Larten was standing in the Hall of Cremation, next to Vancha, waiting for the ceremony to begin. About three hours earlier, Vancha had told Larten that Paris's cremation was today. Larten was all ready now, though. He has washed in the Hall of Perta Vin-Grahl, had something to eat, and fed. He would probably leave Vampire Mountain with Vancha after the ceremony.
"Shall we head back after Paris's funeral?" Larten asked a certain green haired Vampire Prince clad in purple animal hides.
Vancha shrugged. "Today or tomorrow, but I'd prefer tomorrow. I still have to speak more to the Princes about our progress on the search for the Vampaneze Lord."
Larten was hoping for a different answer. He thought it was important to get back to the hunt. Vancha looked over to Larten and saw the expression on his face.
"You look troubled, Larten," Vancha noted.
"I was thinking that it was important that we resume our search, sire," Larten replied.
"I think that you're just worried about Darren and Harkat." Larten grunted in reply. He didn't feel like getting in an argument with Vancha.
They've been standing in the Hall of Cremation for about five minutes before the doors to the Hall finally opened. Paris's dead body was carried in on a stretcher-like platform by four Guardians of the Blood. They made their way to the cremation pit and gently set the body in the center.
Larten looked over to where Vancha was supposed to be - next to him - and saw that he was standing with the other two Vampire Princes - Arrow and Mika. While the Guardians placed giant bunches of dried grass in the cremation pit, the Princes made announcements.
"His name was Paris Skyle," Mika started.
"He died with honour," Vancha bellowed.
"May his spirit find Paradise," Arrow finished. The Guardians of the Blood set the pit on fire and all of the dried grass instantly blew up in flames. Every eye in that Hall were set on the cremation pit. Only the Guardians of the Blood were moving. Everyone else was standing still in their spot, watching as the flames consumed the dead body of the ancient Vampire Prince - Paris Skyle.
When the fire died out, a majority of vampires left the Hall. While the vampires left, Seba made his way over to Larten. Seba was guiding Vanez Blane with one arm. Vanez lost his eye in the battle with the Vampaneze that started the War of the Scars.
"Did you get enough sleep, Larten?" Seba greeted.
"Ahh, Larten! When did you get here?" Vanez beamed.
"Seba, Vanez. I arrived yesterday. I was a bit late, but I made it."
"I am sorry, Larten, but I have go to prepare rooms now. Most of the vampires are going to leave the Mountain tonight - or possibly now. I need to clean and prepare the rooms again," Seba murmured.
"That is fine," Larten mumbled. Seba and Vanez gave Larten a wave when they left the Hall. Larten might not be able to see Seba again before he left, so this might be the last time he gets to see him.
"Vancha," Larten started. "I am going back to our room."
Vancha wasn't at the stand any more. He was by the edge of the pit. "I'll stay for a while," Vancha said, barely a whisper. With that, Larten wearily left the Hall of Cremation and Vancha March to himself.