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RP [Tsenlan] A Moment to Grieve

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​


Alastair was so happy that so many had come to pay respects. It was turning into a high school reunion. He had some of his crew around, plus those from the Sobek and a couple others. The party after this was going to be one heck of a good time. He looked and smiled towards Aelya. "That is correct, that is the battle I spoke of." He paused for a moment then continued. "I led the fleet from the Belmonts' who helped to evacuate those in need. My family is having built a new district to house those who wish to live on our home world. Maybe at a later date you would be so kind and come visit."

"Lenna, I am sure you gave them a run for their money during that fight. I have seen your crew overcome the odds." He smiled bright as he finished talking.

His attention was then drawn to two of his crew coming forward. He was still getting use to seeing Aliset wear that suit that kept her alive. He also caught that Sacre was giving her signature look towards him. More than likely cause he was once more talking with yet another female and also cause she was cold. He just smiled at her since he knew she was his rock and did well to keep things in order on the ship. He reached his arm up and waved towards Sacre and Aliset. "Yes, I seem to have a certain amount of crew who are not fans of the cold. Personally I don't mind it since half the time I wake with a warm body next to me. Long story, I shall tell you more at the party." He said with a smile and wink towards Aelya.
 

Airwin, Jun, on the Platform​


Airwin was surprisingly pleased to see the intermingling between his people and those who had stood as their saviors in their darkest time. He may not have been physically present at Operation Fireplace, but having spent time beside Taisho Ketsurui Yui had given him a different vantage of the operation and time to highlight those who had participated. He figured Sinith would have been proud of such things, it was her that had fueled so much of the changes even if the church dragged its feet on their reforms. He acknowledged Arina's presence and gave a nod and signaled her that she could join him and her brother.

The prayers and hymns continued, and it appeared regardless of the disagreements between church and state that would continue. Mourners continued to gather, PAINT had thankfully provided additional Starchaser Ferries to their route for the occasion, it allowed many from the other refugee sites to join. They remained watched through the lenses of media drones which whirled through the air above the crowds.

The volumetric projector behind the sarcophagus activated, and a massive image of Sininth was projected on the platform, the projection only slightly distorted by the snowflakes which fell. The audio of the Aester's speech at the First Battle of Vespa Lekera played over the hymns and prayers;

"It is up to us to be the beacon in the dark night; our blood is shed in sacrifice for a greater overwhelming good. We've seen losses, heavy ones and yet here we are on the verge of a new campaign. Though it is not just that I come to give you hope for. I want you to know that there is a future beyond this darkness. A time will come when our great nation will have time to feel its grief, to honor these soldiers fallen. There is a time when peace will come to us again and it will let us prosper like we never have before! The walls of division have fallen, what stands before us all now is an era of struggle which will lead to better times..." the words of the fallen Empress were shared, and the truth in her words was all around them for that time had come. The speech would continue as more gathered.

Airwin said to Jun and Arina, "I wish I could tell her how right she was..." his tone solemn and sad. "She would have loved this place, I can't count the number of times we would just lay in the snow and listen to the sounds of the beasts howling in the mountains outside of the palace," he recalled.

Aiura Caeyara arrived from Fort Tokyo, the first Norian in the Star Army of Yamatai wore her uniform proudly as she approached her father. Thankfully due to the cool temperature on Akina, her undersuit had little use there. She stopped before her stepmother's sarcophagus and knelt briefly before it then got back up to join her Ysi.

Naelui Approaching the Platform​

Another member of the Caeyara Ysi approached the stage; just the only difference is most on the stage and around it would have no idea who she was. Naelui had been hidden for the entirety of the wars, the youngest daughter of Sinith and Airwin hadn't joined them until Ayenee. She had originally been sent to that frontier world in an attempt to ensure the survival of the royal family. The long very dark, almost black, hazel hair, and gold eyes made her look very similar to her mother. Enough so it took a few second glances from some of the soldiers in the front row. She walked gracefully with an entourage, the intricate tan leather stylized dress she wore had belonged to Sinith, and her mother's necklace fastened around her neck, the large teal-colored gemstone caught the winter sun which caused it to appear illuminated.

