Kingsley Family/Alyssa/Peregrine

This is a story posted by Kay Peregrine, about his true and final death. The roleplay is saved here as it was a significant message in the history of Perdan, and for Alyssa personally. (I also believe it's particularly touching and wanted to include it). Also included is his funeral and the memories of the nobles he lead while King of Perdan.

Content Warnings: Major Character Death

Peregrine

Roleplay from Kay Peregrine Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (43 recipients) - 19 days, 23 hours, 11 minutes ago Suddenly, a powerful bronze voice is ringing over the bustling city. The booming sound scatters flocks of pigeons squatting Perdan's numerous squares. There is a pause before each strike. A pause that makes thousands of hearts skip a beat.

At first there is panic. What is happening? Fire? Invasion? Epidemic? People freeze in place, eyes full of fear. They listen closely to the bell that is repeating one syllable mournfully. Over and over. The bronze bell was tolling a name it seemed. Slowly citizens realized it was not a warning but a farewell. His Majesty passed away.

Smallfolk felt momentarily relieved as they realized nothing was threatening their lives at the moment. Some mouthed a quick prayer to Leandra, some issued a few sad sighs, some shrugged and spat on the cobblestone. Soon everyone went about their business, no longer paying attention to the bronze-voiced dirge.

• * *

In the Stump rumours were spreading like wildfire. Men in the cups shared their theories and weird hearsay.

"You know Odger's wife? She works at the castle. She said they found him sitting on his throne this morning. All dressed up in his precious golden armour and pretty cape. But he was all dessicated and ghoulish. A dry husk of a man. And then he croaked in eery voice "Remember: Perdan first!" and immediately his flesh turned into dust. And he was no more, back to where he came from. Only his creepy gem remained, the milky stone he used to put in his eye socket."

"Yeah, that's a load of bull crap. Someone I trust told me he turned to stone. And they are now fashioning a statue out of him."

"Well, I've heard that his council poisoned him. He's been hogging the throne for too long. And given his predicament they feared his reign would be eternal."

"Shut up, Clancy. No matter what, he was a good king. This time he's gone for good, I hope. So let's drink to him. To the king!"

"Agreed. To his majesty, king Kay. May he rest in peace. And to the new king. Long live!"

• * *

Come evening, courtiers noticed a peregrine falcon circling over the castle. It issued a piercing shriek and flew west, over the market square, and the residential district, and the harbour and it was at sea. Salt breeze ruffled its featheres. Foam-tipped waves crested beneath its wings. There was no land on the horizon, just more water and clear blue skies.

Far below a fisher and his apprentice in a tiny boat watched the noble bird's flight.

"Where do you think it's headed?" the young one asked. "There is no land over yonder."

The old fisherman covered his eyes with a hand and watched the bird as it made its way toward the setting sun.

"I don't know. But look how majestic and free its flight is. When I die, I hope I will be reborn as a bird."