# [[Mourning for Hymal]] [Scene: Erindal's Bow's grove's open field with several of the guild members are present including Deet and Ishyldr] It is a custom in[[ Erindal's Bow]] to perform the ritual of the burial with placing the recently passed with a maple seed on their chest with both hands on it, representing their lives will return to earth and sprout new life as a tree to living among the remaining. Those who left behind are to express their mourn by donning a pale gray cloak, representing the winter when death claims the most living. The first frost fell sooner than expected, and this ritual of burial was missing the recently passed. A lonely seed was held by [[Sydura Faeora]], the next of kin, donned in cloak resembled a pale birch bark. [[Loremaster Faeora|Sonnet]] and [[Darris]] followed behind his steps, niece and apprentice. There were several other guild members present and among them was Desiree. "Siblings, each winter claims our kin to a long slumber and this season we've lost a forest. [[Hymal Faerora|Hymal]] was my brother, a druid and a mentor to many of us in the grove. He sought to keep our guild in good tidings with the Summer Circle and kept the tradition of tending the grove of our guild and the Elven District. do not fret, his spirit is with us and will return to us in the spring as a sapling to join the rest of the grove and us." Councilor Faeora solemnly lifted the seed in his hands and kneeled to gingerly bury it in to a small hole. Darris and Sonnet used their gloved hands to fill in the hole with dirt. "Share and cherish his teachings and wisdom in this place and grief our loss of our fellow sibling Hymal. May Erindel's blessing blossom in your path." Councilor Faeora concluded and the ritual was now over. Deet stood afar from the ceremonial march, garbed in the similar fashion and rightfully walk among her father and her sister. But she was not invited nor wanted the attention. Yet she still wanted to show her respect for her beloved uncle. Sonnet drifted over to her sister after noticing her off in the distance. Deet noticed a familiar looking satchel on her waist, Hymal's herbal satchel. "You should have joined us in the walk." She tightly hugged Deet and buried her face into Deet's shoulder. Her eyes were puffy and red. "You know father didn't want me there." Deet forced a smile and swallowed the knot in her throat. "Uncle knows how much I respect him, whether I walk with his sapling or not." She added. "I see you are keeping his memory close." Deet motions towards the satchel. "Of course he would, he was very proud of you. Especially when you stood up for yourself and left... He talked about you a lot, wondering what you might be doing out there. I think he secretly wanted to leave the guild." Sonnet's chuckle faded quickly as her hand lightly tapped the satchel hidden under her cloak. "Uncle Hymal always seemed to... see me better than most. I'm happy you were able to find his satchel. And... I'm sorry for dragging you-" Deet voice crackled and she swallowed back the tears and braced a smile. "You are very courageous. And I am proud of you, for what it is worth." "No, I wanted to be there, as a loremaster, I should be recording but that doesn't stop me from being in the scene. I'm just glad you were there with me, else I ..." Sonnet sniffled and embraced Deet once more. Her shoulders shuddered like a frail winter branch in a wind in Deet's arms. Darris was nearby, he's still wearing the dirt caked ceremonial gloves. When their eyes met, he quickly averted and turned his shoulder to look at the tiny dirt mound. "You were never supposed to be a loremaster...." Deet hugged Sonnet close, and avoided looking in Darris' direction. "But you are a far better one than I could have ever been." Deet stepped back from Sonnet and brushed away her tears. "I'm not sure what is going to happen next. I think it would be a good idea for you to go visit Kuperkrone. Perhaps, Darris- " Deet winced, "He could make sure you and father get there safe." Sonnet pulls back a bit, her cheeks and nose blushed, "The Dwarven Kingdom? Why?" She picked up on Deet and wraps her arm around Deet's waist and gestures to walk away from the crowd and Darris. She covered her head with the hood, checked her surroundings ensure no prying eyes are upon the two mourners. "You saw what was under Vith. And that was just the guard dog. Something bigger is coming. Something FAR more dangerous." Deet whispered. "I need you to protect father. You know he won't believe me. Kuperkrone is still rebuilding from the siege. Perhaps offer to help rebuild to strengthen our alliance? You are smart, come up with something." Sonnet's grip around Deet's waist tightened upon hearing the word 'guard dog'. "Where are planning to go? If you think that is best for the family then I will. But I also think you should talk to our father. He's hurt too." her voice trembled under the hood. "Don't worry, I won't be in