Farewell Sloan|Clan Poldora, Beastlands

[Kender Bard]

Thavan watched as other Beasts made the final preparations on Sloan's body for burial. There had already been dozens of burials for the fallen soldiers and villagers, but as Sloan had been the General of Poldora, he was going to be given more pomp and ceremony than those other, more anonymous burials had been. Thavan had made it a point to try to attend them all, however. As a result, he looked half-dead himself with fatigue and sadness.

"How much longer?" he mumbled to no one in particular.

[Skittlebug]

A younger Beast, a cat of some sort who had been helping her mother prepare the dead all day, looks to Thavan wearily. "The body is nearly ready Packleader, it won't be long."

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Indeed only a few minutes later the pair called for a hand in moving the heavy elk and his companion. The pair were laid beside the graves that had been dug for them, side by side, with much care and respect. It was not long before Sloan's Warriors were assembled, taking up their ranks and standing at attention to see off their lost General. The officers stand before their squads, Aakel as serious as the rest of them. She had done her grieving on her own time, when no one else would see, but she watches Thavan somberly, her heart aching more knowing the state her mate was in.

Many eyes watch the Packleader as well, expectantly, all were sure that the porcupine would have something to say.

[Kender Bard]

Thavan stood before the grave and looked into it silently for a few moments before finally speaking his mind. "When I was only sixteen years old, I ran away from my home in Ronduin and here, to the Beastlands, because I wanted to grow and become strong. I wanted to prove to myself and my family that I wasn't just some weak, pathetic burden. Sloan was the first Beast I had ever met. At first, we didn't exactly get along well, but I don't think many people do with a man like Sloan. Over time, though, I realized that he was a man of honor and a man worthy of emulation. I strove my hardest to prove my place, and his decision, in the clan. Over time, it dawned on me that Sloan was more of a father figure than my own father had ever been to me. And now I stand here as Packleader, and nothing I can possibly do could ever bring my dearest friend back."

He licked his lips and fell silent a moment before going on. "But Sloan is with Worg now. He died fighting the king of the faeries and there is not a death more worthy of an honorable warrior such as he. So on this day we commend his body back to the earth. Farewell, Sloan. We will miss you. I will miss you."

[Skittlebug]

Many of the gathered soldiers murmured words of agreement, and those designated moved forward to lay the General and his companion's bodies into the earth. Traditionally the family would come forward to the grave and leave a trinket or talisman if they wished, and there is a bit of an awkward silence. After a moment Aakel flicks an ear in annoyance and steps forward. Pulling at her small string of trinkets she selects one and lets it drop into the open grave. "Rest well old man," it's more of a mutter to herself than an announcement before heading back to her spot at the front of her squad.

This prompts the other officers to approach the grave, some saying a few words, a few offering a talisman, it seemed an appropriate way to see of their General. After they had all returned to their squads the diggers come forward to fill in the graves.

[Kender Bard]

Thavan watched, after depositing his own trinket, as the grave was filled before pulling Aakel aside. "I... I'm not sure what happens next," she admitted to her in a low voice. "Do I pick who takes Sloan's place? Or is there some sort of, um, battle tournament for it?"

[Skittlebug]

The vixen frowns, this was a situation that hadn't happened since the Beastlands had a Packleader, as far as she could remember. "Normally yes, there would be a battle over it, ev'ry one getting a fair shot and all. But with the war on, I don't think anyone will argue too much if you pick someone." She manages a smirk, " 'sides, if anyone disagrees, they can challenge the new General after we sort the faeries out, right?"

[Kender Bard]

"That sounds about right," Thavan agreed. "But... It's such a huge decision."

And right at this moment, huge decisions weren't something he felt up to doing. Not after the bloodbath he'd gotten everyone into. "Is Faolan with us in Poldora or did he decide to stay in Seere?" he asked suddenly.

[Skittlebug]

Aakel glances around, "I think so, for the ceremony, but he'll probably be heading back soon."

[Kender Bard]

"Then let's go find him before it's too late," Thavan replied and finally moved away from the burial plot to seek out Faolan.

[Skittlebug]

Faolan was not difficult to find, he had wandered back from the crowd after the ceremony, but not far. When the wolf sees the pair headed his way he stands and gives them a weary smile. "Hail Packleader, Oficer Obrhim, I was just about to seek you out myself. What can I do for you?"

[Kender Bard]

"I was hoping you'd be able to give me a little bit of advice," Thavan admitted quietly. "I'm a bit at a loss of what to do now, at least, with concern to Poldora. I was thinking of assigning a new General to the clan. And, if they are found lacking, then they can be challenged later. But I'd appreciate your thoughts on the matter."

[Skittlebug]

Faolan nods and casts an eye over the gathered warriors, "That may well be the best choice, given the circumstances, though I'm there will be those who disagree. Perhaps the catch is in how you tell them," a hint of a grin crosses the wolf's muzzle, "you know how they love their celebrations, why don't you hold a feast, in honour of the dead. It may well raise moral and you can make your decision known while the warriors are caught up in the festivities, less likely to speak out against it."

[Kender Bard]

"That's a great idea," Thavan agreed, eyes lighting up a little. "Faolan, you're a genius. Thank you. When would an appropriate time be to announce the festival? I'm not sure how long a mourning period is expected from the Beasts."

[Skittlebug]

"Hmm, not too long, besides a feast like this is a way to bring the mourning to a head and begin to recover from it, not to dismiss it. I'd say by noontime, give the hunters a chance to bring in enough to feed everyone by nightfall." Faolan gets a distant look for a moment, "And while are you making announcements, perhaps you could appeal to the other clans on behalf of Seere. We would be grateful for any aid they would be willing to give us to help rebuild and try to prepare for the winter." He glances away, it was difficult to as such a thing, particularly of Beleg, but he needed to do all he could for his clan.

[Kender Bard]

"Consider it done," Thavan replied quickly. "And know that I personally will be spending time in Seere to lend as much aid as I can. Hopefully that will persuade others to do the same."

He was worried about throwing a funeral celebration when they were still potentially in danger. He had guards set up in Seere and Poldora, still, looking for the first sign of a faerie retaliation. But it was something that needed to be done.