7th of Mirtul:
We've been back in Thornhold for two days. Tomorrow I will be performing The Passing for Yukouth, and the other Thornhold guards that gave their lives to protect the innocent. It was a tricky conversation because the dwarves wanted to have a proper dwarven funeral for them, honoring their sacrifice, but they also felt honor bound to allow me to perform The Passing. It was decided to perform both ceremonies. First, the Dwarven funeral, and then I will speak The Passing. I'm certain all of Thornhold and everyone else who's heard what happened that could get here will be at the public funeral service.
The last five days have been exhausting, to say the least. This afternoon I sat in my room at the Inn and meditated to ground myself and connect with Marat and Kelemvor. These people have become heroes, so I needed to be in the right frame of mind before I wrote what I will say about them tomorrow. This will be the second time I will lead The Passing and the first time on my own. I admit I am a bit nervous, but I just helped defeat a zombie hoard and survived, I kind of feel like if I can survive that, I can do just about anything.
I wanted to privately write the words I will publicly speak tomorrow morning.
Yukouth Brewfall, Captain Gerryl Ironkind, Jinnip Kindward, and Garrus Starkeye gave their lives to keep the realm safe. I did not know the last three well. But during the time I spent with them, I could tell they were good people, devoted, and fought hard. It was the greatest honor to fight by their sides.
Yukouth Brewfall lived his entire life in Thornhold. His family, to quote Yukouth, "creates the most delicious meads and hard ciders." Instead of joining the family business Yukouth joined the Thornhold Guard wanting to protect the people of Thornhold. And he devoted his life and honor to the Guard. His twin sister Gamarra runs the family's meadery. His younger sisters Gerdelle and Gwinnip are the brewers while their husband Farmir is at home with their children. Yukouth's younger brother Yumdout is the family's bookkeeper and his wife Arlynn is a seamstress. Yukouth has accompanied many adventurers during his time with the Thornhold Guard. He told me it was his favorite part about joining the Guard. What I'll remember most about Yukouth Brewfall, he was like a father to me. On that first night we were on watch together, he knew just the right advice to offer. Even though I'm sure he didn't expect me to open up like that. I am grateful he was in my life and I will miss him.
Captain Gerryl Ironkind is a third generation Thornhold guard. His mother, Marnia, and grandfather, Benur, have already gone with Dumathoin. And his son, Garron, and daughter, Lyssniss, recently joined the Thornhold Guard. Gerryl met his wife Kaitdora when the two were training to join the Guard. She is currently at home with their children and plans to return to the Guard when their youngest is grown. She told me that Gerryl would be honored to have me speak about him during the funeral.
Jinnip Kindward is a second generation Thornhold guard. I spoke with her mother, Annera, father, Hardar, and brother, Dulmiir at her childhood home. Annera, who is still part of the Guard, told me when Jinnip was young, she would try and wield everything like a dwarven handaxe. She couldn't wait to grow up and join the Guard just like her mother. Jinnip was engaged to Lysma Wildrock and Jinnip talked about her constantly during our time together. Lysma told me how Jinnip would light up any room she walked into. To quote Lysma, "She was the light of my life."
Garrus Stareye joined the Thornhold Guard about twenty years ago after he moved here from One Stone. Commander Farmond Stoutsong, of the Thornhold Guard, spoke of Garrus's dedication to the Guard and willingness to help. The commander said Garrus was the first to volunteer to join our group. He believed in our cause and was honored to have joined us.
I was honored to have them fighting by my side.
Z