Thread: Another Life (Cheshire Smirk & darkangel76)

Brothers! Sisters, gather close. Today's raid brought great spoils and wealth to the Sunderfang, but also a deep sorrow. The man who spoke leaned slightly on the long haft of a broadspear, his face more scar-tissue than skin. One eye was sealed forever, closed by a long black scar that stretched from eye-brow to jaw. The other eye was a dark crimson, cataracts beginning to cloud it's edges. This was Azor Cliffshatter, chieftain of the Sunderfang tribe. His booming rumble of a voice could be heard even below deck and all who heard it responded swiftly to the summons. Two hundred souls were gathered on deck, circling around Azor. Arzale stood beside Azor, still holding Larethia in his arms. The woman's shield and spear rested crossed at Arzale's feet. A spot was waiting on the left side of chieftain Cliffshatter, left open for the woman that would be Arzale's new shield-maiden. Azor cleared his throat and continued to speak, eyes moving over each face in the crowd, searching for any other losses that may have gone unnoticed. Today a Maiden fulfilled her vows to the shield. Larethia gave her life to ensure that Arzale would fight another day, to ensure that the Sunderfangs would have their champion for at least one more sunrise. We cannot enjoy the fruits of our labor without first honoring her memory and ensuring she reaches the Great Wilds. We cannot feast until she is feasting in the Golden Halls. Azor turned to Arzale and nodded wordlessly. Arzale looked to the heavens and began to sing with eyes closed, his voice deep and full of a tragic power. Ancient words, holy words he sang. First came words of welcome, of greeting. Then came words of hunting, words of feasting. Words of cold nights warmed by another, and then words of battle. Words of joy, words of anger, words of sorrow and finally words of parting. One by one each Sunderfang took a knee in silence, all eyes on Arzale and Larethia. Larethia was then laid on the deck and her weapons returned to her. First Arzale rested her shield on her chest, then he settled her spear between her fingers. I stand more alone than I have ever known. Without my shield I am defenseless. I am fury without guidance, I am an eagle without wind. Save a mug for me old friend, I shall join you in the Golden Halls some day... With that Arzale bent and carefully retrieved Larethia's body. Shield and spear were removed and retrieved by Azor, who held them with reverence. Complete silence met Arzale's ears as he carried Larethia's body to the ship's railing. Arzale bent and gave Larethia a final kiss on the forehead before sending her overboard, giving her to the seas she'd spent most of her life sailing. Slowly Arzale moved to retrieve Larethia's shield and spear. Three times he looked at the gathered Sunderfangs, and then he spoke. No Maiden is ready to take Larethia's place at my side. Only Larethia has been called back to the Golden Halls this day. However, one other soul witnessed Larethia's passing from this world. Arzale made an even, deliberate pace towards Amarylis. Both shield and spear were then offered to the girl, Arzale's steel-grey eyes locking hard onto Amarylis' face. It was obvious refusal was not an option here, Amarylis' fate had been decided by custom. You watched her fade with me. You are to take her place as Shield-Maiden. Any others would dishonor her memory.