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Posted April 11, 2014

SUMMARY: Harry and his circle, along with the Commonwealth, bid farewell to those killed in the battle with Alduin.

34: INTERLUDE – FUNERAL

18 – 21 Hearthfire, 4E201

Harry and his circle were not seen for the next few days, as they all sought to reconcile their thoughts and feelings. It had been what seemed like an unending stream of chaos since the first meeting with Paarthurnax. Healer Ferris had spoken to all of them, including Brandon and Eric—considering they did lose a colleague during the battle.

In addition to speaking with Mazhe about the events, she also shared the findings of the medical lab back in Trevelyan. Whatever had made Mazhe sick was not vampirism. However, she cautioned, exposure to the condition a second time would likely turn him, and no potion would cure him.

On the 21st of Hearthfire, a funeral was held for the dead atop the Throat of the World. Harry had approached Paarthurnax the previous day and had gotten permission to do so. Not only was the entire circle present, but in addition, Sahrotaar rested nearby. A large contingent of the SOU were present, as was the Queen herself. The unit had lost one of their own, and so it was only appropriate that their commander in chief attended. Kyle's parents were present, as was his wife. Judging by the bump at her midsection, she had to be about six months along. Her child would grow up absent a father.

Brandon and Eric had returned to Skuldafn, and had managed to recover both Kyle's body, as well as the few remains of Pietros. They were placed on top of an enormous funeral pyre, along with Varro's body.

"Our hearts weigh heavy today," the Queen began, "Though not in direct conflict here in these lands, We have a vested interest residing with Our ward. Our Special Operations Unit faces great danger every time they are called to duty, whether it be here or elsewhere. Yet, that knowledge still does little to lessen the heartbreak of loss.

"Second Lieutenant Kyle Edward Sullivan was a member of Our Special Operations Unit. However, he was more than just a soldier. He was a son to loving parents. A husband to a wife expecting their first child. No wife should have to bury their husband. And no parent should ever have to bury their child."

She stepped back, and Dardanos stepped forward.

"Domina speaks many truths," he began, "I know the pain Sullivan's wife must now endure, a heart weighing heavy, her love now forever absent her side. I walk the same path every waking moment. It is only tempered with the knowledge my wife waits for me in the afterlife."

He paused a moment to collect his thoughts.

"As gladiators, we embraced death, and welcomed battle with a ready sword. Pietros and Varro accepted that possibility such as Crixus and I. To join battle and it mean something... to die for purpose other than the pleasure of others. Their passing was not in vain, and the gods carry them to a better place."

He stepped back, and Crixus gave him a squeeze on the shoulder.

"Dilon lahney au ko un zahreik ahrk vahrukt—the dead live on in our hearts and memories," said Paarthurnax, "Do well to remember their friendship and their company."

"I heard a quote once," said Justin, "I forget who said it, but, it goes, 'Do not mourn the dead, they know what they're doing'. Varro, Pietros, and Kyle have left us, but they go to a better place. Dardanos put it best, they're in the hands of the gods now."

A pair of torches were produced, one for Dardanos, and one for the Queen. Together, they lit the funeral pyre, and as the flames took hold, the rest of the SOU team present began to sing:

I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,

Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;

The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,

That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;

The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,

The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

As they continued to sing, Dardanos and Crixus began to spar, the clash of their blades being the traditional gladiator send-off. Crixus had participated in such an event a number of years prior, when Quintus' father passed on.

Harry and Mazhe simply looked on, Mazhe having his arm across Harry's shoulder, pulling him close.

"I can only hope... we suffer no more casualties than this... perhaps fewer... when the time comes for me to face Voldemort," said Harry, softly.

"We can only do our best to prevent such a thing, Harry. But you know that. And if there are casualties in battle, they fall in the act of doing what is right, such as Varro, Pietros, and Kyle all did. Spartacus—I mean, Dardanos put it best. Their passing was not in vain."

"It still weighs heavy on the heart, that any must die in the first place."

The air was suddenly punctuated by three enormous plumes of fire that bloomed into the heavens, as Miraak had teamed up with the pair of dragons, offering a fiery tribute to the fallen. It was beautiful, and Harry silently prayed to the gods that this would be the last.

Unfortunately, the storm they had weathered would only be a precursor to the terrible events to come over the next few months. A number of forces at work paved a path that not even Harry would expect. A path that would test the mettle of the circle itself.

UP NEXT: On Justin's suggestion, a plan is hatched that would bring about the end of Voldemort; Spartacus and Crixus both get an unexpected makeover thanks to Tommy's nieces; and the Thieves Guild ends up dealing with a terrible betrayal from within...

CHAPTER NOTES: Not a full chapter, but I felt this needed to stand on its own.