Uaeso and Naika​


"Well Arina is here now, perhaps Rin decided to sit this one out?" the Crowned Prince said to his wife as glanced around after he acknowledged the presence of Arina. This part of the funeral ritual was always so emotional, he couldn't wait to actually celebrate his mother's life when it concluded. They had authorized the opening of cases of cacelle for the event, and until something could be done about the seed vault back in their home universe it would probably be the last of a lot of it. "Who is that?" Uaeso said to Naika, his sight focused on Naelui who appeared to have a royal escort of soldiers. Even though he had no idea who she was or why she existed, either way, her familiar look of her made him concerned and he made that abundantly clear through his vesper with Naika.

The Gathered Group​

"Uh, Captain Lenna?" a familiar voice would be heard a few steps behind the Sobek's Captain. It was Admiral Cheol. the man who had been in command of Gamma Ark, "Do you have a moment?" he asked, he had managed to get one of the newly produced MERN dress uniforms just for the event, the replication of his Admiral rank was a little off but he had worn it anyway. He gave a glance to the others there, the ones who were in discussion about the temperature. "Some converted shipping containers are on their way, they have transparent side panes to allow a view of the platform and have a maintained environment interior," he said, a that it was one of the things he had been in charge of arranging.

"Tal'Cel Aelya," he acknowledge the ascended queen with a smooth bow of his head and the cross over of his right arm, the formation of a fist over his left shoulder briefly in salute.

The trucks carrying the modified containers had actually arrived, just they were in the distance behind them in the process of unloading and Cheol had not noticed due to his intent to get in a conversation with the Sobek III's Captain.

The Funeral - General​

Soldiers of the MERN filtered through the crowds welcoming those who had come from the Yamatai Star Empire and the other factions that had assisted them in Operation Fireplace. They would give directions to the converted shipping container shelters that were being put in place before the platform. The soldiers would hand out small gift bags with sweet-wrapped Norian candy flavored with exotic sweet and sour fruits from their previous home, as well as cans of sparkling water and a card produced for the event which thanked them for their attendance. It would also explain that the funeral would have two parts and that a party would be held after the funeral event at a nearby lodge, which was less than a ten-minute walk.

Other soldiers handed out cups of coffee and tea, an offering of Yamataian drinks in hopes of warming those who decided to brave the cold.

The volumetric image of the late Aester continued her speech in the background, as things were prepared to let the funeral actually begin.
 
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Soldiers in full dress uniforms marched forward-six cohorts, roughly over 850 men. Their uniforms were light blue and grey, with gloves, boots, and dress pants; each also wore a long coat and dress cap. Each man carried either a war hammer or axe and a handgun on their belt, whilst this was a funeral they would be able to rise to their host's defense in the event of trouble. Moving in staggered lines, they'd manage to quickly weave their way through the streets even with the snow to the site of the temple. Leading them, with his honor guard in toe-they too in full dress uniform was the mechanical form of Albert Steiner-his armor plating freshly repaired and green paint having been carefully applied. His coat of arms-an azure delf with two cats passive having been painstakingly repainted with a stead, meticulous hand. No point in looking as shoddy as he usually did-at least for this occasion.

Judging by the crowd they were likely late, or perhaps just arriving-likely he and his men would end up making a spectacle of themselves. Not that Steiner gave a damn; he'd come to pay his respects for his friend's late wife-anyone who took umbrage with this would be swiftly introduced to his battlefist. As they'd neared; the Grandmaster spotted his friend on a raised platform, and gave him a nod before the cohorts quickly organized their ranks, twelve men deep at attention with their officers in the front standing at attention.

The grandmaster joined them, watching the milling of the crowd-he'd speak to Airwin soon enough. For now, respectful silence was maintained in observation of the funeral.
 
Arina

The Princess felt like she shrank to smaller than she felt, angry at herself more than she already was. Somehow it made the hurt worse, too.

Oh. Oh. I know why anyone would want to bed you, I...sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. I wish they had not shown up, I hope I don't have to see another Priestess for forty years. She trusted Aeyla implicitly, and the thought she had about the nice alien trying very hard to take her beauty of an aunt to the copulation dimension, it had become an easy target to patch away the pain and lean on her frustration and anger. Introduce me later, he just called me over. Sorry. Aeyla could feel a little squeeze to her side as Arina passed by to walk over to her father and brother.

She took her place quietly and gave the two of them a sad smile, squeezing Airwin's hand, then Jun's. It was hard to look at the memorial, but much more difficult to deal with how fleetingly wonderful it was to hear her voice again, especially so hopeful and glorious. They could hear her sniff a few times, but she kept herself contained. All the crying she already did wasn't of much help to her when out there.

"That's so sweet." Arina finally spoke up, it made her smile a little to imagine them before all the horror had happened. "It would have made her heart glow to see so many friends with us."

