[PRP] the highest boughs (the peaceful one)

[azuredreams]

For some it was a direct appearance, Jeremiah showing up to speak with them and then telling them a time and place to meet him. It had been discussed briefly when things had been hectic and they had been looking in on all the triplets only to have to deal with the Burning Man and the Charter immediately after.

Enough time had passed - too much time - that it was time to put Pax to rest. What they had done in life, for good or for ill, mattered not in this moment. What mattered was respecting the life that was now gone.

When the time came, when everyone was gathered not that far from where Heliodora's demesne used to be, Jeremiah spoke. "Thank you for coming today. We're gathered to put someone to rest," he said solemnly. "They were known, in another life, as Zhou Ming but to use they were the Peaceful One, Pax." A glance went around to everyone gathered, his expression somber.

"I thought it would be fitting to let them rest within a tree." There was a beat, a soft inhale and exhale." So, if everyone is ready, that's what we're going to be doing."

Another look went to both America and Shiloh, Jeremiah grateful for their presence. Both of them he had spoken with previously, though in the case of Shiloh it had been more Hellbine delivering a note (not that his familiar did not stare at him for that because plant sibling solidarity), about the plans for what was going to happen.

Quote:

anyone who wants to be ferried by jeremiah can be (and it can be done in a group), otherwise feel free to meet up in the forest <3 explanation of what the magic plan is comes next post when everyone's ready/while they walk to the demesne. feel free to tag in someone else if you think they want to assist/their character is interested!

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Blade Kuroda

lizbot

Melancholies

Grey Dragon

Smerdle

cibarium

iloveyouDIE

 

[lizbot]

While it wasn't a moment for joy, America nevertheless found a certain peace as they gathered in the forest. When Jeremiah had asked, there'd been an undeniable feeling of relief, to maybe do one thing for Pax where she'd failed so greatly before. Some scrap of redemption to ease that burr of emotion. But that wasn't what she focused on, in the here and now.

The girl offered quiet smiles and greetings, and nodded solemnly at Jer's look before meeting Shiloh's eyes with a look of calm assurance.

Regrets, after all, were for the living. They were here for the dead.  

[Blade Kuroda]

Shun had arrived on his own accord. At Heliodora's old demense, he quietly stood. To each of the others, he gave a curt nod but said nothing for the time being.  

[Melancholies]

Shiloh had been with Kaleb when he got the memo via Hellbine express, and while he didn't really want to go, Kaleb had expressed interest and he couldn't really say no. That being said, he didn't really feel any sadress when he showed up at the grove. Somber maybe, if only because that seemed to be the general tone of the crowd.

He had been inexplicably polite though, as he had shed the worn out jeans and long sleeve graphic tee for something more appropriate. He'd never been to a funeral, but this is how they went, right? His gaze was weary as it met Jeremiah's (he had responded to his note, but only with a curt 'I'll be there.'). America got a slightly warmer look. He wasn't sure who all was turning up; he hadn't bothered to ask.

"You holdin up ok?" He asked Kaleb quietly. Kaleb obviously hadn't known Pax, but he'd witnessed his corpse, and well... he was sensitive.

Grey Dragon

 

[Smerdle]

The moment Rabbit had seen the lifeless body of Pax amongst the roots of Heliodora's trees, he had known that the sirens would want to say goodbye. He might have lied by omission and never told them Pax had died, but in Rabbit's mind that was far crueler than allowing them to see the corpse of a friend. What Rabbit hadn't considered was that the simple act of getting ready for such an event would turn into WardrobeQuest 2017.

It took the better part of an hour for Neverain and Sywyly to decide what to wear, and even after they had, Rabbit knew they would want alterations in the otherworld. Father might have found it a frivolous use of magic, but Father was in jail and a little embroidery never hurt anyone. They stepped into the clearing in tasteful semi-formalwear, Nev's deep purple vest accented by the lavender sprout perched on his shoulder. Sy's dress covered her tail, making it look like she had a bustle, but she only had eyes for the ruffles in front, which she stroked every so often like an oddly colored pet. Rabbit held their hands, one per siren, offering neutral nods by way of greeting. He tried very hard to keep the fight out of his expression. Most of the people here didn't deserve it. None of them did, if he was being generous.

Choosing a spot where he could keep an eye on everyone, Rabbit kneeled and gathered the kids into a quick hug that they miraculously didn't wriggle out of. Then he stood again, watching the proceedings with curious interest. A tree. Pax would fit right in.  

[Grey Dragon]

Kaleb's thoughts and emotions were complicated. What little he knew of the situation pained him greatly, knowing there had been an option to bring Pax back, and it had been Pax's own choice to accept this death. Regardless of the reasons for that choice, Kaleb's gentle heart ached for this person who asked for their own end.

That was probably why he had urged Shiloh to go. He might not have known Pax, but he desperately wanted to show at least this little kindness.

