Author's Note:

Just first, I do plan to have a lot of themes in this, including some strong cannon pairings. But unfortunately first I have to set up new characters as well as get Duncan's death out of the way.

This chapter now has Alyss/Will moments so I can start getting an audience :)

Also I just can't stop writing this! I have no idea what's gotten into me!

Chapter 2:

|| Echoes of Memories ||

15th February, 650 Common Era

xxx

'To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die.'
- Thomas Campbell

Cassandra walked out from her father's funeral with puffy eyes and a sore throat. She refused to speak to anyone while she tried to comprehend what had happened over the past days.

The funeral itself had been magnificent, with enough formality to satisfy any King, as well as being simple enough to match Duncan's attitude to hierarchy. He had been sent off by anyone who had been close to him, with warmth, love and deep respect.

He would be honoured for Ages.

Slowly, everyone filed out of the Castle's church with much whispering and quiet words.

Will, Alyss, Gilan and Horace were amongst them. The four moved away from the main group to be alone.

They had been privileged enough to see the funeral, although the feeling was lost on them today.

Only a select few of the Corps were there, in part because they couldn't all abandon their Fiefs for at least a week. The suddenness also didn't accommodate for those close to Duncan that lived days away from Castle Araluen.

Gilan was lucky to have joined Halt, Will and Horace's special task group for overseas negotiations and had been stationed at Redmont for the past month.

Will was upset, as was Alyss. But Horace and Gilan were much worse from the impact of Duncan's death. Being Cassandra's chosen Champion, Horace saw the King daily, while Gilan had practically grown up around the court until he chose to become a Ranger.

Alyss leant on Will, while his arms encircled her, sharing their grief together.

Horace ignored them, as he had for the past few years. Their relationship was solid, apart from Will's hesitation to propose. Seeing Halt and Pauline's relationship, which was still strong, didn't motivate him to act on his own.

'Right, who's hungry?' Horace asked, his voice dry.

Gilan gave him a curious glance, while Alyss looked rather shocked.

Will recovered first, clearing is throat and asking, 'You're thinking of food at a time like this?'

Horace shook his head and replied, 'No, food is the last thing on my mind. But we should eat something.'

Alyss slowly nodded her assent and took Will's hand. They walked off together to the tables lined outside with delicious food, prepared in honour of Duncan.

All of the chefs that had been his close friends were there to celebrate his life in their own way.

Gilan wrapped himself in his cloak, appreciating the small amount of comfort it offered.

'I don't think I'm up to eating.' He said quietly.

Horace understood. Today was not a day for pride; everyone had a reason to be here and shouldn't feel ashamed if their sorrow overcame them.

'I know, but you look like you could use a friend.'

'I have you, don't I?'

Horace shook his head. 'I have other things to do.'

'Things to do? You're at a funeral Horace! Can't you give a thought for the dead?' Gilan growled.

'I'm grieving for the King; I don't want to pretend like I don't care. But there is someone else more affected by this. I have to make sure she's okay.'

'Cassandra.' Gilan stated, turning his head away in shame. He should have known Horace would immediate think of her welfare.

'Maybe you should go speak to your father.' Horace suggested.

'He'll be too upset about this. He was one of Duncan's closest friends. I'll let him grieve in peace.'

The young knight shrugged, patting Gilan's shoulder sympathetically before walking off to find the Princess.

Gilan made his way to the food, where a throng of familiar faces were gathered.

Huge braziers were lit around the food, to keep away the cold and offer comfort to the guests.

Will and Alyss stood amongst them, although they still hadn't eaten anything. The young courier refused to let go of Will's hand, as if his presence was the only thing keeping her from breaking down.

'I'm glad you're here with me.' Will admitted quietly, squeezing her hand. Alyss gave a forced smile and lent against him.

Halt was with Pauline, in a similar fashion to Will and Alyss, but with Crowley as well. The three adults not only looked depressed, but they were not speaking and staring at various points on the ground, each lost to their own thoughts.

Gilan spotted his father talking to Baron Arald.

He briefly thought about Horace's motives.

Not only would Cassandra need a friend, but the country was without a monarch. Cassandra would have to be crowned soon to regain some normality in Araluen.

Just seeing some of the most important people in the country, stunned in grief, did not look promising for the future.

It was not for the first time, that Gilan truly appreciated Horace's thinking.

Logical and straight forward, he had thought immediately to the welfare of the Princess, the country and how to fix this sudden tragedy.

A warm hand covered his own, and he glanced to his right to find Jenny standing beside him. Inwardly, he smiled as they sat down together to talk.

Soft music could begin to be heard throughout Castle Araluen's grounds.

It would take a while for the Kingdom to finish mourning, but for now the guests at King Duncan's funeral realised that they were not only grieving his death, but celebrating his life and accomplishments.

Horace made his way through the gardens, outside the castle. He could join his friends and talk about events that had involved the King, but he had a bigger concern on his mind.

He had searched all through the castle and had been unable to locate Cassandra.

Not only did he want to make sure she was safe, he knew she would need his comfort and friendship.

He hadn't found her in any of the public gardens and sighed in resignation.

Turning, he intended to go back and rejoin Will and Alyss, when he spotted a fleck of black amongst the river.

It was winter, but still the willow trees were green and brown, and the grass around was not as affected due to the tree's coverage.

He could see her, covered in black for mourning, as well as a dark overcoat to keep away the cold.

She had brought a large blanket to sit on. Horace sat next to her, studying her expression.

Cassie was very pale and he knew that sitting on the ground was not a good thing in winter. The heat from her body would be sucked into the earth.

'I think you should be inside the castle, where it's warm.' He told her seriously.

She didn't say she wanted to be alone, because she always enjoyed Horace's presence. Cassie just needed time away from everyone. There were too many unknowns and everyone was shocked by his death, but ignoring the reason of why and how it happened.

She frowned and felt the tears stream down her face once more.

Horace offered her a cloth to wipe her eyes. Cassie took it with a small offer of thanks.

'Everyone will feel more reassured if you're with them. So they know they can place their trust in you.' He told her quietly.

'What if I can't place my trust in them?' She whispered.

Horace grew concerned and told her, 'Of course you can.'

She shook her head stubbornly.

'No, I don't think I can.'

'Do you trust me?' His voice was soft.

'Yes.' She answered without hesitation.

Cassie glanced at his face and saw the hurt written upon it. He was thinking of Will and Alyss, Halt and Pauline, Arald and Crowley, all the people who had loyally served her father for many years.

She felt betrayed, especially when she still received no word from how her father had died except that it was not from illness.

But she wanted to reassure Horace. Regardless of her doubts, somewhere inside her she knew she could place her life in his hands.

'I can't explain it yet. But when I can, you'll be the first to know.' She said in a breathless whisper.

He looked sceptical and confused.

She looked into his eyes. 'I promise you.' She said steadily.

Horace began to nod slowly and wrapped an arm around her in comfort.

Cassie curled into him and allowed herself to be held against him.

They didn't speak and sat like that for a while, while the soft music from the castle provided solace.

Closing her eyes in exhaustion, Cassie began to fall asleep.

The warmth of Horace's body reminded her she had a friend.

She sighed into his chest and let a few more tears drop.

For the first time in three days, she felt safe.

Halt isn't a very good role model, proposing so late, (even if they weren't together) but still, for fun, let's make some angst in Alyss/Will's relationship :D

Thanks spookisapuppy and Blackhawk1997 for reviewing.

While you check out my story(s) you should check out theirs! :)

- Mae.