Slowly, she looked up at the image of her mother and remembered, remembered what it was like to be around her, how smart she was, how insightful, and even the times she was scolded while she tried not to smirk at her to keep that parental hold on the situation.

"I miss her."
 

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​


AELYA

"Anyone?" Aelya communicated back to her niece via vesper pausing momentarily. "You are mourning dear, each one of us has our own way of it. I would not judge you for yours. I wonder why the little gremlins showed up anyways. Then its a plan, I'll introduce you later" she sent via her connection with Arina. A light squeal left her lips when she felt the little squeeze to her side.

"I would be honored to visit. What is your home world temperature? If it is too warm I'm afraid I might not be able to visit..." she responded to Alastair's invitation. His commentary following the preferred temperature of his crew rather piqued her interest. This was the first indication that he might like to play as much as she did. "Only half the time? Hmm.....maybe you should do a little more than tell, at the party that is, not here.." she said with a smirk winking back at him. "Wait a minute.....if your crew is cold, how are you handling the temperature Captain?" she asked.

Her attention was drawn to the projected image of Sinith, which instantly brought tears to her eyes distracting her from anything else that was happening. Anyone standing next to her would be able to see the sorrow on her face. Aelya's eyes were torn from the screen by what seemed to be a specter from the past, "It cant be...,"she thought to herself. "Brother, do you know who that is? How do they have the Aester's necklace?! Do I need to come up there?" she communicated to Airwin via vesper connection. She didn't want to cause a disruption and under almost any other circumstance she would have left him alone. However, the new arrival's appearance was too much to let lie.
Now that Arina was next to Airwin, Aelya didn't need to immediately dash up there and so remained where she was.

Admiral Cheol's arrival drew her attention back to the group she was with. In a sharp and quick manner Aelya returned his salute dipping her head. "Admiral Cheol," she acknowledged him without distracting him further. Whatever he was there to do, he seemed rather intent on doing so. She turned her attention back to the Aester's continued speech.

NAIKA

Naika acknowledged the presence of Arina along with her husband. "Perhaps, I do wonder what would cause her to miss this." she responded concerned. The woman accompanied by what seemed to be royal soldiers drew her attention. Specifically, the necklace around the woman's neck. There was only one necklace like that and it had belonged to Sinith. Naika's intrigue was shared with Uaeso along with a question, "Who would your mother have given that necklace to? Perhaps a relative?" She gave her husband's hand a comforting gentle squeeze sending her attention back to the Aester's speech.
 
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Lenna would smile some and then says " I believe the Sobek, ended up taking out a few hundred of them smaller critters and did our part to stop that big eye thing from firing. It was also lucky that somehow the rounds from the Gatling turrets were able to break up some of the asune weapons' fire as well. The Sobek took a few hits protecting the ark, as with its own fair share of hits. But We managed to get it fixed up with the help of the Norians." After a pause, Lenna would say "Don't forget the battle on UX-3, The Sobek and your ship shot down one transport as with vaporizing another. Though I think that was more your ship than mine as mine was all projectal-based back then. But that is another adventure that we can tell later.... "

Seeing the other two crew members move up to the one in some sort of space suit asked to go find some warmth, and was going to offer them to step into the Sobek, but at the time a voice from behind reaches out to her ears. Turning to spot Admiral Cheol moving up to her she would smile and nodded some "Yes I have some time, just let me excuse myself and I'll be with you in a moment." Nikicon's ear turned to face Admiral even before he spoke up and it showed on her face as she looked over and smiles some " Hey Admiral Cheol, I hope that food helped out!" Nikicon would lay on one of her brightest smiles in his direction.

There was a soft beep from Lenna and Nikicon as they blinks and moves to look at a small tag that was sticking out from underneath their outfits. They both sighed as then Lenna says "just need to do something real fast, Come over here Niki." Nikicon nods stepping back and then turning around as Lenna moves over closer and moves to pull on a cord from a large round canister at the snowshoe hares belt and plugs it into another as she moves to hit a few buttons on the first device. The device beeps and vents open on the side. Lenna then turns around as Nikicon goes to do the same for her. The two move back to the group as Lenna says " Sorry about that but our heaters needed to change over to another power source as it was starting to overheat." Giving away why the Human and the snowshoe hare were not feeling the cold. If anyone was to look the crew of the Sobek were just sitting down after doing the same.

