A Martyr Put To Rest

[ski_king3 0]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw2Up2BRRII&index=2&list=PLeZQ1kdXmvpF1ijgWFNCZxjqjNEuocuCM

 

As had happened many times before, the theater is filled with high elves awaiting the Sohaer's address. Their idle chatter fills the hall, reverberating outward, flooding the courtyard with the daunting echo of dozens of quiet voices. The Sohaer stands outside the hall, waiting silently, picking up parts of conversation; some spoke of mere gossip, others the war, a few of the hopes of independence. However, most speak in solemn tones, awaiting the end of one of their own.

 

Soaking in the words of his kin, the lone elf finally strides into the theater. As some within the audience notice him descending the stairs, a series of hushes can be heard throughout the room. By the time the Sohaer reaches the stage, the prattle has totally ceased, the high elves of the hall all peering up at him.

 

Below the stage was a small platform upon which a body laid in rest, shrouded in dark cloth so the figure's form could not be seen.

 

"Citizens of Haelun'or, today I come to you to speak of the swords of Haelun'or." He furrows his brow, assessing the reactions of the citizenry before continuing. "The blades of the thilln are heavier than most. Our steel is not like the steel of any others, for every blade in Haelun'or weeps in its sheath. The blade weeps in shame of what it must perform, to rend the life from a mortal soul."

"Today, I weep with our blades, but not for their duty. Today I weep for their weight. I weep for Aneurin Llywelyn, our fallen Okarir'mali."

He pauses, allowing the weight of his words to press upon the crowd. The somber tone hangs in the air, the Sohaer looking down to shield his gaze from the responses of his kin.

 

"Aneurin Llywelyn was a mali of the citizenry. He devoted his time and efforts to the citizenry, distributing homes, setting those who had fallen back upon our path, and helping newcomers to the city. He was mali'thilln, by all accounts. Yet when it came to draw the sword and press against the bear, this mali did not hesitate."

"Aneurin was not ashamed of taking up arms for Haelun'or. The blade he drew did not weep in its sheath. Aneurin was no military man; he was a man of the people. Yet he felt duty-bound to serve Haelun'or in these efforts, for he knew that the only shame in violence is to let another mali die."

 

Once more, he lets these words sink in, this time looking upon the crowd more confidently. Though his tone is still somber, his expression reflecting the same feeling, his sobriety was marked with a resolve unflinching at the questioning gaze of elves directed toward their leader.

 

"Aneurin did not wish to draw his blade, yet he knew that by doing so, he protected the lives of his kin. Today, I seek to honor his sacrifice, and share this last lesson of the Okarir'mali."

"The blade that grows heavy through its tears is the blade that is too slow to save another. When we weep for violence, we must not do so ashamed of the mere act, but instead at the shame that we could not save every mali'aheral with our blades raised boldly. Honor those who protect your fellow mali'aheral, and weep for those who fall by the enemy's blade."

"In Aneurin's memory, our blades must weep no more."

 

An opportunity would be given for others to come up and speak in Aneurin's memory, if they so wished. At the conclusion of all of this, the Sohaer would nod to a pair of Sillumir. The two would place torches beneath the small platform, cremating the body for all to see. Once the process was complete, the ashes would be collected, and the hall vacated.

[Samler 1566]

Seth Calith is no where seen at the meeting.

[Overland 349]

  Gazing onto the stage with a typical, perhaps forced, neutral expression, Andria Ith'ael mumbles "Aymaehr'sae hiylun'ehya" to herself upon the conclusion of the speech. She then remains silent for the rest of the proceedings.

[Stag 3234]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.