She was here because she’d respected Cassiel. I was sure that was the only reason, because it certainly wasn’t to comfort me. I didn’t deserve any consolation she could give. We awkwardly sat there, not interacting, merely existing in the same space.
Sure felt a hell of a lot like our marriage, which was hanging on by a lifeline if it wasn’t dead already.
All of your friends are here, Oberi noted. Marcus, Kallie, Chancey, Ivy, Eddie, Alistair, Ez, Opal, and Danny. Though… they’re all over the chapel, and not in the same pews. Everyone’s split up in different places. No one is sitting together.
I’d done that. I didn’t know how many of them were my friends anymore.
The Great Mystic took to the front of the chapel and began the ceremony. I heard her words but couldn’t process how they fit together. It sounded garbled, like her voice was coming from underwater. She must’ve said something important, because her voice faded as someone else came to the front of the temple.
Your grandfather’s guard, Oberi told me. It’s customary for those with Elvish bonds to give the eulogy in poem form.
I didn’t envy anyone who survived long enough to give the eulogy in that scenario. Maybe that was the one good thing about breaking my bond with Ava. If I managed to outlive her, perhaps I’d survive her death now that our soul was split apart.
I couldn’t fathom thinking about that. No. Whether our bond was there or not, her death would still destroy me, as it had once before. If there was any mercy in this world, the gods would take me first.
My grandfather’s guard began to speak, reciting the poem in a solemn voice.
One century old
But gone too soon
Your legacy will live on
Like an ancient Elvish tune
Passed down through the ages
We’ll remember our great king
In stories and in legends
Like a bell’s resounding ring
Emperor Cassiel The Great
Is what we shall now call you
Revered for your brave sacrifice
A chance to start anew
An Elf who ruled with firmness
But kindness all the same
Who took what had been shattered
And gave our home a name
I’ll be forever broken
As you were my purpose in life
But your people will continue on
Thanks to your sacrifice
You gave our people hope