After a moment the hologram starts as Nikicon blinks and leans into Lenna "Wow she is gorgeous!" in a near whisper but the whole gathered group would be able to still hear softly. Lenna would gently bump into Nikicon and shush her softly as the entourage started to walk up the center aisle. Both Lenna and Nikicon were confused about what is going on but both watched. Lenna has not forgotten that Admiral Cheol wished to speak to her but since it looked like the funeral was about to start she did not want to seem rude. However, if he would ask again She'll excuse herself and step away motioning for Nikicon and Zeck to stay.
 
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"The other half of the time he prefers cold and dead as his soul." Sacre said with deadpan humor. "He's probably fine, and if he's not at least getting warm it's a better justification than most of his conquests." Sacre said, nodding thanks to Admiral Cheol.

The converted shipping container Sacre and Marigold entered had several Shuristians, Separa'Shan, and a smattering of other races in it. As they crowded in, Sacre closed her eyes and prepared herself to be touched in the tight confines. She worked her way through to a back corner where the tall Separa'Shan could see over people. Nalini scooted out of the way, her digital glasses with tiny line of green text flowing down them. "Are you Sacre?" She asked a little hopefully.

"Why are you asking?" Sacre asked in return.

"I'm Nalini. the list of Separa'Shan who have the order of the blazing sun is pretty short. I've wanted to meet you for a long time. I'll have to thank Naga'Shun for arranging this encounter." Nalini said, it felt somewhat odd to refer to herself in the third person, but such was life.

Sacre snorted in derision, "stupid old faerie tales."

Nalini looked surprised, "We Witnessed in our own midst, the days of awe. How can you not believe in her?" She asked innocently.
 
"The Captain is fine, milady. We are the exceptions of his crew. You, however, are not. I was engaged at the astronavigator's station of the Koun during your appearance, and was never a guest in your worlds. Maybe one day you can tell me of them." One could hear the soft, reassuring smile in Aliset's voice as she turned to where Aelya's eyes rested.

"She is beautiful. And by the turnout, a noble leader. The rare kind. I know your people's burial rituals are different from my own, but I know she will continue looking after your people. It saddens me to see a people lose their home... Excuse me, I must be with my Lady and our foster." Another bow, and Aliset was hot on Sacre's heels, squeezing into the heated room after the snek and their... Well, Aliset supposed the young Helashio was as close to a child as Aliset could have. Was she ready for kids? It didn't matter, she supposed.

"Excuse me, miss... Nalini, but..." Switching to heavily accented Essian, she asked "Who is Naga'Shun? What are these days of awe you speak of? I apologize, I do not speak the language well."
 
Nalini smiled at Aliset and responded in Essian. "Naga'Shun is our patron goddess. There are other gods worshiped amoung us, but Naga'Shun is common to all of them. She teaches us right from wrong, and how to live our lives. The Days of Awe were when Naga'Shun acted in our own time and place. There is a poem I like that explains, 'We Witnessed in our own midst, the days of awe. She poured out her spirit on all Essians; she gave our children prophesied and parents dreamed dreams; she appeared above Farin'Sha to shield us from wrath; she turned the seventeen dry bones into flesh; she turned the heart of the occupier towards us; she multiplied the food of the poor; she brought forth fire to devour the unrepentant; and she stopped the weapons and armor of the Kuvexian.'" Nalini explained, the poem having a lyrical, almost chant like, effect in Essian. Some of the Separa'Shan turned during it and after the end repeated the first line, "We Witnessed in our own midst, the days of awe." They smiled knowingly at each other before returning to watch the Funeral.

Sacre rolled her eyes, "None of those things are supernatural. Hallucinations, a hidden shield generator, resurrection is a lot less impressive when you do it personally every day, Lima syndrome is a real thing, they had food reserves, flamethrowers work, it was probably a super secret SAINT virus. Literally none of that requires the intervention of a deity." Sacre said with a touch of vehemence that seemed a little bit out of proportion.
 
Alastair heard the cute little squeal come from Aelya but figured not to draw any attention to it. He heard her out concerning the world temperature. "That all depends on the location on the world, though the new district will be climate controlled." He could tell by her body language she was enjoying their little chat. He tipped his head towards her. "With pleasure I shall share more of our, culture." He gave her a wink and smiled back at her. "Thank you for your concern but I am perfectly fine. He then looked to Sacre regarding her comment. "With crew like you, I'd say I have never been more full of life. At least when your not trying to shank me cause I gave you head pats." He then let out a chuckle. "Now anyways," He said looking back towards Aelya. "The shine from your beauty could warm the coldest place." He could not help but grin at the corny line he just said. He then opened his coat jacket and she would feel a warm gust come from it. "Double lined and has a built in heater. One can never be too prepared. Though it sounds at the party I will not be in need of this, instead getting warmth from something else." His smile was on full display and very interested in where this might lead too.