Vith either. My friends need me and it sounds like we are headed to the Shattered Isles. I...I'm not sure how long we will be gone but I will make sure to keep in touch so you know where I am this time." Deet smiled with hesitation. Deet noticed Sonnet was leading their footsteps to their home, where her father would be. "I won't pry the reasons out of you, sounds like you've made up your mind to leave. Then at least." She paused the entrance to Deet's old home is less than twenty paces away. "At least you should tell where you are going to our father yourself." she added and stopped, her hand still firmly held onto Deet's waist. Deet stopped and stared at her once home. She glances over her shoulder to see if Ishyldr and Geese have followed them. The two were easy to spot in their usual clothing and were engaged in a conversation with Desiree. Geese spotted Deet's gaze and waved at Deet then lifted her thumb to let her know they are not in trouble. Deet forced a smile and motioned she is going into the house. Geese nodded and turned back to Sonnet. "Always the wiser of us, aren't you?" Deet sighed heavily and gave Sonnet a squeeze. "If an argument breaks out, I take no fault for it!" "He's like a wyvern for you, I think it's time you tell him yourself before you disappear from him again. This could be the last time." she laughed but sounded empty. Her hand squeezed Deet around the waist and giving a gentle push towards the heavy double oak door. "I will try for you." Deet motions her sister to go first. "Lead the way." As Sonnet reached for the door, Deet took a moment to take a deep steadying breath, hand over her pounding heart. She slowly lidded her eyes and when she opened, she donned a mask devoid of emotion and full of stoicism. Deet marched inside. --- The reception was silent and cold, the sound of the door closing echoed around the house. The trail of Councilor Faeora was easy to pick up, he carelessly left his ceremonial ashen boots by the entrance, the wintery cloak hung on the closest autumn broidered tall chair in the living room and the councilor was pouring himself a glass from a small wooden keg at the far corner of the room. "[[Estelle]] would you prepare my meeting clothes up..." his soft voice trailed as he turned around to it wasn't whom he was expecting. He chapped his lips and nothing but a light sigh came from his lips. His dark green eyes gazed at Deet in silence. Deet immediately stiffened at the cool look but then bows her head in respect uttering her condolences as to be expected, "May Uncle Hymal ride in The Huntresses grace." The words run hollow to herself as she thinks of Erindel and a bitterness swept over her. The councilor stood tall and placed the glass on the table and fully turned to face Deet. "And we will see meet him again in the Spring," His voice was wintery and head nodded like a shriveled last winter leaf in a branch. "I'm happy to see you've shown your respect to your uncle." he commented on Deet's cloak. Sonnet leaned against the wall to keep her self hidden from her father's view but Deet can clearly see her rooting for Deet to engage her father. Deet clasped the ends of her cloak and tugged it a little tighter around her. "Yes well... I was expecting to be present for...."Deet mumbled then cleared her throat, lifted her head and engaged her father in the eye. "He earned every ounce of respect I have for him. I did not wish to disappoint him." She added. "You could have requested to partake in the ceremony." There was a hesitation in his voice as he stood still like a statue. "Your uncle always tried to see the forest first then tend all the trees in them. At the end of the day, it was the each tree formed the forest. If he didn't become a druid of the circle, he might have been in my seat and I in his." His gaze broke off from Deet's first and looked at the glass on the table. His fingers gently strummed the table. "Uncle Hymal was a master at caretaking. I still had much to learn from him." Deet stared straight ahead. " I am aware I am normally very loud but I did not wish to intrude where I am unwanted. It is traditional for the closest member to the deceased to choose who would shall be present for the ceremony, is it not?" "Indeed, Faeoras first," he mumbled barely audible to Deet across the living room. There were many places sit but none of them looked inviting and Councilor Faeora did not offer nor took a seat himself. "What cherishable moments do you have to share about your uncle?" He asked after an awkward silence in the room enveloped the two. Deet shifted uncomfortably, not willing to step farther into the room and glanced off to the distance. "Many. Though to choose one seems an injustice to him." Deet cleared her throat and then looks back at her father. " I did not come to speak of the past, rather I look to speak of the future, if I may be so bold." His strumming stopped and clenched and face turned rigid. "Of course, guild