Lightstar Family/Xarnelf/Roleplay 27

Zhamot's Funeral

Atop the flat-topped cliff, the winds blew strong while the clouds obscured the sun's rays, shrouding the small gathering in murky light. Below them, the waves crashed thunderously against the wall of rock with wild abandon. Xarnelf continued to watch the proceedings stoically and silently, as he had since the start. The young noble had no more tears left in him to shed. His eyes were bloodshot with grief, and dry, saline streaks ran down his cheek.

Xarnelf had returned to the family estate only to discover his grandfather lying on his deathbed. None of the healers could determine the cause of Zhamot's sudden illness; this same malady appeared to have also stricken the knight's father around the same time, though he seemed to be recovering from his ailment and would not meet the Reaper for a while yet.

Now, the five Lightstars stood by as the funeral pyre burned itself out. The young man's mother Reia and sister Yleina stood holding each other, still quietly sobbing. His father Vehc leaned against his uncle Wynlar for support. Xarnelf stood alone with his arms hanging almost slack at his sides, his mind in a roiling turmoil trying to decipher the cause of and the reason for this malediction.

When the fire had long died and nothing remained but ashes, they paid their final respects and took the long journey back home. By nightfall, Zhamot's remains had dispersed to the four winds.