[PK] Soldier's Last March

[Ztrog 1128]

 

 

 

It was the night of Sun’s Smile, dark storm clouds rolled in, over of the Palmer household. Garret Palmer rested in seating in the living room of his home, his one good eye trained on the flickering flames in the fireplace. He took in a shallow breath, wincing as he could feel pain run down his chest from the action. His hands resting on his lap clench into fists from the action, the old soldier knew his time was coming. 

 

His two eldest children, Junior and Miray watched him from the entrance of the living room. “Father are you alright?” Junior was the first to speak, concern was clearly displayed across his features. The two stepped into the living room looking to Garret, he still adorns heavy plate armor. He straightens up and turning to look at his children, the action made the man wince in pain. The two exchanged a glance before returning their gaze on their elderly father. 

 

“Come here, there’s something I must tell you” he’d beckon from them to come closer. The two approached Garret, Junior sitting down at his side while Miray sat in front of him on the small table in front of the seating. “I..” The old man hesitated before he continued. “I want you both to know, I love you very much” Junior pursed his lips and laid his head onto his father’s shoulder. 

 

“We love you to father, is...is something wrong?” Miray spoke up, her blue eyes set on her father. She also had worry laced on her face as she looked at her, her hands clasped together. Her answer was greeted by silence for a few moments, the sound of droplets of water hitting the windows was the first to break the silence. 

 

“I have done the best I could raising you, but I free my time is coming” He grunted and turned his gaze to Junior. “Son can you get me a drink.” The young man nodded to his father, pushing himself up and made his way out the living room. Miray sat in silence as she looked to her father, she moved off the table and sat down next to him. Junior returned and placed a bottle in his father’s hand. 

 

“Father, why didn’t you tell us before?” Miray inquired as she rested a hand on his arm. Garret looked to the bottle in his hand, his one eye tiredly gazing at the item. 

 

“I needed to be strong for you all, but I’m afraid that is something..I am unable to do” the old man’s voice shook with every word.  Miray blinked tears out of her eyes before she put her arms around his father. Junior followed his sister lead and embraced his father tightly, tears falling from his cheeks. Their father put his arms around his children, after placing down the bottle. “I love you both so much.” 

 

As the three sat there for a few minutes embracing each other Garret’s head would dip down, his arms that were around his children went slack. Miray looked to her father, seeing him go limp. “Pa?” she spoke softly, but no response would come from him. Junior took in a deep breath and looked to his sister, softly grabbing hold of her hand. 

 

“I think he’s gone” He’d softly squeeze her hand before releasing it. He stood up and took another breath before speaking. “We should probably bury him” 

 

“Right now?” Miray asked, tears dripping from her cheeks as she held her father. Junior looked out the window, watching the now pouring rain. He would then looked back to his sister, tears going down his own cheeks now. 

 

“I don’t want to any more than you, but it has to be done” Miray looked down at Garret’s lifeless body. After his many years of fighting and being mixed up in the conflicts of Arcas, he finally had peace. 

“Yes..you’re right” She’d say after holding back a sob, her brother looked back out the window and subtly shook. 

 

“I’ll get the shovel.” He’d turn around and hurriedly made his way out of the living room once more. Miray kept looking to her father, still, in disbelief, she was gone, just like that. Junior soon after return with the shovel he spoke of earlier. pushing aside his grief for the moment he’d walk forward. “Help me move him outside.” Miray gave him a nod, leaning forward she placed a soft kiss on her father’s cheek. 

 

 The two of them transported him outside and made him a proper burial outside the homestead. After lowering him into the grave in a coffin, the dirt-covered the grave. Junior hammered in a sign that read ‘Here lies Garret Palmer, may he rest in peace. 1693 - 1753’. The two siblings embrace each other for a final time before departing to grieve in their own way. 

[Asuno 184]

Wren reads the letter that he received from his messenger Karin. He examines the letter then opens it. As he read, tears began rolling as the letter revealed Garret's passing. He gently folds the letter and place it in a small trunk which was filled with similar letters. He went back to his desk and wrote the following… "My condolences, Your father raised me as his own and I owe him much. If the Palmers are ever in need of my assistance, do not hesitate to contact me" The letter ended with tear drops staining the edge of the paper. He calls for his karin once again to be sent to the remaining Palmer members