He gave Shiloh a nod. "I'm okay."

In this moment Kaleb was remarkably composed, a supportive little presence at his friend's side.

Melancholies

 

[iloveyouDIE]

Alg was with his husband as usual, and while his opinion of things could be mixed (and very much personal), he believed in propriety and respect being paid where due. He was, as always, a quiet present not far behind Jeremiah and even for the sad occasion, enjoying the peace of the forest.  

[azuredreams]

"We might see a couple more," said Jeremiah, gesturing for them to go ahead and start moving (Sev and Ny got a wave of fingers, Rabbit a nod of his head). "They'll likely meet us."

There was another look around to everyone. "We're going to be working together," a small pause, "casting together, that is, to put Pax to rest. There's more specific details but I want to make sure everyone that is coming is gathered before we talk about it."

Not that he did not give another grateful look to both American and Shiloh. Mostly because without their presence, he was not so sure this would be something easily done.

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lizbot

Melancholies

Grey Dragon

Smerdle

cibarium

iloveyouDIE

 

[Blade Kuroda]

Shun slowly tilted his head at the figures that accompanied Rabbit. He had no idea who they were, but they didn't appear to be human. It didn't matter right now, though. His gaze flicked to Jeremiah as he spoke up once more, then nodded once in understanding.

It was time for Pax to be put to rest. A part of him wondered if Pax had actually wanted it all to end before the void had been torn into him. If this were the case, he also had to wonder if Heliodora knew this might happen when she had called for him months ago.

As always, there were many questions. And few answers.

He still kept to himself while they waited.  

[Smerdle]

The kids waved back and Rabbit fought with a small smile that he eventually let win. This would be good for them. They might even learn a thing or two about magic that would help him figure out where to begin with their training.

Hands on their shoulders, he waited for their little ceremony to begin.  

[cibarium]

It had been a shock to learn that Pax was dead. Leila and Biscuit stood with the group, watchful but silent.  

[azuredreams]

With everyone gathered in what used to be Heliodora's demesne, it was easy to see the nestled resting body of Pax. There was no stirring, no life there, and they looked to be asleep as they had then. Their magic was forever at rest.

Once it seemed like he was satisfied that everyone that was going to show up had done so, Jeremiah moved forward and turned to everyone to speak. "As I said, today we're putting Pax to rest as part of a tree that we will create. This will be done by focusing our magic, our intent, upon America who will weave the threads of our magic together with her powers as a Principal.

"The plan from there is, with Beaumont's knowledge and affinity for flora," though there were more reasons but not important at the moment, "to feed the power to him and let him guide the magic into taking the desired shape. Once it's achieved, America can then knot off the magic and the casting will be complete. Essentially, it's going to be a bit like the group magic we did for the Charter but today we're just focusing on America while she ties everything together for Beaumont to work with." Another look went to everyone gathered, Jeremiah not so surprised to see that Hellbine had managed to show up as well. The small white cat had made his appearance and was sitting at Shiloh's feet.

Still giving him the stink-eye apparently but Pax was the reason why the small othercat was able to grow things in the first place. There was no reason he would not be here.

"It's best, that when we start casting, you say your goodbyes and whatever words you have then. You do not need to speak them aloud, they're just for you to say to Pax if anything at all. The focus will help aid the magic and smooth the process." A soft breath was exhaled before he looked to both America and Shiloh. "Thank you both for this and enabling it to occur." Bright eyes went to the rest gathered. "If you've any questions, now is the time, before America and Beaumont are ready to start."

Quote:

ready to go once everyone gets a post in and shiloh + america are ready to go!

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Blade Kuroda

lizbot

Melancholies

Grey Dragon

Smerdle

cibarium

iloveyouDIE

 

[Blade Kuroda]

Shun gave a curt nod to Jeremiah as he explained what the plan was. He stood by, at the ready. He didn't really have any questions right now, and such, he kept to himself while he waited to see if the others were ready to begin as well.  

[iloveyouDIE]

America and Shiloh were given nods and acknowledging smiles from the Professor. This of course shouldn't be as complicated as what they had done with the Charter but to have a communal effort was good.

Algernon was ready, as soon as everyone decided to begin.  

[Melancholies]

Shiloh scuffed his foot on the ground, but followed the group deeper into the vale. Pax's body looked the same as when they had seen it, lifeless, unmoving, void, and yet somewhat peaceful. Well, he supposed they were the Peaceful One. He wondered for a moment how content death would be, but shook himself out of the thought quickly. At Jeremiah's acknowledgment of him, Shiloh shrugged.

"It's no problem." He said, more out of respect for the group. He wouldn't cause a scene.

"Whenever you guys are ready." He held his hands up slightly, his fingertips twitching. He could feel the magic condensing around them again, "I mean, I have all the time in the world, I'm just ready to go whenever you guys are."