master Storyweaver. Is this regarding a business between yours and the Erindal's Bow?" his voice returned to his usual timbre but Deet could hear subtle difference in his voice from her aptitude in singing. HIs voice had a subtle tremble to it. "You know it does not." Deet took a deep breath and then crossed her arms."Will you be taking Sonnet to Kuperkrone? Soon?" "And what good will sprout from such endeavor, have we not spilt so many of our kin's blood in that place in the name of our guild master?" "What good? Your-....Sonnet's safety should be your main priority right now. You KNOW what lies beneath the city. What do you plan to do about it?" "Yes and we have vast amount of things to discuss within the council and the guild master. Also thanks to you and your allies efforts, we are no longer bound to this land. At least you have my gratitude for that." He sounded upset rather than thankful but to whom or what, Deet is unclear. "Her safety? The city is safe thank to you." Deet scoffed loudly then grinded her teeth as she took a deep breath. "As I am sure you are aware, COUNCILOR Faeora, there is a much bigger threat under Vith than just the dragon that killed YOUR brother." "Which I might add, I am surprised you didn't bother mentioning to him the monster that lives underneath his very home!" "I am confused at your tone guild master Storyweaver, but whatever your assumptions are, the only thing that I am aware about the current threat of this city is making sure other eleven guilds don't disrupt the balance in the city. Also, the guild master heralding more of our members to their deaths because of his ties to the past." "There are things I can tell and things I cannot and that was one of them. Keeping him blind to it and he would have never had the reason or means to enter that place. Only the lore master and the guild master can..." Deet readjusted her stance and stomped her foot in frustration. "Erindal does love his secrets doesn't he? And I am sure that you knew nothing of how a little glass box keeps a beholder inside it?" Deet paced back and forth. "I can understand why you were not concerned about the guild master, but the lore master is your daughter! Would you not at least warn her?!" "The Archivist? what does it have to do with this at all? Did you force your will on your sister to enter that place?" He raised his voice and took a step forward. "Are you aware in some degrees the Lore master hold a higher position than the councilor and is privy to know more about the guild and its history than any of us? Becoming a Lore master is a greatest honor a guild member can have and a privilege. I suppose such things are trifle thing for you." Deet stopped pacing as her father's tone raises. "Trivial enough compared to your daughters' lives." Deet advanced and pointed her finger at her father. "I don't care what you pretend to not know, I am used to your apathy but Sonnet has done NOTHING to deserve this treatment. As the Lore master she should have been told! If Uncle Hymal hadn't have been there it very well could have been me or sonnet you laid in the ground today!" Deet dropped her hand and leaned back "Though I am sure one would have been preferable over the other...." "So this is what it's about. It's my fault I failed to inform my brother and my daughter of the secrets I was sworn to keep as being a councilor? Why are you like this? Of course you're like this. You are her child." Deet stiffened and her head dipped down. "Believe it or not, father, I did not come here to fight." Deet took a breath and lifted her head, turning her body towards the door. "I came to give the council a warning. Molly is gaining strength. I don't know how long until she is free and when she is... your 'precious secrets' won't matter. Get Sonnet to safety. My friends-...." Deet turned towards her father. "I will be taking my guild to the Shattered Isles where we will find a away to fix your mistakes." "My mistakes..." he muttered and bore down his gaze on Deet's eyes as if he's searching for something. His shoulders heaved, letting out a sharp sigh. "Yes, the answer lies somewhere far away from here, that was your reasoning for leaving before. I suppose I failed you in the past. I will heed your warning and discuss this matter with your sister." Sydura Faeora picked up the glass he left on the table. "May the Huntress never lose the sight of you." Deet faltered and started at him. He gulped down the liquid and placed it back on the table with his back turned against her. She glanced over at Sonnet and half-heartly smiled. "Sorry, we ended up fighting again... I did try. Stay safe...both of you." She muttered.. Sonnet was covering her face and glared at Deet when she stepped out of the living room. "I can't believe the both of you. Just say whatever the knotted thing in your chest. I will do my best to unearth the secrets of the guild and keep him safe from them. You be careful sis." She gave