12 Dawn (2/2)
”Alright.” Taking a deep breath, he controlled the rhythm of his respiration, as if trying to save energy during the climb.
...
Finally! Hell, how high is this thing? It felt like I was climbing a mountain... Garett complained, his clothes dripping wet in sweat, he even wondered why he bothered to wear warm clothes in the first place!
”We are all here now, so let's begin.” Father Charles's calm voice soothed the nerves of those present. As if being washed by magic, Garett felt the tiredness leaving his body; and being purified by the thick mists.
Is this Father Charles's ability? Or it's just an effect brought by the ceremony itself? A priest needs the ability to calm his church... Feeling a lot better, Garett finally could stand straight; his eyes taking in the views from atop the watchtower.
”Wow!”
The watchtower was one of the highest places of Lhûn and the only place where the port city of Altra could be glimpsed; the mountains stretched to every side, and the scattered little villages looked like small dots in the distance.
”Beautiful, right? That's the world we fight for, sometimes you have to come here to remember what you're fighting for.” Dante said as he approached the duo, his expression a lot better than yesterday. ”I wonder if that's why the church chooses watchtowers to hold a hunter's passing rites.”
That's a good question, I feel very peaceful up here. It's almost like how I felt when entering the cathedral... Garett closed his eyes, and the rising sun created a mix of shadows and light that he could almost feel even with his eyes closed.
”Please.” Father Charles spoke while waving his hand as he asked for those present to approach him. ”Today, we bid farewell to two of our most dedicated companions, but a farewell is not a sad occasion. We have to be grateful, for those that left us are only embarking on a journey towards the Goddess domain. As Saint Masha once pronounced, 'entrapped are those who live their whole lives without knowing love'. I can confidently say that Burdren Illianor and Mikan Virfried were loved by those that gather here.”
He nodded towards a small group of people, apparently, those were the friends and family from the deceased. Not a great number of people, maybe only those that have knowledge on the Marked or are Marked themselves.
”I'm not sad, and you should not be sad. Is there a better place to be than in 'Her' embrace? I'm sure the challenges faced by the two of them are going to be remembered for all eternity.” Father Charles finished his words with a nod, eliciting praises toward the Goddess from the crowd.
”May your fleshly vessel find its way back into the mists,” Dante said as he uncovered the veil that covered the two bodies. Both of them laid atop a strange wooden vessel, the insides filled with hay were the bodies laid.
Father Charles lightened a torch before throwing it towards the vessels.
”Anyone wants to say a few words?” He asked while watching the cremation process, his countenance was peaceful and comforting.
A few family members used the opportunity to illustrate the past with cheerful tales and even joked about some past subjects, as this was a common practice at the ceremony; 'we are not to grieve the opportunity of returning to the mists, instead, we are to celebrate it'.
No phenomena, I guess the feats accomplished by the two of them weren't legendary enough... Garett mused as he remembered the sayings, the goddess would excite the mists to dance in welcoming to the brave warriors that gave the life for her.
And finally, the morning fully arrived as the mists were dissipated by the coming sunlight; only to return after night fell, to protect, and care for those who feared the darkness.
Maybe because of him experiencing Vellen's memories, Garett felt relieved after the rites ended without any problems.
...
”Let's leave, Garett?” Alice asked, her expression glowing with some enthusiasm. ”We could follow the teachings, and celebrate with a drink.”
Oh, F**k... His eyelids twitched as he remembered the state he was left the night prior!
”I-I think I should refuse... I'm still a little unwell from yesterday's drinking...” He tried to quickly come up with an excuse, doing his utmost to keep himself from cursing.
”Don't pick too much on him, Alice. You can't force the recruits into becoming your drinking buddies.” Dante piped in, extending a saving grace to Garett.
”Recruit?” Garett noticed the word choice and pressed for information.
”Yes, of course. You're now one of us, are you not? I don't think Father Charles will accept your transference to any other team after what happened yesterday.” He informed while nodding, his expression unsurprised as if it was just natural!
”B-But” Garett was unsure of what to say at that moment.
F**K! So now I'll be forced to fight monsters like that one!? I still want to live, you know!... Screaming inwardly, Garett tried to fight his newly announced fate.