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Chapter 9--Mourning Rites
Legolas emerged from his shelter and looked around then sighed. The village was silent as the Centaurs mourned the loss of their chieftain. Jaisia and Isolanthe had wept late into the night and were now preparing Valinar's body for burial that night at dusk. It would be burned then the ashes scattered. By doing so the Centaurs believed the soul of their chieftain would be free and would watch over the tribe.
Legolas glanced towards Isolanthe's shelter then turned and walked to the river for a quick swim. When he got there he saw Tyon was there with two other Centaurs, one was the one who had carried him in the hunt yesterday.
"What are you doing here?" Tyon demanded.
"I was planning to take a swim," Legolas said, keeping his voice calm. He didn't want to start a fight. It would be disrespectful to the mourning period.
"Very well, but do it far from me and remember that this night I become chieftain," Tyon said and turned his back.
I know and for some reason that worries me, Legolas thought, but he said nothing more and walked away to take his swim. He had just dried off and dressed when Jaisia walked up. Legolas hugged her. "How are you holding up, Jas?" he asked.
"Alright, but mother is nearly sick with grief. Kai gave her something to help her sleep and Kai's mate is with her. I needed some fresh air," Jaisia said.
Legolas studied her, seeing her eyes were swollen from weeping and had dark circles under them. "You need to rest too. Here, lay down," Legolas said, sitting down and gesturing for her to join him.
Jaisia hesitated then did so. "I miss him so much! We have both lost our fathers!" she said, near tears.
"Together we will get through this. I will never abandon you, Jas," Legolas said softly. He began to sing a lullaby in elvish. Finally Jaisia fell asleep. "I will always be here for you, little sister."
Jaisia slept until lunch time then feeling better took a bath then they went back to Isolanthe's shelter where the whole family would gather to eat.
Lunch was silent and rather grim. The other females of the tribe had brought food so Isolanthe didn't have to prepare it. Tyon kept giving Legolas strange looks which were starting to worry him.
Isolanthe looked terrible. She barely nibbled at the food then excused herself and left. They could hear her crying before she was out of sight. Jaisia stood and followed her mother.
Legolas stood, nodded to Kai and Tyon then left the shelter. His heart felt heavy with sorrow for their pain and loss. It reminded him of his own father's death. He went to the river where he could allow the sound of the water sooth him.
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Dusk came and the tribe gathered silently in the center of the village where Valinar's shrouded corpse laid on the funeral pyre.
Legolas moved to stand next to Jaisia and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I am right here, Jas. Take my strength as yours," he whispered.
Jaisia smiled gratefully at him then squeezed his hand in acknowledgement.
Lilith made her way in front of the pyre and raised her arms and everyone went silent. "Tonight we lay our Chieftain Valinar to rest with his proud ancestors. Tonight we open a new chapter of the circle of life with a new chieftain!" she cried.
"Let what must be done be done," the gathered tribe said solemnly.
Lilith accepted a lit torch from Isolanthe. "Valinar, son of Shar, we give your body to the flames, may your soul find peace and watch over us for eternity! Tyon, son of Valinar step forward and take the torch!" she cried.
Tyon did so. "With this flame I free the soul of my father and take my place as the next chieftain of Clan Ironhoof!" he said and tossed the torch onto the pyre. Flames leaped up and all Centaurs watched in silent respect as Valinar's body was consumed….
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Hmm, pretty good ceremony, what do you think? Let me know! R/R please!