Deet a big hug before Deet left. "I fear if I say what is in my chest, neither one of us will survive. Thank you sister." Deet laughed coldly then turns and walks out of the building. --- Geese and Ishyldr greeted her outside of the Faeora's residence. "I got caught but Desiree recognized me and we were let in." Geese blushed a little then noticed the grim expression on Deet's face, then she ambushed Deet with a hug. "Someone once told me, if you see someone you care is having a bad day, give them the best hug you can give them. It might just save them." she added and Ishyldr winced and crossed his arms. Deet awkwardly hugged her back. "Thank you. I just... I need a few more moments. If you dont mind." Deet nodded towards her uncle's grave. She took a shuttered breath to compose herself and then headed to her uncle's grave, where hopefully most prying eyes have left. There is still one person left wearing the ceremonial cloak and knelt by the grave. It was Darris. Deet stepped quietly to his side and waited patiently for him to be done, her hands folded tightly together. He seem to mutter things to himself and not noticed Deet's presence until he stood up. He was still crying. "I couldn't do anything, I just fled. How'd you do it?" He tossed a question at Deet as he walked by. Deet blinked at him in confusion. "Do what?" "Most people fled in terror when that thing, that thing turned master Hymal into nothing. Not even dust, no body to bury with a seed. Will he come back in Spring like they say? How did you face such horror when we are so little and frail? How did you become so strong?" be stopped in his track without turning. Deet stares down at the mound. "I'm not strong. The only reason I am alive now is thanks to my friends. Without them..." She took a deep stuttered breath once more and shook head. "I am nothing. But Hymal, he was the bravest man I know. I KNOW he will come back. Someone like him can't be erased from history." Darris turned and blankly stored at Deet for a second before his eyes regained color. "I'll make sure he'll return in the Spring and share whatever he taught me with the rest until we find the successor of the druid of the grove." he nodded. "Oddette, you are strong." he nodded with respect and a look of admiration bloomed in his face. The different sort of admiration he had in the past. Deet frowned but nodded at Darris before looking back at Hymal's burial site in silence. As Darris turns to leave, Deet puts out her hand as if to grab him but stops before touching him. "Darris... Thank you. For protecting Sonnet. I know I don't have any right to ask you but if you could... if it's not too much trouble, can you please keep looking out for her? I won't be around for a while and I can't-" Deet's voice catchs and she takes a moment to compose herself. "Please, Darris?" "How can I refuse such request from...you? I'll do what I can...if I can... I'm sure you have a lot to talk to him," he nodded politely and took his leave. He nodded at Ishyldr and Geese and disappears into the guild's grove. "Thank you." Deet turned back to the sapling and then called out "He was so proud of you, you know that right?" He nods and waves his arm at Deet without turning around. Deet was left alone with the recently buried maple seed. Finally alone, Deet fell to her knees by the mound and let herself cry unfettered. Her father's question echoed in her mind; "What cherishable moments do you have to share about your uncle?". Deet looked up into the sky. "Do you remember the day my mother died? I was so angry. Angry at father for letting her die, angry at myself for not knowing how to protect her. Father had no idea how to deal with me. Now that I am older, I understand he was trying to deal with his owner grief while still taking care of Sonnet and me but... It was you who came to me. You let me be angry and hit you." Deet chuckled. "I'm sure I gave you a bruise or two even though you would never admit it. But you listened to me, you never tried to shut me up. You were the only one who seemed to truly understand me." %%Deet sobbed and lets her head drop forward as the memory washed over her. Then remembered when she was finally exhausted, her uncle wrapping her in his arms and singing a lullaby. She swallows and haltingly sings it to the sapling now. "Everything stays....right where you left it....everything stays but it still changes. Ever so slightly, daily and nightly, in big little ways...everything... stays." Deet sobs and drops her head to the dirt, letting her tears feed the sapling.%% She sobbed and fed the seed her sorrow until she was exhausted. Waves of fond memories of her and uncle washed over her and she recalled when she ran from home and stayed over at her uncle's place he used to sing a lullaby. Deet started to croon. Everything stays Right where you left it Everything stays But it still changes Ever so slightly daily and nightly, in big little ways everything stays.