Alastair was also following along with the story being told by Lenna. He very much remembered their first battle together, to save the world of Soon. It was an interested turn of events that brought them all together on the world. And yet here they are again together after a battle. Alastair was starting to get use to having the Sobek around. Maybe in future missions they'd have the opportunity to work together.

As he was about to do some more flirting, he was interrupted by a large display kicking on. On it was Sinith, who instantly drew tears from the crowd. Alastair could tell this was very hard on Aelya. She must of known them very well and his heart sank as well. He too had lost friends and loved ones to the curse of progress. His instincts kicked in and he reached over and was about to give Aelya a pat on the head. However something caught her attention. Alastair narrowed his eyes to focus on what it was she had seen. Though it was not clear what had happened, he could tell something was amiss. Things may just get interesting as this moves forward he thought to himself.

Alastair gave a wave as Aliset hurried off. He figured she would find a nice warm place to claim, along with Sacre.
 
"Well... Kinda gotta agree with Sacre on this one. Thay poem can't be more than five years old... Most of our equipment--Excuse me."

Aliset finally ripped her helmet off, shaking her mane of hair free as she took a deep breath, her suit finally beginning to recharge from an inductor somewhere in the container. "Listia knows how it sucks to breathe your own exhale for over an hour!"

"Makes you well aware of your own stinking breath!" A Shuristan called out in a jovial manner, with loud laughter erupting from his groups of friends.

"Yeah, your mom knows mine, her taste's bad enough," Aliset shot back, to the response of more laughter.

"We like that one!"

"Anyway. I've found most deities are little more than matters of faith in perfectly reasonable scenarios. Not to lessen her importance to you, but I'm less interested in the goddess. More in the Lady," she offered a bow, her bout of aggression and insults instantly masked behind a diplomatic and soft smile. "Is there a way to meet her? Or do we find her in our hearts like our own Goddess of the Burial Steel?"
 
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Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​


AELYA

Aelya was surprised no one had reacted to her squeal, "Hmm..." she thought to herself. She smiled sweetly looking at him, "Then I would love to come." she responded playing oblivious to the fact that he had winked. Sacre's comment was the kind of humor she thoroughly enjoyed. However, what Alastair said next made her eyes shoot wide open trying not to be obviously curious. These head pats sounded rather soothing. Aliset's soft voice distracted her, "I would be happy to. Is there anything in particular you wish to know," she said sweetly. Her eyes followed Aliset's path hoping the sweet woman would find the warmth she needed. "I'm sure if she wants to find me to learn more she will." she thought.

Her fiery red eyes moved to meet the Captain's gaze with that of her own, slightly less guarded than before. "I...Im not sure how to take that." she responded doing her best to stifle a chuckle. A warm gush of air from his jacket made her adorable nose twitch, narrowing her eyes in obvious disdain. Her body prepared to step further away if need be. "I'm almost certain you won't be needing that jacket." she replied innocently. In the background she could hear Nikicon talking with the Admiral.

The Aester's speech brought more tears to her eyes. She tilted her head to the side wiping them away delicately. When she did this she caught a glimpse of Alastair reaching over. Her concerns with the events upfront were not entirely concluded and she needed something to distract her. She slipped over in front of Alastair at a respectable yet close distance. While she needed comfort, that coat would make her miserable, but maybe it didnt extend into his sleeves. Standing in front of him she slipped her right hand behind her to find his. She gave it a gentle tug tilting her head up to look at him for permission, "May I hold your hand to stay distracted from that?" she asked gesturing up to the front with a nod. "If you dont mind that is. Perhaps your arm over my shoulder or around my waist? It would bring a great deal of comfort, but I understand if you would rather not. "
 
