DEIMOS
They’d done this too many times before, and it never became any easier.
Perhaps numbing; but not when there were those like Ru in the midst, who had lost and lost and lost and picked apart the granules, hoping and aching for something thereafter. His eyes went to her, briefly blinking back something, and then a residual swallow, before glancing at Talyson’s torch, back to Evie, and finally, at Noah’s movement. His jaw clenched, but he returned the nod, knowing this was the responsibility of the Warden’s now.
He held the flames near several of the pyres, before handing it off to Evie for her to finish the others, eyes casting over the infernos, the snapping, the crackling, of kindling as it was stoked, sending bodies to rest with their souls. Only then did his deep rumble begin – horrific at speeches, with so much to convey and not nearly enough time or expanse or ability. But perhaps the world would begrudge him this, at the very least. “Halo still stands because of its people – those brave enough to fight, to protect, no matter the hardships. We honor those fallen in their attempts now, and will continue to do so as we live on.” To not let their efforts be in vain, to not persist and dwell and fall into the seams – as difficult as it was to crawl out of the midst.
Then he paused, waiting to see if the Evergreen wanted to add anything, along the inevitable places and footholds he must’ve missed. And only when she’d had her say and opportunity, did he continue to stand before the fire, echoing prior sentiments. “May they burn brightly.”
Perhaps numbing; but not when there were those like Ru in the midst, who had lost and lost and lost and picked apart the granules, hoping and aching for something thereafter. His eyes went to her, briefly blinking back something, and then a residual swallow, before glancing at Talyson’s torch, back to Evie, and finally, at Noah’s movement. His jaw clenched, but he returned the nod, knowing this was the responsibility of the Warden’s now.
He held the flames near several of the pyres, before handing it off to Evie for her to finish the others, eyes casting over the infernos, the snapping, the crackling, of kindling as it was stoked, sending bodies to rest with their souls. Only then did his deep rumble begin – horrific at speeches, with so much to convey and not nearly enough time or expanse or ability. But perhaps the world would begrudge him this, at the very least. “Halo still stands because of its people – those brave enough to fight, to protect, no matter the hardships. We honor those fallen in their attempts now, and will continue to do so as we live on.” To not let their efforts be in vain, to not persist and dwell and fall into the seams – as difficult as it was to crawl out of the midst.
Then he paused, waiting to see if the Evergreen wanted to add anything, along the inevitable places and footholds he must’ve missed. And only when she’d had her say and opportunity, did he continue to stand before the fire, echoing prior sentiments. “May they burn brightly.”
i'm in the mood to dissolve in the sky
