't need to know mental magic to know what's going on further.' Anor put a hand on Itsaki's shoulder. Itsaki nodded and the two retired to their own respective rooms.
Anor glided beneath the low canopy, his wings held by air, around the castle, and through the small hole he managed to carefully worm earlier. He perched himself upon a high branch, staring out at the stars, the forest, and the plains and mountains beyond. "Couldn't sleep?" Keena asked. Anor jumped, becoming Siranian. 'No.' "Me neither. It's always a sad night after a battle." 'Many die.' "Yes. That's one thing about controlling Time. No matter how many times you go back and try to save a person, they always die at the exact same time. It's just the way the universe works." 'You can't save everybody, no matter how hard you try.' "I know." Keena stared out at the blackness.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Feb 10, 2009 16:37:39 GMT -5
Kaelia stayed up long into the night, holding a small vial full of a green liquid while she sat on her window ledge. She swirled it from time to time, but never looked at it, preferring to keep her eyes on the garden instead. Her thoughts remained painful, dark, and exhausting. Dakota, Legend, and a couple of other fire drakes watched her intently, waiting to see if the elf maiden would attempt the suicide she had in mind and hand. Kaelia had stripped out of her funeral dress and was in a simple long shirt now, her blue/grey eyes darker than usual. Her hair was unplaited, laying down n a loose cascade of white-gold. The animals watched with bated breath, waiting.
Kaelia unstopped the cork, the scent from the green liquid was sweet and tickled her nose. The stuff was rather thick, cloyingly sweet.
Still they watched her. Legend caught the soft sound of Anor taking flight, his own wings unfurling, ready to go with the coristor, but he waited with his brethren. They silently held their gaze upon the elf.
Kaelia ran her free hand through her hair, her thoughts wild, but her mind itself idle. She didn't think directly about anything, but let her memories take their own twists and turns. Negative as well as positive milled about, tearing up her insides. What to do...
A strong breeze suddenly whipped the curtains about, and a woman appeared in the room beside the princess. "Good eve, Mother Nature." Kaelia said to her, unsurprised at the Goddess's appearance. "I know your thoughts child. They betray you." Mother Nature responded, her pale skin wrapped in a green gown decorated with flowers. Kaelia refused to look at the woman, knowing what she would see- Mother Nature had only two forms she ever appeared to Kaelia in- one of a large, sweet woman with a light, flute-like voice, or the one she took now. Kaelia knew the voice well- her own mother. "What are you going to do? End your pain and suffering now or continue barging through life?" She asked the elf, her voice- so familiar, Kaelia thought- uncharacteristically unhelpful. "What do you think I should do?" Kaelia asked, her own voice sounding strangled. "You should do what you feel is right." The goddess replied, hands clasped behind her back. Kaelia instantly raised the vial to her lips, the sweet taste of death in her mouth as she breathed it. Nausea hit her just from the smell of it. She lowered the vial again, finally looking over at her mother and Mother. Glared was more like it. "You're gonna let me do this? You're not gonna stop me?" "I think that you are making a very selfish move, but no, I'm not going to stop you." Mother Nature indicated the charm around Kaelia's neck, "What do you think will happen when you die?" Kaelia placed a hand on it- she had forgotten the charm. "You made a promise to me, remember. 'I will use my strength to protect the world, Mother Nature permitting,' I believe you said. How can you protect the world by destroying it along with you? And you know the other law- if you commit suicide, there is no way anyone can reclaim your soul. It will be lost to us forever. You will be His for all eternity." "I remember the law. Suicide is an unhonorable death. None can change the mind of one who decided to take their own life. And I believe you are bluffing anyway. If I die, you would not let the world die as well. You are stronger than that." "Do I bluff?" Kaelia hesitated at that. Could she really call the bluff of a goddess? Daringly she raised the vial again, watching Mother Nature carefully. The goddess looked sad, but did nothing. Slowly, Kaelia pulled the vial away again. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over, "I-I don't want to do this anymore." "I know, my daughter. It's been hard, I know." Kaelia looked away again, fist clenching the vial. "This is the only way to make it stop. To stop seeing my friends die. For nearly 1,500 years I have watched my friends and family die. I even killed some of them myself. I quit!" Kaelia pulled off her charm in one, quick motion and threw it on the floor at Mother Nature's feet. The angel layed there, looking pathetic and abandoned without it's vibrant glow. A red line formed around the back of Kaelia's neck and droplets of blood slid towards her shirt, staining her hair red. The goddess stooped and picked it up, studying the angel's gentle face. "I am alone and I have nothing left to live for." Kaelia sobbed, staring blearily at the bottle, "I reclaimed my city, my brother is to be named King tomorrow, my Uncle is dead except for in my own memories, what else is there to do? Wander the world, saving some and killing others? No thank you." Kaelia placed the vial on her lips again, the sweet liquid so tantalizingly close, death on her doorstep. She still didn't drink it. "If you are so sure, why haven't you done it yet?" The goddess asked gently, stepping closer to Kaelia, "Why won't you just drink it and end it?" Kaelia lowered again, a fresh round of tears starting up. "I-I don't know." "I will tell you why. Because you know you aren't alone and you don't really want to die. You are too strong for that." "I am too alone." "What of Anor and Itsaki? Do they not matter? What of your brother? Does he not matter?" Mother Nature motioned towards the animals on the bed, "Do they not matter?" The goddess looked out the window and pointed to the city, "What about them? Lower the bottle, child. You know you are loved by many. Save the bottle for another day." And with that the goddess was gone, knowing now that Kaelia would not take her life tonight. Kaelia's angel sat on the windowsill beside the cork, and Kaelia re-stopped the bottle and put her angel back around her neck. The familiar glow came back, the angle full of life and power again. Putting the bottle away again, Kaelia curled up in bed and cried harder than she ever had in her life. The fire drakes sat along her headboard, humming softly while Dakota jumped up and let Kaelia wrap her arms around the half-warg, her hot tears sliding into the dog's fur. Her thoughts ran rampant again, and the princess slept little that night.
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Itsaki
Administrator
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There is a time and a place for everything, my love, and let no one tell you different.
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Post by Itsaki on Feb 11, 2009 2:38:59 GMT -5
Anor sighed, some of relief and some of worry. "You feel it too?" Keena asked. 'A Goddess doesn't come and go without attracting attention.' "I meant Kaelia." 'I felt her long back. She's been sad and angry all night. It's not something one hides so well. Itsaki saw it too.' "You should go down there." 'And just apper on her windowsill? That's like being a stalker.' "Not to a friend in need." Anor sighed. Keena was right. Again. He crawled through the hole as a Siranian, but was a Coristor before he fell through the air. Visions of the things to be, The pains that are withheld for me. I realize that I can see,
That suicide is painless, It brings on many changes, And I can take or leave it if I please...
I try to find a way to make, All our little joys relate, Without that ever present hate, But now I know that it's too late!
And Suicide is painless, It brings on many changes, and I can take or leave it if I please...
The game of life is hard to play, I'm gonna lose it anyway, The losing card I'll someday lay, So this is all I have to say-
Suicide is painless, It brings on many changes, And I can take or leave it if I please...
Keena spoke the part of a song quietly, it simply came to him, he remembered it from somewhere. He sighed.
Anor spun low, his body becoming Siranian as he reached the castle, but his wings carried him to the window. He crouched on the sill, hearing Kaelia’s sobs. He peered in, seeing her on the bed. His wings held the wall on either side. “Kaelia?” He said softly.
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