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Nalini cocked her head slightly, looking deeply into Aliset. There was a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Perhaps, you already have. It is said, there was once two pilgrims who was traveling from Aldelphi to The Well of Souls. The first was wealthy with food and water to spare, and many cloaks. The second was not wealthy, bearly having enough food and water for the journey and only one cloak to keep out the cold. As they traveled they found a man begging. 'Please, share with me your bread.' 'No, I am on the way to see Naga'Shun.' The rich man replied, however the poor man said 'I have some fruit to share, you need it more than I.' The beggar accepted the food and both continued on their way. They encountered a woman who was thirsty. 'Please, share with me a sip of your water.' She said. 'No, I am on the way to see Naga'Shun.' The rich man replied, however the poor man said 'I have some water to share, you need it more than I.' Lastly, they came across a third beggar who had no cloak. 'Please, I have no cloak and may freeze outside here tonight.' 'No, I am on the way to see Naga'Shun.' The rich man replied, however the poor man said 'You may have my cloak, you need it more than I.' So the two arrived at the Well of Souls. The rich man well fed, not thirsty, and warm. The poor man hungry, thirsty, and cold. The rich man approached the priest asking for permission to enter and commune with the goddess. 'No for you have not fed, or clothed, or given Naga'Shun even a sip of water.' The rich man scoffed, 'When I have refused her any of these things?' 'That which you have not done for your neighbor, you have not done for Naga'Shun. You refused to see Naga'Shun in your neighbor, so you will not see her.' The poor man also approached the priest, asking permission to enter and commune with the goddess. 'The goddess welcomes you, for you fed her, gave her water to drink, and clothed her.' 'When did I do those things?' he asked. 'That which you have done for your neighbor, you have done for Naga'Shun. You saw Naga'Shun in your neighbor, so you will see her.'"

Aliset's grin widened as she considered that. "That. That is the goddess I am interested in. My former people believe that any positive action, every act of mercy or charity will allow the entire community to prosper, same that any negative puts the community at risk. It is this way that If'Ni allows our dead to join her as an amalgamate of history and living souls to support our descendants through the burial steel."

"If'Ni... that is a name I haven't heard in a long time..." Nalini mused absentmindedly.

"I have no idea how that answered the question." Sacre pointed out with a note of irritation.

Nalini looked at Sacre, "Have I done something to offend you?" She asked.

"Other than talking nonsense, no."

"You seem angry about something, what is it?" Nalini asked gently.

Sacre sighed, "Naga'Shun is 'the protector and guide of the Separa'Shan' well, I can tell you she wasn't there for me when I needed her. What kind of protector is that?" Sacre asked.
 
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Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​


Ketsurui Aiko remained entirely silent as she stood in the cold, just as she had since disembarking from her shuttle. She was guarded by her two samurai yojimbo Rei and Mao plus a contingent of ten other Ketsurui warriors who'd joined the Star Army in the wake of their order's reorganization. The chill air didn't particularly bother her, nor did attending such state functions. She was, after all, first created to embody Yamatai Star Empire itself and put Yui's blood on the frontlines of war. So peacetime events like this, regardless of the sorrow or splendor that each moment called for, brought her some measure of joy and purpose.

Per some ancient Yamataian traditions, funerals called for white attire rather than black, usually worn by the deceased but often by mourners who wished to send off the dead in a mantle of spiritual and physical purity.

The princess Aiko was dressed in a white-on-white-on-white jacket, skirt, and leggings based on the Type 35's pattern. In the place of a Hinomaru, a patch with the Yamataian bellflower roundel was stitched to her jacket's right arm. A scarlet sash crossed down from her left shoulder and passed underneath a white belt before terminating in an elaborate triple bowtie at her hip, from which an enlarged version of the Order of the Blazing Sun medal hung fastened. Upon her head sat an old Grand Star Army officer's tricorne hat made of bleached beaver fur, with her Shosa's pin on its left front facing.

In all her travels to Ayenee, Aiko had not encountered these Norians nor witnessed their troubles there. But, as a trained trans-universal intelligence liasion, the princess was privy to some rumblings regarding the situation in that far-off place. Rei and Mao knew of their charge's concern, and how she personally mourned for that universe's troubles even as her presence served as an official token of lament for Yamatai's newest citizens.

"I don't expect any fight at a funeral," Aiko's junor yojimbo Mao pondered telepathically to Rei, always alert to her duty and sizing up all threats in earnest. "But based on the fights you and Hime-sama have seen, I think the thirteen of us could take all of this on if we had to."

The other yojimbo flanking Aiko slid her red eyes to Mao in silent agreement. As far beyond her own person as she could, Rei had extended her body's energy manipulation to impede the snow's flurry against her charge, Aiko. The extent of a Nekovalkyrja's endurance against the elements was formidable, especially a 33A as the Ketsurui Clan scion was, but the small act of support brought Rei the same feeling of purpose as it did for Aiko to attend state functions. Despite the samurai's penchant for energy manipulation — it had always been a skill the pragmatic Rei honed and found advantageous — she still could not stop the snow from battering at the far side of the princess.

