The event was as solemn as it was sad. The passing of Domovoi was news all around. One of the members of the Fowl family – even if not by blood. – He had been with them since the birth of Artemis "Artie" Fowl the second. Together they had faced challenges and setbacks that no one could imagine. None of the "mud people" at least.

It was the end of an era. Though the big guy would have preferred a quiet and private burial, no doubt sorrowful, destiny wouldn't have it and several people showed up. Old contacts from his many identities, people who were thankful to the Fowl family, his sister, Artie – which now only had his two brothers, - an imp, another genius, a particular bunch of hairs and dirt that stood far away from everyone else (though it wasn't enough to disperse the smell that came from it, and which made the crowd cover their noses), and of course, me. Though I wasn't visible, vibrating several times each second makes you do that.

It somehow reminded me of when I had lost my mother...I had grown closer to Artie and Butler over the years, even as they grew older. We had often collaborated, Artie's genius showing, and helping him help me. The pain that came was just so...well, cold. Like I was being encased in ice. But this ice didn't soothe the pain, this ice made it hurt even more. It was like I was being crushed.

I knew their demises to be inevitable, I had known it was coming for years. Our kind didn't mix with their kind without coming out hurt in the deal, due to their short life spans, but it still came as a deep hit.

The casket was moved around by Artie and his two brothers. Artemis had never been one for physical activities, but a look of steel determination was in his face. I knew this to be hard for him as well, Butler was more than a father to him, he was his guide, his best friend, his advice giver...Artemis wanted to lay the man down to earth himself, as a way to honor the great man that was Butler.

I observed as he held the casket in his shoulder and pushed onward. It was heavy, deceivingly so, the polished wood giving in the impression that it would be easy to carry. I could see the strain in Artie's face, through his determination, but then, I had always been good at analysing people, I don't think anyone else noticed.

Juliet cried, I could hear her. She had been trying not to, but it was his brother, it was hard for the once young lady not to. I understood her completely, while I didn't subscribe to the theory that females need be sentimental, I too had shed a tear or two for Butler. I diverted my attention from the casket pushing Artie to Juliet. She looked gorgeous in her dress, that the would never have worn if it weren't for such an important event, she wasn't the only one crying, I took care to not as my eyes passed through the crowd, even strong burly men did.

Artemis finally reached his destination and he softly lay the casket down unto the ground. He too had tears in his face, though he did his best to clear him.

He looked around at the crowd that had formed, as I had done, Butler being a popular man in his lifetime, though a ruthless one. And then he spoke.

Artemis speeches weren't always the best to encourage people. He was well spoken and knew several beautiful lines and words, in several languages, but they often didn't match the mood of the situation.

But as he cleaned his throat with a "hum hum", I realised he had probably planned down his speech to a tee, writing it down since he had discovered Butler's corpse, in his bed, where he had died while asleep.

I contemplated that, though he had been in thousands of gunfights, and fought the most vile creatures on the planet, it had been in a calm and pacific state that he had died. It seemed fitting to me. And I smiled, briefly.

Artemis looked right at my direction, and I knew he knew me to be here. I held my thumb at him, feeling stupid immediately afterwards. He couldn't see me, after all.

"Butler was..." – he started, and then he held back a sob, swallowing it, he cleared away a tear and then he stared again. The cold weather of the emerald isles didn't affect him as he continued his speech. – "Butler was special. He was kind, strong, brave, and he always took care of me."

He permitted himself a smile as he, I had no doubt, remembered the several adventures the two had shared.

"But I don't want to pass the impression that the only reason I cared for him was because he took care of my needs. Nothing could be further from the truth..." – He paused for a moment, wetting his lips. – "Paulo Coelho once said that, and I cite him - Anyone who has lost something they thought was theirs forever finally comes to realise that nothing really belongs to them. – and I think that citation applies here. Butler taught me many things. He taught me how to relate to others, he taught me to respect people by starting to respecting him, and, more importantly, he taught me humility." – He looked at the casket where his friend lay. – "I thought Butler to be mine to do whatever I wished of him for the first 12 years of my life...I came to realise that's not exactly the truth but now that I lost him..." – He openly sobbed now, tears falling out of his eyes. – "I realise nothing belongs to me." – Artemis put a hand in the cold wood.

"Thanks old pal" – He whispered, as I would later find out.

The procedures continued and I couldn't help but feel depressed at the loss of the man. Artemis had turned out to be a fine lad, mostly thanks to Butler. The speech had made everyone emotional. Though I didn't think that was what it was meant to do. I think Artemis spoke with the heart, not the mind, for one time in his life.

I would miss Butler, every one of us would, but he had caused an impact while he had been on earth.

He would be missed.