Above the Keep, Volume 14

Above the Keep - By Lorelai Silvermoon Volume 14

During the brief respite from the training grounds, the Hunter and officer from M'Chek can be seen in attendance during the solemn internment ceremony of Mary Brooks in the depths of the Champions' Keep. Soon after this, he is also present in Nor'Seere as Parthinia's memorial service in held, a silent figure standing beside the Silverstrike twins. In both cases, he is wearing his formal Blackhawk uniform as a sign of respect to both Mary and Parthinia, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice.

In the days that follow, Thaylis spends his down time in Nor'Seere. He appears restless with a look of determination and anticipation in his eyes, anxious to resume his training with Skyla.

Amidst the shining armor of the Champions, Cole stands silently, head bowed, as Laucian Galanodel leads and concludes the service, "May you be blessed and kept, the Feyking's forests providing protection and the sun. May you be given peace, now and forever."

He himself wears the lightly armored tunics and tabards as is his custom, though they have been freshly cleaned and the metal polished. His left arm bearing the omnipresent cord of engraved prayer beads and religious talismans wrapped from wrist near to shoulder, a keen eye will notice a freshly worked bead, carefully marked 'M.B' is added to the long line of Champions that the man carries with him.

The Champion appears much the same at Nor'seere, though takes a quiet moment with Thaylis to remind him that while he is here, if he is with Skyla and her brother, he -is- training. He recommends perhaps the Pelarites share a hunt in these days, to draw them further together. Noting his look, he also recommends he and the Silverstrikes return to the keep days ahead of the others, as they cannot afford him the same loss of days in the catchup.

MJ attends both ceremonies at Cole's side, dressed in her holy robes of O'Ma. The kirre cat pressed close against her other side, she says very little, and has a tight grip on her ever present walking stick. Unlike the joyfulness of the past few months, she nearly buzzes with tension, like some magical gnomish device imbued with power might hum while waiting to be be put to use.

Among the procession and crowd gathered, Thorfinn merges into those gathered as he pays his respects to a fallen friend. He touches his holy symbol and offers a quiet prayer.

When the sun rises the next morning over the treetops of Nor'Seere following the funeral of Parthinia, the Pelarites have long since left the Avariel city. Like ghosts, they head north through the forest heading toward the foothills of the Deglosian Mountains. Taking Cole's advice, the three Hunters lose themselves in the Hunt.