"Ano... etto," Rei began quietly, catching Mao's attention aloud. Bowing the top of her sleek brunette head, she guided Mao's eyes to the energy field of Rei's that only partially cloaked Aiko from the snowfall before switching to telepathy. "The fight now is against weather."

Mao sent a little grinning chibi to Rei, glad her counterpart had identified a real foe for them to stand against. "Better snowflakes than barbarians," she said as she began projecting her own energy field to join Rei's effort. The junior samurai was not as proficient as the older warrior-sensei, but had studied under Rei for long enough now to complete the snow-free zone around Aiko. With their ward's protection against the elements secure, Rei looked amongst the crowds. She lifted her head as her long ponytail raised on her back and she scanned to see a lot of familiar faces from the starship Kaiyo.

Though a duty-bound samurai, the old yojimbo felt a kinship to all those that had served alongside her and the princess. Pushing her molars against one another and with a little remorse on her chalky expression, she nonetheless accepted that this was no venue for any degree of sociableness.
 
Alastair was very pleased the exchange was going so well. It would be good of him to get the Norian people more connected with the Belmonts. His clan had made it a point to do well with the integration of cultures into Yam. Given all the wars Yamatai continued to fight, they are never without work. Which on the one hand was good for business though he looked forward to the day his clan would disband. For this would mean that they have finally reached an age of peace.

He lightly grinned as she joked with him not needing the jacket. He could tell this had been a pleasant distraction for Aelya to engage in. Clearly she didn't mean anything more with her comment. He had this thinking till she stepped in front of him. His eyes widen as she reached behind herself with her hand and reached towards his. She asked for permission for them to hold hands and maybe even embrace. He knew instantly what this would mean, and was taken aback at what she asked. This would be one hell of a distraction he thought to himself, him, a Star Army Captain, embracing royalty. He did his best to hide the smile. Before getting closer, he turn off the heating of his coat. As he knew how much the Norian dislike the heat. Her reaction from earlier more than confirmed that. "You may," he said softly to her.

Alastair stepped closer to her and took her hand into his. He pulled her in closely, feeling his body press into hers. As he did so he took his arm which was holding her hand and put it around her waist. He then put his other arm over her shoulder. He could feel her soft form press against him as he pulled her tight. Her slender body was even more beautiful up close. Finally they stood, locked in an embrace to compete with all embraces. From afar he had no doubt that this would look like he was making a move on Aelya. He could already hear the sounds of the crew in his mind of them being either shocked or an oh no, here we go again.

He leaned his head down towards her ear. "I hope this is too your liking." He said with a grin as he lowered his mouth towards her ear. In a very low voice he asked of her. "And I should have asked first but are you single?" A light chuckle came across his soft lips. "I'd hate to be attacked by a wild boyfriend or husband." As he spoke these words he made sure to put a little wind behind them. He'd hope it would give her a nice little ear tickle. By the sound of his voice he clearly hoped he'd draw some eyes towards them.
 
The cold air conspired to turn Saga’s cheeks bright pink. It certainly had nothing to do with watching her captain carry on like the hero in a spaceport romance novel. It didn’t matter if he looked the part. A misstep here could involve them in all sorts of drama. She hadn’t known the man long enough to know if he was trying to talk this high ranking Norian into his bed because of the drama or despite it. Either way, she decided to take the plunge and speak up in case the Captain was steering the ship into a sun. Managing a degree of respect most would have considered foreign to her, Saga cleared her throat and said, “Sir, the funeral should be starting soon. Is this the wisest course of action?”
 
The gloves slipped off her hands as she listened, thinking,

"A name she hasn't heard in a long time,,, Then what of Listia and Skydas..." Aliset mused in quiet Shuristan before turning to Sacre and offering a hand to the cheek. Her middle finger found the point of Sacre's jaw, and her palm found Sacre's chin, fingers splayed to contact where nerve points would be on a Senti face, and her thumb brushed her lady's cheekbone. Senti in the room would recognize this gesture as one of calming affection, used by mothers to calm their children, or lovers to relieve stress.

Like a kiss that overrides the Senti nervous system and slows their heartbeat, forcing their muscles to relax and their blood oxygen to increase, resetting and clearing the thoughts. She didn't know if it would work on Sacre, and by all rights it shouldn't have. But the meaning was clear. Affection and an offer of warmth and calm.

