Chapter 5: The Burial of an Air Spirit
The burial ceremony had taken place first thing the next day. It was seen as bad luck to keep body out of the ground for too long after to soul had left it.
Sora was dressed in the tribal attire of her father's homeland to honor him. Swirling designs were painted on her skin with light blue paint and strings of blue and silver earth beads were draped around her neck. She refused to wear shoes as was the custom of the mourning family. It was so that the pain of loss could be felt with each step. Six women headed the procession singing in the language of the ancient air spirits. Their pure voices drifted through the silent forest as the mourners marched to the burial site.
Fujomoto walked beside Sora during the procession. Seeing as she had no family left, the council thought it only right that her new guardian should be at her side as a sign of unity. Fujimoto knew that what they wanted to do was thankfully no longer his affair so he did not protest their request.
He wore a heavy, long wizard robe which was in stark contrast to what Sora was wearing. She had on a traditional tribal sheath dress made of spun cloud silk with a woven leather bodice and arm bands. She looked positively native next to the sea king.
Fujimoto would glance down at Sora from time to time with uneasiness. He noticed that although her expression was somewhat blank, her steps were growing heavier and heavier as the procession continued on. Her demeanor was very calm but the sea in her eyes was raging in conflict. Unaware of what he should do for the girl he continued walking beside her. He was never good with consoling people or, more to the point, distraught women. Although he continued walking he was still mentally battling with himself if he should do something or not. She might refuse his help or be insulted by it he decided.
Reaching the top of the mountain the eldest air witch of Cloud Castle performed the ceremony for Shou. She prayed to the great Earth God to forgive their trespassing and to help the soil accept the body. After the reed-woven casket was lowered down, Sora was the first to approach the open grave. Kneeling down beside it she dipped her fingers into an earthen bowl full of the blue paint she was wearing.
"Time was stolen from us father. For this I can never forgive the greater powers that guide us. But I understand that they have a different path for those you left behind to follow. I loved you above all others on this earth and I pray to the gods that your death was for a higher purpose … God of earth and stone please take this body into your soil and forgive our trespasses." With that she held her hand over the grave and splashed the paint onto the casket. When she stood up the air witch who performed the ceremony smeared some wet earth across Sora's forehead.
"Carry some land with you to keep your mind grounded," said the old woman.
"Thank you." Sora whispered trying to hold back her tears. Fujimoto went to the grave next,
"I know that we have not always gotten along," he whispered into the grave. "You thought I was young and foolish and I thought you were an old fool. Somehow we worked around that. We have but two things we can agree on the first being our respect for one another and the second is our decision to make your daughter Master of the Winds. I ask only one thing, give me the strength to do it … Great Earth God accept this body into your soil." With a brisk flick of his wrist the paint dripping from his long, graceful fingers splashed across the casket.
AN: Well, Fujimoto found out that I promised he'd make guest appearances to all who've reviewed and well, surprise surprise… he's not too happy with me… scratch that, he's pretty mad. His hair grew like two times bigger before my eyes, I kid you not! Thankfully it deflated pretty quickly and I came out of the ordeal unscathed. But anyways, I think it might be a while before I can bring the subject up to him again so just sit tight for a little while, I'll get him to visit all of you eventually... I hope. BUT until then... please review!!!