She had seen this scene so many times before. The tearful faces, trembling voices, silent sobs. There was nothing she wasn't familiar with. Only this time the whole situation was different.
For the first, the group in front of her consisted almost entirely of young people.
Of course, the deceased – Kiara, they had called her – had been very young. Too young. Her heart ached when she thought about her fate, even though she hadn't known the girl personally.
The second thing that made the situation special was that there were people from many different parts of the world, probably from several religious backgrounds. It seemed she wasn't the only one who didn't belong to Kiara's closest acquintances, but still there was a strong feeling of fellowship.
They had something in common, and that something was the reason why they had gathered here today, to honor the one who had passed away too early, and to solace those who stayed. She, too, had her share in this circle of brave hearts and true spirits. And that was the third reason to make the situation different.
They were bladers, every single one of them. The shared the same spirit, same ambition, the same experiences.
Sitting there by her harp she watched the silent group in front of her. Random fragments of speeches floated in her mind.
"We must also bury our sorrow and our regrets along with her."
"She doesn't deserve to go through all of the pain and sorrow she has been through her past life."
"She was an idol to me, a friend, a family."
"No one dies until she is completely forgotten"
"My sister of our large caring family."
"Think of all the idiotic times you had with her."
"We have to grit our teeth and stand back up."
"I bet she's up there right now sitting on a big fluffy cloud"
"Death is a transformation- death isn't the end."
"So, instead of saying goodbye... "See you later!""
Words from the heart. And now it was her turn to touch their hearts in the way she knew.
Take her to your shelter,
You, Great and Holy
Take her to your shelter,
give solace to those who are yearning
Take her to your shelter,
into the wide halls of heaven.
Take her to your shelter,
to the endless joy.
The first chords of the harp were almost timid, but soon grew stronger.
Take her to your shelter,
the wind blows so softly
Take her to your shelter,
the river carries the wanderer
Take her to your shelter,
to the shores of the land of peace
Take her to your shelter,
to the last home and haven.
She didn't know if this was a song Kiara or her friends would have liked. The music one person found consoling and touching could be only annoying to somebody else. She could only hope at least somebody would feel this song the same way she did.
Take her to your shelter,
we miss her so much
Take her to your shelter,
You friend of those who bear sorrow in their hearts
Take her to your shelter,
the bridge over the darkness
Take her to your shelter
enfolded with Your love.
Her voice faltered as always in beginning the last verse. It was impossible to sing these words without thinking – and feeling – the unbearable grief the people around her were fighting with. She still wasn't professional enough to stay in her role, to keep her distance.
The violinist stood up and lifted his bow for the postludium.
Kiara, Flame. This is for you. With love, Kiti.
A/N: The lyrics above are from the song called "Ota hänet vastaan", by Anna-Mari Kaskinen and Petri Laaksonen. The translation is my own. I couldn't find the song in YouTube, and I don't like the version of it in Spotify. Maybe I'll make my own version of it someday. If somebody wants to have the music, please PM.
The postludium with the violinist is Berceuse (Lullaby) of Armas Järnefelt. The link will be in my profile soon.