A Funeral for a Lord

Writers: AL, Eimi, Emma, Paula, Yvonne
Date Posted: 27th February 2009

Characters: Cyrek, Royah, Zelanka, Zathris, Shadux
Description: Cyrek calls a meeting to plan for Benaroy's funeral
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 9 of Turn 5

Zathris

It was the first funeral that he'd planned in turns, aside from the ceremonies over the hasty graves at Amethyst Cliff Hold... or what was left of it. Cyrek looked down at the folder before him somewhat helplessly, and was absurdly grateful for Trouble's warm weight around his shoulders. By all rights, Lord Benaroy's funeral should have begun to come together the day he died, but it was already the next morning and nothing had been _really_ planned. "Do you think this can come together for tomorrow?" he asked Zelanka. "Some sort of banquet in his honour, I mean."

"We came make it, " Zelanka promised. She had dark circles around her eyes and showed the signs of sleepless night. "I was thinking we could serve all his favourite foods," she suggested, looking around her almost timidly.

"I think that's a fine idea." Zathris stated softly in support of the Headwoman. He offered her a small smile, but it was sadness at his father in law's passing that reflected in his eyes.

"We should have runner races. You know he always loved the runners," Shadux suggested, smiling a little as he remembered how shrewd a better the Lord Holder had been. It seemed he tried to set the example to his people in all things - even gambling.

Zathris raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure if he liked that idea. Still, perhaps it would be nice. They were supposedly not only mourning his death, but celebrating his life, right? He just knew he was finding it difficult to celebrate - as was Benani.

"Perhaps in a month or two, some people might not think it appropriate," was Royah's only comment on the plans so far.

Cyrek nodded. "I agree - a month or two would probably be best. That way runners from the surrounding Holdings can attend, and a proper purse can be drawn up. Perhaps you could look to setting a date on a rest day, Shadux, and setting up the races. In the mean time... Zelanka - unless anyone else has suggestions, I'm inclined to go with whatever menu you'd like to set. If there's any ingredients from outside the Hold that you need, let me know and I'll do my best to have them flown in by dragon. Someone will need to find the mourning banners for the Hold and have them set up in the dining hall... and while I'm hoping that our harper can conduct the main portion of the actual funeral, I'm sure that some of the family would like to say a few words?"

"I would like to have fresh river-fish and if beastcrafters could butcher a calf, I'll make roast veal," the Headwoman asked. She was already scribbling down the menu: green salad and steamed root vegetables with herbs as starters, smoked river-fish and roasted veal with mashed tubers as main course. Bubblies and fruit pies with whipped ginger-cream as dessert. How he had loved those pies with cream! A single tear escaped from corner of her eye and Zelanka wiped
it off, hoping no one noticed it.

"We'll need to put the order in with the Vintner Hall now so they can deliver it on time." They were going to need a lot of alcohol, Shadux thought. "That is, if you plan on having the entire combined Hold as well as family and dignitaries at the feast afterwards."

"Shells, we ought to invite the Weyr and Hall, shouldn't we." Cyrek rubbed his forehead and tried not to imagine having to sit up at the Head Table with the Weryleaders and Hallmaster, and what sort of terribly pointed questions they'd ask about heirs. The Hold he'd planned for, but visitors?

Zathris kept making notes as more and more suggestions were being made. He didn't have any of his own. To be honest, he was more for a small, simple ceremony with just the Hold rather than the big to do that was being planned. However, he was not the one in charge, so he remained quiet and simply wrote down things that he would need to help get done. He idly wondered what Benani and the other children of Benaroy would think of all these plans.

"I hope you can give me exact number of how many mouths there are to feed. It would be terribly embarrassing if we ran out of food or drink. Oh, and if there are any people staying overnight," Zelanka asked.

"I'm sure most of the Hallmasters and Lord Holders with their Ladies will return by dragon," Shadux said, which lead him to another thought. "Are we obligated to feed the dragonriders who convey the guests?"

The Headwoman just groaned at that thought.

"I think that we would need to offer, but I'm not sure how many would actually accept." Royah spoke his thoughts aloud.

Shadux snorted softly. "Have you ever known dragonmen not to turn down a free meal?"

"Perhaps a soup or a stew, Zelanka," Cyrek suggested. "Something easy that can be prepared today and then left to keep warm."

Zelanka just nodded at Cyrek's words. She got a feeling that she was not going to get much sleep next night. Of course, she hadn't slept well since his death, so it hardly mattered.

"I doubt that everyone who is sent an invitation will attend, anyway. It's short notice to leave a Hold or Weyr. Zathris... perhaps you could make a guest list, draft an invitation, and have it sent out by this evening?" the Steward asked.

"Yes sir." Zathris jotted down a couple of notes. He'd get the invitation sent out as quickly as possible. The man's gaze flicked up as he finished writing and he glanced around the room.

"Thank you. Shadux, perhaps you could speak to the Vintner Hall and place our order. And Zelanka - if it's not too much trouble, could you spare a few drudges to prepare the Hall? If all goes smoothly, does everyone think that they can be prepared a half-candlemark before the sun sets?"

"Of course, no problems there," Zelanka replied.

"Yes sir." Zathris nodded, wishing he had more input to give and feeling a bit too distracted to think clearly. He would, however, do as requested and make sure he did his duty.

Last updated on the February 28th 2009

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A Funeral for a Lord