"No one, not even a god, is truly infallible. And what happened to you isn't the fault of any deity or even yours. Maybe we need to take leave and go to the Well of Souls. Rather than taking it out on a harmless Essirati preacher."
 
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Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​


AELYA

Aelya found his reaction rather adorable as she noticed the effect of her request on him. "Make that one difference between our kind," she thought to herself. "Thank you," she said sweetly not wanting to frighten him away. Upon his approach she became immensely grateful that he turned the heating off. His close presence provided her comfort, but also made her curious as to why he woke up alone half the time. "MUST be a personal choice on his part." she wondered in her head.

In their embrace Aelya wasn't really concerned with their closeness being an issue. Anyone that knew her would probably lean towards the thought of her seeking some sort of solace. That is unless they were particularly protective or possessive over her. While she was prone to be a little more flirtatious, she was rather more conservatively dressed than her usual. This in itself would most likely indicate to them any extracurriculars would be postponed, no matter how much it pained her.

Her red hair came to rest on the arm that fell over her shoulder with a sigh. "It is of great comfort. Although I do have some..." she paused briefly. "Additional questions at a more appropriate time. Norians tend to be a mostly polyamorous culture, with some exceptions. I am not one of those exceptions. As for the boyfriend or husband, I have none of those.....but I do like anyone that I find interesting." she chuckled quietly into his ear. A voice near them drew her attention to the adorably suspicious female. "I don't intend to cause any trouble." she said to Saga, looking over the arm on which her head rested. "It shouldn't offend my people, they know me well enough to know its probably better this way. However, if I am offending the Captain's culture you can tell me and I may stop, if that's what he wishes."
 

Funeral of Aester Sinith Caeyara I​

Arina

A huff hidden as a sigh, someone did hear a squeal, and she knew that voice anywhere. It rang in her head often enough during the long exodus. Arina willed herself to not keep looking, but when she did, it was clear things with their new allies had progressed and it looked exactly like what she thought, only making heat come to her pale cheeks. To distract the others with her, she only gave the briefest look Aelya's way and then to the woman that looked a little too much like her mother for comfort at the moment. Then she looked back again, then to the memorial and screen. She started to focus on her breathing, to not let anything on, and get a better wrangle on her Vesper.

Air air aezalia shar air jhyl jhoji! All of her frustration about lots of things came over the Vesper to Aelya, and of course, some pain, and a sprinkling of feeling daft.

Akina

The honor guard, and the rest of the group with the taisho did not look confused about the arrival of the newest Norian her immaculate dress. The entire royal group looked beautiful in her opinion. It was interesting to see a group of what she assumed were independents, Star Army personnel, and Norians together closer to the memorial.

At least, until she saw the display their commander make what looked like a move on one of the members of the retinue.

During the state funeral of an ally.

The matter was not so much the content or intent, but how it was perceived by so many around them. Without breaking her solemn expression, she used hemosynthesis to magnify her gaze, so she could identify the ship and crew.

"Did Rufus Sydney update his look?" She thought to herself before that imperceptible shift of her gaze went to the main part of the service with their Emperor.

He didn't seem upset or was too diplomatic, but she braced herself for the possibility of hearing about it later. She felt by the fact they kept her name at their new home was an honor, and in addition to already finding them stalwart, intelligent, and cultured compatriots (and easy on the eyes), she felt bound to them somewhat. Or maybe bonding with them was a better term?
 
"I'm not a preacher, I'm just a cook on the YSS Resurgance." Nalini responded to Aliset.

Sacre moved away sightly, but took hold of her girlfriends wrist, gently holding the hand that was touching her face. "I know it shouldn't make me upset... it's just... I prayed so hard, tried to hang on for so long, and... and... no one came for me." Sacre sighed.

Nalini nodded slowly, accepting Sacre's words. "Naga'Shun loves all Separa'Shan, wants them to be the best that they can be. She knows much, but not everything. She is powerful, but mostly only in her own desmene. Your pain hurts her, I think she knew, but there wasn't anything she could do to help."

Sacre shook her head, rejecting Nalini's words. "Then what use is she?"

Nalini nodded slowly, accepting Sacre's words. She slid closer, "May I be Naga'Shun to you?" She asked Sacre.

Sacre seemed almost ready to say no. "What are you going to do?" She asked.

"Grieve with you, for your loss. Enter into your pain, help you to shoulder it." Nalini replied. Sacre seemed unsure.
 
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